The stem of the low-mid pot broke off and I need to pull out the amp and solder on a replacement. There are 4 screws going in from the top of the cabinet, but I don't know if these are the only screws holding it in or where the wiring to the speaker cabinet runs. I can't tell if after removing the screws the amp would slide forward or out the back. Is this a fairly easy do-it-yourself routine, or do the certified Fender repair folks have special tricks or tools for this type of repair?
Hello,
To answer your question: YES and NO this is an easy fix.
Yes if you have the tools and knowhow, and NO if you don't know what you are doing.
There are high voltages in an amplifier that can persist even when the power is off (I have a Laney amplifier that will remain at several hundred volts for days after the power is off). There could be enough voltage stored in the capacitors to give a fatal shock.
At a minimum, you need a voltmeter, soldering iron, some 64/40 rosin-core solder, the replacement part.
Such a fix is pretty cheap for a repair shop. This is about as easy a fix a repairman can have, but thats because they know how to get in and do it without getting hurt.
I work on amplifiers and build them, and always take each time I reach into an amplifier that has had upto several hundred volts seriously. I know that I would charge no more than 1/2-3/4 hour shop time for such a fix plus parts (or about 30-ish bucks). I would think a local shop can do this for you at no more than 30-45 dollars per hour shop rate. Any competant repairperson should only take 15 minutes or so after the amp is out of the case: more time is spent getting it in and out and being safe about it with this type of repair.
Hop that helps!
-mike
The amp goes out the back. SOMETIMES you have to remove a cable clamp for the power cord and do keep track of which speaker wire went where. If there are wires to a reverb "tank" mark them to get them back in the same place.
HINT: Place the box on the SIDE while removing the amp.
HINT: The Tolex covering that is wrapped around the case and into the back LOVES to catch on the amp chassis.... and it can be a fight... use a long bladed knife to coax the edges of the chassis past the Tolex AND one often needs to do this when re-assembling.
HINT: On some models there is a wood bar on the back that one must remove to get transformer past. (Peavey amps have this on some)
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As an electronic technician the only trick that we do is based on experience...there is no reason why you can not do it. With Fender folks it will be a zippy but not for free.
If you are not lucky to get a service manual then dissasembling it is a challenge. Try to take careful inspection to which part is holding or needs to be unscrewed before taking out the board.
Use a video cam to document it.
With patience, I know you can do it!
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