Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulstyle]

I just bought a Fender 25R amp and I think I messed it up. It was shipped from the U.S. and it runs on 120 volts. I used a standard adapter (the one for my laptop, Wii, etc...) to connect the amp. It worked for 10 minutes and then it just powered off. Is it busted? If so, can it be fixed?

[nathanrutledge]

What do you mean "standard adapter"?

If you mean a simple plug converter so you can plug a 110 volt plug into a 220 volt outlet, then yeah, you probably blew it.

If you mean an actual transformer that converts the 220 volt electricity to 110 volt electricity, then there are a couple of possibilities.

1, you pulled too much power and you tripped a breaker. Does the outlet your using still supply power? If not, check the circuit breaker. Flip the breakers off, then on. Just because it LOOKS on does not mean that it IS on. So actually flip them.

2. you pulled too much power and you blew a fuse inside of the transformer. Check and change the fuse.

3. you pulled too much power and you blew a fuse inside of the amp itself. check and change the fuse.

Now, you use a couple of examples here - a laptop is generally fine on either 110 or 220 volts. The transformer is usually of the 100-250 V input variety. A Nintendo Wii however is NOT - I have a wii from Korea and it's transformer is strictly 220 v. My neighbor had a US wii and it was strictly 110 V. So I really don't know what you mean by "standard adapter." Electricity is never "110" or "220" volts. It varies within a range of a few volts. Some devices can withstand large variations (lamps, heaters, hair dryers) while others cannot (sensitive things). My neighbor and I used his Wii for about 20 minutes before the transformer blew It's possible that you melted the transformer inside the amp - it could take the higher voltage for a while before dying. Did you hear anything - a sizzling sound, a pop? Did you smell anything melting/burning? Those would be key indicators that you blew the transformer.

[seoulstyle]

@ Nathan: I used a simple plug converter. I literally took the amp out of the plastic wrap and plugged it in. There was definitely a bit of a smell. I couldn't tell if it was "new amp" smell or if something had fried. When you say I probably "blew it", when does that mean? What are my options.

As for the Wii, I used to have a Japanese Wii. I bought it in Yongsan and it had a two prong plug. I used a simple plug converter and it worked fine.

[ttompatz]

[seoulstyle]

Thanks. What does it cost to repair/replace a transformer? What does it cost to replace the electronics? Lastly, are there any good/reputable repair shops in Seoul?

[young_clinton]

[seoulstyle]

Thanks. I thought that labor was very cheap in South Korea? My car mechanics and appliance technicians tend to be quite reasonable.

[Jake_Kim]

Because FENDER Frontman lineup is covered by Cort Guitars & Basses Co., following up on their support network in Korea gives: http://www.cortguitars.com/distributors/asia

which then gives the name of customer service center in Seoul here: http://www.guitarnet.co.kr/n/support/as_center.php

in Nakwon Market, Jongno. You might be able to fix it at a huge cost, or at least have it pronounced dead and get a closure.

BTW, I'm not the service technician listed on the website.

[seoulstyle]

Thanks Jake. I'll take it in and see what can be done.

[Gareth Y]

Be sure to check the fuses BEFORE you take it to a tech. He'll appreciate you not wasting his time with blown fuses and you'll save paying through the nose.