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Diagnose a buzz for me

DocJ

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Sep 5, 2011
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221
My Reinhardt 18 has exactly one annoying tendency: when I hit the open low E string with any real volume, it buzzes. Since I play mostly at lower volumes (maybe 2-3 on the scaling), it is particularly noticeable and annoying.

When I apply pressure on the control board (see video - click on the image), I can get it to cut out, but it always comes back. I'm not technically adept, so I haven't taken it apart or anything. I did tighten up the screws on the back, but that is all, and it didn't have any effect.

Any ideas about what might be causing this?



Thanks in advance!
 

Minibucker

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Jan 12, 2003
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6,372
It sounds like some sort of connection to ground is breaking or a solder is coming loose, like either on the common ground bus wire to all the pots, or a solder to the inner chassis itself....maybe triggered by a sympathetic frequency/range on the low E string. I would contact Reinhardt about having it repaired...should be pretty straight-forward but does take knowledge to go into a sensitive and potentially dangerous electrical structure like that.
 

Minibucker

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Is it a buzz that comes through the speakers as an amplified sound, or just a mechanical from the actual amp structure?
 

DocJ

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Sep 5, 2011
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Thanks for the replies, gents.

Minibucker, it is not an amplified sound - it is coming from the amp itself.
 

Minibucker

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Ah...then yeah, as some here have said, just sounds like something loose that may be helped by tightening the nuts for all he pots and switches/jacks on the faceplate. But if it's still coming from inside, and you're not comfortable working with electronics, best to let a technician open her up.
 

DocJ

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Thanks, guys! I'll let you all know how it turns out when I or a tech can get to it.
 

DocJ

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Sep 5, 2011
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Well, I opened up the amp to see if I could figure out the issue with the amp buzzing. All of the caps seemed seated properly, and I could find no obviously loose connections.

I did find a problem with one of the screws that attaches the amplifier to the back board - the inner screws in this picture:


Ampback.jpg



Of the four bolts, one of them was not connected to the amplifier itself:


Detachedclip.jpg



So, I reattached it to the amplifier, and reassembled the whole shebang.

When I fired it up ... the buzz was still there. Time to bring it in to a professional!

Thanks for all of your input.
 

Minibucker

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Okay...if you are going to open up your amp again and expose the circuit...if you don't already, PLEASE find out how to properly drain your filter caps before you go anywhere near its innards. They store enough current to actually kill you even if the amp is unplugged. This is why it's suggested that a qualified technician do it if you're not familiar. Glad you're okay, and not glad to hear about the persisting problem, but the safety warning is very important.
 

DocJ

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Sep 5, 2011
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221
Thanks Minibucker, I appreciate your concern.:) I'm not about to touch anything on the inside. When I had it open I just turned and wiggled the knobs from the outside to check for any play on the inside. Anything further will be handled by an amp tech. I'll either take it somewhere in the Twin Cities in May or find a good place in Columbus, OH when I head there for the summer. Recommendations in either place are appreciated!
 
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