How to Solder | Application and Examples for Amp Repair | The Electric Lady

Learn the basics of soldering and how that skill applies to amp repair and building.
0:00-4:50 Basics of Soldering, De-Soldering, and Tools
4:50-6:50 How to Replace a Component
6:50-End Applying Skills to Amp Repair/Building

[@MrDiscomfortzone]

Great video! As a 40 year veteran of electronics instrument repair, I agree with all of your ideas. However, I believe best practices requires cleaning (wet sponge is ok) and tinning the solder tip before using the iron. Tinning the tip improves heat transfer to the joint. Plus, cleaning and tinning the tip after using the iron can extend the life of the tip.

[@michaelrice500]

When I learned to solder on aircraft components back in the day, we were taught to clean the solder and the component right before soldering with denatured alcohol. I hate that stuff, so I use Everclear. Also, the flux in the wire is mildly corrosive, so me being nit-picky, I'll suggest that it's always a good idea to clean that off with a a few drops of alcohol on q-tip when you're finished.

[@henrynagle2865]

Excellent video! Thanks for being so clear and concise. And thank you for not using background music!

[@svt4001]

Henry, I could not agree more. Great video content and production, and I too especially appreciate the exclusion of background music. I also really like the fact that there are no weird framing cuts. I read the theory behind that practice, they claim that you have to change the framing of the video with some frequency or people will lose interest. I counter with what I would have thought to be the easiest way to attract and retain veiwers- offer good content! Joe

[@egemenozan5641]

Background music masks trash noise, but she doesnt even have trash noise! I guess her career is pretty sound related so that makes sense

[@nomad_333_]

Oh man, if she starts using background music I'm going to start a petition. XD I find her voice very soothing and sort of therapeutic, for the lack of a better word.

[@AudreysKitchen]

Agreed on the no music. So nice to be able to just peacefully listen and not have your ears assaulted by corporate music all day long

[@chrisbalding3128]

I see people suggesting that you get a better microphone to eliminate “room boom” and noise, but I like the sound exactly the way it is. It makes you feel like you’re standing there in the shop, watching in person. Eliminating the noise and room sounds, to me, would make the video more sterile and “slick”. Keep it real!

[@gerrykavanagh]

Agreed 100%. I find overly close-mic'd, dead audio sort of distracting. I like the sound of the room.

[@Ton7Tube]

On the fast forward sections, I noticed that you overdub something ambient. Nice touch.

[@JOOODYJOOODY]

Yes the cosmic noise room Ambience is good

[@Nick-df1pv]

I'm not big on dead rooms either but some room treatment when working with amps and high frequency electronics would probably go a long way for helping to prevent tinnitus.

[@robertharker]

Great soldering video. It is great to see your videos. You are an insperation for girls and young women everwhere. Thanks!

[@TravisTellsTruths]

Amazing demonstrations! Love it.

[@deplinenoise]

Great job explaining the basics in a clear way!

[@KelsterVonShredster]

I've been wanting to learn how to solder for ever....this was the perfect video to come up in my feed! Thanks! Love your videos!

[@KipCount]

Most helpful soldering video I've ever seen. The closeups of the basic tasks are incredibly useful. Thanks!

[@HROD137]

Great info, didn't know about the scraping trick on the pots, will try it out next time. I sometimes use a desoldering braid when there's still some remnants after using the pump. Came here through the Vintage Amps podcast, keep up the good work!

