• Registered: 2010-03-04
  • Posts: 21

Topic: amp tech issue

i have a huge problem with an amp tech here in jolly old England. i was bought a Bugera v55 head, i know they suck but oh well. I thought i would bring it to an an amp tech to completely gut it and make it into a deluxe reverb type amp. I gave the guy the amp in mid November and still havent got it back, it is now nearly mid may the amp he says there are problems with it and he is still working on it. I need some advice from you guys shall i just take it back cause i have waited nearly 6 months for this and it is just ridiculous it is like a running joke with my band mates

  • DAN
  • Gold Member
  • Offline
  • From: Lima, Ohio
  • Registered: 2010-01-14
  • Posts: 94

Re: amp tech issue

Can the amp tech say he has been working 6 months straight on your amp?
Take it back, pay nothing, and get an itemized list of what repair (attempts) he made.
Take the amp to another tech....you trust.... and listen to him trouble shoot the problem, to determine if he has a course of action....then get an estimate for cost in writing, and a projected completion date.
Or reconsider the project, given you dont seem to thrilled with the head to begin with.

You did what us guitarists do....take a piece of gear into a shop, assuming the guy is on your side, and shares the same concern and passion you do..... I took an elec guitar to tech for a neck adjustment, and got it back with a new nut installed that I didnt authorize. He didnt call me first......This change in nut, worked out ok, but I sure was shocked when I went to pick it up, and learned he made that major change...... Hang in there .>>DAN

79' Epiphone Genesis Custom, 89' pre-reissue Les Paul Standard, 90'Strat Plus,
02' Tele (ash), 91' Martin HD-28, Epi A-12 acoustic, Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12
  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: amp tech issue

You've been far too patient with this guy. Take the amp off his hands (let's hope he hasn't messed anything up) and tell him you won't expect to see a bill.

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: amp tech issue

I am sorry if this is a stupid question...

Is it cheaper in England to buy a Bugera Head and convert it to a deluxe reverb type amp insted of buying a deluxe reverb?

Because in the states its cheaper to just buy the Fender or a similar amp.

And by the way Bugera makes some pretty cool amps. I played one the other week and it sounded great.  I really liked the clean sound.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: amp tech issue

Bugera looks very light-duty. If it sat in my bedroom all day, I think I could trust it. I haven't heard any opinions suggesting they are road worthy.

I would take it back, pay nothing, and get a list of things they tried doing.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

6 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2010-05-13 03:51:53)

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: amp tech issue

The above advice is good. I have seen some clunkers come into my shop that were looked at by a couple of techs and ended up in the "too hard" pile with a BER tag (beyond economical repair). If the customer doesn't scream too loud, it just sits there gathering dust. Take it to another shop and tell them the story. Set a price limit on what you can budget for repair, expect to pay a minimum for the tear down to see what is wrong and go from there. If a main power transformer has gone out, it might not be worth fixing.
Rick
edit: We take in equipment that has been hacked by other shops and usually will give it a quick look over at no charge. We then give the customer a cost run down and usually give them a break if it can be repaired. This generates good will and word of mouth that pays dividends down the line. It doesn't hurt to be up front about your repair budget with the tech either. My business is maritime gear but it is all the same as far as repairs go. Good luck. Competent techs are scarce. If you find a good one, spread the word.

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7 Reply by JohnTB (edited by JohnTB 2010-05-15 23:59:02)

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: amp tech issue

Aww I feel for you mate, I once took my fender blues deluxe in to fix some broken jacks. It was to a guy I thought I trusted he said it had been fixed with the jacks replaced I took his word turns out they hadn't been changed! After a few gigs the jack plugs kept losing signal again. Anyhow took the matter into my own hands and started doin DIY on my own gear. The fenders old I've now replaced all the jacks, fixed the reverb tank, soldered bits up and generally done the repairs myself / with the help of a friend at work I have to say I actually enjoy it smile anyhow ask the guy straight on the progress if he hasn't made any remove it from his care 6 months is a long time tho.