Finding A Firm For Amplifier Repair

By Matthew Allen


If you own a guitar you will also probably own a valve or solid state amp and they will need regular servicing. When faults develop, some musicians will be seeking an amplifier repair. There are a couple of important things you need to think about before having this kind of work done to your equipment.

There are various amplifier models and each one will have different modes and functions and will vary greatly in cost. A standard amplifier head will require a separate speaker to project the sound coming from the instrument. The other kind of amp is a combination with an integrated speaker built into the housing and these models are more common for home musicians due to the compact size and the much lower cost.

A valve amplifier will need a regular health check to keep it working safely and efficiently. The vacuum tubes will need changing when they are worn and many guitar players will carry spares in their bag. They can be changed in the home or at the venue but you should always have any work done by a qualified engineer to guarantee that it is done correctly.

Solid state amplifiers will also require a regular inspection and a lot of this can be done by the player in their home. Basic faults can be corrected with relative ease using few tools found in most workshops. If the equipment has developed a more serious fault then it is better to have the work done by a local guitar store or professionally trained electrician.

The spares needed to repair an amp can be found on the internet or in your local musical instrument store. When you buy the components you should always ensure that they are covered by a makers guarantee and that they have passed safety inspection. Second hand components can often be utilized and in cases such as speakers for a combo, this can be a less costly way to carry out a repair.

When you are buying components it is better to use a factory made item if possible. This is particularly important when working on a valuable amp as it ensures the value is not affected. Amplifier manufacturers will usually have a stock of spares for the early models they have produced and this is the best option when trying to find spare parts.

A lot of useful books and tutorials can be found to help the amateur repairer to carry out a simple fix. It is very important to make sure that you have the correct spares and tools when doing any repairs. When the job has been done the amp should be tested by a qualified engineer as many venues will require the amp to have certificates for insurance purposes.

The price of the repairs will vary greatly depending on the model and work required. Costs will range from a few dollars for small repairs to thousands for a major problem. Using an internet company to do the work can sometimes be cheaper but shipping costs will have to be factored in to your budget.




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