Duncan 84-40 User manual

84-40 TUBE AMPLIFIER
OWNER'S MANUAL

CAUTION
To prevent electrical shock, do not operate this unit in wet or moist areas.
There are no user serviceable parts inside. (See, "Maintenance" and "'Tube Chart" sections for
user maintenance procedures.)

Congratulations on your purchase of the Seymour Duncan Research 84-40 Tube guitar amplifier.
The 84-40 Tube is the product of art intense research and development effort. Our object was to
provide guitarists with an affordable, all-tube amplifier, which sounded great.
The 84-40 Tube is based on classic principles of tube guitar amplifier design. An all-tube preamp
drives a quartet of EL-84 power tubes, which provide the sweetest, most musical tone possible.
The rectangular cabinet shape enhances the spacious "breathing" quality of the sound. Features
such as on-board reverb and a buffered effects loop make the 84-40 Tube a simple, functional
rig, which can adapt to any musical situation.
Read this manual carefully to familiarize you with the features and operation of the 84-40 Tube.
Your new amp will provide years of trouble free performance, great tone and musical fun.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front Panel Diagram
Performance Applications and Guidelines
Rear Panel Diagram & Tube Chart
Maintenance
Trouble Shooting
Warranty
Notes

84-40 TUBE AMP FRONT PANEL
PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS AND GUIDELINES
The name of the 84-40 Tube amp reflects its design -the amp uses a quartet of EL-84 type tubes
to produce 40 watts of power.
The EL-84 tube was chosen specifically for its rich, sweet toile qualities, especially when pushed
to distortion. This tube was widely used in many early amplifiers, but it is most famous for its use
in the Vox AC-30. This was the amp used on the early Stones, Beatles and Yardbirds records.
The EL-84 has a wonderful musical character -it sings, it growls, and it has great dynamic
response. The harder you play, the more it distorts and sustains. Back off on your attack and it
"idles", cleaning up the sound. In short, EL-84's are a ton of fun!
The first thing you'll probably notice about your amp is that it's very loud for its size. We wanted to
make an amp for the working guitarist-something that could cut it in most club and casual gig
situations. The 84-40 Tube has more than enough kick to keep up with a loud drummer and bass
player. In fact, when we were testing prototypes in clubs around town, the 84-40 Tube had no
trouble holding its own on a stage full of 50 and 100-watt amps.
Using the 84-40 Tube live is simple. Just use your ears to dial in the EQ settings you need,
depending on the type of pickups in your guitar, the demands of the job, etc. Switch channels to
find a balance between clean and overdrive settings. A typical lead/rhythm sound setting might
be:
EQ/TONE CONTROLS
Even though both channels share the same tone controls, the 84-40 Tube amp has been
carefully voiced for a smooth natural transition between channels. By switching back and forth a
few times and adjusting the gain controls of each channel, it will be easy to get the proper tone
and volume balance between clean and distortion sounds.

GAIN BOOSTS
The 84-40 Tube has two gain boosts, which are activated, by push/pull pots on the overdrive
control of each channel. Pulling out the overdrive control of Channel One actives a subtle 6 dB
boost on both channels. Pulling out the OD control on Channel Two activates a stronger, 10 dB
boosts on Channel Two only. In general, these boosts are designed to get more bottom end,
punch and sustain when using the amplifier at low volumes. As the volume increases, the need
for added low frequency response decreases. Using the boosts at high volume levels may
produce unwanted "mushiness" in the sound.
BRIGHT SWITCH
The bright switch is activated by pulling out the master volume pot of Channel One. This adds
6-12 dB of boost at 6 kHz for more "crispness" and shimmer to the high end of Channel One only.
TONE TIP
Your 84-40 Tube will get the richest, most dynamic tone when the power amp section is working
hard; i.e. when the master volume control is up around 4 or 5. With the preamp volume around
6-7 and the master at 4-5, the 84-40 Tube will produce a punchy "clean" distortion -plenty of
sustain and harmonics, but without too much "fuzz" cluttering up the sound. For maximum
overdrive and distortion, run the preamp volume at 10.
REVERB
Reverb adds a spacious quality to your tone. The reverb control affects both channels. Set for the
amount of reverb you need. BE CAREFUL! Too much reverb may cause feedback. EFFECTS
LOOP
EFFECTS LOOP
The effects loop allows you to place your effects into the signal path after the preamp, for
smoother, quieter operation. To use the effects loop, run a cable from the "send" jack to the input
of your effect device. Then come out of the effect to the "return" of the effect loop.
To switch channels, use the front panel channel selector switch or use a remote footswitch. If you
use a footswitch, you'll need a single pole/single throw on/off type switch. Do not use an FET
momentary type.

