Procedure

Seven steps for every case. At each one, you receive something in writing.

Inquiry
Describe the equipment and the problem. You'll hear back within 3 business days on whether the case is accepted.
You receive: acceptance or referral.
Intake
Drop-off by appointment or shipped. Each unit is logged and assigned a case number.
You receive: case number.
Diagnosis
Inspection on the bench.
You receive: written diagnosis.
Estimate
Parts, labor, and time in writing. Approve, adjust, or decline; declined units return with the diagnosis.
You receive: written estimate.
Work
Carried out as approved. Anything unexpected is reported before it's acted on.
You receive: updates at each change.
Test
Tested over an extended period before release.
You receive: test notes, pictures, and/or video.
Return
Pickup or shipment, with the case record.
You receive: case record and labor warranty.

Sourcing

Brief → Search → Shortlist with findings → Purchase on approval → Inspection and service → Delivery

Do you take gear bought broken?
Depends on the gear. Contact us and we may be able to help.
Will you tell me if it isn't worth restoring?
We can estimate what it would cost to restore it and you can decide if it's worth it.
Do you modify equipment?
Yes. Depends on the modification.
Do you consult remotely?
Yes.
How does sourcing pricing work?
A 10% commission on the purchase price covers the search. Inspection and service are billed separately at the bench rate. Most equipment can be found with patience; sourcing is for what is rare and has to arrive working. Restoration is estimated and charged separately. Past sourcing cases include synthesizers, electric pianos, amplifiers, turntables and guitars.
Do you ship?
Yes. We ship fragile, hard-to-replace equipment often, and pack it for the trip. Drop-off and pickup by appointment is still the safest option.