Looking For Suitable Amplifier Repair

By Matthew Allen


A lot of valve and solid state amplifiers will now and again develop a fault or require routine inspections. Guitar players, at some point will need to look for a reputable technician to carry out an amplifier repair. There are a few important things to take into account before having work done on these pieces of electrical 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.

When trying to locate spares for your repair, many web based companies can supply these at good prices. Always make sure that replacements are of the correct specification for the model in question and that they are covered by a manufacturer warranty. Recycled parts can be fitted if you are on a limited budget especially if you are replacing speakers or small pots.

Factory made parts should always be used when at all possible on vintage amps. Using manufacturer made original parts will ensure that the value is maintained and the spares will be the same as the ones fitted when the amp was made. Many factory authorized stores will carry parts for older models and these should be used.

If you are doing the repair in your home there are many instruction manuals or online guides available. As long as you use the correct spares and tools, this can be a cost effective way to carry out your repairs. It is imperative to have all electrical work inspected by an electrician to ensure it conforms to the safety standards required by many clubs.

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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