84-40 TUBE AMP REAR PANEL
Primary fuse
For I 1OOV & 120V operation, use a 2A/250V slo-blo
For 220V & 240V operation, use a 1A/250V slo-blo
AC cord
4-ohm speaker output
8-ohm speaker output.
TUBE CHART
The 84-40 Tube uses:
3 12AX7 (also known as ECC 83 or 7025) preamp tubes, and
4 EL-84 (also known as 6BQ5 or 7189) power tubes.

MAINTENANCE
Most maintenance procedures for your amp will involve the tubes. Refer any other necessary
work or adjustments to a qualified technician. THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. If your amp requires service, contact the Seymour Duncan factory for the name of your
nearest Authorized Service Center. PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT ACCEPT UNITS SHIPPED
TO THE FACTORY WITHOUT A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER.
The 12AX7 preamp tubes should last up to 2-3 years, depending on the amount of use.
Symptoms, which indicate failing pre-amp tubes, include:
-Any intermittent noise (sputtering, ringing, etc.) that seems to come and go as the amp warms
up.
-Excessive white noise or hiss.
-Inability to get a clean sound, even a low volume levels.
The EL-84 tubes in the power section of the amp could last up to 2 years, depending on volume
levels and hours of use. High volume playing 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week could wear out a
set of output tubes in a little as 6 months.
Symptoms, which indicate worn power tubes, include:
-Loss of power, punch; amp sounds "mushy" when pushed.
-Excessive hum.
If the outer plates of a tube begin to glow brightly, this tube has shorted. Turn off the amp and
replace the tubes, preferably with a matched set. It's OK in an emergency to replace only one
output tube, but all four output tubes should be replaced ASAP with a matched set. These are
tubes, which have been tested and matched according to their power and performance
characteristics (ex. RAM labs tubes, Groove Tubes, etc.). A matched set of power tubes will
significantly lower audible hum and increase power output (possibly as much as 10-20 watts).
This will offer more clarity on the clean channel and a tighter low-end response for a punchier
overdrive sound. Also, when replacing the output tubes on your amp, it is good to have the amp's
bias control adjusted to achieve the optimum performance from a set of tubes. ALWAYS REFER
THE AMP TO A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FOR BIAS ADJUSTMENT.
Always store your amp in a dry area. Storage in damp areas will cause corrosion of internal
electrical contacts (switches, pots, jacks, etc.) and will in time degrade the performance of the
amp. Amps used in damp environments should be periodically cleaned by a qualified technician.
Symptoms, which may indicate corrosion, include:
-Potentiometer rotational noise (volume or tone controls sound "scratchy" when turning). Use of a
commercially available tuner spray will work in most cases.
-Intermittent or noisy jacks.
-Intermittent tube noise that is affected by slightly wiggling the tube in its socket.
To maintain the tolex covering on your amp, use "armor-all" type cleaner.

