| Author |
Topic: I will no longer answer emails on repair issues |
Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 6:49 am |
|
I get repair questions daily by email and try my best to answer them. There is no magic bullet cure for a lot of the problems other than tech repair in a shop with proper test gear.
I have spent many hours on distortion problems with Sesson 400 and Webb amp power supplies (both very similar design). Anything from flowing 100's of solder joints to parts replacements to fix them. These are a pain to repair and I often make nothing and actually lose money at these type of repairs. Only 1 guy at Peavey still works on these old amps, I have been told. They are not a treat to work on for sure. I have decided to no longer work on distortion repair issues for any and all solid state amps.
After receiving this email and response from a forum member I have made a decision to answer questions on the forum only, as I do not need to be insulated in my home while offering "free advice".
I have a Peavey Session 400 amp that has a problem. While playing regular
guitar through the amp I notice occasional distortion at the time I pluck
string (introduction of loud sound) sort of an overload type problem
by switching the on off switch to other on side it seems to stop. Could you
give me some idea of what is causing this and what will be involved with
repairing this problem?
My reply:
I do not have an idea. I no longer work on distortion problems with these amps. Spent to much time and lost a lot a money chasing down those very issues. They are a difficult thing to diagnose.
His reply:
you are supposed to be the expert on amps and you don't know sh*t!
Last edited by Ken Fox on 22 Jul 2011 7:05 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 7:02 am
|
|
I have checked my family tree and I am sure I am not related to these folks:
http://jack.zunino.net/ |
|
|
|
David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 7:21 am
|
|
| Upon reading this, I find it a pity that one such person has to spoil it for the many members who I know appreciate the help and advice you have selflessly provided in the past. Most of us I feel can fully understand your position however. Please accept my personal thanks for all that you have done for myself and other Forum members and for building the finest amp and reverb unit that I have ever owned (or heard for that matter). Having received endless compliments on its tone one can only say, not a bad job for a guy who, "don't know s**t about amps". |
|
|
|
David Collins
From:
Madison, North Carolina, USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 7:29 am
|
|
I fully agree with Mr. Nugent.
As a professional in a totally unrelated field, I am constantly approached for "free advice" on solving problems with machinery that I've never even seen. It is very frustrating, especially while trying to enjoy a meal with family in a restaurant, etc.
Why is it that self employed and/or professional people are expected to share their expert knowledge and work for free?
_________________
David Collins
www.chjoyce.com |
|
|
|
Dave Hopping
From:
Aurora, Colorado
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 7:45 am
|
|
David,we live in a culture of entitlement,as articulated by a 19th century thinker who said:
"From each according to his ability,to each according to his need". |
|
|
|
Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 8:55 am
|
|
Ahhh, there's that giant sucking sound again...as an audio professional I find the parade of "needs" is unending and the "needy" are not always appreciative, courteous or even attentive.
Well done, Ken, IMHO you are not "supposed" to be anything to anybody, so go ahead on with maintaining reasonable boundaries in your world and keep that smile inplace. It's not always an easy thing to do but if you can't look after yourself first then you're not going to have much left in the tank for anyone else... |
|
|
|
Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 9:10 am
|
|
Ken, sorry it had to come to this ,I side with your decision.
tony
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
|
|
|
Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 9:16 am
|
|
"His reply:
you are supposed to be the expert on amps and you don't know sh*t!"
Nothing could be further from the truth!
I completely understand your position Ken. I too offer my thanks for the help you have given me several times in the past. Ken you have taken you personal and business time to help us all and even taken the time to call me/us with advice after posts on the SGF.
To the idiot who treated you with such disrespect, he is a member of the Jack family. His name is Jack A$$!
Ken, you are an expert tech and a fine amp builder. I am reminded of this each time I play my 5D6B and reverb unit. The SR I now own that you once had is another example of your quality craftsmanship and abilities. I amp proud to tell eveyone who complements their tone that "Ken Fox did that".
BTW, the forum member who treated you so badly should come forward and publicly make amends. As said above boundries are a good thing.
_________________
On man....let the smoke out of another one. |
|
|
|
Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 9:46 am
|
|
Much appreciated to all. That just did not make my day. I can tell you that old design power amp is know to me a monster to trouble shoot when it commes intermittent issues. I just do not have the desire or time to work on another one.
