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Post subject: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2016 12:41 pm
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Amateur
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Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:13 am
Posts: 147
Location: Charm City
Hey gang, since the recent closing of my long-time amp servicers, Invisible Sound (RIP), I'm hoping somebody out there can help me out with a recommendation for an amp tech qualified to work on vintage Fender amps here in the Baltimore area. I listened to one guy's advice and took an amp to his tech shop (authorized Fender repair shop), and these guys had an upfront, non-refundable $60 charge just to look at the amp, and said that they had no bench rate, but "charged by the job, plus parts", didn't matter what the problem might be, whether something super simple, or more complex. And no, they had no ideas what turnaround times might be like.
Wasn't what I was used to, and didn't feel like the right spot for me.
So guys, anyone had good experiences with qualified, reasonably priced techs here in or around old Charm City?
Thanx as always, O...


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Post subject: Re: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 11:34 am
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Professional Musician
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Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 3:25 pm
Posts: 1023
I wish I could give you a magic number to Fender service heaven....
These guys you visited though... they can't have the customers perspective. They are a business and a business model that apparently works.
If they have a good reputation. go with their business model.
While I work out of my home, these guys have to pay landlords, Yellow pages, electric, insurance, labor, etc.
There are no simple problems if they guarantee their repairs, They have to go through an amp completely to ensure that there are no other problems that may crop up to bite them in the a**.
If they wiggle a tube and fix it in front of you, that doesn't mean the amp is in good condition. If they charge you and then something else goes wrong after a short time, they have an unhappy customer and a warranty situation.
We like having happy customers. We like doing a thorough job and not just slow the ticking of your little time bomb.
I hope you find a good servicer, but a business has to make a profit in order to stay in business. We have to buy groceries too. Electronic service doesn't make much money if its a retail store front. If I had to do it that way, it would be a tough business just to break even.


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Post subject: Re: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 5:31 pm
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Amateur
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Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:13 am
Posts: 147
Location: Charm City
Thanks, Tim, I can appreciate that the provider's point of view may differ from my own expectations, and it is good to get an idea of how a tech shop may look at a potential customer's problems-obviously, their concerns may not be the same as my own.
It's just that in the past my experiences have generally run along the lines of: a) deposit is left to open up amp and diagnose problem; b) that deposit fee is then applied to the work performed (if I choose to have work done at that shop); c) an estimate of tech's time necessary for repair is provided; d) a written estimate of the total price for service is presented, based on how many hours at that shop's hourly bench rate and the cost of parts and "shop supplies."

So thanks again for the input, it puts a different spin on things. But Hey out there, I'm still looking for suggestions for your favorite Amp Tech here in the Baltimore area! Thanks, as ever O,,,,


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Post subject: Re: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 4:15 am
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Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Too bad you are not closer to indy, I wouldn't give you a load of hooey like that. I don't charge to look at an amp, and I can give you a firm estimate of the cost to repair. I guess people get used to being screwed and think that they have no other choice, which keeps people like those at the shop you mentioned in business. :roll:

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Post subject: Re: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 7:44 am
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Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:13 am
Posts: 147
Location: Charm City
Thanks, Shimmi. Yeah, like I said, my experience at the shop I mentioned was not like those I have had in the past. I realize these guys have a business to run with overhead, payroll, taxes, etc., etc., but their approach to customer service left a bad taste in my mouth. I have no problem paying good money for quality work, but I certainly don't think it's unreasonable to have a problem diagnosed and then receive a firm breakdown of work necessary and an estimate of cost for repair.
Oh well, the search continues...


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Post subject: Re: HALP! Need a new Amp Tech!
Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:28 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:15 pm
Posts: 334
Location: LA South Bay
Though I live in the LA area and unable to provide a recommendation. My comment is: I have had my amps serviced in my neck of the woods. None of the services I checked out presented the business model you described, or I would have looked elsewhere. Keep looking, and good luck.

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