Wednesday 22 June 2016

Searching For Engineers For Guitar Amp Repair

By Karen Adams


Most guitar players will own an amplifier and both solid state and tube models will need to be inspected, and any faults fixed. When your amplifier suffers a failure, you will need to search for a qualified engineer for guitar amp repair. A few things need to be taken into consideration before you have any work done on your expensive piece of musical equipment.

There are many different amplifiers and each one will have various modes and functions and will differ in cost. A standalone head will require a separate speaker cabinet to project the sound coming from the guitar. The other type of amp is known as a combination which has an integrated speaker built in, and these models are common for home use and amateur musicians, due to their compact size.

A tube amplifier will need a little more maintenance than a transistor model. Spare vacuum tubes are often carried by gigging guitarists and they will need replacing when they start to fade or stop working. All work that is carried out on a tube amp should be done by a qualified engineer due to the voltages and to ensure that the repair work is covered by a warranty.

If you own a solid state model, a service is still recommended and some of the simpler jobs can be carried out at home by the player. A basic repair can be done with some everyday tools such as a soldering iron and a selection of screwdrivers. A more serious fault will require the attention of a technician, and most guitar shops will offer a reliable repair service.

When you are looking for spares for a repair, many of the web based retailers can supply these at very attractive prices. Always make certain that any replacement parts are of the correct spec for your model and that they are covered by a manufacturer warranty. Sometimes, reconditioned parts can be fitted, especially if you are replacing a damaged speaker or a burnt out pot.

When you are sourcing and purchasing your components it is better to try and use a factory made item. This is essential when working on a rare and collectible amp as it ensures the pieces value is not affected. Most of the major amplifier makers will have a stock of spare parts for early models they have made and this is the better option when sourcing spares.

If you are an amateur electrician and wish to do your own repairs there are many publications available with electrical diagrams which will help you. After making sure that the correct parts have been ordered and purchased, and the tools are available, you can start to fix your amp. Always have electrical work examined by a qualified engineer to check that everything is in order.

The costs of your repairs will vary depending on the model, age and type of work required. Using an internet service is sometimes cheaper but the shipping costs will need to be factored in to your total budget. If you send an amp away, make sure it is fully insured in transit in case of damage or loss.




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