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Aguilar ToneHammer Failure

JutMitch

JutMitch

Jan 6, 2020
184
197
Pittsburgh
#1
Well, I had my first amp failure after 30 years of playing and I'm a little baffled. Looking for some information as I tried to digging up the info but it doesn't seem to exist.

I had a ToneHammer 500 just stop working in the middle of a practice at my home. No power surges, lower volume and the same set up I've been using for a few years now.

When muted the status light stays lit but when unmuted the "operate" light and the "status" light just blink non stop. Small pulsing sounds going through the cabinets, otherwise no sound at all. No fan operation.

Plugged in the AG700 and finished the next 2-3 hours without any issues. Went back to TH500, plugged it in…same issue (I thought it might have gone into some sort of protect mode).

Only one service center remotely close and that will be dropped off within the next few days but they are backed up (possibly a few months) but just seeing if anyone has experienced these issues, does it sound like ICE module issue?
Do people actually repair the Ice 250asx or do most "authorized" service center view the module as a disposable, non serviceable item?

Korg responded quick but weren't really that much assistance. The only small issue I've ever had was with a Mesa subway 800d which was immediately repaired and sent back and I'm pretty sure it was out of warranty. Kudos to Mesa for possibly the best customer service I've dealt with. Looks like Aguilar will probably not be too concerned with me as they just gave me the link to authorized repair centers.
 
#2
The power modules are replaced not repaired, and it may not be the power module.

Be sure you use a factory authorized service center that's experienced with the TH series. This is more important than you think.
 
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#4
agedhorse said:
The power modules are replaced not repaired, and it may not be the power module.

Be sure you use a factory authorized service center that's experienced with the TH series. This is more important than you think.
Click to expand...
Yes, I am using the only authorized service center in my area but it will be possibly a few months. I'm not sure what the experience is with these amps but I don't mind forking out the cash for a new Mesa if the probability of a spent power module is likely.
I know that diagnosing on a forum is not conducive but just seeing if anyone had a similar experience or if there is any common failure points with the TH.

I would prefer not to be gigging without a backup because we rarely use a Pa with subs or a house system.
 
#5
Moving Pictures said:
I have a similar issue but no resolution yet. I'm following the thread to see if you are able to resolve the issue through the service centre.
Click to expand...
I have a feeling it won't be good news and if it is the power module, it'll probably get shelved. $335 is what I can purchase the module for so I'm not sure what a store would charge, lm assuming possibly $352 (that's not including any labor) which is consumer retail. Would be nice if Aguilar stepped up and at least gave me their discount which I'm assuming they pay possibly 120-150 per unit (pure speculation but if you order 20 or more it's $198 (per Ice website) and that is not OEM volume pricing.

All of this is based on the assumption that it is indeed a power module.
 
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#7
JutMitch said:
Yes, I am using the only authorized service center in my area but it will be possibly a few months. I'm not sure what the experience is with these amps but I don't mind forking out the cash for a new Mesa if the probability of a spent power module is likely.
I know that diagnosing on a forum is not conducive but just seeing if anyone had a similar experience or if there is any common failure points with the TH.

I would prefer not to be gigging without a backup because we rarely use a Pa with subs or a house system.
Click to expand...
It can be almost anything, impossible to diagnose accurately without the amp on the bench. It's also not possible to diagnose (correctly) without experience with this model family.

JutMitch said:
I have a feeling it won't be good news and if it is the power module, it'll probably get shelved. $335 is what I can purchase the module for so I'm not sure what a store would charge, lm assuming possibly $352 (that's not including any labor) which is consumer retail. Would be nice if Aguilar stepped up and at least gave me their discount which I'm assuming they pay possibly 120-150 per unit (pure speculation but if you order 20 or more it's $198 (per Ice website) and that is not OEM volume pricing.

All of this is based on the assumption that it is indeed a power module.
Click to expand...
Quit assuming and quit speculating, you don't know what you don't know.

If you don't want risk of diagnosis and repair, sell it as is with full disclosure and buy something new.
 
