VVT Earthquake 2.2 User manual

EARTHQUAKE 2.2
Hand Crafted Tube Guitar Amplifier
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
2580 B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
301-396-4100
www.vvtamps.com
Important Information:
1. Please read all of the information contained in this document
2. Searching for tone? The Earthquake 2.2 is loosely based on the venerable
Fender Tweed amplifiers of the late 1950’s. The intent of this amp is to
provide the singing qualities of the 5E3 Deluxe along with the additional
headroom of the Blackface Deluxe Reverb. To achieve this goal, the
Earthquake 2.2 uses a heavy duty power transformer that provides the
perfect voltage requirements for the 6V6 output tubes. The output
transformer is selected to handle additional power and provide the great tone
associated with output tube distortion.
3. Like the vintage amps, the Earthquake 2.2’s are made the old fashioned way.
The circuit board is hand crafted using 1/8” Forbon and eyelets. They are
hand wired with vintage style cloth covered wire and have quality name
brand components loaded on a steel chassis. Coupling and tone capacitors
are Mallory 150's, and in some cases, New Old Stock (NOS). JJ Multi-
section or Sprague Atom caps are used for filtering and bypass. The amp is
loaded with the respected JJ 6V6S to handle the higher plate voltage.
Preamp tubes are selected for tone.
4. HUM - Some hum or amplified noise is normal. As the volume is increased
some amplified noise may be noticeable and will be more apparent in a small
quiet room. Additionally, tubes have inherent noise as do resistors. However,
excessive hum (noise) can be caused by electronic devices located near the
amp or on the same circuit such as neon signs, fridges, fluorescent lights,
computers, light dimmers, aquarium pumps, etc. Hum can vary with
different outlets, rooms or buildings.
5. Do not operate this amp without a speaker load.
The Deluxe® and Deluxe Reverb® models are trade names of Fender Musical
Instrument Corp. Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps is in no way affiliated with Fender
Musical Instrument Corp.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
WARNING: This guitar amplifier contains lethal HIGH VOLTAGE. To avoid risk of
injury or death from electric shock, do not open the enclosure or remove the back cover
from the amplifier. Refer all service work to qualified personnel.
WARNING: This amplifier contains Vacuum Tubes. Vacuum tubes are heated to
produce electrical currents and they get HOT. Touching this surface could result in
bodily injury. To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow the surface to
cool before touching. DO NOT touch or attempt to remove vacuum tubes until they have
had time to cool.
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: This amplifier should not be used near water (near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The amplifier should only be connected to a 120VAC household
power source.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding
or polarization is not defeated. Do not remove the ground from the power cord.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the amplifier.
SERVICING: You should not attempt to service this amp beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
FUSING: Your amplifier is equipped with two marked fuse receptacles, replace only
with the same type fuse.

MAINTAINING YOUR AMPLIFIER
1. Conductive foreign objects could produce a short circuit that could cause fire, electric
shock, or damage to your amplifier. Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign
matter inside the unit. The panel of your unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry
or slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust and bring back the new look. As with all
electronic equipment, avoid prolonged use in caustic environments (salt air). If used in
such an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately protected.
2. Your amp was designed for an 8 Ohm speaker load. The speaker load is reflected
back to the primary of the output transformer and output tubes. Contrary to myth, it will
not harm this amp to operate it with a 4 Ohm or 16 Ohm load. DO NOT operate this amp
without a speaker load or with a shorted speaker cable. A high qualith speaker cable
should be used. Do not use a guitar cable for a speaker cable. Failure to follow these
instructions could seriously damage your amp and will void any warranty.
3. The vacuum tubes in your amplifier are not solid state devices. They do, and will
wear out over time. The life expectancy of the tubes depends on the amount of time you
use your amplifier. If you replace your tubes they should be replaced with the same type
as originally installed. New Old Stock (NOS) 6V6 output tubes are not recommended
because they are not designed to handle the high voltage in VVT Amps. If the power
output tubes are replaced it is recommended that they be replaced in matched pairs and
that the tubes be biased for the proper operating current. Failure to properly bias the
output tubes could result in early failure of the new tubes or worse. VVT Amps will
install and set the bias on tubes you purchase from any source. VVT amps only offers
warranty on tubes originally installed in the amplifier.
4. The tolex fabric covering your amplifier cabinet should be cleaned periodically with a
soft damp cloth. Make sure that the amp is turned off and unplugged before cleaning the
cabinet. Do NOT use spray cleaners as overspray may cause corrosion of the faceplate,
chassis, or electrical components. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Do not allow
the amplifier to get wet. Don’t set your drink on it either. Use care when moving or
storing the amp; the tolex could rip or tear. Accidental damage to the cabinet or tolex is
not covered by your warranty.

