JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 08:54 AM
So I decided to join you folks and get myself a Fender reverb tank. A brand new 63 reissue that arrived yesterday. Out of the box I dont think its working properly. So any help is appreciated. Its new so I can send it back if thats needed. But Ive never used a tank before, so it also could be my vast ignorance at play here. 
When it arrived I noticed that one of the red RCA cables was disconnected. I felt around for somewhere to put it and found a plug on what Im guessing is the left (when looking at the rear) top of the spring pan. So I reached in and plugged the red RCA cable into there. The connection felt pretty loose, like the cable never seated really solidly, but it was in. So I grabbed a thicker RCA cable from my stereo and used that, on both ends, in place of the red cable in the tank.
I hooked the tank in between my guitar and amp and wasnt getting anything resembling a reverb sound, no echo or drip. It makes the guitar sound thinner. If I play loudly (like a hard strike on the strings) everything distorts or breaks up completely. Lots of hum (60 Hz). If I tapped on what I think is the spring pan nothing happened.
The new RCA cable I put in there has a longer plug end (the plastic part you hold with your fingers). And it was wedged in there a bit, possibly preventing the spring pan from moving. So I put the original red RCA cable back in. Now there is no influence on the guitar sound at all. The guitar sounds the same with the tank on or off (from the footswitch). But if I tapped on the spring pan I did hear some sproingy, reverby-like sounds.
I looked at the fuse and it seems fine (by eye). I unlocked the travel lever. Sound is getting through the tank to my amp. The exposed (power?) tube glows and the 2 other smaller tubes do get warm. I tried changing the position of all 3 knobs. I used the footswitch on and off. Im using a lousy, small, old amp (Peavey about the size of the tank. I just picked up a black faced Bandmaster head and Ill soon build the speaker cabinet for it.).
Doing a search here it looks like 2 common problems are foam dropping into the springs and bad solder joints. I didnt yet open it up to look. Not sure if I want to if that will void the warranty. Its brand new so I can send it back if theres a real problem.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
-Jon
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11070
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 09:23 AM
have you tried reversing the rca plugs?
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2778
Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 09:29 AM
If it's a brand new tank....send it back. The RI tanks have really crappy input jacks and you may be dealing with that annoying issue. The tanks other that are pretty tough and reliable rascals. Heck, some of the wild men on this site kick 'em around for the hell of it........
ed
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
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MadScientist
Joined: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 2188
Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 10:01 AM
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dutch
Joined: Apr 27, 2007
Posts: 143
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 12:54 PM
Make sure you check the fuse and that it is rated to the correct amprage. Another less common occurance is the transformer having issues.
At any rate, I would send it back if it is new.
— 
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Ruhar
Joined: Jun 21, 2007
Posts: 3909
San Diego, CA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 01:19 PM
I'd send it back since it is under warranty. Make sure you don't do anything to the tank to invalidate the warranty. Fender should take care of you (hopefully).
Good luck!
— Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook
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PhatTele
Joined: Jun 05, 2006
Posts: 445
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 01:22 PM
I'm not 100% sure, but I think the jacks on the reissue chassis are color coded. If you look up into them (given the angle, it's hard to see), you might see a red one and a white one. That will help. Meanwhile, "Input" on the chassis should go to "Input" on the tank, etc.
Since your tubes are all lighting up, I wouldn't bother with the fuse since that's obviously working. Set all the dials to 12:00 just for testing (to make sure everything is at least on). You can always dial back later.
If you're lucky enough to have another bare tank lying around or in another amp (like a Princeton Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, etc.), hook that tank up to your reverb unit using those long RCA connectors you have. Maybe you can isolate the problem that way. If the out board tank works, then the tank in your unit is the problem.
You've already loosened the locking mechanism... better make sure you've really done that. Is the lever completely away from the tank?
You can also remove the front panel to see if any foam got stuck in there. There should not be any foam touching the springs when the locking lever is disengaged....I'm guessing this is probably the problem.
Check your cables. Make sure they're working. Make sure you're using instrument cables and not speaker cables.
I've had a couple of the reissues. They've always worked fine.
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Stormtiger
Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 01:23 PM
And make sure the travel clamp is off--not sure what it is actually called but it should have been locked down for travel.
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Nebula3
Joined: Mar 27, 2006
Posts: 53
Boston, MA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 02:17 PM
This isn't the way you want to start your reverb life.
Just send it back and have them ship you a new one. As time goes on you'll start to pick up tips and tricks on how to "maintain and beautify" your reverb, but at this stage in the game get it replaced.
That being said, I'll add:
-
Make sure the brake/travel lever/locking lever inside is unlocked. It shouldn't be pushing against the spring tray.
-
Set the knobs on it to 6-6-6. This is a great Nebulas/Satan's Pilgrims/Fathoms-esque sound. It might not get you into the pew, but it will definitely get you into the church.
-
Set ALL knobs on your guitar to full. On a Fender that means that as you're wearing the guitar...why am I explaining this? You better be able to figure this part out.
