Sunday 14 February 2016

Undertaking A Guitar Amp Repair

By Donald Wilson


Valve models and solid state amps will now and again develop faults or require routine inspections or servicing. Guitar players will at some point need to carry out a guitar amp repair. There are however a few things to take into consideration before having this work done on the equipment.

There are a few variations in models and each of these differ greatly in cost and parts needed when something fails. A head unit is a standalone amplifier that requires a separate speaker to enable the sound to be heard. The other type is a combo with the speaker built into the cabinet; these are more common for home use due to the size and affordability.

Vacuum tube amplifiers will require more maintenance than a solid state model. Spare tubes are often carried by working musicians and will need to be replaced now and then and it is imperative that the correct type is fitted. Any work carried out on this type of amp should be carried out by a professional due to the voltage running through them and also to have the necessary guarantees and after sales service.

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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