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Fender
Hotrod Deluxe
Dear
Robert,
I couldn't be
happier with the work you have done resurrecting my
Fender Hotrod Deluxe amp. Years of Colorado and New
Mexico "road" work had taken their toll on this amp.
Cleaning and lubricating controls, deoxydizing and
re-soldering loose contacts, are probably typical amp
repair duties, but then you took it a step further with
your "Atelier's" recipe of hand picked tubes and high
quality capacitors leaving me with an amp that would
rival a "Mas 38 " on steroids! With the tone controls at
12:00 I have an easy to find mix of shimmering highs with
a perfect low end compliment! No more "scooping" mids to
get rid of that "honk" sound all guitar players hate!! My
mid range now adds presence, instead of "honk"! This amp
now delivers plenty of headroom with balls to spare!
Combine that with a compressor and a Tube
Screamer........forget about it !!!
I was almost
convinced that I needed some $3000.00 Mesa, or Dr. Z amp
to achieve the tone I need for the kind of stuff I play.
Turns out all I needed was the right recipe of tweaks and
tubes from our friendly neighborhood ATELIER ! Thanks
again Robert for what you can do for hopeless tone
addicts like myself!
Sincerely,
Neil Nelson (The
High Rollers)
P.S. I have a poor,
tone sapped Marshall JCM 850. I can't wait to bring you
two together !!!
90's
Fender Twin
I actually
stumbled into Robert by accident. I was rock'n out one
day as I normally do, when out of nowhere the jewel light
on my 90's Fender twin went out, and the amp went silent.
I brought it down to the local Fender shop to be
repaired, and shortly thereafter got a call letting me
know the job was beyond the skill level of the shop
repairman. I asked if there was anything I could do, and
was told there might be one person I could contact.
Robert. I'll tell you right now that's one email I'm
awfully glad I sent.
Looking under the
hood, Robert was quickly able to determine that I'd blown
the power transformer. He presented me with a few options
(the cheap way, the fender way, or HIS way), and this is
where I became the luckiest guy on earth. You see nobody
@ the fender shop told me anything of Robert but his
email address, and he was out of town when the I dropped
the amp off at his workshop, so I'd formed the impression
I was getting an electronics repairman not a Tube Amp
Guru. Little did I know……
Upon getting Roberts
thoughts on the nature of my problem, the state the of my
amp as a whole, as well as fender components, I did what
any sensible person would do and Ýjust decided to
let Robert have his way with it. I answered a few
questions about my playing style and off he went. It
wasn't long before Robert had replaced the Power
Transformer, Upgraded the Tubes and Capacitors, and
performed a whole bunch wizardry that only he could
properly explain.
The results? Too
good to be true. I play a PRS single-cut, so to say my
pick-ups are hot is the understatement of the century. I
don't however play metal. Finding an amp that would tame
them into producing a rich, every notes clearly audible,
yet completely overdriven tone was no easy task. The twin
came close, Roberts tweeks? NAILED IT! First thing I
noticed when I turned the amp on (besides the amp turning
on), NO MORE HUM. It wasn't even a request, or something
I thought you could fix, but fix it he did. Immediately I
could hear added warmth to my tones, saturated with
harmonics that were just not there before, not to mention
sustain for days. I like to hold notes too long and ride
feedback to the breaking point, in this regard, the amp
delivers above all else. My attacks all sound punchier,
with every subtle little pick noise coming thru, and no
matter how hard I crank it the tone never breaks down. In
a word, BLISTERING! I just can't overstate how truly
grateful I am to you Robert, my amp sounds better than I
could have ever hoped. Only wish I had something else to
let you tinker with.
Chris
Eagan
Gibson
BR-9 Amp
Robert,
I wanted to thank
you again for helping resurrect some of my old vintage
amps.
Thanks to you, I
have finally been able to diversify the tone and
character for amplifying my harmonica.
My 1950's Gibson
BR-9 amp still sounded pretty good after all these years,
but had developed an extremely annoying (and loud) hum
that drove me my crazy. I dropped it off to see if you
could help me out and 1 week later its a whole new amp.
It is totally silent when not playing, and a little
screaming machine when i want it to be... I can't believe
how quiet it is...sometimes I have to double check just
to make sure its still on.