Now, if you don't get a great, passable drippy surf sound, promptly repackage the thing and get an RMA number from the place you bought it from and ship it back. It's cooked.
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19335
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 03:06 PM
I bought my tank from a music store via Ebay. It was supposedly new in box. When it arrived, the pan was no longer connected to the springs that are supposed to suspend it. I had to take the back panel off and get that hooked back up. I'm just passing along my experience, it may or may not resemble yours. Luckily after I did that it did indeed work correctly.
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me
"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea
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surfer
Joined: Apr 12, 2007
Posts: 428
South Florida
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 03:16 PM
Surfgitar just bought one with the same problem, you could hear the springs, but no guitar...he found a green wire had come unsoldered within the tank.
— www.cutbacksurfband.com
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JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 04:19 PM
Hey Guys,
I really appreciate all the help. Thanks! Yeah, it sounds like I should be sending this back to MF. (I wanted to order from my local shop instead- support the local guy- but they didnt know what a reverb tank was and said they couldnt order one.) I just needed to check with you folks to make sure I wasnt missing anything too obvious. Good to know its not me. 
DannySnyder
have you tried reversing the rca plugs?
Nope. Thats easy. Ill give it a shot.
eddiekatcher
If it's a brand new tank....send it back. The RI tanks have really crappy input jacks and you may be dealing with that annoying issue. The tanks other that are pretty tough and reliable rascals. Heck, some of the wild men on this site kick 'em around for the hell of it........
ed
Thanks, Ed. Yeah, I should probably just send it back. An easy fix.
dutch
Make sure you check the fuse and that it is rated to the correct amprage. Another less common occurance is the transformer having issues.
At any rate, I would send it back if it is new.
I took out the fuse and looked at it- seems to be fine, but I didnt check the amperage, which Ill do. Im guessing the transformer is OK because sound gets through to the amp after it powers up. And the tubes look to be working.
Ruhar
I'd send it back since it is under warranty. Make sure you don't do anything to the tank to invalidate the warranty. Fender should take care of you (hopefully).
Good luck!
Thanks Ryan. Right, even if its something I could fix, like a bad solder joint, I dont know that I want to try that myself if I then cant return it.
Stormtiger
And make sure the travel clamp is off--not sure what it is actually called but it should have been locked down for travel.
Right. Its off, as far as I know. I moved it to the left and then pulled it back, toward the rear. Such that the metal lever is not touching the spring pan at all (or what I think is the spring pan).
Brian
I bought my tank from a music store via Ebay. It was supposedly new in box. When it arrived, the pan was no longer connected to the springs that are supposed to suspend it. I had to take the back panel off and get that hooked back up. I'm just passing along my experience, it may or may not resemble yours. Luckily after I did that it did indeed work correctly.
Thanks Brian. This one is new new, from the store (MF). So I have the option of just sending it back. I did notice that the left side (when looking in the back) of the pan looks to be held in place by 2 small springs. Couldn't see the right side. Good that you got yours fixed.
surfer
Surfgitar just bought one with the same problem, you could hear the springs, but no guitar...he found a green wire had come unsoldered within the tank.
Sounds like an easy fix. And good to know. But if I do that and something else is wrong (or even if they see screwdriver marks on the screws to open it up) they may not take it back. So Im hesitant to try and muck around in there too much. Maybe just send it back.
Last edited: Jun 03, 2008 16:25:06
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JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 04:19 PM
PhatTele
I'm not 100% sure, but I think the jacks on the reissue chassis are color coded. If you look up into them (given the angle, it's hard to see), you might see a red one and a white one. That will help. Meanwhile, "Input" on the chassis should go to "Input" on the tank, etc.
Yup. There is a red RCA cable and a white one. Ill check to make sure the input goes to the input, etc. As I recall, the white one was on the right side of the rear by the back of the cabinet. And the other end of the white one went to the right side of the spring pan. The red was on the left in both cases.
PhatTele
Since your tubes are all lighting up, I wouldn't bother with the fuse since that's obviously working. Set all the dials to 12:00 just for testing (to make sure everything is at least on). You can always dial back later.
I tried 9:00, 12:00, 3:00, etc. with no changes.
PhatTele
If you're lucky enough to have another bare tank lying around or in another amp (like a Princeton Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, etc.), hook that tank up to your reverb unit using those long RCA connectors you have. Maybe you can isolate the problem that way. If the out board tank works, then the tank in your unit is the problem.
Nope, this is my first reverb anything. Im looking forward to trying it out. Sounds like lots of fun.
PhatTele
You've already loosened the locking mechanism... better make sure you've really done that. Is the lever completely away from the tank?
Right. The lever is not touching the pan at all.
PhatTele
You can also remove the front panel to see if any foam got stuck in there. There should not be any foam touching the springs when the locking lever is disengaged....I'm guessing this is probably the problem.
Makes sense from my reading of other people having trouble with the tanks. But Im hesitant to open it up and then not being able to return it.