I can auusre you this, I spend more time answering emails and phone calls than I do at the bench in any given week.
I had to stop answering calls after 5:00 pm so I could have some time with my family. Also weekends as well. Funny, hardly anyone seems to ask "are you busy" when they call! Often I am in the middle of a repair, driving down the road, at a meal, etc. Therefore I have just had to be more careful when I answer calls. I do return calls.
Typically most folks want to pin you down to a price to repair some vague problem. That would be like calling the Ford garage and saying I have a noise in my engine compartment, what will it cost to fix it!
How do know? Problems have to be diagnosed and then repaired. I do not and will not give estimates on repairs, period. I think an amp tech deserves the same respect as other repair professionals.
You will also notice I have never and will never declare myself an expert at anything. I do my research and have paid my dues, but I will not profess to be the best at anything or make the best of anyting. I just do the best I can do, period. |
|
|
|
Whip Lashaway
From:
Monterey, Tenn, USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 10:05 am
|
|
Exactly why I got out of the business Ken.I only do repairs for friends and relatives where I don't expect to make money. Seems like the rest of the world wants you to work for free. Like you owe them a favor or something. Forumites don't usually fall into that catagory. They normally are top notch folks. Don't take it to heart Ken. We're all behind you. God Bless, Whip.
_________________
Whip Lashaway
Sierra E9/B6 12 string
Sierra E9/B6 14 string
Excel S12 8x9 blue
Excel S12 8x9 black |
|
|
|
Steve Alcott
From:
New York, New York, USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 1:30 pm
|
|
Most of us have done favors in our area of expertise, whether it's fixing something as a favor or playing for lousy money. The problems begin when we have to start to say "No" to those who don't know where the line between a favor for a friend and working for free is. I've got a friend who charges way under what he should for the quality of the work he does as a steel mechanic simply because he can't stand to leave a job half done. It has nothing to do with society- "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" could just as easily be "Do unto others...." . Steel players, steel mechanics and amp techs on SGF have a well-deserved reputation for generosity and willingness to help out their fellow steelers. Let's not take advantage of that commendable spirit.
Last edited by Steve Alcott on 22 Jul 2011 2:35 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
|
|
Papa Joe Pollick
From:
Swanton, Ohio
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 1:40 pm
|
|
One good thing about that experience,You didn't help the butt head...He's not worthy of free help..
Keep the faith Ken,the rest of us appreciate you even if we don't say so very often... |
|
|
|
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 1:45 pm
|
|
| Ken, I feel for you. That was a disgraceful email. You are in business to make money. A diagnosis cannot and should not be done over email. A diagnosis fee applies and the amp needs to be sent to you. |
|
|
|
Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 1:55 pm
|
|
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy helping people who are at least appreciative. I just spent the last 1/2 hour on the phone helping a guy find transistors for an FET500LV, sending him info on the Fender amp reverb mod for both channels and emailed him 9 pages of Evans documentation. A fellow forum member and an old TV tech, glad to help him.
I am lucky these days to get 1 to 2 hours of chargeable shop work in a week. Business has never been slower. Yet I still have made up my mind to work on the things I can do the best. I avoid and will continue to avoid PC board tube amps and most all solid state amp work. I prefer to work on vintage amps and will continue to do so. I refer people to Peavey for most Peavey prioduct repair. I refer people to Derrell Stevens for FET500LV amps. I still mod Webb amps and some Peavey steels amps. However I will not work on ghost and intermittent problems on these amps anymore. |
|
|
|
Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 2:03 pm
|
|
Don't let one idiot get you down, Ken.
I know you're too smart for that.
On the bright side, keeping the replies on the Forum contributes to a searchable database that will help folks for a long time, and save you from having to repeat the same advice over and over.
Of course a jerk, like the one who insulted you, wouldn't bother searching, but that's another issue.
Thanks for all you do for us. |
|
|
|
Ken Metcalf
From:
San Antonio Texas USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 2:39 pm
|
|
Thanks Ken
You are much appreciated.
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes |
|
|
|
James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 3:17 pm
|
|
Hey Ken, If you don't know sh$t, then they don't even suspect sh$t.
