rocket el84's running hot

[ajcoholic]

Hello, I am a hobby amp builder with 5 or 6 builds under my belt.

I recently acquired a "Kanewreck", rocket clone built by a fellow in FLorida.

I am not the original owner, but purchased the amp used from another Canadian guitar player.

The amp sounds very good - I see why so many are wanting this type of amp (and I might have to try a Liverpool or Express build myself to see how they sound).

My question is - does the Rocket need to be biased or is it self-biasing? The tubes (had some German made power tubes that I took out after one went) are currently EH's.

They seem to run MUCH hotter than in my other EL84 based amps (18 watter, & two Matchless Lightning variants) and I just want to make sure it isnt abnormal.

Thanks!
Andrew Coholic
Ontario Canada

[mclmk8d]

I have a Rocket clone named Diana built by Paul Ruby. He told me that Diana was self-biasing. She does run a bit hot, but she's a woman!

[M Fowler]

The Rocket is cathode bias so you can use which ever tubes sound the best.

Not sure what Mark Kane used for voltage for the build so without you asking him you would need to do some voltage measuring in your Rocket if you think it is running to hot.

Mark

[ajcoholic]

Having just bought the amp a few weeks ago, I havtn even had it apart to have a look.

I just noticed the tubes are far warmer than they get in my other amps.

I thought it was self biasing. Now I know for sure.

We'll see how long these tubes last.... like I said, she sure sounds great! Especially with my Tele.

AJC

[Allynmey]

They run hot for sure!