Amp repair rant...

thedg · #1 02-01-2011, 06:37 PM

So I decided to step up from a combo amp to a head + cab. Did some research, found a reasonable deal, and pulled the trigger. After 3 days of noticing a "pop" during power-up, I searched the trusty TB forums and found someone else w/ the same problem. In that thread the president of the amp company chimed in that it was an "easy fix". I took my amp in to a certified repair shop (after they said it would take a week), and fast forward almost 5 weeks later, still don't have the head back (with no pick-up date, other than "soon"). The shop says they are having a real tough time getting info from the manufacturer, but who knows where the blame lies.

TL;DR - 5 weeks+ for an "easy fix"

fdeck · #2 02-01-2011, 06:39 PM

What kind of amp?

thedg · #3 02-01-2011, 06:43 PM

GK 700RB II

doktorfeelgood · #4 02-01-2011, 07:14 PM

I had 2 original issue GK 1001 RB's and had zero problems with them for almost 8 years. I loved them both but at that time I also had an original issue MB-150 combo and it was totally junk. I bought it new and had trouble with it the day I took it out of the box at G/C.
I also had a LOT of problems with GK's repair dept. and CS with that amp and because of that I' prolly won't ever buy another GK product.
To be fair I have heard many good things here on TB about GK stuff but I just don't trust their products or their CS anymore.
It's too bad because I'm really interested in their new MB-112 combo but I can't find one anywhere to play. I've been inquiring about that amp since last April and keep getting told a bunch of crap about fictitious delivery dates. They must be having some really big problems with those amps in production. It's too bad, too. With a single 12 and 200 watts at about 25 pounds and costing (supposedly) only $299, I'd imagine they'd sell boatloads of that amp. I hope you have good luck with yours. )-(

pjwalsh · #5 02-01-2011, 10:21 PM

Be persistent and patient,

The 700RBII is a great amp and you will love it once the repair is complete.

When I got mine there seemed to be a lot of noise from the input and other jacks. Took it to a certified repair shop and got it fixed under warrantee - probably just cleaned the jacks!

The certified repairmen are independent of GK so on the incredibly long turnaround really should not land on GK, though you would think a brand new amp oughta work right out of the box.

Mine has had zero issues since the initial repair.

thedg · #6 02-01-2011, 10:38 PM

Yeah, I'm psyched for it - I'm kinda kickin' myself though because the amp worked fine after the initial "pop". Meanwhile, the cab collects dust...

77PBass · #7 02-02-2011, 11:37 AM

5 weeks is unreasonable. I would contact GK and tell them your situation. I would also contact one of the gear magazines or Tom B and ask them for a contact.

It is GK's issue if it is a warranty issue and a dealer is jerking a client around. As musician/consumers we shouldn't have to put up with this stuff.

I am blessed with a great tech who fixes my stuff correctly and in the time he tells me it will take. Why? I pick up my equipment when it is ready and pay him right then. It helps that my amps are vintage and are not throw away consumer electronics.