Peavey LTD 400

[Terry Sneed]

Can somebody tell me what can cause my Peavy LTD 400 with 15" k130 start a scratching sound when I'm playing my strings especially on the higher strings. I took the speaker wires out and lengthend them a tad but didn't help. Scrathin may not be the right word , maybe a crackling sound, but maybe y'all know the sound I'm talking about. It was fine at my house but started when I took it to the Church. Thanks guys!

[Dennis Detweiler]

Scratching sound could be the volume pot (volume pedal). Another possibility is the speaker.

[Dennis Detweiler]

Crackling could be the molex connections on the amp circuit board. Pound on top of the amp when it crackles and see if it temporarily stops.

[Terry Sneed]

Thanks Dennis !I'll try those.

[Lane Gray]

If they're the problem, you can make the receptacle ends grip tighter, but I don't remember what I did to do it.

[Steve Hinson]

If they're the problem, you can make the receptacle ends grip tighter, but I don't remember what I did to do it.

You can take a very small flat-bladed screwdriver and tighten Molex plugs up by pushing on the sides of the"female"part of the plug...might as well clean up the"male"part with some fine steel wool while you have it apart.

SH

[Terry Sneed]

Well, I reckon it was the reverb. I unplugged it and no crackling sound. Anybody know what a spring reverb cost ? Or I may just use my Atlantic reverb/delay . it's got a purty good sound.

[Jerry Overstreet]

If you suspect a reverb issue, you need to determine whether it's the reverb circuit in the amp, the reverb pan itself or the leads from one to the other.

Other than trial and error, a tech is required, as testing the amp circuitry takes knowledgeable personnel and specific testing instruments.

Your reverb pedal would be an ideal solution at least until the time you can do or have done some testing if not permanently.

[Terry Sneed]

Thanks Jerry !

[Lane Gray]

Terry, I recommend following Steve Hinson's advice. The Molex connector sending the signal to and from the tank is a known failure node on many Peavey amps. If that's the problem, new tanks will exhibit the same problem, and if you do it yourself, dressing the contacts is either free, or the cost of tiny screwdrivers and steel wool.

[Dennis Detweiler]

Many times, the small wires in the reverb tank will break and cause intermittent connection. If you're handy with a soldering gun you can replace those wires that connect from the spring to the input and output jacks on the tank.

[Dennis Detweiler]

The wires are crimped onto the molex pins which can also become loose over time. I replaced all of the pins in the molex connectors and soldered the wires to the pins. All the connections are tight now and no more problems.