AboutJohnny Genocide Expertise I can answer questions regarding playing, guitar models, guitar construction, amplifiers, effects, starting a band, recording and touring. As the Guitarist and singer for No Alternative I have recorded a number of albums, singles and CDs as well as extensive touring. I can also answer questions about starting a band and recording.
Experience I have been a guitar player for 26 years. I play and tour with No Alternative. With a number of CDs out there are also 14 bands that have recorded my songs.
Publications Can You Hear Me, Live at the Deaf Club (With KGB)
SF Underground, Subterranean Records (No Alternative)
Backtracks, Subterranean Records (No Alternative)
Lifeline/No Alternative, Bull Dog Records (No Alternative)
Johnny Got His Gun, Wingnut Records (No Alternative)
SF Nights, Bachuus Archives (No Alternative)
Expert: Johnny Genocide Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: guitar amplifier hum
Question Greetings. I am an amateur guitarist and play two guitars (an archtop with floating pickup and a solidbody with a pair of pickups, neck and bridge) through a German-made ENGL Thunder 50 tube amp. I've had it for about three years during which it has operated to perfection, it has never moved from its spot and has always been connected to the same power supply. It has recently developed an annoying background hum that is present from the moment it is turned on (using standby mode, once the tubes have come up to power), even with all settings at zero. When the master volume is turned up, it amplifies the hum. None of the other controls, including gain, have any effect on the noise.
The result is the same, regardless of what its plugged into it; I have tried both my guitars with a variety of cords, and all of these work correctly with another (not tube) amp that I use. The power supply is at the correct voltage and is correctly grounded.
If you can provide any analysis or guidance as to how I might correct this problem, I will be very grateful. All best, Robert
Answer Hey Robert,
Thanks for writing! My first guess would be a grounding issue from a wire that may have come loose from its soldered connection or a wire whose plastic shielding has worn down due to heat within the amplifier. Does the amplifier have the same hum if you plug it in somewhere else, preferably a completely different location (on a separate power source (like your next door neighbor's house. I ask because it's an easy way to isolate this problem. However, it sounds like something within the amp's wiring. Does any other piece of equipment you have hum or buzz at all when plugged into the same wall socket? My email address is:
jgenocidepatterson@yahoo.com
Write me at the above address with an answer to the above questions. I would like you to look inside the amp and see if you notice any of the following conditions:
1. Wires too close to one another (on top of each other).
2. Bare metal wire where there should be none.
3. Loose connections in the amp and speakers.
4. Any discoloration due to heat or burning.
Let me know what you find. I'll research the amp and any consumer issues or problems. Send me an email address so I can contact you with anything I find. Thanks again for writing and stay in touch!
