Bass amp problems

[Oi_bass_77]

So I just bought a Crate bass amp for 100 bucks that I think was made in the mid 90's. Its a crate B160 xl. It sounds good and is pretty loud, but it will cut out when im playing. Ill turn it on and it will play good for like 5 minutes and then it will start making like a popping noise and cut out. I dont think the speakers blown because it will play fine and then cut out. Also when I turn the volume nob it makes the same noise. Does anyone know what the problem could be ?

[PaulSimonon]

Does the head turn off when this happens? Can you still get some intermittent sound or crackles out of it?

Have you checked the cords and the bass yet? A lot of times the problem seems to be with one of them and not the amp itself.

If it's not one of those, I'd probably guess you've got a wire somewhere in there that's vibrating itself loose, or the amp itself is overheating, both of which might be easy and inexpensive fixes but unless you've got serious electrical skills I would either take it to a tech or just cut my losses and see if I could return it or something.

The volume knob crackling is most likely just a dirty pot, nothing to really worry about. Just spray some contact cleaner in it and all will be well again.

[Oi_bass_77]

Its definatley not the bass or cable I still get sound out of it when it cuts out its just realy quiet. Its a combo so the head doesnt turn off. Im guessing it's probably wiring, but since I moved it to the corner of the room it seems to have stopped cutting out, maybe I was playing too close to it.

[Oi_bass_77]

Nope just cut out again so it cant be the outlet either.

[psbassplayer]

after it cuts out, if you move the volume knob up and down rapidly does the speaker visibly move in and out?

[Oi_bass_77]

I cant get it to cut out right now because I gotta turn it up louder and its too late. But I think it might be over heating because ill play and it will cut out and then Ill come back later and it will play fine then cut out again.

[Oi_bass_77]

No it doesnt realy move in and out at all.

[psbassplayer]

No it doesnt realy move in and out at all.

ah. was a problem i had with my GK combo. i couldnt find what was wrong with it, the techs couldn't find what was wrong with it, so they just gave me a new one.

[PaulSimonon]

Does it only do this when you play at max volume?