CRAZY cab buzz & ghost notes: Avatar Vintage 2x12

[TubeStack]

So I just bought a used Avatar Vintage 2x12 cab and loaded it with some new Eminence Private Jacks (two 8ohm ones, wired in series for a 16ohm load).

The cab is buzzing like CRAZY on the notes C#, D, Eb, and E, when played on the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings.

I double-checked and tightened all the screws on the back panel and side handles, just to be sure. But it's the top of the cab buzzing, as it stops when I put my hand (or even foot) on top of it with some pressure.

Is there any kind of fix for this? It seems like the top of the cab is too loosely connected to the sides, or something. Could it be that I didn't tighten the bolts on the new speakers enough? I followed Jim from Scumback's instructions re. doing 3/4 of a full turn on each bolt after finger-tightening them till they meet the frame.

The buzzing won't be noticeable in a loud band, but there's no way you could record with it, it'd be way too prominent.

This sucks! I really like the size, look, and general sound of the cab and am digging the Private Jacks.

The other weird thing is, when you play B, C, C#, and esp. Eb on the low E string, you can hear a ghost note resonating that is the octave below. What the heck is that?

[TubeStack]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :beer

[Giga]

Buy a heavier amp or, on a more serious note, brace the top panel to the baffle and/or the backpanel. That's what I would do...

Giga

[twangbanger]

Did someone here sell it to you ? I'd send it back!

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Usually their cabs are rock solid ... I've owned 2 of them. Maybe it has a defect or was abused as a young cab? :(

[stump]

Tighten the internal screws on the baffle and see if that helps. If it does then you'll probably need to glue and screw everything that could be vibrating. You can also put some thin rubber gasket where the handles meet the cab. I've had to do these things to a couple cabs and each time the problem went away and the cab sounded better overall. There's a video on youtube where a guy does this to a Marshall 412. If I can find the link I'll post it.

[corn husk bag]

Check every thing inside and out. It may have been dropped and some of the screws broken. Pull them all and check and replace what may be broken by screwing next to the broken screw. Depending on the type of screws they use it may not be evident until you pull them.

Steve

[TubeStack]

Buy a heavier amp or, on a more serious note, brace the top panel to the baffle and/or the backpanel. That's what I would do...

Giga

It's even buzzing with a 100W Marshall sitting on top! It buzzes the whole 50lb head.

[TubeStack]

Did someone here sell it to you ? I'd send it back!

No, it was local sale through online classifieds.

Thanks the tips guys, I'll try that out. I did tighten all the handle screws and back panel screws. Will try the other tips, too.

[TubeStack]

... brace the top panel to the baffle and/or the backpanel. That's what I would do...

Giga

Thanks, how would yo do that?

[Lution]

I had an Avatar Vintage 2x12 purchased new from them do the same exact thing. I tried everything, even placing cotton batting on the back and nothing helped. They were very nice about it allowed me to return it for a refund. I went and bought a used Bogner OS 2x12 and called it good. No problems at all with the Bogner cab.

Sorry to hear yours looks to be doing the same thing.

[smolder]

I have one... Check the handles. I had one of the spot welds on the cylinder break loose and cause a buzz and a ringing with certain notes... Drove me crazy before I figured it out.

[TubeStack]

I had an Avatar Vintage 2x12 purchased new from them do the same exact thing. I tried everything, even placing cotton batting on the back and nothing helped. They were very nice about it allowed me to return it for a refund. I went and bought a used Bogner OS 2x12 and called it good. No problems at all with the Bogner cab.

Sorry to hear yours looks to be doing the same thing.

Ugh... thanks for sharing your experience. There ain't no refunds in used-gear land... :( Hopefully I'll sort it out, though sounds like it may be a lemon. Luckily it was a good deal and not a huge amount of cash lost. Still disappointing though, if it ain't fixable.

Glad you were able to get one you liked.

I have one... Check the handles. I had one of the spot welds on the cylinder break loose and cause a buzz and a ringing with certain notes... Drove me crazy before I figured it out.

I'll check there, thanks. Do you think that would make the whole top buzz, though?

[chucke]

Ouch. I have a new one on its way now. Hope I don't have any issues.

Even though you didn't buy it new, I am sure that if you called them or sent them an email they would try and help.

[TubeStack]

Okay, I fixed the buzz!!! :dude

I opened it up and tightened every single screw inside, including the speaker ones and now the buzz is gone.

Thanks, guys! :beer

Now, this weird octave-effect is still happening, it's truly bizarre and I don't know if it's a cab or a new-speaker thing. Going to start new thread to get some input. Thanks again.

[twangbanger]

Okay, I fixed the buzz!!! :dude

I opened it up and tightened every single screw inside, including the speaker ones and now the buzz is gone.

Thanks, guys! :beer

Now, this weird octave-effect is still happening, it's truly bizarre and I don't know if it's a cab or a new-speaker thing. Going to start new thread to get some input. Thanks again.

Glad it worked out.

[corn husk bag]

Yay!

Okay, I fixed the buzz!!! :dude

I opened it up and tightened every single screw inside, including the speaker ones and now the buzz is gone.

Thanks, guys! :beer

Now, this weird octave-effect is still happening, it's truly bizarre and I don't know if it's a cab or a new-speaker thing. Going to start new thread to get some input. Thanks again.