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

Excellent tutorial, one of the best!! Missing is proper tinning of the tip! Tinning promotes better heat transfer, faster soldering, better solder flow. Tinning also reduces de-solder time, and less potential damage to eyelets and boards. Always clean the tip before each solder operation, and tin. I always add new solder when de-soldering. Old solder requires more heat, and does not "suck out" cleanly. (always add new solder) Finally, the preheat recommendations are overstated, and not as much a requirement. Cleaner soldering is obtained by instantaneous three point contact of the tip and the work and solder. Pre-heat isn't necessary on a PCB, and less than half a second second on most solder connections... if even that much. The three point contact of all three, the tip, the work, and solder causes the melting solder to ASSIST in FASTER heat transfer and efficient solder flow. The solder should appear like factory. if it doesn't then you're method isn't correct! If you find you need to pre-heat your work, and end up with melted insulation, definitely wrong. Tip: watch a vintage factory assembly line video. The operation takes less than half a second for the typical connection. It should be that fast.. and a smooth shiny good looking solder fillet. I have been employed by several electronics manufacturers, including IBM, and have professionally restored many hifi amps, turntables, reel to reel decks, etc. The points covered in this video are indeed well explained.. good stuff here!

[@evanfitts396]

This was so good. Couldn’t ask for better video to get me started.

[@fmaraldo2829]

tip for your tip: keeping solder on your iron tip before you turn it off will stop the tip from oxidizing prematurely. Also, applying solder to your tip right before you heat the connection (especially on larger components) will allow the solder to flow more readily across the connection and towards the tip.

[@williammiller9584]

Amen to that; I was going to make the same comment. Idle solder, which is what that's called, will also extend tip life because it will keep the iron plating on the tip from being eaten away.

[@MrBercik]

And watering too much sponge is bad too, she should squeeze it right after applying water. Heating solder joints right after applying solder to it. I do it like this, heat element, apply solder and then put away solder and iron when the solder joints are flooded with tin. Keep doing it, nice to see that girl is into electronics, I don't know too many :D

[@waynewayne3709]

Aye, us oldies have been soldering for many many years and seeing up and coming new techs is good, Keep up the practice.

[@darinb.3273]

Also having a moderately tinned tip will allow faster heat transfer too. I usually apply the solder immediately upon touching the components to be soldered as soon as it flows throughly its complete. Plus it helps (again as a tinned tip) heat the joint more rapidly.

[@murphyr31]

I was thinking the same thing, I was a radio repairer in the army and we were definitely taught to tin our iron.

[@bevinmodrak4997]

Really helpful. About to start a 5e3 build. So glad I found your videos.

[@chipsterb4946]

This is a great introduction to soldering. Paceworldwide has a fantastic, in-depth series of tutorials on soldering.

[@xdoctorblindx]

Excellent demonstration and explanations! I'm about to start a 5e3 build, and these tips will be very helpful. Thanks!

[@jeffmansfield914]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@Kuztomshop]

This is the best solder video I've seen. Thank you so much!

[@gernf.2019]

Ive been looking for a decent video on the basics of soldering for a long time...nice job.

[@richardkeller3496]

This is fantastic, thanks! The part on using jumper wires to fix a blown trace on a PCB helped me fix an SD-1 to Tube Screamer mod I was working on for my son.

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

Your vids are some of the best tutorials on KZbin! I wish you lived in my area, good techs are hard to find!

[@strunkneb]

This video as inspiring me to get back into soldering and audio building projects!

[@caseyodonnell6621]

Super helpful refresher for someone that hasn't done any electronics work in many years. Have an amp that needs new filter caps and this was just the ticket. Thanks!

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Maybe the best soldering tutorial I’ve seen yet. Well done and subbed 👍🏻

[@csxblackmusic]

Best video on soldering in an amp that Ive seen

[@alibouzidi395]

Extremely helpful one of the best tutorial on soldering thanks so much!

[@pablomusicgear7288]

Great explanations. Keep the channel going! Great job!

[@georgebentley-ricardo9445]

Brilliant, brilliant video. Excellent close ups and great explanations. Thanks for sharing. More of the same please. 🤠

[@leefriede8284]

Thank you so much , love your episodes , wish I would of found your Chanel sooner , you explain things very good and your easy to listen too

[@adamtaylor2142]

These videos are so helpful. Thank you!

