Tube Amp Repair In Houston

HT cOz · « **on:** 14 Jul 2008, 03:17 pm »

My beloved tube amp has one channel missing in action. This happened one time before and was a loose wire. I shipped it across the country to Bascom King and it was repaired very quickly. I would however like to avoid the dangers of shipping and the cost. Does anyone have any recommendations for tube repair in Houston. I was thinking of contacting this person http://www.tubemodules.com/

Thoughts, ideas, strategy,,, all is welcome.

Thanks,
Robert

Brad · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 04:07 pm »

Looks like you found a good repair place.
I have also used a guy in Spring Branch, but he was more SS than tube-focused.

HT cOz · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 03:14 pm »

Brian Savage · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 05:51 pm »

I live just outside San Antonio and had a problem with my Audio Research tube amp. The two closest ARC dealers are in Houston and Austin. The Houston dealer was not aware of anybody in the area he was comfortable with and always sent equipment back to ARC for repair.

The Austin ARC dealer recommended Austin Stereo Service and Repair. I talked with the owner/technician at Austin Stereo Repair on three separate occasions to make sure he felt comfortable working on my amp before making the 1 hour and 45 minute trip to his shop. He assured me it would be no problem and that he works on ARC tube amps all of the time.

When I brought the amp to him, he didn't seem quite as confident, but said he thought he could do it. Four days later I received a call from him and he said that he wasn't comfortable working on the unit at all. So, I made two round trips totalling 7 hours of driving and was no closer to getting my amp repaired than when I started!

I ended up shipping the unit to Great Northern Sound Company in Minnesota where they not only repaired the unit, but also installed their Reference Level modifications as well. I am thrilled with the performance of the amp and the service and workmanship they provided.

Bottom line here is even though shipping is a pain, I found it best to bite the bullet and get my amp to someone who really knew what they were doing.

S Clark · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 07:15 pm »

Gary Dodd, in Garland, might be available. I think there is little about tube amps that he doesn't have a mastery over, since he designs and sells his own. He has done incredible work for me before, but may no longer offer repair service. It would only take a phone call to find out. Google Dodd Audio.

arthurs · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 07:17 pm »

Quote from: S Clark on 15 Jul 2008, 07:15 pm

Gary Dodd, in Garland, might be available. I think there is little about tube amps that he doesn't have a mastery over, since he designs and sells his own. He has done incredible work for me before, but may no longer offer repair service. It would only take a phone call to find out. Google Dodd Audio.

Agree. Gary would be ideal if he's still offering this kind of work.

doug s. · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 07:47 pm »

you might wanna also check out vladimir bazelkov. he is the owner-designer of audio mirror, & he's in houston. he might have a look-see for you...

i have an early pair of his 6c33c set monoblocks - nice amps!

http://audiomirror.com/

doug s.

xecluded · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Jul 2008, 12:09 pm »

i've always use this person in california and could not be happier. his price is extremely reasonable and he does it right everytime. his email is redondoguy2007 at yahoo dot com

HT cOz · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Jul 2008, 02:40 pm »

Thanks for everyones sugestions... Now how do you break this kind of news to the wife??? lol

doug s. · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Jul 2008, 03:07 pm »

Quote from: HT cOz on 18 Jul 2008, 02:40 pm

Thanks for everyones sugestions... Now how do you break this kind of news to the wife??? lol

better to ask forgiveness than permission...

doug s.

arthurs · « **Reply #10 on:** 18 Jul 2008, 03:56 pm »

Tell her to be thankful you're not getting new amps, just having yours repaired....

mfratus2001 · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Jan 2009, 08:13 am »

This is Mike at TubeModules.com, and I repair mostly vintage tube amps. While most are Fender, Marshall, Ampeg and the like, I get a few boutique amps and also beautiful, high-end hifi amps full of chrome and large knobs.
I repair, restore and modify based on customer requests. I'll use NOS parts if I have to, but I resist using NOS electrolytics because they don't age gracefully.
I have many happy customers, and most say their amp never sounded so good when I return it to them.

Call me if you have any questions about repairs.

HT cOz · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Jan 2009, 12:43 pm »

Thanks for responding Mike. I'll give you a call in March. The amp will be getting repaired for my birthday.

Robert

EDS_ · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Jan 2009, 01:43 pm »

Quote from: mfratus2001 on 22 Jan 2009, 08:13 am

This is Mike at TubeModules.com, and I repair mostly vintage tube amps. While most are Fender, Marshall, Ampeg and the like, I get a few boutique amps and also beautiful, high-end hifi amps full of chrome and large knobs.
I repair, restore and modify based on customer requests. I'll use NOS parts if I have to, but I resist using NOS electrolytics because they don't age gracefully.
I have many happy customers, and most say their amp never sounded so good when I return it to them.

Call me if you have any questions about repairs.

Hey Mike,
Although I live in Plano TX, I've bookmarked your site. Your device that lowers guitar amp power to about three watts is genius. A lot of bands would be better off performing with something like that as well - I'm thinking of some of the tiny bars on Greenville Ave. in Dallas.

mfratus2001 · « **Reply #14 on:** 24 Jan 2009, 05:36 am »

Thanks, all. I received a warning from the moderator that I can't talk about my business or services here.

On topic, there used to be several places in the Houston area that were pretty good. There are still some but they are either outside Houston, or so busy that repairs take a looooong time. Some have retired.
You would think that in a place as large as Houston (we have NASA here, for goodness sake!) there would be more repair shops, or even parts shops, but there you have it.
I used to hang out in Austin, and used to live in the DFW area, and both of those have quite a few repair shops and parts places. I have no explanation.

Mike.

Double Ugly · « **Reply #15 on:** 24 Jan 2009, 03:21 pm »

Quote from: mfratus2001 on 24 Jan 2009, 05:36 am

I received a warning from the moderator that I can't talk about my business or services here.

No, you didn't.