Rootbeer Audio (est. 2009) provides honest repair, modification, & restoration services for vintage / boutique tube amplifiers, in addition to design & assembly services.
GETTING STARTED: If you’re interested in my services, please send an email to info@RootbeerAudio.com or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Shop rate: $125/hour with a 1 hr minimum. Each job requires a $125 non-refundable deposit (per amp, due at the time of drop-off). This deposit is to get your amplifier on the bench, and to obtain a quote for recommended work. I’ll ask you to pay the deposit(s) when you drop off your amp. Please note, each amp requires it’s own deposit. If you elect to have the work performed as diagnosed, the deposit will be deducted from the total bill. Most repairs average between 1.25 and 3 hours, and please note >>> I will contact you with a quote for the recommended work and get your approval before charging you anything above the initial deposit (unless you opt to skip the quoting process to expedite the service).
Parts & Taxes: Sales Tax (6% PA & 2% Phila) will be added to the final bill, along with the parts used in the work.
Drop-off & Pick-up: Rootbeer Audio runs on an appointment-based schedule for drop-offs & pickups. I also offer delivery (pick-up/drop-off) services (get in touch for a quote). I accept work from anywhere in the U.S. (please get in touch before shipping your amp). Please note >>> you have 15 business days to pick up your repair and remit payment. After 15 business days, there is a $10/day storage fee. After 60 days, the amp becomes the property of Rootbeer Audio LLC.
Rush work: Depending on my workload and a slew of other factors, I may be able to offer rush/emergency/on-site repairs. Please get in touch or fill out the form linked above. Note: there may be an additional $125 charge depending on the situation.
Turnaround time: Many factors affect turnaround time: other amps, delayed shipments, complicating factors with the job, and maybe even a migraine/sickness. I try to check out an amp and send an estimate/diagnose within 2 or 3 weeks. From that point it depends on shipping of parts, other jobs, etc. Safely said, most repairs spend between 3 and 8 weeks in the shop.
Payment: Cash and/or venmo is preferred due to the fees associated with other services. Checks may be accepted by repeat customers & organizations. Digital payments are preferred prior to pickup when the work is complete. Cash may be paid upon pickup. Deposits are requested when you drop-off your amp.
Warranty: All repairs and tubes are warrantied for 60 days. If you suspect you have an issue with work performed or tubes, please get in touch within 60 days from the date of pick-up.
Services offered:
general tube-amp repairs: retube, bias, cap-jobs, transformer replacements, and all other repairs
circuit modifications ranging from large (adding reverb, “dumbling”, PHILLY circuit mods) to subtle tweaks (less harsh high end, more gain, adjustable bias, component upgrades)
complete and partial restorations
proper 3-prong grounding & isolation transformer install
grill-cloth (& occasionally tolex) repair or replacement
design
amp kit-assembly
tube-testing
guitar amp speaker replacement, repair, and reconing
What I work on: vintage and boutique tube guitar amps (and hybrid Music Man amps) // some modern tube amps (almost all modern Fenders, aside from that, mostly pre-2000 amps) // vintage and boutique tube hi-fi (not tuners) // sometimes analog pedals // vintage tube devices
What I don’t work on: solid state amps // digital amps and devices // pro audio gear (PAs, mixers, DJ equipment, and consoles) // most modern digital &/or SMT guitar pedals // turntables // modern Mesa Boogies // modern Ampeg SVTs
