RANTS & RAVES - The best and the worst customer service of boutique amp builders

[gdcx]

Rave update:

My previous "Rave" list: Andy Fuchs, Richard Goodsell, Michael Swart & Gabi from Gabriel.

New addition:

Michael Moody / Magic Amplification

[onemind]

Few of many.... All great

Nolatone, Reinhardt, Goodsell, Budda, Headstrong, et al.

[BlackIrish]

Best- Doc Electro

[Stu Blue]

Andy Marshall and Ed DeGenaro at THD have been outstanding to me. Long story short... bought a "new" THD Bivalve (in UK), turned out to be 3/4 years old, very shop worn and several niggling faults. Shop unco-operative despite best efforts of Andy and Ed, and their English importers. So Andy and Ed swapped my amp for a new one, and swollowed all the costs, rather than see me unhappy. They've been outstanding ever since, answered all emails, even given me their own favourite settings/speakers etc... generally behaved like really good friends... couldn't ask for more.

BTW UK Oldies like me can remember Jim Marshall being a standup guy to deal with way back when.... that's how you get sucess that lasts.

[olectric]

another one for me is Motor City Pickups. I've ordered two sets from Wade, and both are stellar. The second set I ordered, I sent an mp3 of a friend's guitar that had a certain tone I was trying to get with my SG, and he wound the pickups based on that. I have to say, he nailed it pretty dead on. He's always been polite and forgiving when I tried to describe what I want (with my extremely limited knowledge of pickups) without getting that superior techy attitude that some know-it-all builders will put on when discussing an order. And, I've always received my order within 2-3 weeks of sending payment.

[jerrydyer]

raves
Sarge at Creation Audio
George at Metro
Jim the Scum
Nik at Ceriatone

Rant
wont say, I just dont buy from em. besides sometimes im a moody ass.

[big jilm]

I play harp a lot, and my amp of choice is HarpGear. Brian Purdy hand builds these, and his customer service is second to none! Second time I called him, he knew my name! Great service, great amp!

[SethX9]

I've dealt with a few "boutique" builders of guitars and effects but Ed Quidley of Quidley Amplification gets my vote. Super friendly, super knowledgeable and very responsive. I've actually not had any problems at all with the amp but as mods have become available Ed's quick to send out notification. And any questions I've had about the amp he build or amplification in general have always been met with a graciousness I am, frankly, not used to. I'd be happy enough with the beautiful amp he built; the customer service has been as good as the amp itself.

[nkjanssen]

I'm embarassed that I can't remember the guy's name, but the guy behind Headstrong is awesome to deal with.

So is everyone at 65 Amps. Top notch.

On the other hand, though not an amp builder, I could write a book on the ongoing problems I've had with Matt Hahn at Telenordia over the past 2 years.

[SethX9]

I have to add Neal Moser and the lady who answered the phone (sorry!) at Moser Custom Shop. They were very responsive and friendly. Also have to mention Alex Saraceno (dad of Blues Saraceno) was very nice (although not very quick) when I had questions about the Dirty Boy Tone Bully pedal I own.

[stingrey1978]

I will rant on these:
Fulton-Webb, Steve treated me great every time I went in there even though it took me 3 years to buy one of his amps, and still to this day, he has always helped me when I had a question or concern. Bill is top notch as well, always a great attitude to work with...

d/13
I first called Fred asking about a few of his amps, instead of just answering questions, he actually talked to me for like an hour about what I did and what I planned on doing with his amp! he encouraged me to step out and play more and even though the amp i wanted was more expensive, he took the time to explain to my why it was the wrong choice and why another amp of his was the right choice... I don't care what other people may say or think to me he has always been a hero.

voodoo labs: every time i call they ALWAYS call back and answer any question i have, i love those guys

Keeley: everyone knows how great these guys are and i've had many experiences where i can vouch for them being top notch guys.

artinger: this guy is AMAZINGLY humble and great to talk to and work with, i love his sense of adventure and interest in your vision, great guy

[madvek]

Originally Posted by nkjanssen

I'm embarassed that I can't remember the guy's name, but the guy behind Headstrong is awesome to deal with.

That would be Wayne Jones. Absolutely great customer service, and I'm not even the original owner of my Lil' King Reverb.

[MRscratch]

always had a good experience with bill sunt and mike at soldano
james heidrich from badcat was always good to me as well.

[ford]

Joe of Morgan Amplification offers great customer service.. he stands behind his product.