Sommatone, About 3-4 years ago I needed to get my 2007 Clapton Strat figured out. I had an issue with the action and intonation. I went to a couple of the local music shops and spoke with the in house tech's but was not getting that warm and fuzzy. This guitar is my life and I felt like a number to these guys. They did not get what I was going for. I was really feed up. I went to the internet and just goggled "fix fender Stratocaster". Sommatone came up as one of local options. I went to their page and checked them out. Their main gig is creating amps but they also serviced amps and guitars. They were very local and I thought to myself "if these guys make amps they must have some talent". So I gave them a call, Jimmy (The owner) answered and after a quick conversation he told me to "come on down". I did not know what to expect and was nervous but when I got there and met Jimmy and his crew they made me feel very comfortable. I explained my ideas and what I was looking for and he seemed to get me. He said it would take about a week or two to complete and he gave me a price that sounded very fair and it was in line with everyone else that I had spoken with. So, I left her there. I got the call just about a week later telling me that my strat was ready to go. I really had no idea what I going get back and was freaking out!!! Well lets just say when I got there I picked her up and wrapped my fingers around the neck I was completely blown away!! I mean Holy S#$t blown away!!!! What an amazing job they had done. The action was better then when it was new. I mean like 10X better then new. I could not thank Jimmy and the crew enough. Also, the price was exactly what he had quoted. Now listen I know that there a lot of people out that can be skeptics. Jimmy is the real deal. He cares and loves to hear a musicians story. We are all different but walking the same road. Sommatone wants to walk it with us. Here is a list of items that he has worked on for me over the past couple of years: 1991 Laney 50 WATT AOR tube head 2010 Ibanez S5470F Prestige with the ZR trem (No problem for these guys) 2013 Gibson Les Paul Traditional My latest acquisition which he has currently has is a 2013 Gibson Firebird. On this guy I am getting a bridge pickup replaced and a good setup. Bottom line: If you are in the Jersey area and need a great tech for amps or guitars Jimmy and the Sommatone crew should be your choice. read more

Jimmy and Jeff just completed several projects for me with incredible results. I had a Squier 51 hanging a wall as wall art and while dusting one day decided I had enough parts to turn it into a player, I of course thought it would just be a cakewalk job but it required a lot of surgery to get it right which man they did in spades. New tuners, a bone nut, DiMarzio neck and a Vintage Reverend RailHammer in the bridge, I also got a new control plate to replace the original to give it a normal 3 way,Volume and Tone setup, the guitar is now gig worthy, amazing job. I also had enough parts to build a boutique Tele as I had a lot of high end parts but again from an ignorance is bliss perspective I figured just bolt her up, wrong again but after their diligence and outstanding workmanship they got it all together. Now it is truly as good as a guitar costing 3 or 4 times as much. Another one was a Godin Core 90 that I like but wasn't crazy about the electronics and the 4 knob layout, now it has all new pots which required a lot of detailed routing as it had weird mini pots and it is converted to a 2 knob with the switch moved to the lower bout and new pickups. Another inexpensive guitar transformed into a fine instrument. I can go on and on because I've been going to Jim since he was in Totowa years ago. I have followed him and will continue to drive fifty miles one way because I know whatever I throw at him will come back 100% better. When I let someone pick up one of my guitars the first thing I hear is who did this setup ? Jim is a Zen master guitar tech from my experiences. Another thing is I also own one of his first production amps as I would check his prototypes out anytime I was in his shop, I got over being a brand snob and traded a Two Rock, then bought a guitar and his amp and never looked at another amp again and that was in '06. I have no connection other than being a long time loyal customer. Sommatone in my opinion is "highly recommened" read more

Jimmy has fixed many pieces of gear for me and he's done so well that I don't think I'll be using anybody else anymore. To start, I brought in my stratocaster for a set-up and within a week it was done. My strat is my main instrument. They cleaned it thoroughly, adjusted the nut, string, and pickup heights, set the spring tension, cleaned the pots and jack out, and intonated the guitar. The guitar looked brand new, played beautifully, and sounded awesome. I also brought my '73 silverface twin in for a blackface mod. This project only took him a few days. The work he did was very clean and problem-free and he had no problem showing me what he did. The old components were tucked away in the amp in a bag just in case I wanted them. The price was right and the amp sounded MUCH better. I've brought many guitars to him since these two and I've noticed that Jimmy is very much a trustworthy perfectionist. He hasn't EVER overcharged me, damaged my gear, or held on to my equipment for longer than he said. All my gear plays great now and I'm sounding much better than I ever did... Thanks Sommatone! read more

