Hot Rod deville reverb stops then works when I check it

[rockman627]

This has been going on for a few years. The reverb will stop working and I usually check the reverb pan. Nothing looks wrong so I put it back in. Then the reverb works fine. Then 6 months later I go through the same thing. It happened again last week but this time the reverb came back weak. I usually set it at 4 but now I had to go to 10 to get the same amount. I got a notion to check the +/- 16V on the u2 chip, but it was ok and the reverb was back to normal. This amp pretty much stays in my basement so it doesn't get a lot of wear and tear. The reverb tank was replaced once about 10 years ago. The reverb cables test ok. I guess eventually I'll take the board out and check the solder connections. But before it get to that, I hope you guys out there may have some ideas.

[Jon Snell]

Check the condition of the wires feeding the reverb tank, especially the plugs. Look for split plastic insulation or dirty connections.

[SoulFetish]

This has been going on for a few years. The reverb will stop working and I usually check the reverb pan. Nothing looks wrong so I put it back in. Then the reverb works fine. Then 6 months later I go through the same thing. It happened again last week but this time the reverb came back weak. I usually set it at 4 but now I had to go to 10 to get the same amount. I got a notion to check the +/- 16V on the u2 chip, but it was ok and the reverb was back to normal. This amp pretty much stays in my basement so it doesn't get a lot of wear and tear. The reverb tank was replaced once about 10 years ago. The reverb cables test ok. I guess eventually I'll take the board out and check the solder connections. But before it get to that, I hope you guys out there may have some ideas.

There are problems that are extremely common to the "Blues" & "Hot Rod" series amps which develop over time in the LV supply that could be the source of your problems. But if you aren't also experiencing problems in the channel switching that coincide with the loss of reverb, then it's most likely an issue in the reverb cables, connectors, or internal connections in the reverb tank. One thing you could check is the solder connections to the input and output RCA jacks inside the reverb tank.

[glebert]

I will always measure DC resistance of the input and output of the tank at the RCA connectors. For whatever reason those wires seem prone to breaking off, but will still look like they are attached. If DC resistance isn't what it should be (check here for nominal resistances: https://www.studiosoundelectronics.c...erbdcchart.htm) try reflowing solder on the RCA jacks. Sometimes I will reflow the solder even if the DCR reads right. If the wires look like they are pulled tight and held there by something like a metal tab give them a little slack.