Valve Amplifier Repairs & Servicing
Servicing - Repairs - Recaps - Overhaul - Noise / Hum Reduction - Modifications - Bell & Howell Filmosound Conversions
If you are close to Sheffield (or even not that close) and have an amplifier or other equipment you wish to have repaired, restored or serviced, just drop me a message via the contact page or via my Facebook page. It may cost less than you think! Below is rundown of the work I do, or click on the pictures above to see some examples.
Servicing
I carry out a thorough inspection of your amp, checking and cleaning and tightening switches, pots, jacks, contacts, nuts, bolts, valve bases etc. I measure that all components are to within 20% of their nominal value and replace any that are failing. I also thoroughly check the mains wiring and all grounding points to ensure safety and minimal hum. I will advise on any remedial work that may need to be done, such as replacement valves, capacitors etc. Finally the power valves' bias is checked for correct current draw and stability.
Faulty Equipment Repair / Overhaul
The vast majority of faults are the result of a lack of servicing, and /or passive component failures due to age and period of use, and are not expensive items.
If after a service there are still faults, or other faults become apparent, there follows a thorough analysis, involving a series of tests to quickly isolate the problem. You will be advised what needs to be done at this stage, along with approximate costs.
If your prized vintage amp doesn't work at all, I can do a complete overhaul and bring it back from the dead, provided the transformers are ok.
Recap = reliability
Electrolytic capacitors degrade due to age, lack of use and heat. They can become resistive, go short circuit, even explode, causing serious damage to the most expensive parts of your amp. I inspect and test them for signs of deterioration and leakage and replace them where necessarry. You will be informed if this needs doing.
If your amp is over 20 years old and in regular use, you want it to be reliable. Therefore, it' a good idea to at least change the high voltage electrolytic smoothing capacitors.
If they look healthy, measure to specification and the amp is not played much, they may be left alone for originality's sake, but if you notice hum developing then it's time to have them replaced. I like to use top quality replacements such as F&T. The smaller, low voltage electrolytics also degrade and cause of noise, loss of gain and poor tone. These are treated in the same way.
Modifications - Repurposing & Conversions
I can enhance the tone and gain of your amp to get it sounding it's absolute best. I have worked with several local musicians to fine tune the voicing of their amplifiers in their quest for that special tone. I also love to repurpose old valve amps which may have been for Cinema, Hi-Fi or PA and no longer used. These can often be picked relatively inexpensively and can make excellent guitar amps. I have modified, re-designed and rebuilt quite a fiew of these, so if you have one of these I can look at it for you and give you an idea what needs to be done.
What I don't do
I don't undertake major modifications such as extra gain stages, effects loops, added reverb etc on vintage amps.
I don't replace any parts that don't need to be replaced to bump up the cost. I believe vintage amps should be left as original as possible unless it's being used regularly and reliability is more important to you.
If you are close to Sheffield (or even not that close) and have an amplifier or other equipment you wish to have repaired, restored or serviced, just drop me a message via the contact page or via my Facebook page. It may cost less than you think! Below is rundown of the work I do, or click on the pictures above to see some examples.
Servicing
I carry out a thorough inspection of your amp, checking and cleaning and tightening switches, pots, jacks, contacts, nuts, bolts, valve bases etc. I measure that all components are to within 20% of their nominal value and replace any that are failing. I also thoroughly check the mains wiring and all grounding points to ensure safety and minimal hum. I will advise on any remedial work that may need to be done, such as replacement valves, capacitors etc. Finally the power valves' bias is checked for correct current draw and stability.
Faulty Equipment Repair / Overhaul
The vast majority of faults are the result of a lack of servicing, and /or passive component failures due to age and period of use, and are not expensive items.
If after a service there are still faults, or other faults become apparent, there follows a thorough analysis, involving a series of tests to quickly isolate the problem. You will be advised what needs to be done at this stage, along with approximate costs.
If your prized vintage amp doesn't work at all, I can do a complete overhaul and bring it back from the dead, provided the transformers are ok.
Recap = reliability
Electrolytic capacitors degrade due to age, lack of use and heat. They can become resistive, go short circuit, even explode, causing serious damage to the most expensive parts of your amp. I inspect and test them for signs of deterioration and leakage and replace them where necessarry. You will be informed if this needs doing.
If your amp is over 20 years old and in regular use, you want it to be reliable. Therefore, it' a good idea to at least change the high voltage electrolytic smoothing capacitors.
If they look healthy, measure to specification and the amp is not played much, they may be left alone for originality's sake, but if you notice hum developing then it's time to have them replaced. I like to use top quality replacements such as F&T. The smaller, low voltage electrolytics also degrade and cause of noise, loss of gain and poor tone. These are treated in the same way.
Modifications - Repurposing & Conversions
I can enhance the tone and gain of your amp to get it sounding it's absolute best. I have worked with several local musicians to fine tune the voicing of their amplifiers in their quest for that special tone. I also love to repurpose old valve amps which may have been for Cinema, Hi-Fi or PA and no longer used. These can often be picked relatively inexpensively and can make excellent guitar amps. I have modified, re-designed and rebuilt quite a fiew of these, so if you have one of these I can look at it for you and give you an idea what needs to be done.
What I don't do
I don't undertake major modifications such as extra gain stages, effects loops, added reverb etc on vintage amps.
I don't replace any parts that don't need to be replaced to bump up the cost. I believe vintage amps should be left as original as possible unless it's being used regularly and reliability is more important to you.
Musicman RP 112 Sixty-five JMI Vox AC 10
Elpico AC52 Carlsbro CS 60
Filmosound Amplifiers Hiwatt Lead 50R
Lab Series L2 Burns
Lab Series L5 Fender Twin Reverb
Selmer Constellation 20 Fender Musicmaster Bass
Selmer Treble & Bass Mk 2 Impact 60
Schaller KV40 Northcourt 50
Fender 5F1 Champ RSC Bass Major
Traynor YGL 3 - Mark 3 Mystery Amp
Watkins Westminster Denco 912-Plus
Denco 912-Plus Interesting Waveforms
Wem Dominator Mk 3 Mullard 5-10
Wem Watkins Copicat Mk 3 Decca Amp
Elpico AC52 Carlsbro CS 60
Filmosound Amplifiers Hiwatt Lead 50R
Lab Series L2 Burns
Lab Series L5 Fender Twin Reverb
Selmer Constellation 20 Fender Musicmaster Bass
Selmer Treble & Bass Mk 2 Impact 60
Schaller KV40 Northcourt 50
Fender 5F1 Champ RSC Bass Major
Traynor YGL 3 - Mark 3 Mystery Amp
Watkins Westminster Denco 912-Plus
Denco 912-Plus Interesting Waveforms
Wem Dominator Mk 3 Mullard 5-10
Wem Watkins Copicat Mk 3 Decca Amp
