testimonials
Kyle Shutt from The Sword playing a Big Crunch Dual Three Knob amp at Ottobar in Baltimore, Maryland.
Photo credit: Rock N Roll Socialite
“It’s called a Big Crunch One Knob and it's incredible. It really get's me the sound of the Plexi and the AC30 together in just one amp with 1 knob… It's an absolute monster.”
— Lionize guitarist, Nate Bergman, Guitar World Magazine, 2012
“I highly recommend Brooks for anything you need regarding amp repairs or design.”
— Don, via email
”I've taken various guitars, effects pedals, tube amps, and even my little Nakamichi stereo to Big Crunch for repairs over the years and every single time they fix the issue quickly and competently. You can't go wrong bringing you gear to Big Crunch!!!”
— Matt Dickinson via Facebook
“Smart, courteous, non-condescending and insanely knowledgeable about amps. I want to hang out with Brooks and Shawna every day.”
— Mat Leffler-Schulman via Facebook
“I called Ryan Fowler’s Guitar Experience to get their recommendation for an experienced amp tech to do a capacitor and tube replacement and general clean-up of the electronics for my vintage ’64 Fender Vibroverb. I was anxious about finding a tech who had the knowledge and experience working on vintage tube amps. Ryan’s people recommended calling Brooks Harlan, owner of Big Crunch Amp Design and Repair on Biddle Street in Baltimore. I called Brooks and we talked about what I needed, and he assured me he could take care of my amp. We made arrangements for rush service, pre-ordered the parts, and scheduled the drop off for Saturday afternoon. I got my amp back 75 hours later on Tuesday. In a word, the experience was outstanding. Brooks kept me informed at every step of the process, provided me with a detailed invoice when we scheduled the work, a detailed email assessment of his initial inspection within hours after drop off, including six photos. We agreed to a few minor changes that he recommended to restore the amp to its original design. The amp was ready when promised and the work completed for a very fair price. Brooks offered a 30-day guarantee and said to call him if I had any questions. He also provided two pictures of the completed work of the top and bottom of the chassis. When I got the amp home and tried it, I literally said “wow!” It sounded great before I took it to Brooks, but he got it back to it’s amazing original ’64 voice. I could not be happier. Brooks is a consummate professional, a working musician, a super nice guy, respectful and passionate about doing it right and getting the best sound from an amp. I highly recommend Brooks for anything you need regarding amp repairs or design.”
- Don from Wilmington, DE
Big Crunch Amp Repair was absolutely, hands down the BEST experience I've ever had with an Amp Shop. I've used several. They respond quickly, they are courteous and above all, vastly knowledgeable!
I have a JCM 800 2203X. I wanted a clean channel, channel switching via footswitch, a resonance knob and a Global master volume added to this amp. Big Crunch delivered in spades. It is exactly what I wanted and looks as though it was part of the original design! All packed into a 24" headshell.
Thanks Big Crunch! I'm a customer for life!
- Brian W.