News 2024: We are proud to announce CTS is now an authorised Blackstar ‘out of warranty’ repair center. We cover the North East area and are delighted to be part of the Blackstar team.
General Info
With our fully equipped workshop based in Deptford, Sunderland, two workbenches, one with full ESD protection when needed and the other for general bench repairs, a selection of oscilloscopes , meters, analysers, loads and SMD re-work equipment we can pretty much handle anything out there. In addition for valve amps, an AVO valve tester along with our very own custom designed CTS VT1 valve tester meaning your amplifier is in good hands with us. We carry out component level repairs as much as possible. Only when a board cannot be repaired this way then a replacement board can be fitted.
We repair and service a wide selection of equipment, not just guitar amps!:
Including most professional audio equipment, professional lighting, vintage valve (tube) guitar amplifiers and pedals, audio mixers and PA sound systems, radio microphones and receivers, IEM’s, power supplies and most other digital and analogue gear. In fact, almost anything from 1950’s valve amps to state of the art embedded SMD microcontroller equipment.
*Please kindly note, due to the lack or part availability and extra time needed, we cannot carry out home hi-fi repairs or home TV servicing. Please contact a TV and HiFi repair shop for those.
All popular guitar and bass amplifier brands such as:
Blackstar, Vox, Orange, Marshall, Yamaha, Fender, Messa, Ampeg, Line 6, Peavey, Laney .. Too many to list!
As well as guitar and instrument amplifiers, we can also service and repair many types of high power amplifiers used in PA systems like for example; RCF, LabGruppen, Powersoft etc. As well as active powered speakers like JBL and Mackie etc.
Keyboards are also welcome, whether its a 70’s analogue vintage synth or a completely modern workstation. We’ve even been known to repair Hammond organs from the 50’s and Fender Rhodes pianos from the 70’s. Just as examples.
Finally, for your safety we electrically PAT test all mains operated items before returning them to you. Please ask if you require a certificate (optional). We check this as a matter of course making sure your equipment is properly earthed and insulated.
Pricing and Terms
We do not have any ‘up front’ payment requirement. But there is a minimum check over fee of £40 for all repairs. This payment is built into your final bill, not extra. Repairing electronic equipment can take a lot of time to diagnose the fault, especially with intermittent (random occurring) faults. It can get complex. This check over fee covers for around 1 hour’s worth of bench testing time and allows us to give you an accurate quote. 9/10 times, our quote will be what you pay. Only in rare cases, like secondary faults showing, would that be revised.
You may want to bear this mind before requesting a repair from us. If you think your equipment is not worth paying the minimum check over fee, maybe its not worth repairing by us?. Possibly just replace it. If in doubt, give us a call and have a chat about it.
We generally have no exact warrantee time for work done. However, a 3 month period is used as a general guide. Ultimately, we want you to be happy with your repair or service. Thats what matters, but of course if you experience a re-occurring or even a new fault with your equipment within that time frame, you can always bring it back.
