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How to Troubleshoot a Gibson Georgia 19RVT Amplifier

Tube amplifiers, like the classic Gibson GA-19RTV, are used by many guitarists who find their sound qualities unique. Repairing a tube that has stopped working properly can be a difficult and time-consuming task that requires the attention of a repairman who is familiar with tube amps and can sometimes be costly. Fortunately, there a few simple things that you can check for that are easily repaired by most people before you call the repairman.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on the amplifier and check that the power light comes on. If the light comes on but you get no sound or a buzzing, check the guitar chord. Guitar chords with shorts or broken or damaged jacks will interfere with the amplifier's normal operation. If the light does not come on, check the power fuse. Twist the fuse cap located on the top of the amplifier near the power switch. The fuse is a small glass tube with a filament running through it. Look at the filament to see if it is broken or if there are burn marks on the inside of the glass. Replace if necessary.
- 2
  Check the power cord for signs of damage. An ohm-meter can be used to check the continuity of the cord. Place one of the leads of your ohm-meter on the metal prong of the power cord. Place the opposite lead onto the solder that connects the other end of the power cord to the amplifier. Check that it registers no resistance. If the meter registers infinite resistance, there is a break or short in the wire. Make sure that the plug is firmly in the electrical outlet.
- 3
  Inspect the tubes in the back of the amplifier. Make sure that they are all intact and glowing. Replace any tube that is not glowing, glowing dimmer than the rest or looks burnt or damaged.
- 4
  Check to see that the speaker cone is not ripped and that the speaker wires are firmly connect and free of damage speaker to ensure that it is not damaged if the turns on but sound quality is poor. A blown speaker will produce fuzzy, muffled, and crackling sounds.
- 5
  Contact a local repair shop if you are unable to locate the problem, or you feel that you cannot repair the problem yourself.

Antiquing