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Go to My Amazon Store for tubes, speakers, and other amp parts. But I can order parts for you if I don't have them in stock. See my Amp Parts page.
A lot of people try different amps out at the store, or try out their friend's amp, all in the search of the tone they want. What makes one amp sound so good, and another fall flat when compared to others?
Even price is not a good indicator of tonal quality. Boutique amps may sound just like what Fender or Marshall produced in the 60's. But back then, that tone was from a production amp, at production prices. Part of it is design, and part of it is quality.
Parts in your amp can lose quality over the years, and its generally gradual.
How does your amp sound, by itself. You can plug in lots of pedals and effects to get that sound you like, but what happens when you plug your guitar right into your amp? Is it less than spectacular? If you remember that it did sound spectacular at one time, what happened?
Some of that loss we can attribute to aging, but when even young musician's are no longer impressed by your favorite amp, maybe its time for some TLC.
I'm sure you wipe your guitar down once in a while, put new strings on it pretty regularly, and take it into the specialist when it has problems, and so on.
Your amp's output tubes are the hardest-working tubes in your amp, and if you have a rectifier tube, its supplying all your tubes with power. Sometimes that is the problem, and sometimes its the preamp tubes.
We have a pretty good tube tester, so we can tell how healthy your tubes are, and whether they are developing problems that can stop your music.
Preamp tubes can slowly lose gain or become noisy or microphonic. Some people buy a whole set of tubes and change them all, but what you end up with is a bunch of unknowns. Which one was bad? Change them one at a time, and you will find the culprit, if indeed it is the tubes. Sometimes it isn't. Preamp tubes generally last for years. Are NOS tubes better? Generally, yes. Standards were much higher then.
Are more expensive tubes better? Not necessarily. I like the ECC803, and most all of TAD tubes (free plug). Doug's Tubes actually tests their tubes in amps like the one you have, so tell them what amp you have and what tube position you are replacing. You more than likely will get a good fit. (That's a free plug, Doug!)
Oh, and don't be a tube jockey. Tube sockets can wear out from too many tubes in and out. If you find a good combination, stick with it. Tube sockets have to be replaced when they wear out. You get about 30 insertions in a tube socket before you wear off the plating that resists oxidation.
I repair vintage, classic, and modern tube amps inside the 610 Loop in Houston, Texas. I also repair classic amps, like the first of the solid-state amps, and hybrid amps. I'm familiar with Boutique Amps, as well! I also work on Audiophile tube amps.
Usually a repair is a turn-key process. People drop off their amp with the complaints listed, and get them back with all of that repaired and the whole amp checked out. We repair anything that is going to prevent the amp from functioning. If something if "iffy" or optional to repair, we generally ask the customer if they want that issue addressed. But what you as a customer gets back is a fully-functional amplifier at a reasonable cost, and reliable repairs that don't need to be re-done.
Repair time is usually 2 weeks or less if I don't have to special-order parts or if the workload is not too high. I'll let you have some idea when I know what model unit you have. Be sure and let me know when your next gig is, and I will try to work you in if I can. Same-day repair is available if possible. Priority is given to working musicians or others with a recording schedule or who are on-tour. Please give me as much time as possible to repair your amp.
If your amp needs a special-order part or an expensive, non-stocked part, I need payment for that part up front to order it. When I have the part, the repair process can continue.
Labor Rates are as follows, based on a semi-flat rate adjusted for difficulty.
- Minimum Charge: $65 labor. (Covers hookup and check for proper operation.)
- Normal Test and Repair: $135 labor, parts extra.
- More complex problems: $150 and up.
- If you have a large or heavy unit, like an Ampeg SVT or Monoblock Audio Amp, I have to warn you that I automatically charge $200 labor, plus parts.
Estimates: These are real hard to do sometimes. Basically I need to find and probably repair the major problems with your unit before I can tell you what was wrong with it! So instead, have some idea of what you are willing to spend on your unit. Please be realistic about it, as even what seems to be a minor problem can take an hour to go through the stages of:
- verify the problem
- disassemble
- repair
- test
- reassemble
- test
- burn-in
All repairs are concluded with a final test:
- Low volume performance
- High volume performance
- Noise, Hiss, Microphonics check
- Function of Features, including Tone Controls
- Audio Quality at Normal and High Volume Levels
- Output Power before Clipping
I can rebuild, re-cap, or restore your amp into whatever shape you want it to be. I can repair just what you want fixed, as well.
