Sickamps

26/08/2026

When you have to stop and just take a moment to appreciate the build quality Bartel Amplifiers LLC

14/08/2026

I do love old synths and electronic things. They're built so nicely and with the repairer in mind, swinging brackets to move PCBs around while on to aid diagnostics.

There is also a bit of me that really loves the simplicity, a master oscillator per note, then a decider network to get the key all based on simple transistors. That's engineering! It sounds amazing the aged warble of the notes and rich colouration from the harmonics generated is fantastic!

05/08/2026

We keep lots of old bits and bobs. Here is a prime reason of why.... It's the little details!

We could have just replaced the missing cups on these screws with brand new stainless steel ones. It would look a bit odd in comparison to the patina of the current screw and amp case.
Lucky we kept some removed from a water damage refurbishment of an amp where the customer wanted new shiny to match the amp. They fit beautifully in picture 3 of this old Marshall!

We aim to repair as original yet functional.

05/08/2026

Adding some articles to the website to help you identify and attempt DIY repairs, most importantly by knowing the fundamentals. No AI was used, and no AI will ever be used for our service! You'll always get a reply from a human!

Illustrated guide to assist repairing a guitar amplifier splitting down the blocks of an amplifier. Input, FX, output and power stages with symptoms.

06/07/2026

Well that was something, an amplifier appearing to be a huge paperweight. A missing 24v power supply caused by a shorted operational amplifier chip. Only visible once 90% of the circuit board were removed!
Another successfully repair back to original standards and all wires back in their rightful places !

29/06/2026

What a beast on the bench!
Keeping one of our rental backline companies in operating through this festival season!

29/05/2026

Had some emergency repairs recently for touring musicians, either ready for recording and or travelling between venues while on tour!
when you need a reliable solution

29/04/2026

Well that's a first!
Pulled this valve out to check and the glass came out leaving the base in the socket. Very dry looking joints around the pins.
Always let your amp cool down a bit before moving it and throwing it in a vehicle!
#5881

23/04/2026

Well somebody certainly let the smoke out of this amp!

01/04/2026

Fresh off the press, our new valve rework station enables us to fully refurbish your old cherished valves.
Have a favourite mullard (quack)? An RCA or even an GE?

We carefully remove the glass envelope, disassemble all parts, screen, anode, Heater and getter plate. We clean all parts a half pint of IPA, drink the other half, then carefully reassemble.
We have a choice of different vacuum flavours to pump your valve with ranging from the old smoking days pub vibe, through to mountain fresh.

After we have carefully tested each valve for mojo we re apply the original screen print using original print frames the squeegee once used by Babs on the production line.

Do get in touch for all your mojo requirements .....

Disclaimer, some content may have been altered for the purposes of selfless promotion on the 1st April.