08 April 2016

Looking For A Guitar Amp Repair

By Laura Wallace


A lot of valve and solid state amplifiers will now and again develop a fault or require routine inspections or servicing. Electric guitar players will at some point need to find a company to carry out a guitar amp repair. There are a few things to take into consideration before having any work done on this important piece of equipment.

There are many variations in models and each of these will be have different functions and parts needed when components fail. A standard head is a standalone amplifier that requires separate speakers to enable the sound to be heard by the audience. The other type is a combination with an integrated speaker built into the cabinet and these are more common for home use due to their compact size and price tag.

A vacuum tube amplifier will probably need more maintenance than a transistor model. Spare tubes are often carried by gigging musicians and will need to be replaced if they are not performing properly. Any work that you have done on these amps should be carried out by a technician due to the voltage and to ensure the work is guaranteed.

A solid state model is easier to work on and maintain in the home or by the amateur technician. A simple fault can be fixed using everyday tools and does not take a lot of time. If the problem or component failure is more serious then it is preferable to have the job done by an expert and many musical instrument retailers will offer this type of service.

When you are searching for your parts for the repairs many internet based companies can supply these. Always ensure that the replacement components are of the correct specification for the model in question and that they are covered by a manufacturers guarantee. Recycled spares can also be fitted if you are on a tighter budget especially if only replacing speakers or switches.

When you are purchasing spares there are a couple of things to think about before you buy. It is always advisable to use originals and many of the vintage models can still be repaired using factory made parts and this will help to maintain its value. Due to the higher value of some older amplifiers it is recommended that you have the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to do the job.

A lot of books and tutorials can be found to help the amateur repairer to carry out a fix. It is important to make sure that you have the right parts and tools when doing a repair at home and that all safety procedures are adhered to. After the work has been done the amplifier should be tested by an engineer as many live music venues will require the amp to have certified paperwork for insurance purposes.

The cost you will incur will differ hugely depending on what items are needed and time taken to complete the repairs. From just a few dollars a small fault can be fixed but a severe problem will cost a lot more. If you have to send your equipment away for repair, remember that the shipping costs and insurance will be added on to your final bill.




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