Reviving Vintage Sound,
One Amp at a Time
Most techs reach for a meter.
I reach for the volume knob.
There’s information in that first note
that no schematic will ever show you.
Whether your amp hasn’t worked in years or just sounds slightly off, the process starts the same — we listen before we touch anything. Every service ends with a written account of everything done.
Full point-to-point rebuilds, vintage capacitor replacements, original transformer testing, and cosmetic refurbishment. Back to factory spec — or better — while preserving the character that makes it worth restoring.
Bias adjustments, tone stack upgrades, effects loop installation, channel switching, and custom preamp voicing. Dial your amp into exactly the sound in your head.
Fast diagnostics on failed power stages, blown fuses, microphonic tubes, intermittent signal, hum, and noise. Most repairs same-week with a clear estimate before any work begins.
Brands We Service
Independent service technician — not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer.
Examples of the amps we restore, repair, and modify — and the kinds of problems we solve.
Call or email and we’ll arrange a time that works for you. Don comes to you — no need to haul your amp across town. We handle the transport so it arrives safely.
Every amp is played before it’s probed. The ears catch things the oscilloscope misses. You get a written diagnostic in plain language.
Clear estimate, real numbers. Nothing happens until you say yes. Surprises get a call, not a charge.
Most repairs same-week. Mods within two. Your amp leaves better than it arrived — and you’ll know exactly what was done.
A close friend recently used the phrase “Authenticity always Wins” when the subject of writing this bio came up. Upon reflection, I saw it as a microcosm of what Argus Audio is all about — bringing a sense of authenticity back to what is increasingly becoming a digitally modeled world.
To be fair, I own a modeling amp and it’s versatile and lightweight and sounds great. Over the years of playing bass and guitar I’ve owned and worked on just about everything imaginable. But it’s the soul of a tube amplifier that a digital modeler never seems to really replicate. These things have warm beating hearts — and when they need help, we’re here to bring them back to life for you.
“My first rig in high school was a used Heathkit amp and a Teisco guitar. One summer afternoon I sat in awe as a friend played a Ventures tune through a little Champ. The sounds that came out of that tiny amp were incredible — I’ve never forgotten that magical afternoon.”
We talk a lot about listening before breaking out the test gear — but rest assured that when the time comes, our shop is fully equipped with the latest electronic equipment, allowing your amp to be worked on safely and accurately with maximum analog intelligence.
Based in Northern Virginia, serving the greater DC Metro area. Pick-up service available — we come to you.
Currently accepting cash and check only.
Online payment coming in a future update.
Northern Virginia & DC Metro Area
Pick-up service — we come to you
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Many small music stores in the DC Metro and Northern Virginia area don’t have the resources to staff a repair technician on-site. Argus Audio can fill that gap — handling tube amp repairs and restorations on behalf of your shop.
Trade rates and service arrangements available. Get in touch to talk through how it works.
Get in Touch