9 comments (Add your own)

1. Greg Maland wrote:

Hi. I'm interested in your amps, and am interested in whether you do mods on the Carvin Valvemaster - actually the Stagemaster. Richard Hasserl apparently does mods on the valvemaster, and I was wondering if you know about them. Thanks.

Fri, September 18, 2009 @ 4:29 PM

2. wrote:

Sure I can discuss it over the phone, I lost your number on my machine. Please call me at 925-625-9568 and leave your number again.

Wed, September 23, 2009 @ 7:54 PM

3. Jovi wrote:

Will you have video's of the amps on your site? Or even sound clips? I'm interested but you live 2 hours away. Thanks

Sun, October 4, 2009 @ 12:17 PM

4. David wrote:

Hey Jovi, that's a great idea! This is John's son David. I'll try to record something for you.

Sun, October 4, 2009 @ 7:53 PM

5. Joel Young wrote:

Hi John,
Got your web info from a fellow guitar player. I had a question about a repair job on a 05 Gibson 59 historic reissue Les Paul. Two of the fret board inlays have receded out of the neck slightly (about 5/16ths) on the 3rd and 9th frets. I guess the glue did not hold but I don't have any idea on how to fix this problem other than sent it back to Guitar Showcase in San Jose to have them look at it. Is this something that you can repair? Anyways, I am searching for an amp as well. Sounds like you do kick ass work. Can you drop me an e-mail at some point? I live in Concord. Thanks
Joel
jgy335@aol.com

Wed, November 25, 2009 @ 12:13 AM

6. Brian Kilcourse wrote:

I found John via a Google search, looking for SF East Bay vintage amp repair. What a great find! I took a handwired replica 1964 Princeton Reverb with a nagging low level hum to John, and he found the problem within in a day (a piece of unshielded wire coming off the transformer). We had a great exchange of views about all things "vintage", and I found John to be extremely knowledgeable in "art and science" of the old stuff - a real aficionado of amps that glow.

Next project, I took a chance and brought John a 60-watt Duck amp head, a hybrid solid state amp from the early '70's designed by Quilter (co-founder of QSC). I hadn't been able to find anyone to touch this thing (an impure design), but John took it on and fixed it right up. This relic is back in service now.

Finally, I brought John a 1952 Gibsonette that hadn't worked in years, but that I'd kept with the intention of fixing someday. Within a week, this beautiful little thing is singing - tone to die for!

So now all my broken relics are fixed, and I'm thrilled to have them back! While jawboning with John, I learned that he also does great fretwork on guitars (he had me try a $79 strat wannabe that felt better than my $3000 custom guitar).

I recommend John for all your work - don't hesitate! Topping it off, he's a nice guy, and very reasonable!

Thu, December 17, 2009 @ 7:24 PM

7. Skip Bradlee wrote:

I wanted to write something for two reasons. One, to say thank you to John for all the fantastic work he has done on my Guitars and amps. Two, too hopefully explain to any future or potential customers about John and what a great guy and excellent guitar/amp tech he is.
I found John through an ad on Craigslist. Like everyone, taking your pride and joy to someone you don’t know to work on is to say the least a little un-nerving. But I decided to take the leap of faith. Well, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was so pleased and happy with John’s work I’ve used him countless times since. He has worked on all my guitars from my acoustics to my solid bodies, as well as several of my amps. Including the brand new Rickenbacker 360/12 he shows on his page. I literally got the guitar, tuned it, played it for 10 minutes and took it to John the next day. I had him set the guitar up the way John does so well. I had full confidence that he would make the “Brand New” guitar even better. And he didn’t disappoint. He turned it into the most amazing guitar. It now plays so smooth and feels like warm butter. It plays itself. The point I’m trying to make is that no matter how good your guitar feels, John will make it better.
Something that is important to me is someone’s integrity. Being able to perform magic on your guitar is only part of what is important. A person’s character, honesty and integrity are the other half. Besides being a nice guy, John is honest and stands behind what he does and says. When it comes to my equipment I trust his opinion and suggestions. He is just plain honest. If your guitar or amp doesn’t need something done, John will tell you. He won’t just go ahead and repair or replace something that is not needed just for his own gain. He will tell you, “I don’t need to do this change or you don’t need to replace this”. Even if it means he doesn’t make a dime. His reputation means more to him. He also takes the time to explain exactly what he has done and shows you how he did it and why. It’s a great learning experience on the customer’s side.
Anytime I’ve had a piece of equipment in where we weren’t sure exactly what it needed when I dropped it off, John calls to let me know what it needs and how much it will be. And don’t get me started on his prices. They Are GREAT.
A person couldn’t ask for a better guitar/amp tech. Honest, strong integrity, nice guy, great prices and AWESOME work. I feel like I have my own secret weapon.
Thanks John for all you have done and thanks in advance for what you will do in the future. I’m honored to have you work on my equipment. I wish you All The Best.
Skip

Fri, February 26, 2010 @ 10:20 AM

8. Dave wrote:

Hi Johnny,

I've heard nothing by great things about the work you do.

Would you consider doing a Mod for my AXL Akita 30 amp? The clean channel is great, but the overdrive channel really needs help.

Let me know,

Dave

Wed, December 29, 2010 @ 6:30 PM

9. Steve Williams wrote:

John just finished up three of my basses and they are amazing to hear and even more amazing to play. He reset the intonation, bridge, string height and playability on my 1979 Rickenbacker 4001. He also did some fret "recovery" and took a bass that was unplayable and at the bottom of my preference list to one I am proud and confident to play out on! Next he took my bought-new Fender Custom Shop Bass VI that has virtually 0 playing time and did some bridge work on it that makes it so much more comfortable and intonated. So much fun to play now! Lastly he did some pickup repairs and setup on an Epiphone Korina Flying V bass that had been converted to Bartolini's before I bought it. He reset the pickups and gave it his "once-over" and now this one is a favorite to play out again!
His work and knowledge are second to none, and his passion for doing things right, correct, and as you desire will keep me coming back and I would not hesitate to anyone to give him a try. He advised me every step of the way, and he would have me try them out in progress just to make sure he was heading in the direction that I wanted. He understands our attachment to our instruments and respects that in his handling and work. And his rates are the most reasonable around, especially for the caliber of work he provides. Give him a call, pay him a visit. You and your guitar will not be dissapointed. His amp work is outstanding and the equal of his guitar/fretwork!
I had a chance to play BASS through one of his 18 watt amp heads and I was amazed at the tones and the growl this little amp puts out. It had better tones and flexibility in it that my 700 Watt Peavey amp doesn't have! Try one out if you don't believe me!
Thanks John, my others basses are jealous now, so I will be back!

Wed, July 18, 2012 @ 11:44 PM

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