[@MarkEagleton]

Excellent advice on hard wiring can caps. I don’t know why I never worried about overheating them with my heavy duty iron before. I’m sold. It’s refreshing to have a pro from a real working shop making videos like this.

[@jamesmalamute7874]

Wow. What an amazing tutorial/ I have been watching your videos, and I am impressed . You have a very eloquent way of explaining, and I am more interested now in doing some mods on Tube Amps. But, for now I will stick to guitar electronics . Thanks so much for such a refreshing Amplifier Repair Channel.

[@jamestaylor3500]

I like the way you say " now we take OUR needle nose pliers" or "now we take OUR iron" it makes me feel that I not only own something, but we own it together! Thanks for the video, I did learn a few things

[@tjminasi1442]

Covered everything I was thinking about at the beginning of the video. Great work, very thorough treatment. One more topic, how to glue down a PCB eyelet still connected but lifted from the board by over soldering.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Liked and subbed. In high school, I was so fascinated with electronics, because I wanted to know how stomp boxes could create such a variety of sounds. I ended up getting an associates degree in Electronics and Communication Servicing in 1994. I built my own distortion stomp box from a schematic diagram, from a particular website, shortly there after. Every time I see a video like yours, be it on the basics, I can't help but watch anyways. I will go back to watch your other past videos. Cheers.

[@Blinkerd00d]

EE here, and I now design and build guitar pedals. Best job ever! Hope ya still build some from time to time. It's a lost art.

[@jaybirdgenetics]

Love your channel!! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!

[@johncourt9580]

A good tutorial with nice close-ups and love your style.

[@uselesseater9686]

Thanks, great video Colleen.

[@MrPnew1]

Colleen, you are a joy to watch and listen too. The Sodder Goddess 😍

[@fkitch]

Great video as it helps beginners showing how things look when they go sideways, and how to fix them! I'll try to fix my Peavey Bandit silver stripe hiss. Thanks!

[@jvanzijp]

You know how to do it! I have learned that in the seventies but you are doing it the correct way! Glad to see people of the next generation who love electronics!

[@nomad_333_]

I am a soldering noob and really appreciate this video. Many thanks to The Electric Lady!

[@PushSueAside]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful. Cheers

[@tybtechservicehamada9157]

im so glad to see u work on electric things and i love to see ur tools

[@ryanswanson6310]

Thanks! Now to go back through my kit amp and touch stuff up.

[@michaelscott1199]

Well laid out examples and clearly explained! Thx! I've got the same de- solder pump but it stop working my last use. Cleaning it out didn't seem to help this time. Can't find replacement ring washers either. Time for a new one😎👍

[@petermcateer1354]

Perfect... I was looking for advice on how to solder on an eyelet board, and that was your first example! Thanks. Great video, concise and informative.

[@csxblackmusic]

Same here!

[@manuellujan666]

First iron/gun when I was about 10 you never stop learning and everyone has their own style preference and way it's for everyone and anyone who wants to learn great video and channel nice job

[@steev6946]

Thanks for this video, you have given me the confidence to make a mess of my wah pedal.

[@Finom1]

Every one of your videos are informative and educational. Well done.

[@mitchmason8386]

Awesome vids thanks for sharing. You and Uncle Doug both have excellent speaking voices.

[@TimSamoff]

This was very educational. Thank you!

[@DrKevGuitar]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@markmadruga5121]

Really good video. Your a good teacher . Thanks for this

[@owen4248]

Great tutorial for beginners and old hats alike.

[@bkbinj6320]

Thanks for the soldering tips.

[@douglasmiller1467]

I learned a great deal from this video, thank you.

[@hkguitar1984]

All great information. I was fortunate enough to have the U.S. Air Force teach me how to solder back in 1980. Thankfully the art of soldering has remained pretty much unchanged since the early 1950s.

[@mixville2]

Not just an excellent tech, an excellent teacher as well.