USING YOUR AMPLIFIER
1. POWER Switch: In the ON position Applies 120VAC to the power transformer.
In the OFF position removes 120VAC from the power transformer.
2. STANDBY Switch: In the OFF position, the STANDBY Switch allows voltage
to the tube filaments but stops high DC voltages to the tubes. When you turn the
amp on, allow the tubes to warm up 10 or 15 seconds before placing the
STANDBY switch in the ON position. The amp will not operate unless the
STANDBY switch is in the ON position.
3. INPUT Jack: Guitar/Instrument input.
4. VOLUME Control: Controls the loudness of the guitar or instruments plugged
into the INPUT Jack..
5. MASTER VOLUME Control: Controls the signal level to the power amplifier.
6. BOOST Switch: In the UP position boosts Mid and Treble frequencies.
7. TONE SELECT Switch: Changes the characteristic of the tone stack. Which
position is what? We don’t know. We just couldn’t think of anything else to call
it.
8. TONE Controls: Treble, Middle, Bass.
IF YOUR AMPLIFIER WILL NOT TURN ON
Check the power to the unit. Check for tripped household circuit breakers, unplugged
extension cords or power-strip switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse(s). If a
dark brownish color or no wire can be seen within the glass fuse, then replace the fuse
with the same rating as originally installed. Over fusing the amplifier with a fuse of a
higher current rating, or shorting the fuse with aluminum foil etc. could be disastrous and
will void your warranty. The unit may be perfectly fine but occasionally the fuse may
blow because of high AC voltage surges. After the fuse has been replaced with the
proper value and, if the fuse fails again, the amplifier will require servicing . Also,
check your input and speaker output cables.
VVT Amps wants you to be happy with your amp so, if there are certain tonal
characteristics that you desire, we will assist you in those endeavors and make every
effort to help you get your mojo. There are many options for capacitors, transformers,
and speakers available at prices ranging from modest to outrageous. All of these
components affect the tone of your amplifier. Let us know if we can help.
The amplifier is only 1/3 of the equation. A good guitar with good pickups is 1/3. The
most important part is your hands. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

About Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
Vintage Vacuum Tube (VVT) Amps is a small endeavor to make vintage style tube guitar
amplifiers available to those musicians who want and like the sound. The VVT Amps
workshop is located at:
Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers
2580B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
[phone]
All VVT amps are built by hand using either hand made eyelet or turret boards. We also
make cabinets and chassis for our custom amps. We use various sources for vintage
reproduction cabinets and chassis that we believe offer the best durability, value, and
style.
VVT Amps also offers repairs and modifications for most tube amplifiers and
Vintage Fender™ and Marshall™ Amp Restoration
Typical turnaround time is 1 – 2 weeks. Exceptions and Emergencies considered for
gigging musicians. VVT purchases new tubes and transformers from many sources and
shops for the best prices. All of our work is guaranteed. VVT will replace defective
tubes that we install for 6 months. All other electronic parts are guaranteed for 1 year
from the date of installation. No warranty is implied or given on parts that you supply.
New cabinet hardware, baffle re-grilling, vintage style speakers, custom modifications,
and amp voicing are available. VVT will discuss various tube, transformer, speaker
options, costs, and expected tone results on an individual basis before restoring your amp.
VVT Amps has over 30 years experience on vacuum tube equipment.
VVT Amps does not service solid state equipment of any brand.
For an appointment or to discuss your needs contact our shop: 301-396-4100
or
Jim Hill - 410-474-0598 (cell)
or
Tony Albany – 301-659-3356 (cell)
Email: [email protected]
One the Web: www.vvtamps.com

LIMITED WARRANTY
All Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers (VVT Amps) are guaranteed against
failure. Vacuum tubes are guaranteed for 90 DAYS from the date of
purchase. If a tube fails within the 90 day period, VVT Amps will replace the
tube at no charge. Speakers are guaranteed for ONE YEAR. All other
components are guaranteed for FIVE YEARS. VVT Amps will service your
amplifier and supply all parts at no charge providing the unit is under
warranty. Any shipping costs associated with repairs are your responsibility.
VVT Amps DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICE OTHER THAN
OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SALES RECEIPT IS
REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. VVT Amps assumes no
responsibility for external speakers or other equipment damaged by this guitar
amplifier. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for
damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of
reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. Accidental
damage to the amplifier, cabinet, or Tolex is not covered. This warranty is in
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No representative or person
is authorized to represent or assume for VVT Amps any liability in
connection with the sale or servicing of VVT Amp products. VVT Amps
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. If service is required you may contact VVT Amps at 301-396-
4100 or [email protected]. VVT Amps will respond as soon as possible
and make arrangements to repair your amplifier. If your unit is out of
warranty, VVT Amps will repair your amplifier but you will be charged the
current RATE for parts and labor.

Specifications:
Model Name Earthquake 2.2
Product Number 909991022
Model Number 122721-0022
Series Standard
Type All Tube Amp
Audio Output 22 Watts into 8 ohms
Output Impedance 8 ohms
Speakers N/A
Channels Single Channel
Features 100% Handmade Amplifier,
Controls Front Panel:
Input, Volume, Master Volume, etc.
Back Panel:
Fuse – 2A Slo-Blo
Power Switch
Standby Switch
8 Ohm Speaker Jack
Covering Textured Vinyl
Weight 18 lbs.
Dimensions Height: 8"
Width: 14”
Depth: 8"
Tube Complement 2 X JJ 6V6S Output Tubes
3 X JJ ECC83S/12AX7 Preamp/Phase Inverter
Accessories Cover p/n EQ220001
Options N/A
Introduced 4/2006
Notice Product Prices, Features and Specifications Are Subject To Change
Without Notice