Service and Serviceability

General​

Argenta Electronics charges an upfront fee of $60. This covers initial faultfinding, diagnosis and estimate for repairs. This fee is independent of the labour and parts cost of repair. The estimate is given on a “worst case” scenario. Bear in mind it is an estimate, not a quote.
 
Depending on the availability and shipping of parts, we attempt to complete repairs within a week.
Should we not complete within that time, we will contact you and give you an update on expected time.
If, in estimating the cost of the repair, it looks like it will exceed the value of the appliance being repaired, we will suggest to you that it may not be economic to proceed. No further fees will be charged beyond the $60 fee.
If during the initial inspection, considerable damage is noted, that is, burned circuit boards, or excessive corrosion, then no repair is attempted. No further fees are charged.
Occasionally, more faults appear during the repair. When secondary faults appear, we will contact you and discuss options. If it doesn’t prove economical to repair after spending a lot of time over it, we will write off the repair and charge a nominal fee of one hours’ labour, absorbing other costs.
Invoices are to be paid before your unit is returned. Should an invoice remain unpaid, after a period of three months, and the client doesn’t respond to attempted contact, then the unit becomes the property of Argenta Electronics.
An on-site repair will incur a $100 call-out fee. This is for the first hour. Normal labour charges apply after this first hour.
Argenta Electronics accepts payment via bank cheque, direct bank transfer, or PayPal. No credit card transactions are accepted. We are not accepting cash payments until further notice.
Argenta Electronics does not repair:
  • TVs and DVDs
  • VCRs
  • Speakers and Sub-Woofers, powered or otherwise.
  • Equipment under 10years old (unless it is a turntable).
  • Home Theatre A/V Amplifiers
  • CD Players
 

Turntables

​A flat rate of $140 is charged. This covers cleaning, oiling, adjustment, and where applicable, drive belt replacement. A new stylus (needle) is an additional cost. Please advise us if you don’t want the needle replaced.
Motor replacement and cartridge replacement incur an extra charge. We will advise you of the cost of these items.

PCB Repairs and Modifications
Each job is taken on a job-by-job basis. After initial fee is paid, and assessment undertaken, Argenta Electronics will contact to advise the feasibility of the modification. Each modification carries a risk and the customer will be made aware of possible changes in the performance of the unit following modification. If we think the changes made by the modification too detrimental to the unit’s performance, then we advise the customer. If the customer wishes to proceed, then Argenta Electronics is absolved of any liability. Note that Argenta Electronics will not undertake a modification where risk of injury to the customer is present. Your safety is paramount – please don’t be upset if we refuse to do a modification for safety reasons.
PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) are repaired or refurbished to the IPC-J Standard for all classes of PCB.
These repairs are charged by the hour and undertaken only where damage to the board itself is not so severe as to prevent repairs.  For example, if tracks have been extensively burned; and proves too costly, we will advise that repair/refurbishment will not proceed.
Contact us if you have any queries regarding our services.
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Guitar Amps

​Valve amps: Servicing covers:-
  • Testing and retubing
  • Biasing (where required)
  • Recap (electrolytic capacitors replacement)
  • Cleaning all Pots and Valve Seats
  • Checking of Reverb Tank and Circuitry (if applicable)
  • Burn in Time and rebias of tubes (if required)
Solid State Amps:
  • PCB inspection for cracks and damage
  • Transistor check and replacement where needed
  • Recap
  • Clean all Pots
  • Checking of Reverb Tank and Circuitry (if required)
Fees include parts and up to two hours’ labour.
Guitar Amp builds by appointment, where we meet with you and discuss your needs and playing style, and which amp design best suits YOU.

Restorations

​Argenta Electronics will first inspect the entire unit, including its cabinet, to determine if it restorable and worth restoring. Sometimes a unit, as antique, or retro as it is will not be restorable simply because parts cannot be obtained. Other times, it may simply be far too corroded, or damaged to be economically viable to be restored.
Once the unit has been assessed, and researched for parts availability, and is deemed restorable, then a full quote is given. Where the cabinet is concerned, Argenta Electronics will call in a joiner or cabinetmaker to assess the cabinet for any restoration that may be required.
Once the customer agrees to the quote, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is taken. This will commence disassembly and cleaning of the chassis, and the valve seats. Once parts are ordered, an invoice for parts is issued and payable within 7 days.
Labour is charged at the completion of the restoration. This is after the unit has been completely re-assembled and tested.
Should you decide to delay restoration, please advise us when you wish it to recommence. Should you decide to halt the restoration completely, then we charge for any parts already installed, and charge a fee for returning unused items. We may also offer to take the item in lieu of these payments.
Note that all restorations will have the 240v power cord installed and earthed according to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. We can make it look “retro” but it will comply to today’s electrical wiring standards.