19 replies to this topic

[Jovan]

Hi, I just wanted to ask something. I bought my first electric guitar, and amp, 1 month ago. I thought everything is okay but, my friend noticed on my amp that option "Distortion" doesn't work. I mean it works it changes the sound but only for a bit.. I don't get that cool sound.. (Dunno how to describe it, sorry.. tho u probably know .. )
So is it broken or I need to do something ? .. I have Roland Cube 20X Guitar Combo Amplifier. I hope you'll help me.
PS. And i just saw on forums that buzz sound when u hit string is normal if u didn't tune 'em right. What a relief.

[allthumbs]

with a cube 20, you should be getting some fat distortion. Sounds like it is in need of repair.

[GotDeeBlues]

+1 to Allthumbs. There is nothing subtle about the distortion settings on a 20X. I have one, and a few of the amp models are too much for me to use very often.

[Stratrat]

+1 to both the above - assuming you're using one of the distorted amp models and not one of the "clean" settings, your amp isn't working properly. The Roland Cube series have some very thick distortion, especially on the R-Fier setting. If you turn it to that channel and max out the "gain" knob, you should have more than enough distortion for anything.

[Jovan]

Stratrat said:

+1 to both the above - assuming you're using one of the distorted amp models and not one of the "clean" settings, your amp isn't working properly. The Roland Cube series have some very thick distortion, especially on the R-Fier setting. If you turn it to that channel and max out the "gain" knob, you should have more than enough distortion for anything.

Problem is that when I turn on Distortion only volume is higher, but there's no new sound effect.

[allthumbs]

See if it is still under warranty and take it back to the store.

[Jovan]

allthumbs said:

See if it is still under warranty and take it back to the store.

Ye, it is

[allthumbs]

Cool. Take it back, swap it for a new one.

[Jovan]

Hi again, lets make this thread active again (sadly).
My amp would work for some time, then it wouldn't.
I went twice to store where i bought that amp, and it worked. When I came home it didn't work. I don't know what to do, they can't send my amp to service cause they don't know how to describe the error.
What should I do?

[Dewy]

Is the voltage the same at the store and at home?

I am not familiar with that model amp, but check for loose connections with it disconnected from the power supply. Check fuses as well as the tips of the plug.

Amps with intermittent issues are very difficult to work with.

[Jovan]

Hi, and thanks for answering so fast.
Well the amp is working, but distortion and other effects don't...
Voltage can have effect on that ? o.O

[Dewy]

I have seen amps that work "partially" when voltage is not correct. That is one take on the problem you describe... "distortion" is a sound you get when you overdrive the input signal...

If your amp was "barely" working, overdriving the signal would just increase the volume, not distort.

[Jovan]

Yeah you're right! Only the volume is higher, thank you very much!
So now... How to fix that ''voltage problem thingy'' ? :S

[Dewy]

I am only suspecting that... I have no way of telling for certain from here.

Using a multi tester you can test the source of your power to confirm you are supplying the correct voltage.

Examining the power supply wiring for defects and testing all functions of the amp to verify which functions are not working properly.

Compare your "home" voltage to that at the "shop" where it works fine.

Try the amp at other locations, see if you can determine the way to repeat the malfunction to demonstrate it to the store.

I am only guessing here friend, I do not feel confident I can diagnose your problem, just trying to help.

A friend kept telling me his amp would not work at home, was a couple of months until I found out he had a cheap generator at home he was running for power. When he turned it up it didn't get louder... was very odd.

[karcey]

Are you taking your guitar with you to the store? Always a good idea to have a tech check the whole setup.

[pHGTRSpider]

Yes, I agree with Karcey, could be your guitar pickups are poorly set up (i.e. very low or far away from the strings) or the pickups themselves are very light duty or some other problem with the guitar. Assuming the gain is turned up on your cube ( I have two of them) there should be plenty of crunch & sustain.

[Jovan]

Thank you very much Dewy!
Karcey, went to the store twice with guitar and amp, and it worked there. :/

[Jovan]

pHGTRSpider, and maybe that
thanks ^^

[mantablueraider]

karcey said:

Are you taking your guitar with you to the store? Always a good idea to have a tech check the whole setup.

take your chord you use to connect the guitar to the amp also... had some weird stuff happen with those before. had one that the volume would only go halfway up and no distortion until i shook the chord and got blown off my chair!

[karcey]

This is getting interesting. There has to be one variable which you haven't controlled.
If the exact combination of equipment works at the store but not at home, then the problem is at home, not with the equipment. Does it work at a friend's house? Does it work in a different room at home, like using a different power point?
Do you have a variety of cables to use? And have you switched the cables end for end?
Your friend might have some gear that you could try piece by piece to see if any combination of guitar and cable will work with that amp at your house.
Keep trying ... I'd like to hear the solution to this one.