I'm truly curious about this. What is everyone's definition of a "Qualified Tech" (or similar title).

_________________
You dig?

Never found one, thats why I learned to do it myself. Sometimes I need a little amplifier help, but thats when Arjay comes in!

_________________
"Where would rock and roll be without feedback?"

But the question remains. If you've never found one, this means that you do have a certain criterion. Further, Arjay evidently passes this (your) criterion.

_________________
You dig?

For me it would depend on whether we are talking about amps or guitars or pedals or whatever. Although I have never taken any training in guitar maintenance, setup or repair I know beyond a doubt that I am more qualified than any music store "tech" to work on guitars because I have over 40 years of experience doing all my own work. I have never once used a tech for a guitar issue, not even when I was a little kid. I am naturally mechanically inclined and I looked long and hard at any guitar I ever picked up and I fooled around with it until I figured out for myself how they work. Fortunately I was also cautious enough not to damage anything while I was learning.

Amps are a different story. You can seriously botch things up if you don't know what you're doing. You can also hurt yourself pretty bad as well. Additionally, they do not lend themselves well to learning by trial and error so the learning curve would be expensive and extremely steep. For that I would require some kind of proof the the "tech" has been trained or at least has years of experience before I would entrust one of my beloved amps to him/her. A diploma hanging on the wall or some kind of satisfaction guarantee would suffice. If I did not find either of those I would not use that "tech" at all unless it was someone I knew personally and trusted.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

George..co-owner of our area Mom & Pop shop he has been around guitars and amps for decades is one of the most talented players I know and has forgotten more In one day than I will ever know in my lifetime..I think personally to be etraordinary in the field you have to be born with "something" hands down the most talented tech, luthier..electrician..person I know

_________________
Mona
"Music is What Feelings Sound like"

Again, what is your criterion for a "most talented tech, luthier..."?

_________________
You dig?

For me a qualified tech is someone who can do things I can't, or at least am not comfortable doing on my own yet. I can do set ups, switch pots, jacks, pups, tuning pegs, bridges, ect. However, nut work, finishing, refretting, or routing are all things that I'm not yet comfortable doing. When it comes to amps I'm good until I get down to board work. I just don't have a steady enough hand, and I'm not practiced enough to solder tiny connections cleanly. Older tube amps I'm much more likely to work on, then anything modern.

_________________
http://www.reverbnation.com/casanovafrankensteinandthevoodoomachine
https://www.facebook.com/CFandtheVM

2012 Fender Custom Shop 55 Precision Bass
2012 Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass RI
2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo

This is what I'm talking about, one's outright criterion!

_________________
You dig?

Number one ..honesty..tell me its a piece of crap etc..the inate ability to hear an off sound and remedy it..to know part numbers..vendors..models..history..sale value..to be able to do any neccesary repairs be it electronics, wood repairs..to know all the ohms..watts and the stuff I have NO stinkin clue about and the other most important thing is Decades of Experience..is that unreasonable?

_________________
Mona
"Music is What Feelings Sound like"

Outstanding!

_________________
You dig?

Such candor usually gets me in trouble here......



Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Yah, no kidding....

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Years back , I've used some ''pros'' (techs associated w. shops) for repairs like reset necks. NOT satisfied. Feel I now am able to do whatever is necessary on most guitars, but for doing the correct choices into electric circuits , I have to make some research (here )
Acoustics can be a pain in the $@!. But I have made a connection assisting me when necessary , with a small company , who really makes their own guitars. GREAT guitars ( Santa Cruz/Taylor/Martin -style/price+) Handmade. These guys I'd trust with any guitars life - also electrics.
When it comes to amps , I'm a novice - I hope to learn more. But I also here have a link to a local guy running a big back line company - with piles of the most desirable amps and stage equipment. I am pretty sure he does all needed service there alone - but has his employees to run the gigs. He has proposed some mods to my modest equipment , and I think I will let him. Definitely , I trust him. He is also a great musician

_________________
A-man

Qualified = Capable, competent

Tech (short for Technician) = a person skilled in mechanical or industrial techniques or in a particular technical field

IMO, the 'Qualified' part is unnecessary and redundant since, by definition, a Technician is skilled, or qualified in their field.

_________________
Please subscribe to my Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/user/b7567

Howdy!

Hummm...good thread. Got me thinking.

All I'm after at the moment is a Tech than can carry out a re-fret and dress, as I much prefer to do the rest myself. I'd also expect them to be able to perform a full setup to my specification and look after my guitar while its in their care. As far as fret work goes, They're either competent and can do the job, or they're a Hack. End of.

Regarding formal qualifications, a certificate on the shop wall saying "Joe Bloggs is a recognised Guitar Technician" signed off by the "Guitar Tech Guild" or something similar, doesn't mean much to me. Recommendation from a friend and/or a good reputation is usually good enough.

That said, I'll want to follow that up with a visit before I commit one of my own. A chat with the person who is actually carrying out the work is an absolute must. What I really want to see is a smile on their face. If the tech is happy doing what he does, he's likely doing a good job. A miserable tech is probably miserable because:

1.) He gets grief of dissatisfied customers... (cos' they're a Hack).
2.) Isn't competent enough to make a decent wage from it... (cos' they're a Hack).
3.) He's bored shitless because you've spent the last 15min's telling them, in great detail, how you've wired your guitar with a mid-boost and three S-1 switches... D'oh!

I also reckon its a good to sign to see that the tech is busy. Plenty of cases waiting for work or ready for collection. I want to look in on the work area and see tidy yet well used work bench. This would leave me to believe that that this tech as some experience, which is arguably one of the most important quality to look for.

The above is pretty much the Big Hairy Approved Standard for a "Qualified Guitar Tech"

Martian, Just going on what I've read in your posts and Feedback from forum user Kong regarding your work, I believe you may be tad over qualified for the title of "Guitar Tech".

Andy

_________________
Pending Greatness