Ampeg Micro-VR R.I.P.

[jkramer5]

About a half hour ago my little Ampeg Micro-VR up and died. I was playing at a really low volume, had been for about 15 mins, and it started fizzing and crackling. The fan started racing and by the time I moved over to shut it off, ran even faster.

I powered it off, waited a min. Then turned it back on. It makes a loud pop thru the speaker, doesn't make any sound of the bass at all, and the fan starts screaming. Bummer.

It's too old to send back to zzounds, where I got it (it's been about 6 weks or so since I got it) although I'm going to call them anyway and see if they''l exchange it. I spent a lot of $$ with em over the holidays, maybe they'll cut me a break.

If not, I also sent and email to Ampeg, I really love that little thing, I hope it gets repaired or replaced soon.

[98dvl]

That's a bummer, I'm curious to know what happened to it... Hopefully, Ampeg will find out and let you know.

Warranty is at least a year (I haven't looked into it) on these things.

So long as you have your receipt, Ampeg will cover it.

FWIW, if you ever sell it, you can pass the receipt on to the new owner and they're covered as well (so long as the warranty hasn't expired).

[edit]

Seems like the warranty on the electronics is 5 years on Classic products (Micro VR is listed under the "Classic" part of the website):

http://www.ampeg.com/support/warranty/astock.html

Also, that states that the warranty is non-transferrable, but in their FAQ, it's stated:

"Q17) I did not receive a warranty card when I bought my amp. What do I do?
Not to worry! As of January 1, 1996 your sales receipt is your proof of warranty. The warranty is transferable by simply passing the original sales receipt or a copy to the next owner."
[/edit]

[faulknersj]

What a bummer! I am curious to see how both parties handle this...keep us in the know!

[rodl2005]

Since I read the OP, there were/are some replies I didn't see . SO, EDIT!!!!!!!


AAWWWWW SHUCKS that SUX big time. Hope it all works out 4 you. 6 weeks is all you had it for?? Surely Ampeg have at LEAST a one year warranty???? It used to be 5 yr (IIRC) when I bought my V4BH!

Good luck man! You SHOULD be fine & they should replace it or repair it.
Again- Good Luck- even WITH A GOOD WARRANTY- IT SUCKS BEING WITHOUT AN AMP THAT YOU WERE REAL HAPPY WITH EH???
Oh & it SUX Big time having the caps lock stuck on without knowing.... ;-/

[jkramer5]

Yeah it's under warranty still, It's just not available for "instant" return to where I bought it. I imagine it's gonna be an RMA, shipping on my dime etc.

No idea what happened to it. I played it for a good while earlier today it was fine, came in here after dinner and some TV to work on a recording and poof. I don't have another head to test the speaker cab, I just hope it didn't damage that when it died.

[jkramer5]

UPDATE:

I called Ampeg this morning and spoke to customer support. After explaining the problem and talking bass amps for a moment, the rep told me they are going to send me a new head, and when I receive it, I put my original one in the box and send it back with the prepaid shipping label.

Now that's support. 10 out of 10. I don't see how they could do better. I'm VERY impressed with Ampeg. Not only did they solve my issue promptly and at the least possible inconvenience to me, the support rep was very understanding and ready to help.

I'm not a pro, or a working player, I'm not a long time customer, I can't afford their flagship products, but they treated me like I am. I'm proud to be an Ampeg owner/player and look forward to using their products in the future.

[98dvl]

Thumbs up to Ampeg!

[fenderhutz]

They way it should be done.

[jamzcl]

Nice!

[jkramer5]

Just to add a little info from my conversation with the support rep, they haven't seen many (if any) "it just up and died" returns on these heads. They've had, and according to him, replaced them for issues with the tolex not adhering to the wood well, and some issues with the cups on the cabs not lining up with the feet on the head.

It was very enjoyable talking to him, I told him about the threads about the micro-VR here and also about this thread.

[Von Felgenhauer]

I remember a guy saying his cups didn't match the head to the cab. So they are going to replace those? Great c/s if I've ever seen.

[silky smoove]

Wow, nice job on Ampeg's part. Glad to hear that customer service isn't lost on a bass amp giant like Ampeg. With as many smaller company offerings available these days that provide excellent products and inredible customer service, the big dogs will really have to step-up their game. Ampeg seems to be doing a great job. When I was using GK products they always did a great job. Hoepfully everyone is following suit.

[jkramer5]

Originally Posted by Von Felgenhauer

I remember a guy saying his cups didn't match the head to the cab. So they are going to replace those? Great c/s if I've ever seen.

Same here, I remember reading that in one of the Micro VR threads here. No idea if Ampeg would even need to be involved or not. I think he had just bought his so he may have just needed to return it to the store. I'm sure they would tho, it's a known defect.

[pasta4lnch]

Nice to see a company that size doing the right thing!

[krovx]

+1 for CS support of Ampeg. I had used Ampeg a lot of in the past, but recently been more of a Mesa / GB guy. I really wanted one of the new portaflex amps and had a ton of questions about the new flip tops. Decided, why not try to call them? Turns out I had a 30 minute convo with one of the engineers; he really explained everything I wanted to know. He even got one of the cabs and opened it up and told me about the inside of the cab. Even stood on it to test it's strength to insure a tube head could sit on it

[JimmyM]

right on for ampeg! these guys in charge of the legacy now really know what they're doing.

[KsPiNeSh]

Masterfully handled by Ampeg.

[DanNowhere]

Originally Posted by jkramer5

they haven't seen many (if any) "it just up and died" returns on these heads.

that's a relief.

[MrMeacham]

Way to go Ampeg!

[MuthaFunk]

I didn't know support like that still existed in todays world. Really... Makes me want to buy Ampeg. Good on em!