Amp noise ... a question for the masters?

[doveman]

I run my tube amps through this Fender Acoustasonic Pro ... to add reverb and gives sort of a PA feel ... does really well. But it's developed some constant noise. Give a listen to this youtube clip and see if you have any ideas. I've built a Brown Note from a kit and modified my Richter. So I'm ok with this stuff if I know what to look for ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4GNE-xL-WI

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[Buddha's Guitar Tech]

Sounds like a filter capacitor issue, but i don't know this amp at all.

[selloutrr]

most likely caps. while you replace the caps tighten all the screws,nuts and bolts. clean the pots and jacks. 99% of the time noise is gone.

if it has a tube you can also try replacing that. It's been awhile I believe that amp is Solid state though it may have a tube in preamp? If it has a tube clean the socket while your inside.

[martin manning]

All SS, and the hum is 60Hz... Power supply issue, most likely. Since it's intermttent paerhaps its a cracked or bad solder joint?

[doveman]

Yeah ... it's all solid state. It's an acoustic amplifier but double as a PA when I mic my amps through it. So would a good first step be tapping with a chop-stick to see if there's a bad connection?

[doveman]

Also ... any clues from the noise being the same volume no matter what the amp settings? No matter if anything is connected or not?

[selloutrr]

Ah yes I remember those amps.

failing filter (electrolytic) caps will give you a constant static ground noise 60hz-120hz. Also tighten all grounds, screws and bolts that might have rattled loose from the vibration of use.

Being that the amp is solid state you may also want to check the heat sinks and make sure the paste is still good while you are inside the amp.
It wont fix any ground issue but it might save your output section from failing down the road.