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#8
The amp is going under the knife by an authorized dealer/service center regardless

I'm merely trying to make an informed decision based on ToneHammer users and if similar issues have arose, their complexity and end result.

This info helps me to decide to borrow an amp for two months or purchase a new one.

So yea, not looking for DIY info, just ToneHammer user experience with repairs, customer service, cost etc.
 
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#9
Moving Pictures said:
That is my thinking as well. I haven't found a certified service centre in Canada yet so shipping to the US just adds to the service cost.
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There is a great shop here around the Pittsburgh area that is an authorized dealer and service center. I will keep you posted as to the findings are. NOT saying your issue will be the same as mine but if you are having the exact same symptoms as mine it would be reasonable to deduce a similar issue.
 
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#10
Moving Pictures said:
That is my thinking as well. I haven't found a certified service centre in Canada yet so shipping to the US just adds to the service cost.
Click to expand...
Contact Erikson Audio in Montreal.
(514) 457-2555
They're the Canadian distributor of Korg products.
Good luck.
 
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#11
JutMitch said:
There is a great shop here around the Pittsburgh area that is an authorized dealer and service center. I will keep you posted as to the findings are. NOT saying your issue will be the same as mine but if you are having the exact same symptoms as mine it would be reasonable to deduce a similar issue.
Click to expand...
There are "exact symptoms" with MANY different causes, therefore it's not reasonable to deduce.
 
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#12
I am informing someone with a similar issue of what my experience will be. I explicitly stated that this does not mean their issue will be the same. We are just having a conversation with the understanding that there is no replacement for an authorized certified tech evaluation. I will follow up with my experience and people can use that information how they would like.

I always appreciate your feedback and it's nice to know these identical symptoms can be several different things. This is the knowledge that I was asking for in the first place.
 
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#15
Nuisance said:
This is my biggest fear with ownining my Aggie. I have had horrible luck with Korg customer service in the past.
Click to expand...
I will say Korg did reply very quickly (within a day) and seemed genuinely concerned and went through some basic troubleshooting but once it went beyond that it was just links to their service centers which is understandable as a next step. I think there are companies that go "above and beyond" like Mesa and there are companies that once their product is beyond the warranty period they don't want much to do with it.

Personally I would say excellent customer service, factory repairs and outstanding warranty is more important to me than getting the exact amp I want.
 
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#16
Well said. Aguilar used to have that personal touch. In years past, I've had phone calls with them regarding any and all questions I may have had. They were always very welcoming.
Now, they've been reduced to a corporate entity that I believe is trying to salvage a good customer service image. I've had email communication with KORG regarding my Aguilar gear and they replied within a couple of days which is better than some other companies but I can no longer pick up the phone and have a conversation.
I currently own two Aguilar V1 heads and an SL112. I love the product but can't speak to the new KORG reimagined V2 designs and personally have no need for IR and the resulting price increases, so it's unlikely that i'd buy another Aguilar amp as is. And the similarity to Darkglass amps turns me off. But, in all fairness, I've not auditioned their new products so I cannot speak from personal experience.
 
#19
agedhorse said:
Is it worth $335 for essentially a new amp? Maybe that's not so bad after all?
Click to expand...
like I had mentioned previously, that's without labor so I'm going to say I'll have around $450 in it.
I have an email to Paul @icepower to see if there is a possibility of getting one at the bulk price $192 (doubtful but worth the time an email)
Even at $450 that would be ok if I was pretty darn certain it would be a flawless working amp.
My faith in the authorized repair facility was a little rattled. They first told me it would be possibly a few months. When I spoke to the owner he said, no..it won't be that long. The employee that does the repair would never return my phone calls after several calls just to see what the status is. I sent someone to pick it up after 3 months. They said it's tore apart laying on the bench waiting for parts. Get a call 10 days or so later stating it was the power module.

In the meantime I bought a wd800 and the tone hammer would be a backup to the WD,Ag 700 and the Gk1200.

So with the used price of a gen 1 Aguilar TH being around 500-600, I'm just not sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Maybe I'll send it to you for your graveyard of amps.
 

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