Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Who is considered the premier Fender amp repair shop in the US today? Just bought an original '55 Bassman from original owner that hasn't been worked on in decades! Need a totally reliable, honest and fair repairman who knows his stuff big time and who doesn't change parts without consulting with the owner first. Help!

Ron, I'm sure there are lots of them around, but I would recommend a local guy I know personally named Opie. I can get you the info if you want it. He is well known around town and keeps very busy with work. I'm in the Portland Oregon area.

Another guy you could try would be Don Butler, aka toneman. Check out his site at www.toneman.com. Don Butler has posted here in the past. He's in southern California I think.

I would recommend that all the filter caps be replaced, especially if the amp hasn't been in regular use. Filter caps have a limited lifespan of 10 to 20 years, and dry up very badly with non-use. It will change the sound from what it is now to replace old filter caps with new ones, but sometimes there is no way around that, especially if you have an old amp.

Greg, Unfortunately the toneman's site is under construction but I believe I checked it out once before and he seemed to specialize in Vox and didn't really allude to much Fender expertice. Wow, your in Portland, so am I. Who is this Opie? Does he work on amps full time or just a hobby? Going to the guitar show this weekend?

Hey Ron, its cool to see a local face on here. Opie is well known around town in the blues scene for amp work and repairs, and he makes his own line of amps too. He's a good friend of mine. He works on amps full time, although he had an appendix out a week and a half ago and isn't up to full speed yet.

He and I are usually at a blues jam on wednesday nights at a place called Duff's Garage, which is on 7th and Market on the east side. The jam starts at 9:30pm with a $2 cover charge, and is great fun with a great crowd and good beer. This last week I didn't get to play because the Fabulous Thunderbirds stopped by after a show of their own and played. But usually I get a chance to play. You should come on down, and bring your amp....Opie'll be there and so will I. Heck, bring your guitar or bass and you may be able to get up and play. I can bring my self-made 4001 copy and (real) Ric 230 if you wanna see them? Email me privately and I can give you my number and you can call and get more details. Theres also Jeff Brown in town, formerly from Old Town Music. He started his own amp repair place recently. I do some amp repairs myself too, although Opie has more experience than I do and is very good with Fender stuff. I wasn't able to make it to the guitar show unfortunately.

Greg,
You didn't miss much at the show. It was one of the more quiet and smallest Portland shows since the beginning! Thanks for the info. I've always wanted to go in to Duff's, in fact we were talking about Duff's at the show today with Harley of the Buckles. I may try to make it Weds. Are you going to be there?

Yes, I'll be there Ron. I'm there every wednesday, although they are having something else on the 15th. But this wednesday is the jam and I'll be there around 8:45pm or so. I got your email and returned it so call me if you have some questions.

I had Kendrick tweek a JMI AC30 for me in the mid 90's. When I got home I found that one of my EL84 tube wire holders was missing!!! Kendrick did find it and mailed it to me later.

A friend of mine, a year later, sent his Rose Morris AC30 to Kendrick to have the rectifier changed to tube and spec'd to JMI. It also had a microphonic rattle that we could not fix no matter how many different tubes we changed out.

During the repair, Kendrick rammed a drill bit into one of the AC30's transformers! The transformer was replaced at no cost. When the amp returned home it still had the microphonic rattle.

FYI

That's interesting! I had Kendrick "boogie" a '66 blackface Band Master head for me and it was one loud mother of an amp when I got it back and he did a very nice job on it. Your AC30 must have been done on a Monday!

I emailed Jess Oliver (of Ampeg B15 fame) at Oliver amps. He is happy and willing to work on it. I would assume he knows what he is doing because my B15's are the coolest sounding bass amps I've ever heard!

Greg, I'm planning on coming out Weds. I'll give you a call Tues or Weds.

Hi Ron. Jess would be a good guy to have work on it too..he knows his stuff. But you may check with Opie first since he is local. Give me a ring and we can talk about it.

Ron...Jumping in a little late...I'll second Don Butler. He has never worked on my (November) 54 Bassman, thin panel...no need...but I trust him with all of my amps.

Give me a call Ratso...you got da numba.

Greg

Greg and Greg, I'll call you both...My new Baby...You Like?

Wow, that looks nice! My dusty AC30 looks bad compared to it!...hehe. Are you playing bass through it Ron? Seems like an odd choice for a bass amp!

If you were going to ask Opie questions about working on it at Duff's tomorrow, it would be a good idea to bring it with you. Then he can offer advice firsthand. I'll be bringing my brother's Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve head that I've been modifiying for him to try out.

Greg, It's mintoid as is the bass and case. Haven't really cranked on it yet (I've only had it a couple of weeks) as I want to have it gone thru before I do. Doubt I will haul it out this week. Just now coming out of a three week battle with the back! Damn middle age!