Re: Buying a multimeter: need your recommendation

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4/20/2000 1:44 AM

Steve Slick

Re: Buying a multimeter: need your recommendation Good points, gentlemen. I'm learning a lot here. Hope I don't forget it real soon, like I usually do.     Neat thing about analog electronics, unlike digital, is that close is good enough, usually. Actually, I think it's kind of a creative force.     For example, look at the schematic of an old Fender amp. How many caps? How many resistors? The actual value of most of them can have an effect on tone. Right?     And how much can those values VARY when originally installed? Now, how much can they vary with age, heat, moisture, abuse, etc.?     Being in a mathematical haze, not long ago, it occurred to me that the number of permutations of tone that you can get are incredible. It's a wonder that they can even sound anything alike.     So, when the digital modelers tell us they have nailed a model of a '64 BF Super Reverb, I will wonder, which one?     Have I been around too many paint fumes lately? I must be bored. What was the question?

 

4/20/2000 7:35 AM

rebel420

quote: "And how much can those values VARY when originally installed? Now, how much can they vary with age, heat, moisture, abuse, etc.?" Reminds me of an Ampeg ReverbRocket I worked on a while ago... needed caps BAD, after I replaced them, I also changed the carbon comp resistors that drifted WAY out of spec, (plus it had the RiceCrispie syndrome--snap, crackle and pop!), and he HATED the way it sounded afterwards, so I measured where the resistors drifted to (cathode and plate) and put in new carbon film's with values closer to the 'drifted to' values as opposed to the 'in spec' values... the amp had the magic back and he was happy....     quote: "So, when the digital modelers tell us they have nailed a model of a '64 BF Super Reverb, I will wonder, which one?" Exactly!! and are they talking with what speakers Leo was using at the time? or what line voltage... remember, they mostly used 10% tolerance parts, so if the tolerances fell the right way, you had magic... and the other way, you had a 'dead' sounding amp....   quote: "Have I been around too many paint fumes lately? I must be bored. What was the question?" If you've been around too many paint fumes, maybe more people should be sniffing them as well...My suggestion is to play with different things... put in pots for various resistors and tweak to get your magic tone spot, measure and use as your resistor values, and use good carbon films (cheap alternative) or go for 1% metal film resistors, that way your tone will stay for years, AND can be duplicated easier if something happens.. .they are loads quieter... and I must say, I did some personal research into the sound of different resistor types, and to be honest, I could hear NO difference between carbon comp and carbon film or between carbon film and metal film, other than the noise factor and reliability... On stage the effects are not going to be noticeable, but as i was reminded today, in the studio, you will be glad you use metal films. secondly, even if YOU can hear differences between metal film and carbon comp, I doubt if you could on stage...and the differences you hear could most likely be due to other factors (human perception, line voltage, age of your strings using a 15ft cable vs a 20ft cable.. etc)...

 

4/20/2000 2:39 PM

Carl S.

As a point of info, I purchased a Fluke secondhand.   It had supercheap non-original probes on it and the lens and case were really ratty.     I was able to get replacement parts and a manual easily and fairly cheaply direct from Fluke.     This was a few years ago, but they seemed very serious about standing behind their products.     Even with the replaced parts, which made the unit look like new, I came out cheaper than a brand new one. And, this unit has served me well for almost 10 years now!     (It does have that analog LCD meter under the display....never found it valuable)     Auto-ranging is VERY nice, but I assume most all meters have that as standard these days.

 

4/20/2000 10:03 PM

Dave James

When I became more serious about my amp projects (i.e. thought I was going into business...), I bought a Fluke model 76 (US$200). Why? They work well and last a long time. I'd used them in the industry and was never disappointed. Why the model 76? It has "true" RMS measurement which comes in VERY handy when attempting to determine the output power level of an amp (I don't have to measure the peak voltage level with a scope, square it and then figure the mean...ok, I'm lazy). It'll handle up to 600V DC on the inputs, measures frequency AND capacitance (no, it doesn't do inductance).     And if you leave it on too long, it shuts itself off!     Not a Fluke salesman,     DJ

 

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