I NEVER put in parts that you don't need, unless it is part of the diagnostic process. If I do put in a part that does not contribute towards the repair of your amp, I don't charge for them, and all old parts are returned.
Mods: If you don't like the way your amp sounds, we can discuss what would help it. I don't believe in blindly doing other people's mods to your amp. I could, but there would be no warranty that it would solve your problem or not hurt your amp.
First, let's make sure your amp is working the way it should. Then we can talk about how to get your amp to sound the way you want it to.
Most amps sound pretty good, but sometimes there are some stinkers that sound bad right from the showroom. And there are some brands that people bad-mouth, but in reality some of their amp models are really good (Crate made a wonderful tube amp at one time!). Those often are the ones they quit producing, by the way.
I think the problem is that the accountants get involved and the company starts using cheaper components. On the other hand, expensive components rarely help an amp that is just badly designed from the start.
So before you start thinking that some special caps or resistors will make your amp into a winner, lets stop and look at the whole design first.
I have studied electronics for a long time, and I have some mods of my own to share. I will consider other people's mods, but YOU are the judge of what sounds best. But I will certainly tell you if I don't think it will help, or whether I think it will give you the sound you are looking for.
I've been chosen by Mesa-Boogie as their authorized repair center in the Greater Houston Area!
References available.
Call...
from 11AM-6PM, Monday-Friday.
The "Amp Repair Guy."
Why is this site called TubeModules?
Well, I've been developing some plug-ins for tube sockets. My first product was the HushPuppy. It plugged into your output tube socket without any changes to your amp circuit, and reduced the power output dramatically. That way you could practice or record without having to turn down the volume. It worked pretty well, and in fact I incorporated them into some of my amp designs. But they were a pain to build, and people complained about the price.But products keep getting better. I have released limited quantities of a solid-state replacement for 12AX7 tube. See the Products Page for details.
On A Personal Note: I'm a technician who really enjoys the sound of guitar music. So most of my time is spent on repair, design, and listening.
I've been doing technician work since the mid-70's, in audio, digital, video, radio, and in industrial and computer electronics. I've worked on lots of things, but I've now chosen tube-type amps to repair.
Mailing List Signup - No regular schedule for newsletters.
See how much a custom amp might cost with Amp Cost Estimator.
Want to be an Electronic Technician?
There are lots of ways to do it. I learned from many books over the years, starting with "The Boy's First Book of Radio and Electronics" by Alfred Morgan back when I was a young teenager.The newest revision is available from many book sellers, but I found a... Well, it disappeared. It was an old book, but I'm not sure if the copyright was renewed or expired. So you may as well buy it if you can find it. But the old issue had such great line-drawn illustrations. You literally could build a radio right from the book out of things you could find. Perfect for a kid too young to have a job.
This book was exciting to me as a kid, because I had no idea how a radio worked. I experimented until I learned that, by golly, electronics works just as advertised! That started off a long career in electronics, computers, and mechatronics.
You have to start somewhere, so get on your favorite search engine and find stuff. Libraries are free, and there's lots of free resources out there.
I recently found Learn About Electronics, a really nicely done site with lots of stuff even I liked, including animated transistor simulations that let you mess around with one without actually risking blowing the thing up.
After you learn about electronics, you can get certified at places like International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians.
NEW! I've collected some tutoring videos on my Video page for you to start out on.
Even if you don't know Ohm's Law, you have to be able to solder. See the Soldering Tutorial at CircuitReWork's site. Really good information!
Or, Apogee Kits Free Guide to Soldering.
Call me ---
11AM-6PM, Monday-Friday.
Send a message:
Serving the areas in and around Houston, such as Alvin, Angleton, Baytown, Bellaire, Clute, Conroe, Deer Park, Dickinson, Freeport, Friendswood, Galena Park, Galveston, Humble, Jacinto City, Katy, Lake Jackson, La Marque, La Porte, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenberg, South Houston, Stafford, Sugar Land, Texas City, The Woodlands, West University Place and all the Greater Houston Area.
If you are up to the drive, serving Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Corpus Christi, Bryan, Round Rock, Georgetown, Huntsville, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Port Arthur, Victoria.
Receiving shipments of amps from all around. It is best to ship "return shipping paid" to get a better shipping rate.
