18W Tremolo Tick Resolved

[roadshow]

Hey guys,

A few years ago I posted threads on a motorboat issue I had with the Mojotone kit I put together that I resolved. I also had a tremolo tick that I just couldn't seem to cure. So, having other amps I parked this one. In retirement, a couple of weeks ago I decided I was going to hunt down and get rid of the tick.

From posts in this group, el34world, Rob Robinette posts, and other searches I got a few ideas that I implemented. I chopsticked wires to different positions, made some reroutes and changes and thought I had it licked. So I put it back in the head and the tick was alive and well. So, the amp came out and went back in my fixture.

In the fixture it was just fine. When my hand was close to certain things the tick would appear, like stray capacitance that's used in touch sensors. I looked at my amp and had an idea. I put aluminum foil over the chassis covering the circuit and it came roaring back. So, I went back to the head and tore out the aluminum foil shielding tape I had put in the bottom, put the chassis back in, and no issue. I've been giving the amp a workout since then and it's as quiet as a mouse.

I love the amp now!!

Anyway, I wanted to post this in case anyone else comes along that can't seem to get rid of a tremolo tick.

Bill

[Bieworm]

Go figure! The thing to keep the circuit safe from external radio interference has been a cause of trouble internally. Thanks for sharing buddy!!!

[JMPGuitars]

Go figure! The thing to keep the circuit safe from external radio interference has been a cause of trouble internally. Thanks for sharing buddy!!!

Likely because the issue is internal. Is he using shielded plate wires on the tremolo tube? Good ground scheme?

[Bieworm]

Go figure! The thing to keep the circuit safe from external radio interference has been a cause of trouble internally. Thanks for sharing buddy!!!

Likely because the issue is internal. Is he using shielded plate wires on the tremolo tube? Good ground scheme?

Good point
But wouldn’t the “big geniuses elite” at EL34 have advised that already?

[roadshow]

Go figure! The thing to keep the circuit safe from external radio interference has been a cause of trouble internally. Thanks for sharing buddy!!!

Likely because the issue is internal. Is he using shielded plate wires on the tremolo tube? Good ground scheme?

Good point
But wouldn’t the “big geniuses elite” at EL34 have advised that already?

The answer is yes, shielded plate wires are being used on the tremolo tube.

[Bieworm]

Likely because the issue is internal. Is he using shielded plate wires on the tremolo tube? Good ground scheme?

Good point
But wouldn’t the “big geniuses elite” at EL34 have advised that already?

The answer is yes, shielded plate wires are being used on the tremolo tube.

Do you have detailed pics?

[roadshow]

Do you have detailed pics?

Only from the original build and with great operation and no problem now I'm leaving well enough alone.

Should that or a different gremlin appear I'll take pics.