Friday 29 April 2016

Searching For Professional 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.

The two types of amp are head units and combos which have one or more built in speakers. The parts needed for this equipment will depend on what kind of unit is being fixed and in some cases the age if it is a vintage model. The combo amps are popular with amateur musicians or bedroom players due to their compact design and fairly low purchase price.

A valve or tube amp will require a routine check up to keep it working efficiently. Most players will keep a spare valve with them, especially if they are gigging regularly. When you are servicing a tube model, it is important to use the correct tubes, and only let a qualified technician do the work due to the voltages involved. When you have this work done by a professional, any repairs or modifications will be covered by a full guarantee.

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 costs of repairs will differ depending on what components are needed and the time it takes to complete the job. From a few dollars a simple problem can be fixed but a serious fault will cost a lot more. If you have to send your equipment away, remember that the courier costs and transit insurance will need to be added on to your bill.




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