Amplifier Brands:
Acoustic, Alembic, Alesis, Allen, Ampeg, Ashdown, B-52, Bad Cat, Andrews, Ashton, B.C. Rich, Blackheart, Blackstar, Bogner, Bruno, Behringer, Carvin, Crate, Crown, Diezel, Earth, EBS, Eden, Burgera, Carr, Diaz, Divide by 13, Cornford, Elmwood, Framus, Garnet, Electro-Voice, Epiphone, ENGL, Fender, Fuchs, Gallien-Krueger, Genz-Benz, Gibson, Hartke, Hiwatt, Hoffmann, Ibanez, Johnson, Heritage, Hughes & Kettner, Koch, Matamp, Mojave, Naylor, Kendrick, Korg, Krank, Kustom, Laney, Legend, Line 6, Marshall, Matchless, Mesa-Boogie, Metaltronix, Orange, Peavey, Randall, Reeves, Rick-Tone, Ross, Selmer, Session, Sewell, Soultone, Rivera, Rocktron, Roland, Silvertone, Soldano, Sound Research, Sovtek, Squier, Sunn, SWR, Tech 21, Top Hat, Trace Elliot, Stephenson, Straub, Suhr, Supro, Synaptic Amps, THD, Tone King, Trainwreck, Traynor, VHT, Vox, Yamaha, Yorkville Sound, Two-Rock, Valco, Yerasov and more.
Solid-State Tubes are here! See My Products Page for details. Get the tube sound without the tube problems!
See how much a custom-build amp might cost with Amp Cost Estimator.
I can then send you a detailed description and an invoice for a down payment to start work on your amp.
Feeling appreciative? Like what you see here? Drop a few coins in my tip jar. Sorry, no sound effects. But its so empty-looking!
Weather for Houston, Texas, 77019
The following map only represents your ISP, not your computer. What your Browser tells everyone about you. Scary! That isn't me, that is your browser telling on you!
Vintage Guitar Tube Amp Repair! www.tubemodules.com
Experienced vintage amp repair. 60's and 70's Fenders and Marshalls a specialty. Boutique Amps and Modded Amps - no problem!
Custom Amps www.tubemodules.com
Want an amp built specifically to your needs? Tired of having more than one amp because no amp you can find does what you want it to do?
.
Need parts?
I have a parts request page for you. Use my new Amp Parts link.Or, go to my even newer Store for tubes, speakers, and other amp parts.
Hints and links concerning the sound of your amp at AmpTone.net
Build it yourself DIY information and links at Amp-Kit.com
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Here is a list of things you need to have if you are going to work on amplifiers...
Contact cleaner for cleaning controls and jacks. This is the stuff I use, It has Silicone in it, and it cleans the contacts and leaves a thin film to prevent future corrosion: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Screwdriver - this is a 6-in-One and pretty handy. Most amps use the #2 Philips bit. If all you are going to get is one, get one like this: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Wire cutters to cut wires, etc. I also use one to strip insulation, but you might want a stripper, too: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Digital Meter for testing things, checking voltages, etc. You can survive with just a screwdriver, a meter, and a soldering iron: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Clip Leads for hooking things up temporarily: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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And, if you are actually going to do something about what you find in there, you need... Soldering Iron for permanent connections. Avoid cheap dollar-store irons (with the holes in the barrel) as they get way too hot. But you don't need a $400 one, either. I use a $65 temperature-controlled one every day: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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...and some solder. I use 60/40 or 63/37 rosin core solder. They want us all to use lead-free solder, but its harder to make a good connection with that kind. But eventually they may get the formula right, and it will work as well as tin/lead solder does: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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A few good books: Basic Electronics: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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I always learned a lot from Forrest Mimms III when he wrote for Popular Electronics: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Reading Schematic Diagrams: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Tube and Guitar Amp Books: Click on image to purchase! ===> |
 
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Some books from Alibris, a really good source for new and used books. I've chosen some obviously used books because of the great price break, or they could just be old editions.
A word about our sponsors: I buy a lot of stuff from Parts Express. I've never received any bad parts or junk. Try them out at the link to the Tech Links page. I recently added Vann's. Check them out. Even though they are in what, Montana? Wherever they are, they ship, often FREE, to you and their prices are still lower than local sources.
I actually buy from some of these advertisers, so I choose people I would like to buy from.
Some things from my Products page!
Click image for more.
