For all servicing and repairs I use whereever possible manufacturers original parts or superior replacements.
For amps where you want to retain perdod authenticitity like cardboard fender caps then modern parts can be disguised to retain the original look and feel.
I carry stock for all the common guitar valve amp types from JJ and Electro-Harmonix primarily. I also hold Fender / Marshall original pots , jacks, switches, fuses, discrete components. and hardware.
Where original parts are not so easy to come by I use superior equivalent components from accredited electronics supplier: Including F&T Electrolytic Capacitors, CDE, Mallory, Orange Drop tone caps. Hammond and Sowter for replacement transformers includng hard to come by items.
I tend to avoid parts from martketplaces and auction sites due to the high occurence of counterfeits or poor reliability items.
When replacing parts I always endeavour to use exact manufacturer’s original parts, or superior equivalents. In the case of some Amp manufacturers, where I am a recognised Amp technician, I have access to their parts catalogue i.e. Marshall, Orange, Roland, Peavey & Vox.
Amp Servicing
Servicing of an amp is required from time to time to take care of those annoying age related problems caused regular usage or accidental damage.
I service all types of musical instrument amps: Guitar bass, valve or transistor amps. Large touring combos and head and small practice amps. Servicing addresses issues like…
- valve issues like rustling noises, blown HT fuse or valve flash-over.
- unreliable pots, jack sockets and switches – ie anything on the front or rear panel.
- Reverb problems like whistling, unreliability.
- Speaker crackle and rips.
Repairs
When your amps problems require a bit more fault diagnosis and investigation I consider the service to as a repair job.
I am a recognised non-warranty repairer for Peavey and Marshall. I have good relationships with many other brands including Orange, Fender, Blackstar and Laney.
The repair process consists of two stages diagnosis and repair. Repair is a predictable cost but diagnosis is not. In 95% of cases I work out a the cause of a fault and make a repair in two to three hours. I never spend long on a job without the client’s express approval and understanding.
Cabinet and cosmetic repairs
Not really my strong suit but I have had some success recovering grille cloth so happy to help with such projects.
- Grille Cloth Replacement
- Handles, Corner Hardware, Speaker connection plates
- Cabinet baffle replaceent
Thorough restoration of severely neglected or vintage amps. Safely bringing back vintage equipment into working use is one of my specialties. Examples like Vox AC30, Hiwatt, Marshall and Fenders are documented on the site.
Amp Restoration is where the amp is either in an unknown state or has numerous faults. Restoration of old classic amps like Vox, Marshall, Hiwatt, WEM, Selmer, Fender, Copicats is still possible thanks to custom transformers and rewinds in the a lively repair world Complete restoration can take many hours of work but it is often worth it as old amps attract a premium price.
Effects Pedal Servicing
Unfortunately for most effects Pedals I just cover simple faults like jacks, battery connectors pots and switches, damage from incorrect power connection.
There are just so many pedal variations and hidden circuit informatio that economic repair is just not reliably achievable.
I don’t work on
I don’t service or repair domestic Hi-Fi items any longer. I did do this in the past but unfortunately my workshop is not set up for the delicate nature of HiFi components.
There are exceptions like Quad, wooden cheeked Marantz which I hve some mis-guided fondness for.
I do not work on:
Toasters, toothbrushes, Car Audio, Power tools etc.. etc…