I also appreciate
your help with my other little tube amp, the Voice of
Music. I love all the tone and distortion I can get at a
low volume with this thing... I can get all the warm
Chicago Blues Tone with this amp without rattling the
walls....my wife and my neighbors thank you
too!
Thanks again for all
the great work - I couldn't get half the tone out of
these amps without your help.
Cheers.
Randy
Valco/Oahu
Amp
I want to
thank you for doing such an incredible job fixing up my
old Valco/Oahu amp. I asked you to help make it a harp
amplifier; and you created honkin' blues machine! I can't
believe you were able to get so much tone and volume to
fit in that little cabinet. It sounds incredible. It
varies from a clean and crisp sound, to a warm and fuzzy
tone, to a down-right dirty bluesy feel.... at any
volume. It is perfect for harmonica.
I also appreciate
your communication with me and your suggestions
throughout the rebuilding process. I couldn't be happier.
It is great to know that we have such a highly skilled
tube amp specialist in the four corners area.
Randy
Hays
1965
Fender Deluxe Reverb
I didn't
realize that my old Deluxe Reverb had been modded before
I got it with a non-original type power transformer; the
amp distortion was ugly and at far too low volumes;
especially with humbucker-equipped guitars. Robert
diagnosed the problem and installed a new original-spec.
transformer, new tubes, and biased the output tubes. The
amp now performs like it was designed with more
headroom/volume without distortion and with much greater
chord and individual note clarity.
Thanks Robert,
Art Collins
1974
Marshall Super Lead
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
Hello
Robert,
Just wanted to say
that I am very thankful for the repairs (upgrades) you
did to my 1974 Marshall Super Lead and Fender Hot Rod
Deluxe. Not only are the problems fixed, but both amps
sound much better than they did before. Hum/Buzzing
fixed, squealing fixed, much louder, the Fender sounds
much more vintage, and the Marshall sounds even more
perfect than it did before. New capacitors and tubes made
a world of a difference in all aspects. I am more than
pleased with what you have done, and will not think twice
about bringing my amps to you for a repair or dialing in
the ultimate tone (although I can't complain about what
I've got now!). Very impressed by the speed and
thoroughness of your work as well. Thanks again for your
incredible work, and it was great seeing you at our
gig!
Garrett Jung -
Lead Guitar
Psychedelic Mojo
Mesa
Lonestar Special 112 Combo
Paul Reed Smith Sweet 16 Head
After a bout
of fuse blowing on my Mesa, I relied on Robert to
diagnose and repair my workhorse. Working closely with
the engineers at Mesa, Robert was able to diagnose a very
complex circuit problem and promptly returned the amp in
perfect working order. I also had Robert inspect, re-tube
and bias my Paul Reed Smith amp with awesome
results.
Diagnosing and
repairing circuits is expected of any amplification
expert. My surprise was that Robert not only took the
time to listen to my description of the sound I was
searching for, but was able to recommend and perform
tone-enhancing modifications to meet my specific needs to
not only my amps but my guitar also!
We are truly
fortunate to have a person with the combination of skill
sets Robert possesses: electronic circuit authority,
audio aficionado, music connoisseur, music and guitar
history buff, tube history critic, analog theory maven,
vast understanding of audio production and people skills
(to name a few). There are very few people with this
combination of skills anywhere.
'Delighted' is an
understatement of my experiences with Robert. I am
thrilled to have a mentor such as Robert in my search for
the 'Holy Grail of Tone'.
Bill
Adams
Fender
Blues Deville 2-12
Robert,
Thanks for getting
the amp up and running for this past Labor Day weekend!
That was a big weekend for the band (an opening slot for
a national act, as well as some other good, high profile
gigs) and I really, needed my amp to feel comfortable
with my sound for those type of jobs.
Not only did you fix
the amp, the work you did on the amplifier absolutely
improved the sound of the amp. The amp (mid 90's
USA-made Fender Blues Deville 2-12) has always been a
solid working musicians amp, performing well and reliably
at countless gigs, but not too spectacular on tone. With
the meticulously matched tubes you installed, as well as
the desperately needed maintenance/TLC, the amplifier's
sound has really taken on new and wonderful dimensions in
sweet, singing overdrive as well as a much finer clean
tone. Where as I used to use the 'master volume' channel
to get the type of overdrive my guitar work requires, I
am now getting an even better overdrive tone on the
'normal' channel, with the added benefit of good Fender
sparkle on the 'clean' sections of my work when I back
the guitar volume off some. (which I wasn't able to
create using the master volume channel). The amp is
taking my 'stomp box' pedals well, too, sounding even
better than before. And the amp is back to its old
reliable self again. The best of all worlds.
