Guitar Amplifier probem (connect, volume, repair, component)

[trusso11783]

I have an unused, yet 20 year old amp (original owner) that is crackling and has major volume change issues, even when not touching the amp. Would anyone know what kind of issue this is by watching this short video?

https://youtu.be/_i4_hLdKxnQ

[harry chickpea]

Typically, that is caused by a loose connection that opens with vibration or movement. It could be a badly seated component in a socket, cold solder joint, or dirty potentiometer.

[turf3]

Why don't you take it down to the guitar shop and ask for an informed opinion? Is this something that's just recently started although you've been using it all along, or is it an amplifier that's been sitting unused for years and you just pulled it out of the barn?

[trusso11783]

I bought a Vox Cambridge Reverb 30 around 2000. Used it once and never again. I also bought a Vox AC30 c2 (similar to what the Beatles used) when I was about to join a Beatles band 5 years ago. Of course, that is still in the box. See a pattern here? No time for anything. So, I figured I would sell the AC30 since it weighs around 80 lbs but when I pulled out the older amp, it began whacking out. Googling the problem results in something known as Cambridgeitis since one part seems to fail on all of them.

I don’t want to waste a bench fee to have it fixed. It has no real value to me. I wouldn’t pay more than $100 to repair it and no one on Long Island would do it for that price. I think I am going to spend $10 for the part and solder it myself. If I blow it up, I pretty much am in the same situation as I am now.

[gguerra]

It may be built up dirt/dust. Try opening it and using compressed air to clean. You could also clean the contacts using a spray solvent, just make sure to unplug before this. This would help with corrosion.