Fixing-up any old gear

[vansinn]

@mods'n'admins: Maybe stickify this.

I see posts every now and then on any forum about having shopped older gear not in full working condition.
Most often, some general things are discussed and suggested, like replacing the power supply capacitors to fix excess hum.
However, some general things should be done to any older electronics, and it doesn't matter if it's about pedals, preamps, poweramps, hifi gear or what..
Hell, even old motorcycles, cars, boats and gals'n'guyz most often needs a brush-up! 

So, with ANY old electronics, not limited to our very Auntie ADA variants:

Carefully clean it thoroughly. Vacuum cleaner with thin hose attached lets you 'get in-between', combined with a soft brush. Use compressed air with care
Replace all electrolytic capacitors - not just those ín the PSU; they all loose the electrolyte, dropping capacitance value when older than some 12-15 years
Clean all potentiometers using contact spray, or better, replace with CTS conductive plastic dittos
Clean all jacks; in case of both front+rear-jack inputs, clean/polish, using very fine emerald cloth, the contact closing the other jack. Or replace this jack
Carefully open and clean all cable connections
I would extract all IC's and reinsert them to ensure good contact - do use a chip extractor tool not to damage the chip or pins
Remove the ac fuse and check for corrosion on it and it's mating surfaces
Reinstall tubes, if any; replace as needed

Apart from these general mechanisms, consult the relevant forum for specifics, like replacing R903 (IIRC) in the ADA MP-2
Assemble, step back, inspect, scratch the beard, power on with shaking hands, and enjoy the shizzle now closely resembling how it left factory!  :whoohoo!:

[Kim]

  Van

Also:   Think before you poke, because electricity is no joke.     :banana-trip:

[rnolan]

+1, good advice Van

[DannyjoeCarter]

Good info for sure! I am wanting to get a cache of MP-1s built up for just that purpose so that I'm never without.   

[rnolan]

We'll have to start calling you DannyjoeCache  ^-^

[MarshallJMP]

 ;D

[DannyjoeCarter]

Well I'm OK with that guys LOL!
While they are out there and fairly cheap I should just keep getting a cache of them - just "in case"  ;D

[rnolan]

Hey DjC, you seem to have caught the bug LoL  :headbanger: , how many MP-1s does a guitarist need,  Hmm just one more.

[DannyjoeCarter]

Hey DjC, you seem to have caught the bug LoL  :headbanger: , how many MP-1s does a guitarist need,  Hmm just one more.

Yes this is case Brother LOL!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!! This coming week both new MP-1s show up, can't wait!!! Say a prayer to the Gear Gods they arrive in playable shape! 

[rnolan]

No problem, gear god prayers are with you  >:D . Then you can on with the fun stuff, like rolling a few tubes to see what works for you.  If you haven't already, check out the tube choice threads, lots of good experience there.

[DannyjoeCarter]

No problem, gear god prayers are with you  >:D . Then you can on with the fun stuff, like rolling a few tubes to see what works for you.  If you haven't already, check out the tube choice threads, lots of good experience there.

You got it Richard! I already have a fresh set of JJs to start with, then I'll go from there.
And I'm going right now to check out the tube threads! 

[Harley Hexxe]

Personally speaking, I'm a fan of long plate tubes in all of my preamps.

[rnolan]

Personally speaking, I'm a fan of long plate tubes in all of my preamps.

+1 

[DannyjoeCarter]

Personally speaking, I'm a fan of long plate tubes in all of my preamps.

+1 

Well this is something completely new to me - off to do research!  ???

[Harley Hexxe]

Hey DJC,

   To embellish on the subject a little bit more, I would just say from my own ears perspective, the short plate tubes seem to produce a more linear, or brittle sound. It gets too shrill for my taste. I find the medium and long plate tubes are much easier to bear.
    Long plate tubes, (depending on who makes them), can also warm up the low end on a guitar amp and help it cut through a mix without having to tweak your EQ for a different venue.
    Just my opinion though. Your own ears will tell you what you like.

      Harley 8)