Fuchs discontinuing Walter Woods and Acoustic Image service

[FUCHSAUDIO]

Sorry to announce we are no longer accepting Woods or AI amps for repair.

In the case of the Woods amps, we're running into a brick wall with devices having their numbers removed, so replacement is basically impossible. With the devices we CAN identify, we're finding many to be obsolete. While we have fixed some of these amps, the return on time invested (when compared to other traditional amps), cannot be justified. I worked with two other gifted techs around the world, who have also decided to no longer be involved in the project. Since attempts to communicate with Walter have been fruitless, the case is closed.

In the case of AI amps, its somewhat similar. While Rick's son was willing to send schematics, in many cases replacing the pc boards (which are densely populated surface mount boards), was the only repair path. Since there are no boards available (actually no parts of any kind), we're no longer accepting these amps for repair.

Thanks all. Sorry it had to come to this.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Sorry to hear, but perfectly understandable .

 

[JBarz]

I think I speak for the team when I say we’re grateful for all Fuch’s given.

 

[turf3]

This is very disappointing. Of course Fuchs can't repair what can't be repaired. My disappointment is with the manufacturers who design this stuff so it can't be repaired. Or grind the component numbers off the components. We grow to depend on the particular amps, how they work and respond. Then when the amp goes t!t$-up, we're running around trying to find a new one and learning it.

I may end up buying a spare amp (AI Contra series one) just in case mine fails.

 

[bherman]

I will say that as someone who has used a Fuchs amp now for the better part of a year, they did a great job on producing a solid amp that meets the bass community's needs.

 

[ole Jason]

A friend of mine here in Louisville just had his AI amp repaired by a local tech. Seems like with AI it really just comes down to what the problem is. If it's something easy/identifiable they're still somewhat serviceable.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Removing part numbers from parts should be illegal.

 

[brianrost]

It is what it is. Luckily my WW and AI amps won’t have to keep going much longer. I’ll probably have stopped playing before they croak.

I do have a Contra S3 that I can use if the Coda S3 fails. It’s the WW that would be more of a problem because nobody bothers to make two channel amps anymore for doublers.

 

[logdrum]

Can Rick's son make those schematics available?

 

[A Bass And Its Boy]

I had a great relationship with Rick and asked his son shortly after Rick’s passing if he’d make the schematics available. He said what amounted to “maybe, but don’t hold your breath.” I’m wondering if Fuchs would be willing to pass them along? After all, parts aren’t available and Rick’s family has no intention of continuing the business… what IP would be impinged upon? And isn’t the Right to Repair Act signed into law in at least four states now?

 

[akukulich]

I’m sorry to hear that. Hopefully, my 25-year-old WW Ultra will keep delivering the goods.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I will say that as someone who has used a Fuchs amp now for the better part of a year, they did a great job on producing a solid amp that meets the bass community's needs.

I really wish they would have put Speakon connectors on the amp.

 

[bherman]

I really wish they would have put Speakon connectors on the amp.

I hear you - almost tried to return it over that, but found a solution that works just fine for me. High quality 1/4" male jack on one end, Speakon female on the other, lets me use my Speakon cables for cabinets. No problems at all for me.

 

[pmatz2]

This is very disappointing. Of course Fuchs can't repair what can't be repaired. My disappointment is with the manufacturers who design this stuff so it can't be repaired. Or grind the component numbers off the components. We grow to depend on the particular amps, how they work and respond. Then when the amp goes t!t$-up, we're running around trying to find a new one and learning it.

I may end up buying a spare amp (AI Contra series one) just in case mine fails.

In the vast majority of cases its part obsolescence that's the issue. Removing part numbers prevents others from reverse engineering as well as others from repairing. I think this pool is pretty small . I'm aware of Klon and Dumble putting goop on the parts to prevent reverse engineering. Actually removing part numbers is a new one to me but he same concept as the "goop" Even those that goop or grind need to be able to repair their own products (especially under warranty) but they have the schematic and the part numbers (probably kept in a vault

I am far removed from electronic manufacturing, but when I was in software design our hardware guys spent a lot of effort and time re-spinning boards as parts became obsolete.

I'd be curious on what the present philosophy is when it comes to this. Especially with all the software controlled amps being released. I've shied away from any modeling or modelling type amps because of this. I think the days of being able to get a 10-20 year old amp repaired are fading. The first line 6 modelling amps are approaching 30 years old, Curious if they are repairable.