So thanks again for
getting this amp intoa premium working condition. You've
certainly earned an appreciative and satisfied
customer.
Ben
Gibson
Tumblin' Dice
Fender
Twin Reverb '65 Reissue
I had heard
Robert's work on several amps, and was curious what he
could do in the way of upgrades to a stock Fender Twin
reverb '65 reissue, built in the early 2,000's.
I wasn't looking to
stray too far from the stock circuitry but wanted
something to augment the sound of an already very nice
performer. We discussed several options, and settled on a
matched set of output tubes, leaving the rest of the unit
original.
Robert's choice of
tubes, and biasing, gave this amp incredible bite and
presence using more aggressive picking, with increased
headroom. At the same time, it shows warm, subtle colors
when I back off. TOTAL tone and flexibility.
Thanks, Robert.
Chris Beller
JCM
800
Robert,
I am amazed at how
my amps sounds! It is no longer a "one trick pony". It
sounds equally spectacular over driven as it does clean
and with a little volume control, can transition from one
to the other seamlessly. Also, the KT66 valves have a
unique voice, so I don't sound like everyone
else.
Thanks!
Rob
Carvin
Bel Air 212
I bought a
Carvin Bel Air 212 tube amplifier from Robert. This had
been his personal "shop amp" and as such he had upgraded
all the preamp and power tubes with his own personal
favorite tubes. He also performed a full set of "Hasserl
mods" to broaden the tonal palette of the amp. WIth all
of these modifications, a good amp has become a great amp
with versatility to spare. After gigging with it a few
times I can honestly say that I never thought I'd be able
to buy an amp that could sound this good or be this fun
to play for such a reasonable price. My advice to any
owner of a tube amp, particularly those who feel that
their amps could be improved in any way, is talk to
Robert to see what he would recommend. My guess is that
you would be happy you did.
Thanks Robert!!
Hap Purcell
Acoustic
Amp
I'm not a
great guitarist, but I enjoy playing whatever I am
capable of. This little Acoustic Amp was a birthday
present from my brother and unfortunately I "burned up"
the transformer at the last session I played with his
band before I left Switzerland to move to Durango.
Therefore it means a
lot to me and I am very grateful to you that you brought
it back to life and made it sound even better than
before. I'd like to thank you for all the hours and work
you've put into it, which made me a very happy
customer!
Thanks again,
Baudi Shellnut
Allen
Guitar Amp
Wanted to get
back to you regarding the transformer upgrade and voicing
changes we did on my Allen amps. The Brown Sugar has
blossomed beautifully and now paired with a 1x12 EV cab
it has become my favorite club sized amp to date. The
re-voicing you did on the smaller amp dramatically
improved the treble response and makes the amp much
easier to dial in. I also can't tell you how much I
appreciate the amps being returned clean, tightened up
mechanically and re-biased. I greatly appreciate your
knowledge base, professionalism and excellent
ears.
Thanks Again,
John Massone
Fender
Blackface Super Reverb
After an
output tube blew on my amp, Robert suggested two output
tube pair alternatives for replacements. He then
installed the new matched pair of output tubes that
I selected and set the bias on them for the best
performance. Also he installed a necessary new phase
splitter tube. The amp was much louder with more
headroom, clarity, and punch. It is much more responsive
to my pick attack. I didn't realize the amp could sound
this good!!
Thanks Robert,
Art Collins
Top
of Page
1990
Fender Twin
After years of
performing with my Fender Twin, it was in need of repair.
I heard that Robert Evans was THE tube amp specialist and
I contacted him. After Robert diagnosed some of the amp's
issues, he gave me options as to their repair. I had
Robert overhaul the amp, involved cleaning the circuitry,
replacing speaker wire, capacitors, resistors, power
tubes and the reverb tank.
When it came to the
pre-amp tubes, Robert asked me about the specific type of
sounds and tones I was seeking when improving upon the
amp. Based on that discussion, Robert chose various tubes
that he suggested along those lines.
Then through a brief
session he had me play the guitar through the amp while
he sampled different tonal tubes. In his workshop I was
able to select the exact tubes I wanted for this
amplifier.
