For all servicing and repairs I like to use, wherever possible, manufacturer’s original parts or superior replacements. In the case of Fender, Marshall, Orange, Roland, Peavey Blackstar & Vox I have access to their parts catalogue so this is my standard practice. Moreover, if you want to retain period authenticitity, for example cardboard tubed fender capacitors 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 but can get other manufacturers within a few days. I also hold everyday servicing parts for the main amp brands like Fender, Marshall, Peavey, Laney. Things 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 suppliers. Including F&T Electrolytic Capacitors, CDE, Mallory, Orange Drop tone caps. Hammond and Sowter for replacement transformers includng hard to come by items. The concept being that any repairs or servicing will be an upgrade for your amp.
I tend to avoid parts from online martketplaces and auction sites due to the high occurence of counterfeit parts which can be unreliable.
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 and bass, valve or transistor amps. Large touring combos and head and small practice amps. Servicing addresses issues like
- Unreliability – volume drops, pots with dead spots, noise from jacks
- strange noises – rustling leaves, frying bacon, static radio (swarm of bees), loud cracks buzz and hum, motor boating (putt putt putt)
- Scary signs – blowing HT fuses, valve flash-over.
- Unreliable front and rear panel controls, lamps, connectors and switches
- Reverb problems like whistling, unreliability.
- Speaker crackle and rips.
A full service is recommended for older and heavily used amps where as a light-service will deal with newer amps that perhaps just need valves replacing, or perhaps a broken front panel control.
| Service Level | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | An assessment of a faulty amp as to value and cost of repair produced as a written report. Good for Insurance damage assessments, DIY repairs. | £42 |
| Valve Replacement | Replace power valves and adjust bias. Check for microphonics on pre amp valves. Does not include any further checks on the amp so only suggested on recently serviced or brand new amps. | £42 + valve cost |
| Light Service | Quick check over and replacement of known faulty or damaged parts such as front panel controls like switches, pots, jack sockets, or valves. Routine Valve check and bias adjustment on working amp or post sudden power valve failure. (often better value to opt for a complete service) | £72 + parts |
| Full Service | Comprehensive check over, adjustment and repair of a predominantly working amp. Good for broken, or unreliable, front and rear panel issues like switches, jacks and pots and identifying noisy valves. Note approx parts cost based on a few jack sockets and a pre-amp valve. Where extensive fault diagnosis is limited, see repairs pricing. | £105 + parts |
Amp Repairs
When your amps problems require a bit more fault diagnosis and investigation I categorise 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
If you need to stop rattles or tidy up a cabinet then I can help with that. Although on vintage amps a ratty look is often quite desirable look.
- Grille Cloth Replacement
- Handles, Corner Hardware, Speaker connection plates
- Cabinet baffle replacement
Restoration
For bigger jobs where it is an amp that has not been powered up for a long time it is something more like a super deep service. There may be repairs there may just be routine maintenance and a load of cobwebs. But these jobs generally take a lot more time and can get expensive.
| Repair Category | Description | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | As per Service and additionally includes some fault diagnosis and repair. Good for Noisy amps (hums, rustles, cracks), Unreliable amps – cutting out, volume dips | £149 + parts approx |
| Complex Repair | Amps with several faults requiring diagnosis and repair. Aimed at older amps requiring minor restoration. | £189 + parts approx |
| Restoration | Full Restoration of vintage amps with multiple fault issues.
| £240 + parts approx |
| Audio Cable Repair | Fix an old damaged cable. Cut away old cable and resolder or replace accordingly. Worthwhile on high quality cables | £9 + per end + parts |
If you need any help with your amp including just a bit of advice, please just contact me via the contact form and fill it in as best you can. This is the best way to get in touch as other email, text messages can sometimes get overlooked.