Undertaking A Guitar Amp Repair

By Donald Wilson


Whether using a tube amplifier or a solid state model they both need maintenance, servicing and often problems fixed. From time to time many musicians will require a guitar amp repair. There are a few things to consider before undertaking this work.

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.

A tube amp will often need more attention to keep it working efficiently than the solid state models. Vacuum tubes will need changing occasionally and most guitarists will carry spare ones when gigging. This can be done at home or at the venue but it is always advisable to have any work of this kind undertaken by a qualified amp technician to ensure that it is done safely and covered by a guarantee.

Solid state models are a little easier to work on and maintain in the home or by the amateur electrician. Small faults can be fixed using everyday tools and do not take a lot of time to complete. If the breakdown or failure is more serious then it is always a good idea to have the job done by an expert and most musical instrument stores will offer this service.

The parts required for repairs and servicing can either be found online or in high street retailers specializing in guitars and accessories. Pre-owned parts can be utilized for certain jobs as long as they are the correct type and have been tested for safety. This option is most useful if you are on a limited budget and for common fixes such as a torn speaker cone or malfunctioning control switches.

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.

There are many books and internet tutorials available to help the DIY repairer to carry out a fix. It is essential to make sure that you have the right parts and tools when undertaking this work at home and that all safety measures are in place. After completing the work the amplifier should always be tested by a certified electrician as if performing live. Many venues will require the equipment to have this paperwork for insurance purposes.

The costs involved can vary greatly depending on the particular model and work needed. Ranging from just a few dollars for a simple fix to thousands for a more complicated problem it is advisable to get a few quotes. Online repairs can often work out cheaper but bear in mind that courier costs will have to be considered also.




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