frequently asked questions
Are parts more expensive than they used to be?
Short answer, yes. Even though supply is catching back up with demand and prices are starting to level off, post-2020 prices are still higher than they used to be. We will always do our best to keep our prices low while being fair to everyone.
How does this work?
We are currently open for walk-ins on Saturdays from 12p-6p. Email is still the best way to ask us questions, provide detailed information about your gear, or schedule an appointment if Saturdays aren’t an option for you. You can do that by sending an email to bigcrunchmail at aol dot com or through our Contact page. Upon arrival, ring our bell and we’ll come to the door. All last minute/winter-related closings will be posted to Facebook and Instagram. All planned holiday hours will be posted here.
Starting January 1st, 2024 our hourly rate is $60/hour.
What payment methods do you accept?
In order of preference: Cash, Venmo @bigcrunchamprepair, Paypal to bigcrunchmail@aol.com, or credit card.
What is your hourly rate?
A bench fee of $60 is due at drop-off. This fee usually covers initial diagnosis and labor up to the first hour. We charge $60 per additional hour of labor with customer approval.
The following amplifiers have a $100 bench fee: Ampeg SVT heads, Egnater amps, Blackstar amps, Fender “red knob” amps, Mesa Boogies, and other special projects.
I’m outside, where are you?
Wherever Google takes you, it’s not the right place unless it says 310 on the door. We’re at 310 EAST Biddle Street in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It’s not a traditional storefront, but an old painted brick building that reads “The Jess Company” in fancy lettering on the west-facing wall. We’re the first door on the left after the I-83 overpass, across from a small billboard, and before you get to the row homes. You can pull up in front of our big white garage door for quick pickups and dropoffs. Street parking is free. If you’re in front of the Charm City Meadworks walkway, you’ve gone just a bit too far, just walk a few feet west.
Our Big Crunch sign should be hanging above the front door if we’re open for walk-ins.
Will you call me / get my permission before you bill me and complete work on my amp?
Yes.
How much will my repair cost?
We won’t have a repair estimate until we perform an initial inspection of your item on our workbench. Trying to diagnose amp issues over the phone is a dangerous game that will only lead to disappointment. There are many components inside your amp. They all work together and they can fail in a number of ways. We promise to contact you with a total repair cost estimate and give you the opportunity to accept or decline.
What’s your repair turnaround?
Current turnaround is about 5 weeks. We work on items in the order we receive them. If you need something by a certain date, we’re happy to keep that in mind but we cannot promise anything. If you’re really concerned about it, there is a $100 Rush Fee to get you on the bench the same day.
Do you service vintage tube amps?
Yes, it is our specialty - Fender, Marshall, Ampeg, Vox, Gibson, Trayner, Silvertone, etc.
Do you service modern tube amps?
Yes - Mesa Boogie, Friedman, Fender, Marshall, Blackstar, Egnater, etc.
Do you service solid state amps?
We do not service solid state output sections (transistors, MOSFETs, class D). We can fix broken / dirty control pots and input / output jacks on solid state amps, but it is not our area of expertise. If your solid state amp is not turning on, not producing sound or the fault light is on, we are not the shop for you.
Do you service tube studio outboard gear (mic preamps, compressors, etc.)?
Generally, yes.
Do you service multitrack tape machines?
No.
Do you work on guitars?
No.
Do you service effects pedals?
We do work on pedals. The problem with newer pedals is that at $60 / hour, the repair can often exceed the value of the pedal. Conversely, vintage / collectable effects pedals are worth putting the work into.
Do you fix headphones?
No.
Do you fix car amplifiers?
No.
Can you build a Mojotone / Weber / etc. amp kit for me?
Yes! We love to build kits.
What mods can you do to make my amp sound better?
We can always upgrade the speaker(s), upgrade the transformers, upgrade the filter capacitors, and upgrade / modify the coupling capacitors.
Whenever we’re asked about mods, we always ask these two questions:
1) What do you not like about your amp?
2) Would the money put into modifying / upgrading your amp be better spent going toward a better amp?
No matter what your end goal, we’re happy to help make it a reality!
Is your shop accessible?
The front door entry requires one small step up then down. For completely flat entry into our lobby, we can let you in through our garage. Just call us when you’re outside, or let us know when you make your appointment. We are not fluent in other languages (including ASL) but are happy to speak through translators or communicate via email. The indoor lighting is moderately lit, and our shop is perfume-free, but not scent-free. We cannot vouch for any gear in the shop at any given time, and we use cleaning chemicals and solder that may bother those with allergies or sensitivities. There is no public restroom on site. If you need help putting your gear in your car, just let us know.