[@DavidMorley]

A nice clear explanation. Great stuff.

[@kennethdubard9065]

Love what you're doing. Great to see a female in the technical side of music. I hope you can inspire more diversity in the business with your expertise.

[@TheMetalMag]

Amazing i got this video coming, today utube has everything. Back in the days there wasn’t internet. I learnt everything on my own ans used to solder everything, never had those tools u have now. Just cleaning the head on a piece of wood and a knife no sponge or weird pen… the old days didn’t have those and it was done! U look nice ;)

[@javierespana2807]

You hypnotize me. Love your videos

[@williamking7420]

Great instructions. Many sites omit these basic steps.

[@carlmontney7916]

Great video very informative. That solder sucker is the same one I use and I've had mine since the 70's. It just refuses to die. I just give it a good cleaning and a bit of lube on the O-ring and it's good for another decade.

[@gregsz1ful]

We ran old fashioned unregulated irons on all day long 5 days a week. There should be no degradation from not actually using it. Its applying resin and using that can scratch the steel outer casing into the copper core. Great works. That drill bit case kind of spooked me out, reminded me of work place. I started soldering with a gun around 1960. I used to hold solder in my mouth LOL.

[@rondobondo6600]

You really know your stuff cheers keep up the good work

[@chrisb4419]

thank you! great explanations for a total beginner like myself What a great channel

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

You need to replace your iron once a year? These soldering irons should last a lifetime... things like Weller’s and Hakko’s shouldn’t ever need replacing. As for tips, if you are needing to replace yours every few months, you aren’t doing something right. From watching this video, I think I may have spotted it @ 2:43 where you say to clean off the tip when you’re done, but you don’t mention that you absolutely must tin your tip too when you leave it to sit there. A non-tinned tip sitting there at 750 degrees (F) will be ruined real quick. Anyhow, I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@yvesboutin5604]

So cool to have a woman doing a video about electronics! Times have changed and it is for the best. I discovered that some leads have trace of oxidation or oily residue which prevent a good joint. Now I scrape them with iron wool or a fine grit sand paper to clean them to ensure a good contact. Good video !

[@eswing2153]

This was an excellent tutorial with loads of tips for the trade. One thing we used to say was solder “extraction tool” for rather obvious reasons. Bodge wires and all!!

[@frantisca]

Great examples: thanks !

[@shootgroundhog]

I already knew how to solder. But I'm glad I watched this video anyway. Very informative. On another note, this woman's voice is very smooth and relaxing to listen to. I would love for her to do some ASMR videos.

[@scaryperson27]

Very good video. Thanks again!

[@ejanejarr]

I'm not very much into ASMR (and a noob at soldering) but your videos have made me a total sucker... for the solder sucker. Never heard of it before (which probably explains why I'm so bad at soldering) but I just love the sound of it and I'm definitely getting myself one and try to get a little more into this, starting with a cheap Danelectro spring reverb that stopped working and I'm going to get back to life or die trying! Please keep up with these lovely videos!

[@bieldozap]

Finally I can fix my amp!!! Thank you!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@The_Cyberz]

Just wanted to say, thanks to some help from your channel, I was able to successfully replace some old filter caps and eliminate 120 cycle hum. First time soldering or working on electronics at this level. Thanks!

[@rapidrhinoplumbing-monrovi3269]

Keep doing what youre doing Ms Fazio,,,You Are The Bomb

[@joegee2815]

My dad taught me to solder as a kid, he was a ham radio guy. It's an extremely useful skill that isn't that hard to master. Buy a few of those kits that give you the board and components and just build them to get practice. I taught both my kids the skill and they took to it quickly.

[@Skman22]

Brilliant. Thank you. 👍🏻

[@rodneykroetsch2924]

Great tutorial!

[@williambaerga7203]

William Baerga I tuned in to your channel by accident and I have to say you have Blown me away with your knowledge of Electrical repair Wow I'm really impress I would like to see a video on how you started getting into this field.

