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How to Install a Standby Switch Into a Valve Jr.

The Valve Junior is a guitar head amplifier manufactured by Epiphone. It is a 5-watt head that uses pre-amp valve tubes. The standby switch on the is a switch that should be turned on prior to powering the up. This procedure can help keep power supply fuses from blowing. It also preserves the tube cathode which will prevent sound degradation in the amp. If the standby switch goes out it can be replaced with a new one.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Soldering iron
Solder sucking squeeze ball
Solder
Replacement standby switch

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the from the electrical socket.
- 2
  Remove the outer casing screws with a Phillips screwdriver, set the screws aside, then remove the back and side casing. It will lift up and off.
- 3
  Plug in the soldering iron and allow it to heat up. Place the tip of the soldering iron to the old standby switch solder joints to loosen the solder. Squeeze the solder ball (some soldering irons will have the squeeze ball built onto one end), then release it to suck the old solder up. Remove the switch from its plastic casing by hand.
- 4
  Set the new standby switch in place, with the wires touching their terminals. Touch the solder to the terminal and melt a small amount of solder onto the joint. Repeat to solder the other wire to the second terminal.
- 5
  Replace the amplifier's outer case and all the retaining screws.
- 6
  Plug the in and press the standby switch in to test it. It will light up if it is working properly.

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