We dialed in the amp
through a process that I could not have done otherwise.
As a quality technician, Robert listens as closely to the
internal workings of tube circuitry as he does to the
customer's needs.
I've had Robert work
on additional amps of mine over the years. And when
asked, I have gladly passed along Robert's phone number
to musicians who use tube amplifiers.
Robert, thanks for
your great work.
Kirk James
Dean
Markley Signature Series 60 guitar amp
I have this
Dean Markley amp, that I had given up on about 15 years
ago. It had no clarity anymore and it sounded like a
chainsaw when you turned it on. I had taken it to two
other shops and it came back sounding the same. I heard
about Mr. Evans at a guitar jam and decided to give it
one more go before throwing it out the window. I could
tell from our first talk that this guy probably knows
what the hell he's talking about. I got the amp back in a
timely fashion and it sounds great. It has a clarity and
bite that seems to be better than it was born with; and
it doesn't make a sound you don't tell it to. You need an
amp fixed (correctly), this is the place to take it.
Thanks again
Mike Botts
1959
Fender Champ
Robert,
I worked on the
Champ some more this week. The speaker was attached
loosely with Bondo and three screws if you can believe
it. I took the whole thing apart and drilled new holes
and mounted it nicely. I think the low strings are much
better and it got rid of some other artifacts I was
hearing when it was played loudly.
Thanks for working
on my new ebay purchase 1959 Fender Champ. Thanks a lot
for your dedicated effort to sort out the power issues
and replace cap's and resistors. It is now just what I
thought it should be. It's great that there is someone in
Durango servicing musician's amplifiers with your
knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. I
appreciate it.
Regards,
Marc Katz
Ampeg
B15 N Flip Top Bass Amp
On the advice
of a band mate, I called Robert Evans the "amp doctor" to
get his opinion of the amp and to see if he thought it
was worth trying to restore. I took the amp to Robert's
shop where he immediately started taking cover plates off
to look at the inner workings. After a few moments, he
commented that this was his favorite variation of the
Ampeg B15 N Flip Top and thought it to be a 1961 edition.
He also noted that it was in very near original condition
and thought it was well worth some attention to get it
running again.
A few weeks later I
found myself back at his shop to give the amp a listen. I
brought my number one bass with the best vintage tone to
plug in with. Power on. Standby on. No noise. Beautiful
tone. I couldn't believe it. I don't understand how all
the little parts and wires make such a beautiful sound,
but Robert does. He turned a piece of garage sale junk
into my studio recording bass amplifier.
Robert has a very
in-depth understanding of electronics and has since
helped me with a newer tube amplifier. I also trust him
with the ideals of preserving the vintage integrity of a
classic piece of gear.
Thanks Robert.
Hal Lott, bass player
Johnson
Marquis JM 60 Amp
This is
mid-priced modeling amp that puts out 60 W. It features a
number of amp models and effects, and relies on a single
tube pre-amp. When the amp stopped working, Robert fixed
it quickly and professionally.
But the real news is
that, for about $ 20, Robert replaced the original tube
with one that transformed the sound of the amp. It now
has an immediate attack (using hotter pickup guitars),
and a warmth and depth it always lacked.
Thanks Robert.
Chris Beller
1972
Fender Super Reverb Amplifier
I'm a rock and
blues guitarist, and I asked Robert Evans (the Audio
Atelier) to do some work on my 1972 Fender Super Reverb
amp in May 2007. The amp was working, but it was fairly
noisy, it had blown a fuse recently, some of the
controls didn't seem to be working effectively, and I was
worried it might be on the edge of a breakdown.
After communicating
with me about my style of playing, tone
preferences, and what I wanted out of the amp,
Robert spent two hours with the amp and then called me in
to test it. I immediately noticed the following
improvements:
• The amp was
noticeably quieter..... the background crackling and hum
were gone.
• The amp had
more clean headroom, and was louder at comparable
volumes.
• The bass
control, which previously was effective only up to 3, and
then very muddy from 4 on up (a problem I have heard from
other vintage Super Reverb owners), was much more
effective. Settings at 4 and above had a gradually
increased bass response without being overly
muddy.
I was very pleased
with Robert's work on my amp, and with his knowledge and
expertise with tube amps and sound quality.
Thanks again,
Robert, and keep up the good work. Cheers,
Larry Carver (Durango, Colorado)
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