Sunn Beta Lead hiss problem

[Bonzo]

I am amazed as how many people are looking for Sunn Beta lead amps. I purchased a Beta lead guitar amp brand new in high school (many years ago). I still have the unit in my basement but never use it because of a terrible hiss that I get when the amp is turned up and over driven. Has anyone else experienced this? If so how can I fix it. It is difficult to find anyone to work on these things, most amp tech only work on tube amps. If I could get rid of the hiss I might use it instead of purchasing the Marshall I have been looking at. Thanks

[ryanowens]

I just sprayed the pots/jacks on mine with cleaner and all the hiss/crackle went away.  Depending on the brand it's a $5-$20 purchase at Radio Shack which can beat taking it to a tech and paying much more than that for the labor alone.

[rick.heil]

What Ryan said is dead on - make sure all the pots and jacks are squeaky clean before you worry about something more serious. 


If that doesn't fix it, ask around on the forums for recommendations for a tech.  Yes, most techs specialize in tube amps, but I would bet that if you found a good one he or she would have the knowledge in solid states as well.  If not, you could try a respected local electronics repair shop, instead of a music or amp shop.

By the way, there is a full service manual hosted here:
http://sunn.ampage.org/site/svcmans/beta/