I would consider myself a long time customer of Sommatone. I've had many (and I mean many) guitars, amps, and pedals fixed and/or tweaked by Jimmy over the years and have had nothing but positive experiences. Jimmy has an attention to detail that few others do. All the repairs and mods I've ever had done at his shop have been spot on. As a matter of fact, once I found Sommatone I never took any of my gear anywhere else. I always knew I could count on him to fix my gear properly and in a timely manner as well. I would not hesitate to bring anything there. I've also had the pleasure of playing through several of his custom amps over the years (he even let me borrow an Overdrive 35 head for a gig once). Simply put, they all sound fantastic and are built like tanks. If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and check them out. I don't personally own one yet, but I will. read more

I was a repeat costumer for many years while Sommatone was located in NJ. I had a couple "problem amps" - amps that I loved the sound of but were very unreliable. Jimmy always kept these things going strong and sounding their best. He was always my go to guy for amp repair and maintenance, as well as for guitar repair and setups. Everything of mine always felt, played, and sounded better whenever Jimmy had layed his hands on them. He was always up front about how long a project would take, and always came in within the time stated. There were a few times I really needed something for an upcoming show, and he was always able to get it done for me. All this plus the fact that he's a genuinely nice guy, honest and sincere, and loves what he does, means I miss him being here in NJ more than I can tell you. You folks in Austin are lucky to have him! read more

Jimmy Somma of Sommatone Amplification and Repair has been working on my guitars and amps for the past 3 years. I also own 3 amplifiers from the Sommatone line of amps. In my opinion there is no better than Jimmy Somma. He is a master at his craft and has an attention to detail that is unmatched. My guitars always come back from the Sommatone shop perfect. The setups are awesome. Jimmy "gets it" when it comes to customer service, he listens intently to his customers and will advise and provide feedback to a customers request when necessary. I believe one of the reasons for the tremendous service is due to the fact Jimmy is a killer guitarist. He knows what sounds good and why. I highly recommend Sommatone Amplification and Repair. Take your guitar and / or amp in for a setup or service. You will not be disappointed. read more

David G. has no idea what he's talking about! I've had nothing but great experiences from day one! I've used Sommatone for everything from guitar setups to amp repair and there attention to detail and customer service is second to none! Their amps are stellar too...definitely on my next purchase list! I know many players who go there and all have rave reviews...Jimmy is the nicest guy and so easy to deal with. Maybe David G. has no social skills or possibly a stick up his ass?! Go to Sommatone...you'll be glad you did... read more

I have been using Sommatone Amplification exclusively for the past 6 years. Jimmy has always provided prompt and courteous service with an emphasis on quality and attention to detail. Whether it's a guitar set up, fret work, amp servicing or pickup replacement, I have had it all done and I have never once been disappointed. Jimmy has also offered practical advice on my new gear purchases as well as how to maintain my existing gear. Did I mentioned the killer amps and guitars they make ? read more

Jimmy and staff at Sommatone Amplification are absolute master craftsmen in every sense of the word. Over the years, I have gone to Sommatone for everything from preamp installation to vintage instrument refrets to a complete bass build. The quality of work and the attention to detail are second to none. And the best part is that the staff at Sommatone are really great people to work with. A 5 star rating is not enough for Sommatone! read more

Jimmy was very knowledgeable about amplifiers. He educated me on all the intricacies of my amplifier's issues, tweaked a few things that weren't issues but could become ones in the future, and did this all in the one hour I was there. Amazingly fast turnaround, he had the speaker and tubes that I needed replaced, and he's also a great guy to discuss anything Eric Johnson or Jimi Hendrix related! Highly recommended. read more

Jimmy is a true craftsman. He really puts his heart and soul into his work and it shows!! I own a roaring 40 an OD 35 and a custom Sommatone Telecaster. His amps and guitars are a dream come true if you are a tone junkie!! He's done fret jobs and repairs for me for years and I'm always amazed with his work! Hands down the best in the business and a hell of a nice guy! read more

Jimmy Somma builds some of the best FRink'n Amps money can buy today ! I'm using the Slick 18 and the Overdrive 35 with trem build in . check out Jimmy's amps on my albs at www.bobbydreher.com Miss having Jimmy here on the east coast - But i know TX with Love his stuff and so will you !!! Rock Strong , Bobby Dreher o read more