My experiences with Blackie:

1. His prices are listed (no unwelcome surprises here).
2. He has (for a fee, again listed) a rush service — this is indispensable to me. Most techs, no matter how good they are, usually get your amp back to you in several increments of “I’ll have it for you in a couple of days.”
3. He was VERY communicative with me the entire time he had my amp on the bench. This too is uncommon. He actually called me twice during the process, and then promptly returned a call when I called him in the evening with a question.
4. He seemed genuinely interested in the amp, and in getting it to perform to its potential.
5. He was a cool guy to deal with and to talk to. Smart, worldly, articulate. Obviously this is subjective, but it matters to me.

6. *** IMPORTANT*** The amp, now back from Blackie’s shop, is sounding and performing better than ever!!!

Blackie aggressively promotes his business, and as such, I can see some people being turned off by this. However, Blackie, in person, doesn’t come off as anything other than a pro amp guy. I will be going back to Blackie from now on.

Scott S.
Los Angeles, CA