Need a Tech in Rockford/Madison/Milwaukee/Chicago area

[oldmanmetal]

I have talked to several techs/amp builders that are on this board. I am pretty handy with a soldering iron, and have built several low wattage amps, and can work on most PTP/TAG Board/Fiberboard type amps. Not a master, just more a hobbyist, nowhere near the level of the many of the guys here.

My dilemma, I have 2 Ampeg VL503 Combo amps that I have had for quite sometime. 3 channels, built in attenuator (never use it), tube buffered effects loop, reverb for each channel, all footswitchable via a 5 button foot switch. This thing is WAY above my skill level, PCB confusing mess, with so many options. I need a good tech to do some repairs on these, as I like the tones, and use them in stereo at times.

They are super heavy, and do not want to ship across the country due to over the top shipping costs right now. I am in Rockford, and the closer the better. I would prefer not to go all the way to Chicago or Milwaukee, each is 1.5 - 2 hours away depending on traffic. I will for the right tech. These amps are only worth about 500 each in good working order, so not looking to sink a ton of money in them. I have good tubes, power and pre, just need some electronics work done, which I can advise what the issues are to the tech.

Any suggestions are welcome, anybody who works on amps in my area, or referrals. Thanks.

 

[droptrd]

There is an amp guy near mendota named Kenny. I think this is his ad.

http://lasalle.craigslist.org/msg/2552129718.html

 

[Tbone]

Mike Bacino of Bacino amps is very good and does tech work on other amps. He is in Arlington Heights not too far from Arlington Park Race Track. His contact info is on his web site. Good luck with your amps.

 

[Metlupass2]

Take it to Schroeder in Chicago. They are downstairs from Make 'n Music.

http://www.schroederaudioinc.com/services/

I've taken my 6505+, Mesa Tremoverb, and Splawn Quick Rod there for repairs and they are the best. Their prices are very reasonable too. They actually charged me cost for parts on my Mesa before, which was really cool.

 

[oldmanmetal]

Thanks guys.

 

[oldmanmetal]

Take it to Schroeder in Chicago. They are downstairs from Make 'n Music.

http://www.schroederaudioinc.com/services/

I've taken my 6505+, Mesa Tremoverb, and Splawn Quick Rod there for repairs and they are the best. Their prices are very reasonable too. They actually charged me cost for parts on my Mesa before, which was really cool.

I am familiar with them. They did the refret on My 79 Hamer (perfect job). I used to have an office 10 minutes from them. About 2.5 hours to get there now. They are a great shop. Was trying to get one closer. I actually sold some Phat Cats to Kenny. I will hit him up, he about 35 mins from me, forgot about him.

 

[guitarmike]

Give John Blick a call (414)475-6198 A lot of Milwaukee area guys use him. Works out of his home, great guy!

 

[protoplasma]

I'm down in West Lafayette, IN (Purdue University). It's a little far I'm sure, since it's a good 2 hours to Chicago for me, but just wanted to throw the option out there. You could also check out some of my amps in person if you're interested.

 

[oldmanmetal]

I'm down in West Lafayette, IN (Purdue University). It's a little far I'm sure, since it's a good 2 hours to Chicago for me, but just wanted to throw the option out there. You could also check out some of my amps in person if you're interested.

I wish I could come down, about 210 miles, a little over 4 hours 1 way. Unless you could fix it while I wait, which of course would be ridiculous to ask of anyone.

 

[polaris20]

Not sure how far west you are, but there's also http://www.britishaudioservice.com/ which does good work too.

EDIT

I see you're in Rockford; it'd be kind of a haul for you to Sugar Grove.

 

[oldmanmetal]

Not sure how far west you are, but there's also http://www.britishaudioservice.com/ which does good work too.

EDIT

I see you're in Rockford; it'd be kind of a haul for you to Sugar Grove.

It seems the suggestions are getting further and further away......