[@pskemster]

Another great vid!❤️

[@stnwrd]

Soldering is one of my favorite thing to do!!!!

[@rsvp9146]

Thank you for this. Ive been wrenching on euro cars for 30 years, never really knew how to solder. Got an original Deluxe Reverb that needs some DIY work.

[@petemoore8923]

Not being sarcastic but THANK YOU for leaving out how to tin your tip. I get tired of hearing it. I’ve been soldering for a LONG time and I still watch videos to catch little tricks. Great video!

[@daniellosadapellejero2851]

Wonderful tips!

[@soulvaccination8679]

I am now getting interested in this type of work..She makes it interesting.

[@user-in4hs6km2v]

Yesss!!! Now I finally have a fellow lady to look up to!

[@lucioruffo9470]

beautiful vid so professional and cool

[@mattrunyan1221]

Great video! +1 for the tip on adding more solder if the sucker won't work. If you don't have a solder sucker or have a stubborn through-hole you are trying to clear of solder like in 5:48, you can also use a toothpick or other sharpened wooden stick to clear out molten solder. There's a good example video of doing this for replacing nixie tubes on the GRA&AFCH channel. Solder wick or in a pinch, flux-laden stranded copper wire can also work.

[@herbaden]

You can also instead of sucking it out use compressed air or even your breath to blow out the solder to the other side

[@rustyadams6896]

Thanks so much for this video! I have a ground that came lose from the chassis and I could not get the chassis hot enough to re-solder. Will be getting a lug and screw to attach it!

[@THEROLLINGROAD2010]

There are still some amp repair people out there who are somewhat sloppy when it comes to soldering never mind the masses of those that post various builds on youtube. As you state the number one thing to do is tin (pre solder) the components to be joined first and don't play around with the components / join i.e. dab the parts with the iron as this will dry out the flux. This first step is crucial to making good solder joints. Follow your steps and you won't go wrong. Its a pleasure to watch someone who has been trained in the art of soldering and who performs this so well which on youtube is somewhat of a rarity, well done.

[@placeholder7044]

You are simply the best:)

[@Earthshadowtime]

As an absolute beginner, this was a godsend! Thank you!

[@fearnpol4938]

It’s just a damned shame she actually does not know how to solder correctly!

[@FJL4215]

Nice! I noticed the Eico 377 on your bench - used to have one.

[@kennethdubard9065]

This video is super informative.

[@nerfnerfification]

Great video - my tip is for the odd time when you find the solder will not melt (high temp lead free stuff) - I've found if you add some leaded solder on top using the iron to heat both it will then melt and a solder sucker can clear it out. I don't know why this works but it does.

[@petedazer3381]

Excellent presentation, very concise ! Myself, when soldering to the backs of pots, I use a small piece of sandpaper to clean and rough up the surface. Also, I use a big old Weller 240 watt gun to solder to chassis. Works quite well.

[@hkguitar1984]

Pete, be careful with that big Weller Gun Soldering Iron, the trigger ON/OFF switch induces a pretty strong magnetic field in the unit's coils and can damage guitar pickup magnets if it's within close enough proximity when in use. Don't ask me how I know............

[@goodun2974]

@@hkguitar1984 , Interesting! I never really thought about that possibility. I guess it's safest to treat the soldering gun as if it is a tape-head demagnetizer, where you would turn the device on while held away from the tape head, and then remove it from the area around the tape head before switching it off again. Not that I would normally find myself using a large soldering gun inside the control cavity area of guitar, except possibly for attaching a ground wire to the tremolo mechanism....

[@Dooblecaine]

Thank you for making and sharing this video. It answered a lot of questions I had. At one point it was like you were reading my mind as you immediately went into covering that question. One question I still have, however, is what does it look like to run a wire in case you damage a trace? What type of wire and how does the connection look after repair?