PhatTele
Check your cables. Make sure they're working. Make sure you're using instrument cables and not speaker cables.
Yup, Ill check again. Thanks for all the ideas.
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JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 04:20 PM
Nebula3
This isn't the way you want to start your reverb life.
No kidding, eh? But it will be a fun toy when its working.
Nebula3
Just send it back and have them ship you a new one. As time goes on you'll start to pick up tips and tricks on how to "maintain and beautify" your reverb, but at this stage in the game get it replaced.
Yeah, Ill send it back after checking a few of the simple things people have suggested. Without opening it up so I can still return it.
Nebula3
That being said, I'll add:
-
Make sure the brake/travel lever/locking lever inside is unlocked. It shouldn't be pushing against the spring tray.
-
Set the knobs on it to 6-6-6. This is a great Nebulas/Satan's Pilgrims/Fathoms-esque sound. It might not get you into the pew, but it will definitely get you into the church.
-
Set ALL knobs on your guitar to full. On a Fender that means that as you're wearing the guitar...why am I explaining this? You better be able to figure this part out.
Now, if you don't get a great, passable drippy surf sound, promptly repackage the thing and get an RMA number from the place you bought it from and ship it back. It's cooked.
No contact of the lever with anything. The knobs were at 6, 6, 6, among other places. Nothing reverby or drippy or anything. The tank isnt supposed to add distortion, I wouldnt think. But it did if I hit the guitar strings hard and had things a little bit loud. Yes, I had the guitar volume and tone at max, among other places I tried. Thanks for all the ideas!
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Mr_Reverb63
Joined: Jul 10, 2007
Posts: 919
San Pablo, CA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 04:22 PM
same happend to me , push each on of the small tubes ap and down to see if ur sound changes, if it does then one of the wires is probably not soldered right to the tube socket thing .
— -Zanti
Instagram:
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tommyalvarado
Joined: Jan 03, 2008
Posts: 512
Delaware, USA
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Posted on Jun 03 2008 05:12 PM
I might be jumping in on this topic a bit late, but I'd also suggest that you should send it back.
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JonW
Joined: Mar 07, 2008
Posts: 237
Indiana
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Posted on Jun 04 2008 04:56 PM
I tried all the little things that were mentioned above, without opening up the cabinet. No luck as expected. So I just called MF to return the tank. The guy I spoke with was quite nice and helpful. After I told him that I wanted to return the tank, he asked what is wrong with it.
I said Its not reverbing.
We both laughed and then he said OK, Ill use your verbage here in the comments box to explain whats wrong. Pretty funny.
They emailed me a UPS label, which makes the return very easy. And theyre even paying for the shipping. This is my first time having to return something to MF. Very nice customer service, Id say. Thanks to you all for the help. Ill post when the replacement tank arrives.
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BradleyFry
Joined: Jul 06, 2008
Posts: 3
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Posted on Jul 06 2008 10:43 AM
I'm also having a problem with a reverb tank right now. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I know there have been many threads on here about issues with tanks and in an effort to consolidate those issues, I figured I'd post on here.
My problem is that my unit worked fine for the longest time. It does get banged around a bit and used to get the splashes out of it. The reverb unit used to give out tons of reverb. I usually used the 6-6-6 set up and that pushing it a bit with the amount of reverb depending on volume. Now, I'm still getting some reverb out of it, but it's not quite enough. At last practice, I had my tank up to all 10's and the other guitar player had his around 4 and 5 for the three knobs and had tons more reverb, just like mine used to. It also sounds like the clean tones come through first and then the reverb is in the background.
I've done all the usual checks. The tank is unlocked, connections all solid, foam not touching, etc. I currently have it taken apart and from what I can find, all the connections are still soldered fine.
Any ideas of what it might be or something else I could check? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11070
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Jul 06 2008 11:01 AM
methodically switch parts with your other player's tank and see what happens.
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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JoshHeartless
Joined: Jun 17, 2006
Posts: 1010
Bay City, Michigan
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Posted on Jul 06 2008 01:40 PM
BradleyFry
I'm also having a problem with a reverb tank right now. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I know there have been many threads on here about issues with tanks and in an effort to consolidate those issues, I figured I'd post on here.
My problem is that my unit worked fine for the longest time. It does get banged around a bit and used to get the splashes out of it. The reverb unit used to give out tons of reverb. I usually used the 6-6-6 set up and that pushing it a bit with the amount of reverb depending on volume. Now, I'm still getting some reverb out of it, but it's not quite enough. At last practice, I had my tank up to all 10's and the other guitar player had his around 4 and 5 for the three knobs and had tons more reverb, just like mine used to. It also sounds like the clean tones come through first and then the reverb is in the background.
I've done all the usual checks. The tank is unlocked, connections all solid, foam not touching, etc. I currently have it taken apart and from what I can find, all the connections are still soldered fine.
Any ideas of what it might be or something else I could check? Any help is greatly appreciated.
bad tube? could be the AT7...
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