Is amp repair an addiction?

[Leo_Gnardo]

Somehow I missed this topic awhile back. So . . . NO, I'm not addicted. I can quit any time. But my crustomers would crucify me so . . . bye now gotta get back to work!

[gui_tarzan]

Yes, but I wish I had the same level of focusing ability when I work on my own stuff. When I used to work on customer items I did until it was fixed. Now when I look at my stuff, if I run into a problem I put it back on the shelf for a while. I don't get it. I have a dozen amps/stereos to do and can't get one done.

[Tom Phillips]

Yes, but I wish I had the same level of focusing ability when I work on my own stuff. When I used to work on customer items I did until it was fixed. Now when I look at my stuff, if I run into a problem I put it back on the shelf for a while. I don't get it. I have a dozen amps/stereos to do and can't get one done.

You just explained my exact situation!

[glebert]

Yes, but I wish I had the same level of focusing ability when I work on my own stuff. When I used to work on customer items I did until it was fixed. Now when I look at my stuff, if I run into a problem I put it back on the shelf for a while. I don't get it. I have a dozen amps/stereos to do and can't get one done.

Because there is no factor like money or a nagging customer motivating you to get it done.

[dubulup]

Hello Lynden Skateway!

I take my daughters there on occasion...I figured you were somewhere near Winnipeg

[g1]

I take my daughters there on occasion...I figured you were somewhere near Winnipeg

Yes, but grew up in the Langley B.C. area and we went there many times in the 70's.

[Greg_L]

I'm a musician first. My equipment are my tools. I need them to work. I got burned by a few unscrupulous "amp techs" in my area a while back and decided that I'd do my own maintenance and repair from then on. So slowly but surely I've been teaching myself the basics of tube amp theory and design. I'm far from any kind of pro, but I'm competent enough now that I can take care of my own gear. I can modify things to fit my own needs. I can even build my own amps at this point...and they work! It's gone from necessity to hobby and I really enjoy it. I also use my modest skills to help out other musicians that don't really have the time or means to drop their gear off at a tech for 8 months and still not have it fixed properly. I don't want to take food off anyone's table, but some of the local "techs" we have here have no business touching a soldering iron. Being a gigging musician I'm always out and about and meeting people and seeing other musicians. They see and hear my gear and get to know me and that kind of networking keeps me pretty busy messing with other people's stuff.

So yeah, it is kind of addicting I suppose. I like doing it and look forward to doing more and learning more.

One thing I've noticed though, and this is kind of weird, is that I kind of get bummed when I finish a project and all is well. I mean, that's great right? It works. But that means there's nothing left. It's finished. Now what the hell am I supposed to do? I'm always looking for the next "fix". Maybe if this was a job for me I'd feel differently. But as a hobbyist I'm always looking forward to the next project.

[nevetslab]

One thing I've noticed though, and this is kind of weird, is that I kind of get bummed when I finish a project and all is well. I mean, that's great right? It works. But that means there's nothing left. It's finished. Now what the hell am I supposed to do? I'm always looking for the next "fix". Maybe if this was a job for me I'd feel differently. But as a hobbyist I'm always looking forward to the next project.

Ah, I know that feeling. I feel very much at home in my shop, and while I can frustrate myself with not being properly tidy with the continual outflow of debris it generates, those extended length projects that take days, weeks or months to complete, it is somewhat of a state of sadness to know the chase is over. The thrill of the chase is part of the passion, and that keeps me going. Pushing yourself into finding a solution to restore something, whether just to the way it was, or improving upon what wasn't thought of in the product's inception and design to fabrication, it constantly keeps me in that cycle of creation.

I was very fortunate to have been accepted into a small company (BGW Systems, INC) back in 1974, and have the succession of very talented staff hired on over the years, that were both my boss, teacher, and later mentors in my continual growth. Product development in taking inceptions of a new product is often part of that thing that drives me in looking at some of the repairs I take on to improve upon the state of being its' in. I think it's been the thrill of the chase a major factor that keeps me addicted to this phase of seeing something worthy of working to spring back to life to resume what it was intended for...the extension of an artist's touch on his/her instruments to create with.

I do miss being an active bass player in a band, but at least get to throw down some of my chops when thru with restoration of an amp that's come to me to restore it to health. It is a passion.

[Axtman]

I too understand the feeling of exhilleration follow by a bit of depression after an amp is repaired. I guess it is like running a race or climbing a mountain. After you finish it, you start thinking about the next race or climb.

I too have a basement filled with my unfinished projects. I have done a few outside repairs for other people. With them I feel much more motivated to finish the project for the customer than finish my own stuff.