Help, I think my valve junior is broken

[jumpman25]

I purchased a valve junior about three weeks ago and it worked fine for about a week. Then all of the sudden it stopped working. It would turn on but no sound would come out of it. After about twenty min I tried it again and all of the sudden it worked. Today I turned it on and no sound once again and I can't get it to work. Also, when I turn it on above 1/2 volume or so it would rattle. Not sure if this was part of the cause of the problem. Anybody have any ideas or know what is going on? Thanks

[Steven Lister]

WELCOME to the forum jumpman25!

 

What you broke yours too? I guess you're out of the club as well. Hey, only joking.

 

1. follow safety precautions when working on a tube amp -- lethal voltages at work inside (even when off).

2. sounds like it could be a fuse connect problem -- VJr. is known for loose fuse to contact causing intermitent failure.

3. rattle? Is it a combo or head? New or modded? Sounds like a loose speaker (combo) or other component not properly in place/tightened. If new (under waranty), I suggest returning it for service. If not, and if you're comfortable poking around inside look for loose parts. Good luck.

 

Hit every BLUE NOTE baaaby..., I'm going to play on:-"

[jumpman25]

It's a combo that I bought brand new (un-modded) so it should still be under warranty. I might open it up and take a look inside. Don't wanna be stuck without out for an extended period of time if i don't have to. Hopefully its something obvious :D.

[Steven Lister]

It's a combo that I bought brand new (un-modded) so it should still be under warranty. I might open it up and take a look inside.

Based on that (3 weeks new)' date=' I'd recommend returning it for a replacement. Opening it may/will void your waranty and it sounds like you could have a Friday afternoon special (a lemon).:D

 

Hit every BLUE NOTE baaaby..., I'm going to play on:-"

[jumpman25]

I only paid like $120 for it so not sure if it's worth the trouble for me to ship it back (I ordered it online). I did some research and it looks like other people have the same problem. They said there is a problem with the fuse holder and gave a simple fix. The only problem I'm having right now is I can't seem to get the back off. I removed all the screws and it is glued on or something. Anybody know how to get it off?

[fleetlin49]

Very carefully pry it with a flathead screwdriver or other flat impement. They are sloppy with the glue at the factory and its usually not dry by the time they put the back on it anyways.

I had trouble with mine too. Just be patient and slow and you won't ruin the tolex. Also if its so new look for a local Factory Service Center and print out a copy of your internet reciept to take with you. It never hurts to have a pro look at it.

[TWANG]

yep it's just some glue.. and I'd be roughing out the ends of the fuse will solve your problem, too.

[nighthawk]

I used a stiff putty knife with the tip wrapped with masking tape to pry between the chassis and cover. Just go around all the edges and lift it up a little at time until it gives.

[jumpman25]

Thanks for all the help. Anyway... I got the back off, cleaned the contacts and still nothing. I noticed that when I turn the amp on I hear a very feint clicking for a second or two. Not sure if that means anything or not. Could one of the tubes possibly have gone bad? If so how would I tell? One of the tubes is visible and it lights up when the amp is turned on. The other tube I can't see.

[copper1281734000]

One of the tubes is visible and it lights up when the amp is turned on. The other tube I can't see.

 

That's because the preamp tube is in a cylinder to prevent microphonics. Just turn the cylinder and then a spring should push it off. Many people here just leave it off. It's probably not a tube problem, but I'm no expert, so I really can't help you that much.