Is Your Guitar Amp Transformer Ready to Retire?

No power transformer was built to last forever. But how do you know when it’s time to put it out to pasture? Simple! Just take its temperature. You can do that the old fashioned way and touch it with a finger you’re not particularly fond of. If you experience second or third-degree burns and find yourself running around screaming, odds are the transformer is running too hot and may soon fail. (This method is NOT recommended!) You could also use a non-contact thermometer. Transformers should run between warm (about 100-110 degrees) and very warm (about 120 degrees). Keep in mind that transformers should ideally have their temperatures taken outside of the amp, as other components (like scorching hot power tubes) can artificially raise the outer temperature. We also recommend that unless you routinely service amplifiers, you leave this to qualified technicians. Even an unplugged amp can give you a nasty shock, so leave it to the experts.