PERSONAL SETTINGS
Note your favorite 84-40 Tube Tones:

SEYMOUR DUNCAN LIMITED WARRANTY
Please read carefully: Seymour Duncan amplifiers (hereinafter referred to is the Product) ire
warranted against defects in workmanship and materials, excluding tubes covered separately, for
a period of one year from date of purchase to the original purchaser. Tubes are warranted for 90
days from date of purchase. This warranty is not transferable.
Defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge if the product is returned to the
Seymour Duncan factory, at the address below or to a Seymour Duncan Authorized Service
Center. In the event a product is to be returned to the Seymour Duncan Factory for repairs, A
RETURN AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO SHIPPING BY CALLING OR
WRITING THE COMPANY FOR THE RA NUMBER.
When returning make certain to include copy of bill of sale. Any product shipped must be returned
in the ORIGINAL SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIAL and freight
prepaid. Transportation charges involved in warranty service are the sole responsibility of the
purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse, mishandling, negligence in use or
maintenance or storage, and is voided if repairs or adjustments are made after purchase by
anyone other than the Seymour Duncan factory or a Seymour Duncan Authorized Service
Center. Seymour Duncan reserves the right to be the sole judge as to the misuse or abuse of the
product.
The company assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages which may result from
the failure of this product. Any warranties implied by law are limited to the duration of this express
limited warranty.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or
limitation on incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state.
For this warranty to be valid, the original owner must return the completed warranty registration
cards to Seymour Duncan within 10 days.
SEYMOUR DUNCAN WARRANTY CARD THE SEYMOUR DUNCAN WARRANTY IS ONLY
VALID FOR PRODUCTS BOUGHT NEW THROUGH A SEYMOUR DUNCAN AUTHORIZED
DEALER. IN ADDITION, IN ORDER FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE IN EFFECT, THIS
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD MUST BE SIGNED BY BOTH THE BUYER AND T HE
DEALER AND RETURNED TO SEYMOUR DUNCAN AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE WITHIN TEN
DAYS OF THE PURCHASE.
BUYER'S NAME (Please Print)
BUYER'S ADDRESS
CITY STATE
MODEL SERIAL# PURCHASE DATE
STORE NAME CITY
BUYER'S SIGNATURE DEALER'S SIGNATURE

TROUBLESHOOTING
The following chart should help isolate some common problems you may encounter with your
amplifier. Some are obvious problems you can remedy you, but remember, THERE ARE NO
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE AMP. If you cannot identify the cause of the problem
using the chart, or if it indicates your amplifier to be defective and in need of repair, return the unit
to an authorized Seymour Duncan Service Center, or call [phone] for a Return
Authorization number. No units will be accepted by Seymour Duncan without an RA number.
Symptom Cause Remedy
Amplifier does not come on
when power switch is “on” 1. Power not connected 1. Ensure power cord is plugged in
2. Blown amp fuse 2. Check amp fuse; replace
with appropriate value fuse
1A/250 V for 220V & 240V
operation
2A/250V for 1OOV & 120V
operation
3. No source voltage 3. Verify power source with
something you know works
4. Defective on/off power
switch 4. Return unit to authorized service center
No sound coming from
speakers; no audible hum
from amplifier, but LED's are
on
1. Master volume and/or
overdrive control set too low 1. Increase control settings
2. Speaker output jack not
connected 2. Connect speaker to 4 ohm or 8 ohm output
3. Defective speaker or cable 3. Verify if speakers operate
properly by using another amp
4. Volume controls on
instrument down 4. Increase instrument settings
Distorted sound from one or
both channels at low volumes 1. Overdrive control set too high 1. Reduce control level
2. Worn tubes 2. See maintenance and tube
chart section
No reverb 1. Reverb control set too low 1. Increase control level
2. Reverb output wires not
connected to send/return
inputs or connected
backwards
2. Ensure reverb output wires
properly connected
3. Defective spring 3. Refer to authorized service
center
4. Defective send/return
circuits 4. Refer to authorized service center
Amp does not switch channels 1. Defective footswitch 1. Replace footswitch
2. Defective manual channel
switching switch 2. Refer to authorized service center
3. Defective internal channel
switching circuit 3. Refer to authorized service center

Seymour Duncan
5427 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.seymourduncan.com