Ken, I can't say enough for the fine work you have done for me on my fender amps. You made my twin and vibro sound better than factory. You hang in there buddy, I know where you are coming from. My little niche has not been immune from a few idiots, either. But most are great folks, and actually show a little appreciation.
_________________
"Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement"~old cowboy proverb.
shobud@windstream.net |
|
|
|
Whip Lashaway
From:
Monterey, Tenn, USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 5:53 pm
|
|
How about we start a poll on how many forumites Ken has helped for free! I'll bet it would be staggering. That will be your legacy Ken!
_________________
Whip Lashaway
Sierra E9/B6 12 string
Sierra E9/B6 14 string
Excel S12 8x9 blue
Excel S12 8x9 black |
|
|
|
Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
|
Posted 22 Jul 2011 7:12 pm
|
|
I just want to contnue doing what I have done, but realize it is best to change some policies.
The forum members are like a second family to Ruth and I. We appreciate all of you.
I agree with Joey, by answering question on the forum there will be a record fopr others that might be helpful.
Again, I do claim to be or want to be an "expert". I just weant to do the best I can. I am glad to help if it is within my ability. I can guarantee you there are some foks here on the forum who know a whole lot more about electronics and theory than I ever will. I have learned a lot from them along the way and will continue to learn. |
|
|
|
Peter Harris
From:
South Australia, Australia
|
Posted 23 Jul 2011 12:40 am
|
|
...a familiar story, Ken...
I had the same thing always happening to me when I was repairing and restoring old cars for a living, all those years ago...
..and I also had to place an 'embargo' on the later models of the marque I was known for, as they had morphed into transistorised equivalents..wrapped in self-destructing plastic....
Breathe deep, go forward with a smile, and know that there are a great many people here who obviously DO appreciate you, your talents and your ideals.
Shame you're so far away, or I would be tempted to replace my 59 bassman RI!
Cheers from a winter Oz! |
|
|
|
Malcolm McMaster
From:
Beith Ayrshire Scotland
|
Posted 23 Jul 2011 3:38 am
|
|
Ken that guy is a complete idiot, your help is appreciated worldwide.I know I greatly appreciated your help in getting a part for my Nashville 400 that Peavey could not supply.The best wishes come from all the steelies in Scotland for your help to us all.
_________________
MSA Millenium SD10, GK MB200, Sica 12inch cab, Joyo American Sound Pedal/ Jay Ganz Straight Ahead amp, Telonics 15inch in Peavey cab, Digitech RP150, Peterson tuner.Hilton volume pedal.Scott Dixon seat and guitar flight case. |
|
|
|
Hook Moore
From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
|
|
|
|
Ed Phipps
From:
Chino Valley, AZ
|
Posted 23 Jul 2011 4:27 am Thank you Ken
|
|
Ken, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
For several years, I have read your posts and enjoyed your photos and regularly anticipate learning about your recent projects.
Please continue posting as your time and work schedule permits. We enjoy and learn from you.
All the best from sunny Arizona
Ed |
|
|
|
Gary Glisson
From:
munford, tn 38058
|
Posted 23 Jul 2011 4:41 am ken
|
|
hi ken i'd like to know who made that comment to you
i sure hope that its nobody i know! i sure don't want to do business with this guy !
keep up the good work i do appreciate it
thanks ken for all you do for us pickers
gary glisson
munford tn |
|
|
|
William Fraser
From:
New York, USA
|
Posted 23 Jul 2011 5:10 am Freebies
|
|
Mr. Fox , I have always enjoyed reading your technical adventures , I can understand your getting tired of working around the clock , & then catching hell from an individual who might not understand how involved a simple question can be to answer , just when are you supposed to do the work for paying customers . I have a decent tech background , & can't always follow the dialogue , Thanks for all you have done , keep up the fine work , one day I hope to do business with you , If I ever recover from my Liver problems & start performing again I will get a Fox. Bill Fraser
 
_________________
Billy Lee ,Pro-II,, Session 400,Session 500 , Supro , National, SpeedDemons,& too many Archtops & Stratotones.Lots of vintage parts for Kay ! etc. |
|
|
|
