Fender Frontman 212R amp, 2010

[N_Cook]

Yes, just out of warranty, even if in warranty little point in an exchange
because the same would likely occur a year after that. Of course yet again
recent made in China for USA and then export to here UK, so absolutely no
mention of RoHs / PbF anywhere - anyone the definitive answer? I've not
taken appart to the solder side yet.

aside
[see this thread a week ago , uk.legal.moderated/title "failed /
unrepairable goods - what are my options? (if any)"
no mention of pbfitis there but PbF a likely cause. ]

This Fender - low level domestic use and failed to no output , no hiss or
anything, during usual low volume use. Both // speakers are o/c , I suspect
cutting into the dome of each will show the usual , these days, failed PbF
at the tail/VC wire union. One must have quietly failed unnoticed and then
the second , I don't expect to see burnt coils if I explore that far . Will
of course check for o/p DC or ultrasonic but no reported magic smoke/smells
or noise or signs of excess heat.
The killer ;-( is the mains transformer is only hanging in there on a wing
and a prayer - 3 of the 4 retaining nuts dropped off, fourth totally loose
and primary tail mains-wire rubbing on the abrasive ceramic edge of a 5W W/W

[N_Cook]

Only looked into one speaker so far, probably glue failure. Break where the
axial line of the VC wire bends to the cone angle, not at joins to the
pigtails. Fixable without going into the internal space, reconing, just the
dome space. No VC former discolouration , VC measures 6.1R for 8R speaker
Don't know what the markings mean , assumed cone of 1-20-09 was USA year
date, sticker on basket had G5009062257 Q1

But the other on cone is 3-13-096 and G5009062253 Q1 ,so unlikely the same
batch.
Doubt he drove it enough to knock out the second one by overdriving, getting
the same level as before - will explore next week

[N_Cook]

Exact same problem inside other speaker, the change of angle at the cone and
cylinder glue line, the other lead this time, again no overheating of VC.
Have to assume this is a generic failing with all these Fender badged G....
12 inchers (only 2Kg each seem rather light) . Will bridge all 4 of these
failure points with multistrabd stripped down hook-up wire through a needle
hole in the cone. Definitely PbF solder on the speakers at least, unless
coded in those G numbers no explicit reference to this. Amp solder not seen
yet.

[N_Cook]

Another failing on this Fender. Uses intermediary Al block between immediate
o/p h/s plate and chassis. White goo on both surfaces is still as placed,
not splurged out. Failure to fettle/de-burr the post machining raised rims
around the machined holes so acting as thin washers so heat just going
through the 3 bolts not body of Al.