good amp techs in phoenix az?

[subbasshz]

I have been putting off getting a redbear mk120 looked at but the time has finally come where I need to just bite the bullet. any good techs in phoenix area? a shop near me wants to charge 80$ just to get it on the bench. . . Ill pay that if I know its phoenix's finest, so where do ya'll take your tube heads for service?

[will33]

Google says TB'er "B-string" (Jon) is a little over 3 hours away. He knows what he's doing as is also very helpful here. Worth the drive, or perhaps he can refer you to a pheonix tech??

$80 bench fee isn't too far out of line to me, most are $70-$75.

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by subbasshz

I have been putting off getting a redbear mk120 looked at but the time has finally come where I need to just bite the bullet. any good techs in phoenix area? a shop near me wants to charge 80$ just to get it on the bench. . . Ill pay that if I know its phoenix's finest, so where do ya'll take your tube heads for service?

Do they apply that $80 to the total repair cost? If so, what's the problem? If you're not sure, find out. If not, go elsewhere.

What needs to be understood is the fact that a lot of the repair comes from doing things that don't actually change the unit- this includes checking voltages, making sure it has no bad solder joints, making sure the tube sockets are snug, checking tubes, etc. This not only takes time, it also requires a large investment in test equipment.

[slyjoe]

I've used M-Troniks in Mesa with good results.

[subbasshz]

Originally Posted by 1958Bassman

Do they apply that $80 to the total repair cost? If so, what's the problem? If you're not sure, find out. If not, go elsewhere.

What needs to be understood is the fact that a lot of the repair comes from doing things that don't actually change the unit- this includes checking voltages, making sure it has no bad solder joints, making sure the tube sockets are snug, checking tubes, etc. This not only takes time, it also requires a large investment in test equipment.

It was explained to me that 80$ is JUST for basically your spot in line, non refundable, non negotiable, nothing.

might have to PM B-string. . .

[rpsands]

I have had work on tube heads done by tber Timv who is excellent.

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[og61pbass]

Mtroniks in Mesa,good shop friendly ,knowledgable staff...

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by subbasshz

It was explained to me that 80$ is JUST for basically your spot in line, non refundable, non negotiable, nothing.

might have to PM B-string. . .

Having worked in consumer electronics for over 35 years, I have to say this is the first time I have seen that anyone collects money just for a spot in line and doesn't apply it toward the service work. This is like a cover charge, only to take your date (the amp) to a service department. There's no freaking way I would do this, for several reasons. First, because I understand how service departments are run and need to be run, second, because it's a ridiculous price to pay just to get a place for something on a shelf and third, if it doesn't go toward the service price and they don't apply it to the service bill, it looks like they're trying to make up the difference between the warranty rate paid by manufacturers and retail rate (assuming they're actually a warranty station).

I don't think they would like me if I went there for service. This is a major reason I'm glad I learned to do a lot of this stuff for myself. If I can't do it, I know others who can but $80 just to plop something on a shelf is BS. What is the shop labor rate?