Best resources to learn about amp repair?

[NashvilleDeluxe]

Hello, all! I have a busy guitar/bass repair shop, but get a lot of inquiries about repairs on tube amps. Do you think guitar/amp repairs have complementary skill sets, or are they totally distinct, like car repair vs. body work/paint?
It seems that the amp wizards around my area are either busy (ie. unresponsive) or retiring, so I'm just wondering out loud about the feasibility of it. Thoughts?

 

[RMLamey]

Some good amp repair channels on YouTube

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

If you don't mind print, there are the old standbys. Jack Darr. Antique Radio repair manuals. The RCA tube receiving manual. You don't have to be an EE to work on amps, but learning the basics on how tube amps work can only benefit you in the long run.

Be careful about poking around a live amplifier. You can get a nasty shock. The bigg amps can kill you.

 

[dan40]

The experience you have gained working on guitar electronics will definitely help as you have already learned some of the basics such as soldering, resistance readings and wiring in tight quarters. I started with an interest in learning to work on my guitars years ago which eventually led to learning how to repair my amps and building new ones.

One of our members has a great sight on tube amp basics you should check out.

How Amps Work

How Tube Guitar Amplifiers Work

robrobinette.com

 

[Refugee]

May want to sign up for this chat board. Lotsa great resources and schematics.

The Amp Garage - Index page

 

[rolandk]

These two guys have have loads of repair and theory vids

 

[NashvilleDeluxe]

Thank you kindly for all the resources and advice!

 

[Dik Ellis]

Gerald Weber of Kendrick Amps has several books out and is a nationally recognized authority on tube amps.

 

[Mike H.]

You need to have a working knowledge of electronics before working on amp circuits. And even if you went and got a 2-year electronics degree, you wouldn't learn anything about tubes.
The best way to learn is to work with someone who already knows tube amps inside and out. And of course, there's the usual caveat that working on tube amp circuits can be dangerous.
Even an unplugged tube amp can hold potentially lethal stored charges.

 

[Vocalion]

I would absolutely give this podcast a listen.

https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/the-truth-about-vintage-amps-big-index-page/

 

[NashvilleDeluxe]

You need to have a working knowledge of electronics before working on amp circuits. And even if you went and got a 2-year electronics degree, you wouldn't learn anything about tubes.
The best way to learn is to work with someone who already knows tube amps inside and out. And of course, there's the usual caveat that working on tube amp circuits can be dangerous.
Even an unplugged tube amp can hold potentially lethal stored charges.

Excellent advice, sir. I already take in amps to do the "troubleshooting" stuff and biasing, but I wanted to get some ninja skills in the advanced areas. We're just finding that when I refer a customer to an amp tech around here, it's a 4-6 month wait. Plus, I love learning new skill sets. This Two-Rock head came in yesterday, and we got it up and running again.