Relay Issue? Bluesmaster HRM

[JammyDodger]

Hey All,

I built a 100W Bluesmaster HRM is 2008. In the past few months the clean channel has exhibited a sharp drop in volume and distortion. The O.D. channel is fine. When switched, the clean channel is a whisper level changing only slight as the Master volume goes 1-10. If I hit a chord real hard there is burst in volume for an instant. I've just brought the head back from our rehearsal room and haven't opened it up yet.

Could this be a bad relay?

It sounds like something is intermittent. I thought i'd tap around with a chop stick when I've opened it.

Cheers, Mike

[guitardude57]

Check V1..might need new tube. or loose socket pin(s)

Any funny smells, or burned looking anything?

Any pots making noise?

IWT (intermittent when tapped) reveal anything?

[JazzGuitarGimp]

If the relays are socketed, check to make sure they are making good contact. Beyond that, I'd poke around for cold solder joints.

[JammyDodger]

O.K. - so changed V1 out. good suggestions. No change there.

It's funny, if I really strike a note hard it comes on a full volume.

Time to pull the chassis out and start poking around.

Cheers, Mike

[groovtubin]

O.K. - so changed V1 out. good suggestions. No change there.

It's funny, if I really strike a note hard it comes on a full volume.

Time to pull the chassis out and start poking around.

Cheers, Mike

check the coax!!!!!!!!

jim@Omegaamps

[JammyDodger]

O.K. - finally pulled the chassis out. Pushed around various areas and nothing. Then, I tapped the top of the relay and it came in loud and clear. Can the relay 'stick' in one position? After that it switched normally.

Strange......


Cheers, Mike

[groovtubin]

O.K. - finally pulled the chassis out. Pushed around various areas and nothing. Then, I tapped the top of the relay and it came in loud and clear. Can the relay 'stick' in one position? After that it switched normally.

Strange......


Cheers, Mike

i bet coax is shorted...

jim

[guitardude57]

Is the relay on a socket? Some hold onto the pins better than others.
Quite possibly, the relay backed out a smidge, from amp being jostled
around some... even vibration from playing if it is loose, can break contact. Try a small tie wrap around - under the socket and around the relay to help hold it down in place.

If the relay is actually soldered in place, probably an electrical issue.