VVT Earthquake 2.2 User Instructions

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 Multi­section 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:
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:
with the same type fuse.

Your amplifier is equipped with two marked fuse receptacles, replace only

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are

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.