Wednesday, 17 February 2016

Undertaking A Guitar Amp Repair

By Donald Wilson


Both solid state and vacuum tube amplifiers will require regular checkups and occasionally a fault repaired. Most guitarists will at some point need a guitar amp repair. A few points should be taken into account before opting to have the work carried out.

There are two main kinds of amplifier that are commonly used. There is a stand alone head unit, popular with pro musicians or a combination model with integrated speakers. The price of repairs or inspections will vary significantly depending on how many parts are needed and the complexity of the job.

A tube amp will often need more attention to keep it working efficiently than the solid state models. Vacuum tubes will need changing occasionally and most guitarists will carry spare ones when gigging. This can be done at home or at the venue but it is always advisable to have any work of this kind undertaken by a qualified amp technician to ensure that it is done safely and covered by a guarantee.

Solid state amps will also require routine inspections and much of this can be done in the home or workshop. Basic fixes can be performed in a short time and with relative ease using just a few rudimentary tools. If a more serious problem or fault has arisen it is a better option to entrust the work to a guitar store or electrical engineer.

Most parts that will be needed can either be found online or in guitar stores. When buying electrical components it is a good idea to ensure that they are covered by a warranty and that they have met the safety requirements. Second hand items can be used and in the case of speakers for a combo this can be a very cost effective way to carry out a repair.

When buying new components it is a good idea to always use factory produced originals if at all possible. This is particularly important when working on an older antique model as it ensures its value is not affected due to the use of aftermarket or inferior parts. Guitar amplifier manufacturers will usually have a stock of older parts for even the earliest models produced and this is the best option when sourcing items.

For the do it yourself repairer there are various texts available with diagrams and pictures and also online step by step videos. After ensuring that the correct replacement items have been sourced and the appropriate tools are available to be used, the repairs can be done. Always have any work checked by a qualified engineer as many clubs and concert halls will need certificates for any equipment used on their premises.

The price of these repairs or servicing will alter according to how many parts are needed and the hours required to complete the work. A small fault can be rectified for just a few dollars but a more complicated job or refurbishment can run into thousands. Also be aware that if the amp has to be sent away for repair then the carriage and postage costs will have to be factored into the total price of the job.




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