Amp wont fire up....

[magnus02]

I'm definitely not very tech savy... but my goodsell super 17 which has never had any issues will not turn on. Its plugged into a outlet that works but when I hit the power switch the pilot light doesnt turn on and none of the tubes start to glow. There was recently a thunderstorm since the last time I turned it on, but I dont think our house got hit and the power never went off... anything I'm missing? The tubes arent particularly fresh but as far as I know this wouldnt cause the amp to not turn on. Help.... please....

[wyatt]

The fuse is blown. Almost certainly.

The outlet, the fuse and the power transformer are the only things that affect the power light. You say the outlet is fine and the chances of a power transformer problem are nominal compared to a blown fuse.

This can be nothing more than an effect of a power surge or it can be more indicative of a larger problem, like a faulty power tube. Replace the fuse and if it blows again in the short term, look into other problems.

[Uncle Pat]

I'd start with the fuse, and replace it even if it "looks good" because they will fool ya'.
(I'm also wondering if you still got a power surge, even though the house didn't take a direct hit)

[magnus02]

What would be the result if I got a power surge?

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by magnus02

What would be the result if I got a power surge?

That's the whole reason for the fuse. It blows to protect the more expensive parts.

[Ace_F4i]

could also be a bad rectifier tube. try the fuse first.

[magnus02]

ahhhh gotcha. can you tell i never to electronics in high school? thanks for the help and sorry for being so ignorant to the basic workings of the guitar amp. if i'd of only been an electronic engineer in college instead of a horticulture major i'd of never had to ask....

[Uncle Pat]

Originally Posted by Ace_F4i

could also be a bad rectifier tube. try the fuse first.

Yes. If it blows another fuse, there's your next step.
:BEER

[wyatt]

Originally Posted by Ace_F4i

could also be a bad rectifier tube. try the fuse first.

The power light doesn't rely on the rectifier tube, it would still light with a bad rectifier tube.

[Ace_F4i]

depends.. there's so many amps out there anything is possible. btw.. what kind of amp IS it?

[magnus02]

its a goodsell super 17... a 18 watt dual el84 setup which is by the way an absolute killer amp

[Ace_F4i]

good luck. i don't know anything about it LOL

[Lil'Strat]

Originally Posted by wyatt

The power light doesn't rely on the rectifier tube, it would still light with a bad rectifier tube.

Bad rectifier tubes are the primary reason for blown fuses in the Super 17; the rectifier shorts internally and snaps the fuse immediately. Unfortunately I can't put NOS rec tubes in every one.

Remove the rectifier tube ansd replace the fuse - if the pilot light stays on, then that's most likely the problem. If the fuse blows with no rectifier tube installed it would have to be a short in the power transformer, which is extremely rare.

If a new fuse and rectifier tube don't do it, send it to me and I'll fix it at no charge.

[Lil'Strat]

Originally Posted by magnus02

ahhhh gotcha. can you tell i never to electronics in high school? thanks for the help and sorry for being so ignorant to the basic workings of the guitar amp. if i'd of only been an electronic engineer in college instead of a horticulture major i'd of never had to ask....

I was a C minus psych major, and now look what I do...

[Uncle Pat]

Originally Posted by Lil'Strat

I was a C minus psych major, and now look what I do...

And from the looks of it, doin' a damn good job of it as well as provide excellent customer service and satisfaction.
Gotta love you booteek guys. Can't get that kind of thing from a corporate board of directors.

:BEER