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Post by Jim D. on Sept 28, 2021 10:27:01 GMT -5
My original Blues Deluxe developed some crackling at all volumes and those cheapo plastic, board mounted input jacks were terribly susceptible to any cord movement. It languished in the corner of my music room for about four years. I finally took it to a good amp tech. This gentleman is a retired E.E. and I found him on Craigslist of all places. He replaced the plastic jacks with Switchcraft ones and replaced three very jumpy pots with Fender OEM ones he had in stock. He felt using a spray was a short term solution. In addition, he thoroughly went through the entire amp, signal tracing everything, and retentioned and cleaned the tube sockets. He also rerouted and twisted certain wires and now it is dead quiet. All this for $120 which I consider extremely fair. He had photos of his board work and it was immaculate. I had forgotten how good this amp can sound, especially with a SSS Strat. The amp, as typical, goes from a soft level to very loud quickly on the volume, but the volume pot trick in the effects loop really opens up a more usable pot sweep. (Old timers on the FDP Forum might remember Steve Dallman, as he is credited with this and he always shared his expert advice. I miss him.) Anyway, an old friend is back and alive and it was like a new amp day for me.
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Post by Leftee on Sept 28, 2021 12:39:03 GMT -5
He did you right! Congrats on the renewed amp!
And yes, spraying contact cleaner/lube is a stop-gap. I still do it. But if a pot seems addicted to it, I’ll change it.
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Post by Jim D. on Sept 28, 2021 13:44:03 GMT -5
Yea, funny how another tone I was seeking was sitting unused in the corner. I also have to say this amp sings with soapbar pickups as well. Thanks for you comments. I can solder well, but I know my limitations on board level work. This is definitely a stay at home amp. Damned thing is really heavy at my age.
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Post by budg on Oct 10, 2021 13:36:34 GMT -5
Great idea. It’s amazing the forgotten things we have. I had a blues deluxe and felt it was a great amp. Out of the hot rod series it was the the best of the bunch.
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