Splawn Quickrod Issues (Solved)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Webb
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Webb

Webb

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So I just purchased a Quickrod from eBay and I'm having some issues. Just wanted to see if maybe someone could help me troubleshoot.

Got the amp yesterday...plugged the head into a Marshall 4x12 loaded with V30's. Made sure the correct impedance was selected. Turned it on and waited about 5 minutes or so before taking it out of standby.

I made a quick iPhone video to demonstrate the problems but basically what I got was a bunch of crackling/static and very low volume. As you can see in the video, I cranked up the volume to a point which should be deafening levels and there was barely any change. The gain knob also had little effect turning it up or down.

Could it be the tubes? The seller claims it was re-tubed/biased a couple years ago but has seen limited use since then with very low hours on the tubes. He also says it was working properly when he shipped.

What do you think?

EDIT: Disregard the above. All's well that ends well.
 
Not sure if it's a tube issue. Hate to ask the obvious, but have you swapped out cables it sounds a cable is shorting. Or maybe something got knocked in shipping and is shorting internally? I don't think two is a cause that crackling sound when you're turning knobs.

I'd head over to the Splawn website, and Shoes got an email. Send him a link to that. He might be able to help you out. He's really good about responding to stuff as well.

www.splawnguitars.com
 
You know what, I did not try a different cable. Only because a few minutes before plugging in the QR, I was playing a Friedman plugged into the same the cab with the same cables and had no issues. I will try a different cable when I get home just to rule that out.

Thanks...I just sent Scott an email. Hopefully he'll be able to give me some advice.
 
Scott is awesome at troubleshooting his amps - he helped me a lot when I had a Splawn!

That said, 90% of problems with tube amps are caused by--tubes! Could be one of the power tubes got knocked around during shipping. Preamp tubes are more durable, so I would think the power tubes need replacing.
 
Sounds like power tubes. I had a similar crackling noise but without any volume loss with my Nitro that turned out to be crappy tubes.
 
I had my amp in a friends car and he got broadsided, my amp looked fine. When I turned it on it made a similar noise like yours and it was the power tubes, "real mullards too". I replaced them and it was fine.
 
Thanks guys. It wasn't the greatest packaging job, but hopefully it's as simple as replacing the tubes.
 
Try it in half power mode. That should take two power tubes out of the equation. IF that doesn't work try shuffling them around and see if you can find a bad tube or two.
 
BrokenFusion":3cxicfcx said:
Try it in half power mode. That should take two power tubes out of the equation. IF that doesn't work try shuffling them around and see if you can find a bad tube or two.
Click to expand...

Forgot to mention, I did try both full and half power with similar results. I'll try a swap and see what happens.
 
Hate to go the other way, but whenever I've had a powertube go out in my quickrods, one of the fuses goes bye bye. Usually my indication a tube went out. Make sure you have the loop switch disengaged unless u are using it.
 
crwnedblasphemy":wl2kvuap said:
Hate to go the other way, but whenever I've had a powertube go out in my quickrods, one of the fuses goes bye bye. Usually my indication a tube went out. Make sure you have the loop switch disengaged unless u are using it.
Click to expand...

+1

Power tube and most likely your fuse. Pull the fuse and see if black or damaged.
 
I would try preamp tubes since you have such a low signal. You would have zero signal if the HT fuse went.
 
Check for arcing on the half power switch...mine did that until it was replaced (the switch) by my tech...
 
Well don't I feel like an ass-clown as this was simply a case of user-error. I thought I checked it but the effects loop was engaged. As soon as I put it in bypass, it sounded great. Really digging this amp. Apologies for being an idiot! :doh:
 
Webb":2zn9z136 said:
Well don't I feel like an ass-clown as this was simply a case of user-error. I thought I checked it but the effects loop was engaged. As soon as I put it in bypass, it sounded great. Really digging this amp. Apologies for being an idiot! :doh:
Click to expand...
You stupid idiot! :lol: :LOL:
 
If you aren't using the fx loop run a 6" patch cable from the send to the return as the bypass switch is known to have contact issues. I did with my Nitro and all was well.
 
Glad I could help! :) help!

Sounded like the issue, but I almost didn't suggest it. I bet when you clicked that little black button it damn near blew your head off. Ah ha
 
Splawn makes one hell of an amp. Best bang for your buck if you want the Hot Rodded Marshal sound.
 
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