I have a Eden amp sitting on the shelf because of noisy potentiometers . I can't find any info on parts availability and really don't want to risk a bench charge just to be told parts aren't available.

 

[turf3]

Well, if you use "standard" parts with "standard" performance characteristics, if that particular PN goes obsolete you can use something else with the same performance. 10k resistors will always be available. Same with basic op amps.

It takes more trouble in the design - from some more trouble to a tremendous amount more trouble, I'd bet.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

In the vast majority of cases its part obsolescence that's the issue. Removing part numbers prevents others from reverse engineering as well as others from repairing. I think this pool is pretty small . I'm aware of Klon and Dumble putting goop on the parts to prevent reverse engineering. Actually removing part numbers is a new one to me but he same concept as the "goop" Even those that goop or grind need to be able to repair their own products (especially under warranty) but they have the schematic and the part numbers (probably kept in a vault

I am far removed from electronic manufacturing, but when I was in software design our hardware guys spent a lot of effort and time re-spinning boards as parts became obsolete.

I'd be curious on what the present philosophy is when it comes to this. Especially with all the software controlled amps being released. I've shied away from any modeling or modelling type amps because of this. I think the days of being able to get a 10-20 year old amp repaired are fading. The first line 6 modelling amps are approaching 30 years old, Curious if they are repairable.

I have a Eden amp sitting on the shelf because of noisy potentiometers . I can't find any info on parts availability and really don't want to risk a bench charge just to be told parts aren't available.

Modeling amps plummet in price when v2.0 comes out. So when a 30 year old modeler dies, it's generally far cheaper to buy a replacement than repair. That is, if you can even repair it.

 

[pmatz2]

Well, if you use "standard" parts with "standard" performance characteristics, if that particular PN goes obsolete you can use something else with the same performance. 10k resistors will always be available. Same with basic op amps.

It takes more trouble in the design - from some more trouble to a tremendous amount more trouble, I'd bet.

Unfortunately for the smaller boutique manufactures - the magic seems to be in the less than standard parts. I remember lots of discussion on how specific boutiques fuzzes were built with very specific sourced diodes. The original tube screamers are going for crazy prices because people say they can can hear the difference.

And I agree with you the larger manufactures do need to use parts with standard performance characteristics as much as possible. I suspect as part of the business plan and final ship acceptance, parts availability (as it impacts expected manufacturing and maintenance life-cycles) is taken into consideration.

Personally I'm needing to re-calibrate how long I can reasonably expect things to last (which includes cost effective repair) I know I was thrown for a loop the when my home AC needed a recharge with R-22.

Modeling amps plummet in price when v2.0 comes out. So when a 30 year old modeler dies, it's generally far cheaper to buy a replacement than repair. That is, if you can even repair it.

I'm curious if parts are even available. However I agree more and more items are disposable rather than repairable because of this.

 

[JimmyM]

Just saw this…sorry, those of you who have these amps and need a repair, and respect for Andy and his crew taking on the repairs as long as they did.

 

[Ric Vice]

In the vast majority of cases its part obsolescence that's the issue. Removing part numbers prevents others from reverse engineering as well as others from repairing. I think this pool is pretty small . I'm aware of Klon and Dumble putting goop on the parts to prevent reverse engineering. Actually removing part numbers is a new one to me but he same concept as the "goop" Even those that goop or grind need to be able to repair their own products (especially under warranty) but they have the schematic and the part numbers (probably kept in a vault

I am far removed from electronic manufacturing, but when I was in software design our hardware guys spent a lot of effort and time re-spinning boards as parts became obsolete.

I'd be curious on what the present philosophy is when it comes to this. Especially with all the software controlled amps being released. I've shied away from any modeling or modelling type amps because of this. I think the days of being able to get a 10-20 year old amp repaired are fading. The first line 6 modelling amps are approaching 30 years old, Curious if they are repairable.

I have an Eden amp sitting on the shelf because of noisy potentiometers . I can't find any info on parts availability and really don't want to risk a bench charge just to be told parts aren't available.

Except was unrolled recently due to a terrible fire at Fliptops quite possible to totally overhaul and repair a B-15N (C) 3 6SL7 and 2 6L6’ 5U4

 

[bb5000]

A customer came with a AI Coda R Series III where channel #1 sounds distorted, or "buzzing" when played. Channel #2 is OK. Any ideas ? Where can I get a schematic ? Thx in advance