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EastCoastDave

210 hd 130, funny smell

Hi all,

My 210 hd 130 makes a weird smell after it warms up. No smoke, but it is a vaguely "electronic" smell. I apologize for not describing it better. There is no effect on the sound or function of the amp. I run modern production EH 6ca7s, and don't care to try anything else. I've owned three MM amps, and the EHs have never let me down in any of them.

I apologize for digressing. A friend (fellow musician and guitar tech) told me that it wasn't anything to worry about. It has also been happening for a long time, including about a years worth of weekly practices at high volume (I had new tubes installed during that year, it happened/is happening on both sets of tubes). I don't play the amp much these days, especially at high volume, but am just wondering if I should worry about it. I am not a tech, but the guy I use knows and has experience with MM amps. I trust him. Should I have him investigate?

(East Coast) Dave

mm210
mm210's picture

The only comment I can make

The only comment I can make is MAYBE open it up and LOOK and see if anything looks hinky. Burned resiostors, wiring insulation charred, etc. Other than that, it could just be dust burning off things that get hot, like the tubes. Just guessing here. Mike.

lmv

They all smell a bit

It can be tough to figure out what's going on with MM amps just using your nose sometimes. In my experience they all smell a bit when they warm up. As Mike "210" Kaus suggests, dust/dirt/'gig guck' can linger as a funny smell for a long time. My amps are not allowed in the human parts of my home. Also, the tolex covering, and the glue holding it down, can give off a chemical/plastic smell when the amp gets hot. In the end, putting the amp chassis on the bench and let it 'cook' for a few hours may be needed to find out if you have a problem.
One thing to check the top back panel. If the tolex has come loose behind the power tubes it can get close enough to get warmer than it should (even if not touching).

Hope this helps
-Lars Verholt

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