I want to be fair in this review, so I'll start by saying that Slemmons DID repair my amp quickly and well, and it is now running like it did before, but I was not at all impressed by their customer service. I've been to many different amp repair places around the country (Austin, New York, etc.) and Slemmons has by far been the worst experience I've had. Here's why:
After stomaching the overreaching $75 per hour price tag, I dropped my amp off at the completely unmarked office. (Seriously, invest in a sign or something.)
I was called when it was finished, not before they began work (every other amp repair place I've been to has called me BEFORE they started the repair to explain what the problem was and see if I wanted to continue), and was told that some soldering joints had gone cold and cracked (something I could have easily fixed on my own...) and they had replaced my power tubes because one had fried and one had low output. Not only did he NOT ask me what brand I wanted, but he also overcharged me for tubes that I didn't want and that I could've gotten online for cheaper.
But I was okay with that. They weren't bad tubes (just not my preference) and they weren't terribly overpriced. I didn't say anything, paid my bill, and left.
I got home and went to bias my amp to see that he had RTVed (silicon adhesive) my bias pot AND the close by electronics. I had to get a tiny flat head to remove as much as I could (I couldn't get it all) in order to bias my amp (which he had set the factory stock setting - extremely cold). I understand that the bias knob moves with playing but I would much rather have preferred some tape or something, not RTV that is EXTREMELY hard to remove. Another thing he didn't call or ask me about.
At this point I was a little frustrated so I called him and told him that, in the future, he should ask his customer's preferences before preceding with a repair. I don't believe I was rude (my tone probably could have been nicer I suppose), but he clearly took it poorly, as he called me the next day to tell me to "consider my warranty voided" and to "get a life before calling someone with twenty-five years of experience." He also banned me from ever going to his shop again.
Now, I may not be as experienced or knowledgeable as Terrence at Slemmons, but I do know good customer service and I am not a child. No customer deserves to be talked to that way. Expertise in a subject is not a green light to think yourself above someone, but rather a gateway to teaching others.
So, in sum, I am happy with the repair, but I was not communicated with, nor taught about anything (I asked him a few other question about my other amp and he came up with nothing), and was told off. I believe that if you just want to get your amp fixed with no technical questions or anything like that, take it to Slemmons. If you want good service and want to learn something about your amp, avoid this place at all costs. You would be much better off doing some research and doing the repair yourself, or driving out of Dallas (Austin has some AMAZING shops) to find a repair place. Sadly, it's experiences like this that are killing the Dallas music scene in all areas. read more
