I have a ’62 Fender Concert amp which was in good shape but, being nearly 50 years old and having had no maintenance done to it ever, it was in need of a tune up and some TLC (new caps and power cable, etc.). I’d heard and read all the raves about Blackie and after having some bad experiences with amp techs in my area (San Francisco) I thought I’d make a vacation of it and give him a try. I’m glad I did. First of all, he’s communicative and helpful, which even in good techs, be they guitar or amp, it tough to come by. He says what he does and does what he says, which is a huge deal. I got so sick of dropping off my amp somewhere, being told it would be ready in a week, and then not having my calls returned after two. Then, a month later, I get a call saying it’s done, though not the way I’d asked, and then having it not work. This happens too much. It might be okay if the work was good, but often it’s not. Blackie knows his stuff, will take the time to talk to you about your amp and its issues, and if it’s gonna be a month or two, he’ll tell you. I dropped mine off and paid the extra for the 1 day service and lo and behold, the next day he calls me and tells me it’s done. He even suggested a small mod to it which I love and which was much more affordable than I would have thought. I can’t say enough good things. I’m sure that there is a good amp guy in S.F., but I’ve tried too many and my gear is too precious so I’ll make the trip down, visit friends, and have Blackie work on my gear from now on.

I forgot to mention that the amp just kills. It sounds great and is now dead quiet. He did a great job.

Matthew T.
San Francisco, CA