Pro-amp Vyper - dangerous DIY repair

[jbmdisco]

I have been given a Pro-amp Vyper guitar/combo amp in to repair a repair!

Owner replaced a part then it wouldn't work.

after a quick look over I reconnected the speaker and handed it back !!! - no charge, fun factor paid for it!

He brings the amp back after a gig telling me that it now cuts out when selecting 2nd channel but more importantly the guitarist using it received an electric shock whilst pressing the footswitch via the guitar strings. The customer also stated that when putting it back together he may have forgotten to reconnect a wire !!!

Now this amp has very little on-line back-up in regards to schematics etc and due to the fact it was 'home-repaired' prior to myself getting the amp to repair, I am considering returning it to the customer, as-is, with the plug removed.

Does anyone happen to have a schematic for this amp before I go through the process of returning the amp to the customer as a non repair.

[Enzo]

I bet Peavey does, contact them and ask for it.

customerservice@peavey.com

The controls on a Vypyr are computer inputs, not simple pots. So depending on the patch and any programming, it is possible the "bad" channel is simply set for some parameter he doesn't desire, and switching to that channel reveals it. Like a lot of modelling and other computerized amps, the control settings don't mean much. The control might be set at 8, but if the patch is remembered as 2, then 2 is what you get until you move the control. THEN the level becomes the setting. Just a thought.

As to getting shocks, unless someone has defeated the earthing in the power cord or internal mains wiring, it probably isn;t the amp's fault. Perhaps teh guitarist is touching something else as well as the strings to complete a circuit through himself?

[J M Fahey]

I am considering returning it to the customer, as-is, with the plug removed.

That will protect the owner for 30 seconds, or whatever it takes to fit a plug or get another cable.

You may:
* write Peavey asking for a schematic ... which may or may not help you, it's a complex amp, what I call "a PC with a 40W soundcard and a 12" PC speaker"

* strongly suggest he sends it to a Peavey authorized service shop, the only ones with all necessary information but even more: access to original parts (which will be unavailable anywhere else).

* in any case get that hot potato out of your hands.

Good luck.

[nosaj]

I bet Peavey does, contact them and ask for it.

customerservice@peavey.com

The controls on a Vypyr are computer inputs, not simple pots. So depending on the patch and any programming, it is possible the "bad" channel is simply set for some parameter he doesn't desire, and switching to that channel reveals it. Like a lot of modelling and other computerized amps, the control settings don't mean much. The control might be set at 8, but if the patch is remembered as 2, then 2 is what you get until you move the control. THEN the level becomes the setting. Just a thought.

As to getting shocks, unless someone has defeated the earthing in the power cord or internal mains wiring, it probably isn;t the amp's fault. Perhaps teh guitarist is touching something else as well as the strings to complete a circuit through himself?

What about a vintage pedal power with a 2 prong cord in line with the guitar would that do it?

nosaj

[Enzo]

There should be a continuous ground through the shielded guitar cords all the way from axe to amp. So the guitar SHOULD be grounded to the amp. Getting a shock means you are touching two things at different voltages, and the difference must be enough voltage to feel, so a volt or two ground loop would never shock. So tocuhing the strings/amp and getting a shock means you are also touching something else. Now either the guitar amp is not grounded somehow, like a mis-wired outlet on the wall or outlet strip, AND you are barefoot on teh floor, or you are touching something else like a microphone connected to an ungrounded PA system. Or something like that.

[jbmdisco]

This is an old British amp based on a Musicman design and is probably 35-40 years old. Had it been the peavey vyper then wouldn't be a problem with support. I have asked the guitarist to get his set up tested as i belive it is not the 1st time he has had a 'tickle'

[Enzo]

Sorry, it didn't sound quite right, so I googled it, but came up with a bunch of photos of newer PV amps labelled Pro amps. perhaps they meant it as a description rather than a name.

Aha, the Peavey is a Vypyr Pro, so google gathered it.

Oh well. Might need a schematic to fiddle with the channels, but the mains/grounding issue ought to be solvable without one.

Scroll down page 2 of this and get some good interior shots, especially close ups of mains wiring. Don't know if this is the same model as yours, but might be close.

Pro Amp Viper Combo amplifier restoration - LeeHarrison

[g1]

the guitarist using it received an electric shock whilst pressing the footswitch via the guitar strings.

I guess he must be playing barefoot. I think there's a Darwin award for that.

[jbmdisco]

I must have downloaded 3 or 4 schems, all for peavey ! But looking at pic of board looks all relatively simple to follow. I will proceed with dismantling. Going by external dims and weight i was 1/2 expecting a very compact handwired unit. I will take some good photos of internals and post for the communitys' perusal. (I know some get excited by this) . . . . . N e 1 got good close ups of a carlsbro stingray ;-)

[J M Fahey]

I will take some good photos of internals and post for the communitys' perusal. (I know some get excited by this) . . . . . N e 1 got good close ups of a carlsbro stingray ;-)

You know, after seeing a couple dozen naked ladies no surprises any more , it's always the same basic schematic and layout, simply larger this or smaller that, more or less (or missing) George W. , some color variations too ... not even the Orientals have their stuff slanted as we somehow believed when we were schoolkids (what a disappointment) , but .... AMPS? .... you never know what you'll find when somebody starts posting amp dirty postcards.

[gui_tarzan]

He didn't originally send it to a famous parts supplier that offers mod services and kits, did he?