• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ever return an amp to Fender for replacement ?

C

cbnutt

Jan 9, 2018
369
211
#1
I have a nw Rumble 100 , lots of rattles, vibration noises going on , everythings tight , tried different bass,s , rooms , etc . tried the dealer and they seem to think its fine , so wondered if Fender would let me return to them for a replacement , been trying to call , but there in a company meeting, so just curious if anyone has been able to do a return direct to them on a amp for replacement ? Thanks .
 
#3
If your dealer won't help you, contact a Fender authorized service center for help. Some dealers are not equipped to troubleshoot electronics, especially if they don't handle the premium product lines and do not have a service department in-house.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hawk620, RColie and cbnutt
#5
cbnutt said:
I have a nw Rumble 100 , lots of rattles, vibration noises going on , everythings tight , tried different bass,s , rooms , etc . tried the dealer and they seem to think its fine , so wondered if Fender would let me return to them for a replacement , been trying to call , but there in a company meeting, so just curious if anyone has been able to do a return direct to them on a amp for replacement ? Thanks .
Click to expand...
I called and got a warranty exchange for a rumble 25 a couple of years ago. It was very straightforward.
 
  • Like
Reactions: One Way, G-Dog and cbnutt
#8
I just opened a case for a similar issue with a Rumble 500 amp. I received an email response to contact an authorized service center. Then I called Fender and received the same instructions from their customer service rep. He explained that the authorized service centers determine whether they can fix it and, if not, they initiate the return/exchange for a new unit.

This is the email response I received:

Thank you for reaching out to us, and I apologize for the frustration you're experiencing with your Rumble 500 Amp.

In order to get you taken care of, the first step is getting you to an Authorized Service Center so that they can provide us with a description of the issue. The service tech there will look at and evaluate your product, and be in touch with our techs here at headquarters. Our techs will advise them on how to proceed.

You can find one on our site linked below by clicking on the "Service Centers" tab. Please call the service center in advance to make an appointment.

Invalid Link Removed

Please note there are designations for which service centers provide support for electronics (amps), stringed instruments, or both.

Be sure to bring your proof of purchase to the service center along with your product. The service center should be your first point of contact if you have additional questions, but feel free to reach out to us directly if you need assistance with anything else!

All warranties apply to the original purchaser only. Have a nice day!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hawk620, agedhorse and cbnutt
#9
Never2Late , i am not sure if i live close to one of there autherized repair centers , miht have to ship it , ill do some more checking , did your have some vibrations, noises going on too ?
 
#10
cbnutt said:
Never2Late , i am not sure if i live close to one of there autherized repair centers , miht have to ship it , ill do some more checking , did your have some vibrations, noises going on too ?
Click to expand...
You can search the support section of the Fender website for the location of Fender (electronics) authorized service centers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hawk620 and cbnutt
#12
cbnutt said:
Never2Late , i am not sure if i live close to one of there autherized repair centers , miht have to ship it , ill do some more checking ,
Click to expand...
@cbnutt - you can use the link in my previous post: Invalid Link Removed . In the top middle of the page, choose "Service Centers" and then choose your state (are you in the US?). It will display a list of the service centers for that state and a map with the service center locations.

That said, if you're still within your dealer's return window, I agree with the recommendations to simply return the defective unit and repurchase a new one.

cbnutt said:
did your have some vibrations, noises going on too ?
Click to expand...
Yes, and it got worse at higher volumes and was especially bad at certain resonant frequencies. Unfortunately for me, even though my 500v3 is almost new, I'm not the "original purchaser" so there is no warranty. Fortunately for me, I was able to find and resolve the issue. I'm planning to do a post about it tomorrow, with pictures, to hopefully help anyone else who runs into this.
 
Last edited:
#15
cbnutt said:
Never2Late , i think i have discovered the chassis is doing it , i can put some pressure on the back of it , and problem goes away , hopefully i can do something to it to stop it , i wish id bought from Sweetwater , would be a simple exchange .
Click to expand...
Have you contacted a Fender service center or your dealer yet?
 
  • Like
Reactions: cbnutt
#16
agedhorse , yes , i went when i first noticed it , i had mentioned that in the opening thread , they seem to think its fine , i will try contacting a repair center on mon . i might have to ship it if they want to look at it , there probaly a 3 hour drive from here , ill for sure start buying where theres a long return window in case something happens again . Shipping would be a good bit of the price on a rumble 100 .
 
#18
cbnutt said:
Never2Late , i think i have discovered the chassis is doing it , i can put some pressure on the back of it , and problem goes away , hopefully i can do something to it to stop it , i wish id bought from Sweetwater , would be a simple exchange .
Click to expand...
@cbnutt , if a bit of pressure on the back of the cabinet stops the noise, that should eliminate amp or driver problems and suggests something simply being loose.

Are you handy and comfortable with tools and repairs? If yes, and if you can’t return the R100 and the closest service center is 3 hours away, you might consider removing the 12” driver (8 screws & 2 electrical connectors) and taking a look inside.

If the noise is coming from the top back, inside the amplifier, you could also check inside it. I just posted a picture in the 500v3 thread showing the simple mods I made to its amplifier to address a couple of things that were probably creating additional vibration noise in mine, on top of the cabinet issues.

But only if you’re handy and comfortable with tools and repairs, and you understand proper safety procedures.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Miles_ONeal and cbnutt

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back