Fender amps have long been the backbone of music history, becoming an icon of quality along the way. They can be found in nearly any live setup, recording studio or garage band practice room, and have the reputation of being a tough, dependable amp. Unfortunately, fender amps do suffer occasional breakdowns and will need to be repaired. This article offers some help with basic repairs and information on how to solve more difficult issues, as well as some suggestions on preventive maintenance to reduce future issues.
Step by step instructions :
Step 2
Determine the problem.
When the amp stopping working correctly, the problem may be obvious. No lights are usually an indication of no power and lights with no sound is often the result of a loose or broken connection. If you are sure of the problem, move on the the next step. If not, try to work through the possible sources of trouble. Start at the beginning with power, making sure that the amp is plugged in and that the outlet is working. If you have power, check to see if indicator lights are lit or if the display is working. The next step would be to check cables and connections to isolate possible trouble spots. For more advanced problems, Fender has an extensive online support and troubleshooting resource on their website. Check the resource section below for the address.
Step 2
Obtain replacement parts.
Once you have isolated the source of trouble, determine if the item can be repaired or needs replacement. Wiring and connection issues are often easy repairs, where damaged circuit boards require more experience to repair. If you decide to attempt the repair yourself, use Fender original parts, if possible. This will ensure quality parts and compatibility with your existing circuits. If you are not comfortable with performing the repair yourself, check the Fender website for authorized repair centers in your area.
Step 3
Repair the amp.
If you have decided to repair the amp yourself, approach the project with great care and caution. Not only will you be working on an expensive piece of musical equipment, it is also a high-voltage electrical device. Be sure to unplug the amp before you begin and confirm connections and grounding before plugging the amp back in. Follow any directions that you received with the replacement part to ensure correct installation. When you have completed the repair, test the amp to confirm that the new part is working correctly.
Step 4
Repair cosmetic issues.
If the repair is related to cosmetic or structural damage, refer to the Fender website for details on possible replacement parts or information on possible repairs. Many items such as vinyl coverings, handles, wheels, knobs and speaker covers are best replaced with original Fender parts, but can be purchased on the secondary market on as a generic replacement pair. These items are not as sensitive to replacement as electrical or electronic parts