06 May 2016

Looking For Suitable Guitar Amp Repair

By Henry Ward


If you own a guitar amplifier, both transistor and tube models will need routine health checks, and occasionally faults will have to be repaired. Many players will at some point need to find a suitable guitar amp repair. A few things should be taken into consideration before you have any work carried out on your expensive equipment.

There are two types of amplifier used by musicians and these are stand alone head units or combo amplifiers with integrated speakers. The price of repairs or inspections will vary depending on how many spare parts are needed and the complexity of the problem. Combos seem to be a more popular choice due to their compact size and lower purchase costs.

A tube amp will need a little more maintenance than a solid state model. Spare vacuum tubes are often carried by a gigging musician and they will need to be replaced if they are not functioning properly. Any work that is done on these amplifiers should be carried out by a trained technician due to the voltage that runs through them and to make sure the work is guaranteed.

A solid state amp is much easier to work on and maintain by the amateur technician. A simple fault can be rectified using everyday tools and this will usually not take a lot of time. If the problem is more serious then it is better to have the job done by an expert technician and many instrument retailers will offer this service.

The spares required for your repairs and servicing can be found on the net or in local high street retailers specializing in electric guitars. Used components can be useful for some work as long as they are of the correct specification and have been properly tested. Using recycled items is useful if you are on a budget and for fixes such as a damaged speaker or badly worn control pot.

When you buy components it is better to use factory made items if at all possible. This is very important when working on an antique amplifier as it ensures the high value is not affected. Amp manufacturers will often have a large stock of spares for even the early models they have produced and this is the better option when trying to find parts.

For the amateur amp repairer there are publications now available with diagrams and step by step videos can be purchased. After ensuring that the correct spares have been purchased and the appropriate tools are available you can start on your repairs. Always have your work examined by an engineer as many clubs will need certificates for any equipment used at their venues.

The price that you will pay for your amplifier repairs and servicing will alter depending on how many new parts are needed and the man hours required to do the job. A simple fault can be put right for just a few dollars but a complicated job can often run into thousands. Be aware that if your amplifier has to be sent to another location for the repairs, the carriage costs and insurance will have to be taken into account, and added on to the price of the job.




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