I have a goodly number of amps out there as of today, and there have been a couple of problems (not many) and therefore it is time to address this issue and make my position clear. Stuff happens. Sometimes parts fail. Sometimes tubes fail and damage other parts.

My amps are hobby level equipment. This is a "hobby" not a production house. Yes, it is a "full-time" hobby, and I do mean to sell a few amps to support my audio addictions. The buyer assumes all responsibility for proper use and maintenance of his/her amp, including safety of operation. I include documentation with each amp covering usage, safety and adjustment (where appropriate). I keep this documentation on file (including backup) and will replace it for free if needed, but ultimately I cannot guarantee it will always be available.

What does "lifetime" mean? It means that as long as I am able to wield a soldering iron and maintain parts inventory, I will fix your amp for free. You pay round trip shipping - unless the amp is brand new, in which case I will pay return shipping - in some cases all shipping. It does not matter if you are not the original owner. If the amp is made by me, it is covered.

Many of my amps are made using one-of-a-kind transformers. While transformers themselves rarely fail, obviously I may not be able to make exact replacements if one does. Therefore, we (you & I) will do the best we can to restore the functionality of your amp although the cosmetics may change. In some cases an even better transformer may be available. In all cases of transformer failure, this is the only part I may require sharing of expenses to fix.

Tubes are never covered at any time for any reason. Tubes can fail during initial shipping of an amp before you ever hear it. Tubes are difficult - nay, impossible - to identify as being the unique ones originally shipped with the amp. For amps received as new, I will consider tube failure on a case by case basis.

If you drop it you bought it. My side panels and chassis are uniquely made for each amp. If you want me to re-build the chassis I will, but it is not covered under warranty. Also please note: I strive for blemish-free chassis construction, but cannot warranty this even for a new unit. In some cases the material contains hidden defects that only show up after the chassis is machined and the protective covering removed. When I first build the amp, I make the call if the defect is too awful, and will remake the chassis. This has happened only once, and otherwise I have shipped as new a chassis with one or two extremely minor blemishes. Same for side panels. Side panels must be replaced in pairs even if only one is damaged.

If the carrier refuses to pay insurance due to inadequate packaging that's tough.
Be sure your amp is fully packaged against carrier elephant feet and large thumbs.
Be sure you fully insure your package.

If you have someone "fix" the amp and they are unable to properly do so, that repair work is not covered. I will always provide a schematic if needed. If I receive an amp that was poorly repaired and I feel the repair was a contributing factor to the current need for service (my call on that) then it is not covered.

Sound character is not covered. This applies mainly to new amps. If your amp doesn't sound like you had hoped I will work with you to determine what must be done, but if the amp is working within its expected parameters I will not replace the amp. In some cases a change in amp parameters can help to achieve your specific goal, but basically the sound is a subjective thing, and nothing can be done. Only once have I replaced an amp due to sound character, and that replacement was taken as a credit towards a different amp or project, never as a refund. I will consider each case individually.

I want your amp to work as I originally intended and I want you to be happy with your amp. Therefore you will find I will bend over backwards in your favor to make it so.

I will repair your amp. Labor is free with exceptions at my discretion. I tend to be generous in these things, so you'll have to trust me. For a few of my older amps I will even include free upgrade parts or modifications where I have learned from experience that the amp will be improved by doing so. With the exception of the parts mentioned above (on a case by case basis), the parts are also free.

If you have a favorite capacitor or output connector (or whatever) and you want it installed, I will do that for free. As long as the part will fit I will modify the layout or chassis. You supply the part.