(One Way to) Safely and Easily Discharge the Caps on Most Fender Tube Amps | READ THE DESCRIPTION!

READ THIS!!!

Watch the whole thing very carefully. Make sure you really understand everything shown here before trying it.

Once you play with the power off to discharge the caps, UNPLUG THE AMP FROM THE WALL before going inside the chassis, Should have put that in the video.

If you have concerns, don't do it.

[PsionicAudio]

Once you play with the power off to discharge the caps, UNPLUG THE AMP FROM THE WALL before going inside the chassis, Should have put that in the video.

[GlennJimenez]

This is a subject that is the brick wall so many people who work on their gear find themselves upon

[sempercompellis]

you are obviously a great tech so my endorsement means little there. What I can say however is over the last few weeks the quality of your youtube videos have gone up a lot. These last few have seemed to be more educational and the production has even increased- I realize being a tech first and a youtuber second- this may not be your overarching concern but it is appreciated for us out there who are learning some tips.

[glenndavis]

You're definitely a good man to explain safely how to remove a chassis to work on it

[EricStPierre]

Now I can safely take my Deluxe in the tub with me. Less tingly now that I can discharge it.

In all seriousness, thanks for the context!

[williamburns]

Thanks Lyle...I've never been interested in electronics before I started using valve amps...I appreciate your knowledge and wisdom

[Teleman]

I've heard of this but never had to do it. As I never took my Deluxe Reverb RI apart when I had it. Your channel is probably one of the best amp channels on youtube. There will always be second guessers, it happens in any trade.

[giulioluzzardi]

Hello, we were taught to do it the same way with Valve amps in the UK. Thanks for the reminder.

[diystompbox]

Just one time, I decided to use the screwdriver to discharge the caps - I will never forget the SNAP and the pit it left on the screwdriver!!!! Serious stuff! Thanks for the video!

[FulcrumsEdge]

It is always reassuring and motivating to watch videos from like minded people with similar tastes, who also have an "old soul" to their character that help others understand often misunderstood concepts like the difference in an amps shortcomings, and what makes an amp "crap". you seem to maintain this mindset about a lot including yourself and other people and have a generally uncommon ability to see things for what they are, and for what they aren't. With that ability you don't seem to judge anything or anyone for more than they should reasonably be held responsible for and I respect the hell out of that. I love how your experiences in the shop with modern reissue amplifiers out of the Fender camp does not sway your love of that signature Fender sound has given you. To many people that would defy logic, but that just means that on a basic level they lack the experience and appreciation of something that impacts our lives in a unique and drastic way, which I think too many people nowadays have likely never experienced. I digress. There are quite a few aspects of your presentation and effort to educate that keep me coming back. You've been inspiring me to cautiously overcome my apprehensions about learning and understanding the complexity and dangers of amp circuits. I want to be able to keep the small collection I have functioning as they're designed, being respectful of the inherent dangers, so they can do their job of keeping a smile on my face for as long as I can play, hopefully passing on some of that joy to my daughter as she grows up as well. Cheers!

[raybede]

Thank you for such vital safety information.

[jonniegibbins]

I never put my fingers in an amp that I'm not sure has discharged. I use someone else's fingers. I keep them in my little draw :-)

[jeremyschmidt]

I Wanted to check if my 66 bandmaster had original filter caps. The amp still held on to 15 volts after this method. I continued by draining it slowly with the meter. The filter caps were original. Thanks for the video!

[SuperBossman]

I was helping a friend wire a car audio power amp (500w rms) up once and he accidentally shorted the output terminals I was amazed how big of a arc resulted. And this amp had been sitting for years. Ever since I’ve had a healthy respect for large caps in general.

[weschilton]

This is the method I used when I went into my '67 Deluxe Reverb to replace those 55 year old filter caps. When I measured the voltage it was less than 1 volt anywhere in the amp. So I can confirm that this works. I haven't tried it with my Marshall JMP yet, but I will soon.

I still want to make a discharge tool with alligator clips and a big 200ohm 10-watt resistor... I have everything to make it, I just haven't had time to do it yet.

[cnilecnile]

I had forgotten about this-it doesn't pull it all out, but it makes it generally safe to do things like change jacks, replace the power cable, etc.
Also do this before you change or remove a tube.
I haven't worked on tube amps since the early 80's, and have forgotten all this stuff.

[guitarzan]

Thank You again Lyle, You may never know the lives You have saved, or at least dispensed with the cursing and flailing that accompanies a good shock.

[davegenske]

Thanks for the information here. Appreciate it !

[Nozmo_King_NJ]

I really enjoy your videos. As a long time amp tinkerer it's helped me better understand what I should and should not do myself. Glad I didn't have to learn that stuff the hard way.

[Exploboy]

I'm using two bulbs from fridge connected in series with two alligators clips, works fine every time without sparks and explosions ;))