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Post subject: Question about recapping
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:15 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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I've seen a few posts about recapping an amp and the cost number being thrown around in the neighborhood of $500+. Having recently completed an amp kit build, I have to wonder why it would cost this much. If you know the type and values of the caps you need to use, wouldn't a schematic and/or layout diagram and the parts be sufficient to complete the job yourself? Is it as easy as decharging the existing caps and then some soldering to remove and then swap in the new components? This is something I would think shouldn't take more than a few hours...

So if going bench rate is say, $50 an hour and caps are a few bucks apiece, wouldn't charging over $500 for a recap job be highway robbery?

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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:35 pm
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Who said that a re-cap job cost $500?

A quality set of electrolytics (F&T's or Spragues) typically runs $85 to $100 for a vintage Fender amp. Barring any unforeseen complications, the job requires no more than 90 minutes. Even at a bench rate of $60/hr (quite typical these days), said servicing should only cost a maximum of $190 total. However, amps in need of new filter and/or biasing caps typically require additional attention which should be anticipated whenever an old amp is taken in for maintenance.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:22 am
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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:56 am
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Yeah it is a lot cheaper to do it yourself than getting a tech to do it,and some guys who ask questions here clearly have no business poking around inside a tube amp....you can tell them what can happen with the high voltage stored inside and how to discharge caps,but still,I hate to do that,knowing full well the mistakes that can happen....they might not even be able to tell which are the filter caps. :?

I've worked around some fairly high AC voltages all my life,but still when I'm poking around inside one of my amps when it's on,I get really careful. :lol:
I know I'm getting clumsier in my old age. :shock:


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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:53 am
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Gents,

What is the best way to start learning your way around an old tube amp? I have '81 Fender 75 that I've had for a little over ten years and I have yet to even have the amp serviced. I've replaced the tubes only once, and the fuse only once. I haven't noticed any major sound changes (other than would be expected in new tubes). What should I be listening/looking for that would tip me off in regards to necessary service?


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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:32 am
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Hum, buzz, and other spurious noises are a good indication that something is amiss and only the foolhardy ignore these signs. A red-plated tube is also a good example of a malfunction. Significant drops in volume and frequency response are likewise good indicators of pending problems. Vintage amps operate most reliably when placed on a regular schedule of routine maintenance and servicing.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:45 pm
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Well each amp is different. As to why someone is charging $500 there might be other thing they are doing that we do not know about, like new tubes.I could see about $500 for caps and tubes.


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Post subject: Re: Question about recapping
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:33 am
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$500 !!!!

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