Need Vintage Fender Amp Repair Guru

[Annex2]

My studio partner has a 1967 Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp that is in mint cosmetic condition. Still has the original tags on it and everything is original. This amp sat in a closet for 35 plus years after only being used a few times. Same guts as a blackface.

The amp makes strange noises and is not working. Who can we trust to take this prized possession to and know that it will receive the love and attention to detail that this amp deserves? I am paranoid about leaving this in the hands of a second rate tech. Any suggestions? Preferably in the Washington-DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh area so that we can personally deliver and pickup. I hate the thought of shipping this amp.

Thanks,
Dave

[Igotsoul4u]

I would make the trek to 30th street guitars in NYC. They know what they are doing. Right near penn station so its a pretty easy trip.

[redddog]

Where do you live?

[octatonic]

Originally Posted by Annex2

My studio partner has a 1967 Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp that is in mint cosmetic condition. Still has the original tags on it and everything is original. This amp sat in a closet for 35 plus years after only being used a few times. Same guts as a blackface.

The amp makes strange noises and is not working. Who can we trust to take this prized possession to and know that it will receive the love and attention to detail that this amp deserves? I am paranoid about leaving this in the hands of a second rate tech. Any suggestions? Preferably in the Washington-DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh area so that we can personally deliver and pickup. I hate the thought of shipping this amp.

Thanks,
Dave

I have some vintage Fender amps.
Dave Hirsch at Daves Sound Repair in Whippany, NJ is the best amp tech I've come across.
He was the only person I'd trust with my amps when I lived in the US and now I am back in the UK I am really missing his genius.
His number is (973)-386-5840.

Tell him James Richmond referred you.

[FFTT]

The only guy I'll trust with my gear in the Washington D.C. area is
Eric @ Viking Amps.
He works from his home in Warrenton VA.

Viking Amplifiers


I've sent several others to him and everyone has been delighted.
Not only does he do excellent work, but his prices are very reasonable.

Eric is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

[KingDaddyO]

Originally Posted by FFTT

The only guy I'll trust with my gear in the Washington D.C. area is
Eric @ Viking Amps.
He works from his home in Warrenton VA.

Viking Amplifiers


I've sent several others to him and everyone has been delighted.
Not only does he do excellent work, but his prices are very reasonable.

Eric is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Thanks for the link - interesting concept, the transformerless tube amp. I just emailed Eric for more info. thumbsup

FFTT - have you ever had any electronics work done at Prototypes in Kensington, MD? They've been around forever (Tommy Lepson worked there/or still works there as far as I know). Just curious if you've had work done and what your impression was.

[FFTT]

Originally Posted by KingDaddyO

Thanks for the link - interesting concept, the transformerless tube amp. I just emailed Eric for more info. thumbsup

FFTT - have you ever had any electronics work done at Prototypes in Kensington, MD? They've been around forever (Tommy Lepson worked there/or still works there as far as I know). Just curious if you've had work done and what your impression was.

I had some work done a VERY long time ago at Prototypes, over 20 years ago.
They do good work, but tend to be a bit expensive from what I remember.

Another great shop up in Maryland would be the folks at VVT Amps in Waldorf MD.
They build fantastic amps and also really know those Fender circuits.
VVT Amps Home Page

If only I had learned what my father knew.

He was an electronics tech for over 35 years and back when I was a kid
my father was the lead amp tech for Chuck Levins and several other
area music stores.

[Al Rogers]

It's a piece of junk... don't bother to fix it. I'll take it off your hands as a favor and give you $50. I can use it for parts <LOL>

-Al

[Annex2]

Originally Posted by redddog

Where do you live?

I live in Washington, DC and am there on the weekends. During the week, I am in Pittsburgh where my studio is located.

Thanks for your suggestions. Keep em coming.

[Sha-Zam]

Better late than never, eh?

I've used Jim Walton in Philadelphia, dude was superb; and I highly recommend. When I walked in with my Marshall head in hand, he told me the model number and correctly identified it as a 50W head and made a guess as to what was wrong, and was exactly right. He's been servicing guitar amps for like 30+ years, and his rates were very reasonable. He's old school, I don't know if he even has an email address, but he is located at 547 Levick St. Philadelphia PA 19111 and his number is 215.342.7327

I also had him service an Earth Revival amp for me (copy of a 67 bassman made in the mid 70's) and had the same professional experience for reasonable rates.

[FFTT]

Originally Posted by Annex2

My studio partner has a 1967 Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp that is in mint cosmetic condition. Still has the original tags on it and everything is original. This amp sat in a closet for 35 plus years after only being used a few times. Same guts as a blackface.

The amp makes strange noises and is not working. Who can we trust to take this prized possession to and know that it will receive the love and attention to detail that this amp deserves? I am paranoid about leaving this in the hands of a second rate tech. Any suggestions? Preferably in the Washington-DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh area so that we can personally deliver and pickup. I hate the thought of shipping this amp.

Thanks,
Dave

Call Eric at Viking Amps.

He knows Fender inside out and respects the integrity of original
circuits, only changing what is absolutely necessary.

He takes care of all my amps and is quite reasonable.
In Warrenton VA.

703-722-6684