Conference napalm::guitar

>    Could I have broken one of the smaller tubes when I reseated it?

    Maybe but you can easily check that. I doubt that that is your problem.

>    Is the bias so out of whack that I'm burning up tubes?
    
    I don't think you bias is a problem, although it could very well need
    adjustment.

>    Would an "off" bias cause the amp to be fine one moment and then hum
>    like crazy the next?

    no

    
    	Well, I'm no yube guru, but isn't it proper to replace the phase
    inverter tube every time the power tubes are replaced with newer more
    powerful tubes???...  Doesn't the vibrolux use 1/2 of a 12ax7 for the
    vibrato... my vibrato is weaker than the mina signal too, always bugged
    me a little...
    
    Regards,
    Steve

        Possibilities from an electronics hack:
        
        � Weak/bad resistor around the power tube sockets
        � Weak/bad capacitor around the power tube sockets
        � Shorting power transformer (the more heat the more resistance)
        
        Remember that  you're  working  with  very high voltages with
        these amps, so  unless  you know what to/not to touch, it may
        be a good idea  to  let  a  tube amp specialist work with the
        amp.  Unless you can drain all the energy from the caps, then
        anything you touch could cause a severe shock.
        
        The heat is an indication that  there  is  a  high  amount of
        resistance, which is more than normal.   From  a  quick look,
        check the solder connections for cold solder joints  or  weak
        wiring. 
        
        That's about all I can think of off the  top  of my head, but
        most of all, don't play through it until you find  the  cause
        of  the high heat.  It could cause more damage than  you  may
        want to deal with.  (i.e. - older transformers aren't cheap!)
        
        Just a couple possibilities. . .
        
        Matt

    Very hot power tubes and loud humming are clear indications that the
    power tubes are underbiased; in this situation, there's not enough
    negative bias voltage on the grid, and the power tubes conduct more
    current than they should.  Normally, a simple rebias would fix this.
    However, the symptoms you describe, where the problem went and came
    back and some weird interaction with the vibrato circuit, suggest
    something more serious; perhaps a loose connection in the bias circuit
    or a major component failure as suggested in previous replies.
    
    It's impossible to shoot this via notes; I suggest a trip to the amp
    doctor.
    
    /rick

    Brian:
    	YOu've probably already solved this by now but there are some good
    techniciansl out there. I have had good look with R.M.I which is
    adjacent to UNion music is Worcester. i just had a fender pro-reverb
    rebuilt there. There is a whole team of guys and they work on
    everything from tube to idigital. It sounds like a short to me; some
    kind of interemittant and you might as well bring it to somebody that
    can give yuou a 90 day warranty. They will also give you an estimate
    befiore they go in to complete the job so that you know what your
    looking at.
    	forgive me fro chatting in the notes file buit i think we jammed a
    few years back in fact i think i subbed for you in you band for a
    couple of giggs when you went on vacaation. I'll send you mail.
    
    	I'm still playing and glad to see you are too.
    
    					--Fred
    

    
    I have an old Fender Vibrolux that someone modified to use a single 12
    in speaker.  I have been considering restoring it back to the original
    (2 10 in speakers) cause it's kind of a classic - black pre CBS -
    anything old is worth more and more these days - except maybe software
    specialists...
    
    Can anyone comment on which speaker configuration sounds/performs better?
    
    I have an JBL 12 in - should I restore it back to Fender speakers?
    
    					Paul

    I had a Vibrolux Reverb with a 12" EV  once and found it to be a real 
    workhorse of an amp. I'd say it's worth keeping and restoring as these
    amps are getting few and far between. 
    
    
    								Rick
    

    
    If it was me I'd order a pair of the '63 Vibroverb reissue speakers,
    assuming that the Vibrolux and Vibroverb are close to same output
    (40 watts).  

    Or another idea; Kendricks sells it's own "black frame" speakers that
    are supposed to be the bees knees when it comes to vintage Fender
    restorations.  It's the speaker he uses in his 4x10 Bassman copy.
    Price from Kendricks is $75 apiece but they can be had for more like
    $50 if you shop around.
    
    If it were me, I'd definitely go back to the 2x10s in this amp.
    
    /rick

     When you put an 8 ohm 12" spkr in the Vibrolux, was there any
     noticeable drop in output power?

     Rick,
     I was thinking about calling Kendricks about getting some spkrs
     for my Blackface Pro Reverb. Any idea how much for 12" version,
     and who else might carry vintage replacements?

     Neal

    re: Kendricks speakers

    That's not a bad price at all for a custom speaker!  I'd have expected
    them to be more then that.  Definitely sounds like a viable option to
    me.

    Greg

    re .10
    
    I was quoted $50 apiece for new Kendrick's 10" black-frames (in quantities
    of two or more) by a guy in Minnesota, Tom (something)?  He deals a lot of
    vintage Fender amp parts.  Neal, I think you've even mentioned doing business
    with this guy yourself; his name and number are somewhere here in notes.
    I think his price for the 12's was $100 (down from Kendrick's $125).  I'll
    have to check through my stuff at home this weekend for more details.
    
    /rick