The sunn Forum
Sunn Musical Equipment => Q & A => Topic started by: wolffman on December 15, 2008, 10:23:38 am
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good morning. I own an old Sunn Sonaro. looking to get it fixed up for a Christmas present.
I bought this amp used about 10 years ago and played it about for about 4 years until it died ( i think the tubes crapped out) so i bought a new rig (it was time anyway). Recently ive thought it will do great as a practice amp/small gig amp- i know it isn't very loud but still has a nice warm sound and its nice and simple. my room is small and so are some of the venues i jam at so i think its suitable.
Not quite sure of the year, but its probably from the 70's. To replace the tubes to original type what brands should i buy?
will i still need to get the amp biased if i replace with original brand of tubes?
Is there another brand of tube that replicates the original? or improves sound quality without needing additional work?
Thanks a bunch.
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sounds like it needs a good going through. replacing tubes, even same brand would require rebiasing. more likely what needs done is the capacitors. and if it crapped out, possibly a transformer. take it to a reputable store with a tech who knows and understands tube amps. these things can be resurrected from the dead(mine was) for a couple hundred(well worth it) and will probably become your main playing amp again. put a 215 cab under it and it's plenty loud and creamy tone.
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please keep me posted as to what you do to it. i am thinking about taking mine to a local Fender tech for an overhaul....i would like to know what i am getting into.
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if all it needs are tubes, than could i bias it myself?
how hard is it to DIY?
is there a manual i can read?
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do a search on amp bias, it has been discussed in depth on this site. basically a few voltage measuremnts, a lot of math and twisting a pot. not difficult but there are voltages in a tube amp when off and unplugged that are capable of killing you. know what to do before even opening it.
no I don't do my own. I have a great tech I take it to.