Peavey Deuce, intermittent output

Terry McBurney · Post by **Terry McBurney** » 21 Mar 2003 1:10 am

When playing, the total output ceases and then "automatically???" comes back on. This is usually accompanied by a slight popping noise. Is this in the amp or the volume pedal? I purchased the amp from a all-purpose guitar shop who said that a Peavey shop had reworked the amp. Being a novice, I paid too much...but that's the price of learning.

Thank you for your help.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 21 Mar 2003 3:29 am

Hi Terry, the original Deuce is a hybrid amp, being that the front end is solid state and the back side is 4- 6L6's. These are great amps.

We use to call these the TWIN killers...they are really loud and rugged. Years ago I hated them because they could blow the TWINS off the stage but now I love them. ( I love Twins as well )

The later Deuces are all Solid State..( no tubes) so the thought below applies to the output section as well if thats what you have.

My thought is that there is a problem in the front end solid state section. Solid State components either work or don't. Tubes have a friendly way of just making noise, distorting or glowing but you can pretty much depend on them to give you some sort of sound. Especially because you have two pairs of two. The popping noise may be a giveawy that your amp is 100% solid state.

Possibly take the amp out of the cabinet, turn it on and get your hairdryer out and start heating the solid state components while sending a signal thru it. Most likely you will find the faulty component. I suspect the problem is most likely due to heat fatigue. A good repair tech should be able to resolve this.

Another thought, actually do this first, while the amp is out of the cabinet, remove all connectors and clean them with a tuner cleaner type stuff from radio shack.All connectors, both the male and female side.

Your amp is pretty old and Peavey's have a history of connector problems with dirt or poor connections, especially on the reverb tank connectors. This little excercise is performed by many on their 400's, 500's etc..and has resolved many problems.

And of course do check the 4 6L6's if your amp has them to be sure one isn't glowing like a scud attack and causing the others to fail, I don't feel this is the problem as tubes don't normally react like this. But do check them as a precautionary step.

great amp, they are selling in the PAWN shops in the Plus or Minus $250 range.

I always have my eye open for one in reasonable condition.

tp

Terry McBurney · Post by **Terry McBurney** » 21 Mar 2003 5:19 am

Thanks Tony...I will heed your advice today and stop by RS to take the initial step of cleaning. I appreciate your knowledge.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 21 Mar 2003 8:48 am

Terry, if the phase switch is not switched in the "off" position, this would indicate that you have a defective TL604 IC chip.

I would have a qualified technician check this out for you. If you need technical assistance, please feel free to contact our Repair Assistance techs here at the factory and they will be glad to discuss this with you. They can be reached toll free at 1-877-732-8391 from 8am-5pm CST.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Mike Brown on 21 March 2003 at 08:50 AM.]</p></FONT>

Terry McBurney · Post by **Terry McBurney** » 21 Mar 2003 10:54 am

Mike:

I met you at the Dallas Show and I have faith in your answer to my question:

Is this worth repairing?

Or should the $$ be invested in another amp?

Thank you.

Terry