[texendo]

... although it still continues to sound more and more remarkable as the weeks pass.  I actually bought mine used with about 30 or so hours on it, and it probably has 300-400 hrs on it now.  The problem was when I was trying to take off the hood (in an attempt to void the warranty).  I fear the last owner may have done the same thing and rescrewed the screws way too tight as I have managed to pretty much destroy the Phillips heads on two of the screws. 

I know the All Great Vinnie would likely generously take this unit under his wing to help me out, but I honestly have no desire whatsoever to ship off my amp (and let's be honest, he has better things to do).  Plus, chasing down ridiculous problems like this that I create for myself is what makes this past-time so much !@#$ fun.

So... anybody got any great ideas on how I can remove these screws (that are holding on the lid)?  Thanks a million in advance guys (and gals)....

[sts9fan]

you can get srcew removing drill bits at most hardware stores.

[texendo]

it's that easy?

[AB]

They are called " Screw Extractors".

http://www.ostartools.com/products/others/Screwextractor/Screwextractor.htm

You need to drill some but they work when all else has failed.

[Berndt]

If the screw heads aren't totally buggered, try tapping the head of the screw with a small hammer and push the flared bits back down into the shape of a phillips.
Once that is done, I take the proper sized phillips head screw driver with a good tip and gently tap it into the screw head with same small hammer. Push down as much as you can while turning the screwdriver. If you have some lapping compound a bit upon the screwdriver tip makes it bite into the fastener, enhancing it's grip.
If this doesn't do it, let me know...