Princeton reverb issue

dannyboy82

Hi,

I have recently picked up a used 65 reissue Princeton reverb which sounds superb but is showing up a strange issue with the reverb.

Basically, upon firing up I’d say the reverb works from the off 2/3 of the time but on the other occasions there’s nothing. It always kicks in after 5 or so minutes of playing and once on, doesn’t falter again. The reverb sounds exactly as it should when working.

I’ve changed the v2 12at7 for a brand new groove tube but the issue still remains.

Any ideas what it could be? Could I be causing any damage using the amp?

Other than the reverb issue it sounds perfect and runs really quietly.

Any advice would be much appreciated,

Cheers,

Dan

ICBM

It will be a bad connection somewhere, it could be almost anywhere in the drive or return circuit. From the description that it's probably heat-related and never falters once it's working, I would guess something on one of the valve bases (V2 or V3 - V2 is just the drive valve) or possibly the V3 valve itself.

It's unlikely you'll be doing any harm, unless it's a bad connection in the reverb tank send transducer or the cabling to it which would leave the drive transformer with no load - but from the description that doesn't sound the most likely.

bandmaster188

Sometimes the rca connectors on the reverb send & return can loosen up and not make proper contact. Try giving the leads that connect the reverb tank to the amp a bit of a wiggle. I get this on one of my fender amps. A gentle squeeze with pliers can help tighten them up.

dannyboy82

Thanks for the feedback chaps, it’s not like I’m gigging or anything so as it sounds so good and is not causing any damage I’ll probably leave it as is.

I guess a service/repair should be factored in at some stage. Any idea where I could take it in the Herts area?