Me? Fix? Repair? Restore? Align? NO. I receive quite a few emails and phone calls per week inquiring if I will repair electronics. The answer has not changed, the answer is No. Why not? #1 Most people do not want to pay for time and knowledge let alone parts. #2 If it’s vintage it’s usually from the 1950’s-1980’s and there are a host of issues. #3 Parts are becoming increasingly hard to find and have become extremely expensive(customers won’t accept $40.00 can twistloc capacitors.) #4 You end up marrying these people, every time something goes wrong with their unit it’s supposedly the first problem that was addressed( Lies to get you to repair the next problem for free.) #5 There is no peace because it’s Vintage(OLD, Fossil, Aged.) After you restore everything there is always something else to break or malfunction. #6 You can’t run a successful business with so few customers therefore you are forced to over charge the few to survive. #7 It’s no fun trying to make people believe their 55 year old Fisher will never be new or like new regardless of claims. The list goes on.
As I drive around Staten Island there is not a TV/Radio Service, Repair store to be found. At one time there were repair and service centers in every single neighborhood. You would see TV store repair trucks visiting customers homes for service. Its has not been like this since the Mid to late 1970’s. The TV/Radio repair places were able to hang on into the 80’s and some even into the 90’s. But the party was over long before that. There is no way to make a living in a throw a way world. Like it, dislike it, or care little this is the way it is now. Your TV or radio Peter’s out and in the trash it goes. From what I have seen early electronic failures under warrantee are replaced with new or other refurbished units by the manufacturers. Again, you really have little choice when it comes to electronics repair. Sure you can search out one of the few esoteric repair centers that still exist but don’t expect complete satisfaction. Many times the work is shoddy and even if it’s good your paying a premium price. These places that still exist rely on one’s “emotional attachment” to a material thing. This was my great Grandfathers, Grandfathers stereo. I want to keep this unit in the family. Or this is the same stereo I had as a little boy or my family had. Or this is the same type of stereo Tiny Tim had when he was 4 years old. You get my meaning, they love when you love your material thing with your heart instead of your brain. This way money is no object and they can rip you a new one with a clear conscious. It’s cool, people do it with classic and antique automobiles all the time. But….even the price of vintage cars is declining except for a few high demand special rides like Shelby’s, Chargers, and some others.
This is the New world, like it, love it, or hate it. Friends lease new Hyundai’s, Honda’s, Kia’s, etc. for $150.00 – $200.00 per month for their kids to commute back and forth to college, etc. At one time they would of purchased a used car that would of course always need some service. You know they all go 100,000 miles without malfunction, lol. No, they are not stupid. Taking advantage of a throw away life still affords a good if not better, safer, happier quality of life. Material things such as cars, electronics, jewelry, etc. come and go. Life is precious not replaceable material things.
Why did I write this post? Because people don’t fix things anymore for others. No, not even for money. Very few people do anymore. Not only stereo equipment but autos, washing machines and appliances, etc. There used to be shoemakers all over the place, find one now. Many of the new cars don’t even come with spare tires. Don’t believe me? Check it out. We are in a new age where it’s cheaper, more efficient, quicker, etc. to replace rather then repair. Should you repair??? When people contact me for repair I tell them my opinion which is usually a “no go.” For me, I repair myself, for myself. But why after you just finished stating it’s a no win situation? BECAUSE I TINKER AND ATTEMPT TO REPAIR MYSELF. I am a backyard mechanic. That’s the KEY. I don’t have to deal with service people taking advantage my wallet, poor workmanship. Or to tolerate repair people posing and having you believe they are as important as surgeons, lawyers, and Indian Chiefs. Really…TV/stereo repair man…your not that important. Only a few people still need you, and if those people thought more with logic and common sense instead of emotion they would abandon you also. Electronics is my hobby and enjoyment so its not work or stress for me. The only way to fix this stuff is do it yourself or have a friend or family member who is into it. Otherwise it is a costly and disappointing endeavor. Don’t believe me? Give it a shot. My bet rides on you won’t be happy with the cost or the job. Sorry, but that’s the sobering truth.
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