TONE SPECIALIST
Professional
Ed Johnson
Tone Specialist operates as a singular repair and modification establishment located in the expansive North Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. The owner, Ed Johnson, is committed to assisting fellow tone enthusiasts in achieving their aspirations for exceptional sound quality and dependable guitar amplification. In addition to being a musician and an expert in amplifier circuitry, Ed boasts a remarkable four-decade career as a recording engineer and producer at the renowned Westwood One, equipping him with extensive knowledge in the pursuit of optimal tone.
Reasonable pricing and top shelf service is what it’s all about.
With over 35 years of experience in vintage amplifier research, Tone Specialist is well-equipped to understand the tone and performance you desire. While other repair shops may be capable of servicing your vintage amplifier, our focus is on ensuring it delivers the best possible sound. We approach your amplifier with the same level of care and precision that we afford our own, because your unique perspective on tone is our ultimate goal.
Why trust your prized vintage amp to anyone else?
Services
Vintage Amp Repair
Numerous elements within a vintage amplifier can influence your tonal quality. Electrolytic capacitors, which are employed for power supply filtering, may deteriorate over time, leading to undesirable hum in the signal chain. It is essential to replace these capacitors at regular intervals.
Additionally, coupling capacitors can permit direct current to seep into the signal path, resulting in unwanted irregularities. Therefore, it is important to inspect these capacitors for any signs of leakage and to replace them if they are found to be leaking.
Vintage Amp Maintenance
Vacuum tubes serve as the essential components of your vintage amplifier.
While tubes may eventually wear out and cease to function entirely, it is important to recognize that tubes which appear to be operating normally can still lead to concealed issues within your amplifier. This includes even newly purchased tubes.
TONE SPECIALIST possesses the expertise to identify these problematic tubes and can replace them with either new or vintage tubes that are in proper working condition.
Custom Builds
LA2A clone builds are replicas of the classic & famous studio compressor build based upon my La2a layout derived from the original Universal Audio Teletronix 1968 La2a schematic.
This build is an accurate representation of the late 60's original, as well as the current reissue. Lead dress and component placement are exact.
The LA-2A was invented by James F. Lawrence II, founder of the Teletronix Engineering Company in Pasadena, California in the early 1960s. The LA-2A was adopted by CBS and RCA.
Work Bench
Contact
Contact Info & Rates
Repair rate:
$75.00 per hour + parts
Minimum repair charge:
$75.00
Complete overhauls and multiple amp repairs are available at discounted prices