Monday, October 31, 2016

Looking For Reliable Guitar Amp Repair

By Larry Olson


Most guitarists will own an amp and this equipment needs looking after and will have to be repaired when it becomes faulty. If your amplifier suffers a failure and needs expert attention you will need to find reliable guitar amp repair. There are a few things to think about beforehand and a little homework should be done.

Many different amplifiers are available and each one will have different modes and functions. Amp heads are commonly used by the professional players and these will need a speaker to be attached to hear the audio. The other type of amplifier is a combo unit which will house a speaker and these are popular for amateur players and bedroom guitarists.

A valve amp will require an annual check up to keep it in good condition and working properly. The majority of guitarists will carry spare tubes with them when they are working and will replace them when necessary. If you have to replace a vacuum tube yourself you should ensure it is a match for the faulty one and suitable for your model of amplifier. Any other type of work on a tube amplifier should only be done by a qualified electrical engineer to avoid damaging the equipment.

A transistor amplifier is a little easier to work on but they will still need a regular inspection. Small problems and faults can be fixed by the amateur using some everyday tools and the suitable spare parts. When the problems are more serious it is better to give the amp to a professional repairer and most instrument stores will have a workshop where this type of work is carried out.

If you carry out your own repairs, the parts needed can be found online or at a music store in your neighborhood. When you are purchasing spares you should check that they are compatible with your equipment and that they are covered by a warranty. Used parts such as switches, control knobs and speakers can often be used as long as they have been properly tested beforehand.

When you purchase replacement parts to fix faults with your amplifier a little care is needed when you are ordering. It is better to purchase manufacturer spares if possible which are more reliable than the aftermarket parts that are on the market. Some vintage amps are extremely rare and may be worth huge sums of money and they should only be fixed by trained engineers using factory original parts.

There are some useful books and DVD's on the market which are a good purchase for amateur amplifier repairers. These guides will feature step by step instructions on how to carry out basic repairs and maintenance. When you have completed the work on your equipment it is advisable to have the amp inspected by an electrician to ensure it will operate safely.

The prices charged by technicians for amplifier repairs will depend on what spares are used and the type of fault. A simple wiring break or speaker replacement can be done for a few dollars and rebuilds can run into thousands. When you send your amp away to get repaired you need to be aware that the carriage costs will be added to the bill which may be quite costly.




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