2. amps-preamps
  3. 135028-111451

Strange tone Marshall DSL40C

I’m relatively new to working on tube amps. I did my research and just replaced the tubes in my Marshall DSL40c. When I tried playing through the amp, there was a distinct ring after I’d play a staccato note. It’s not feedback, just a short ringing tone almost like bad reverb. Did I potentially make a mistake while replacing the tubes or is there another issue with the amp?
sisyphus1997
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
This distortion you are hearing could be oscillation caused by circuit negative feedback interacting with a limited bandwidth output transformer (OPT). Tube amps are very sensitive to the amount of negative feedback applied. Less is better! And a better OPT (wider bandwidth) would help! Guitar amps are notorious for having poor quality OPT's. Cheap and distortion-prone! Then again that's what electric guitar players want- DISTORTION!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
"I've got a fuzz box and I'm gonna use It!"

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I confess that I have  Fender Twin Reverb and a Mesa Boogie! Plus a Laney 100 watt tube head and 412 cabinet!
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,615 posts
 
The problem is caused by a microphonic tube. Tap on the tubes while the amp is running and it should not be hard to find out which is causing it.

If the amp makes a sound no matter which tube you tap, try just rubbing the top of the tube gently- that will make it easier to find.
More to discover