How to Troubleshoot a Line 6 Spider Amplifier

The Line 6 Spider guitar amplifier series was the best selling amp in 2008. Well known in the music industry as the innovator of the modeling amp, Line 6 products give musicians the chance to play a variety of different amps and effects through a single platform. Even with the best equipment, however, occasional problems may arise. Before heaving your amp to the nearest technician, troubleshooting the problem yourself may provide you with a much quicker solution.

Check that the plug is securely inserted into an outlet for power issues. Insert the plug into a different outlet as well. Check the amp end of the power cord to be sure it is securely inserted into the amp.

Press each of the buttons on the amp to make sure they are not stuck for tone or rattling issues. Inspect the amp to make sure nothing is resting on the amp such as silicon packs, for example. Wiggle each of the screws attached along the amp corners, speakers, baffle boards and handle to ensure they are snug and tighten if necessary.

Shut off volume controls not being used such as volume trim pots for signal and volume issues. Check input jacks and CAT-5 jacks for debris. Plug cables into a different amp and check to determine if cables are the source of the problem.

Play a different instrument through the amp to determine if the issue is instrument related.

Tighten the input and output jacks if necessary. Locate and inspect the white and black or red speaker wires are securely attached.

Grab each tube individually and press to make sure each tube is securely inserted into its socket. Listen for a ringing sound if the amp then functions as this may indicate a failing tube. Inspect the tubes for intermittent light to further determine the source of the problem.

Inspect the tubes for a white, frosty appearance as this is an indication of a cracked tube.

Check to determine which tube is causing the problem by inserting one new tube into a socket and then checking the sound until the source of the problem is discovered.

Replace all power amp tubes in pairs between one and two years depending on how often the amp is used. Replace pre-amp tubes only when they begin to ring when tapped or are otherwise damaged.