Following massive demand (well, two or three people, anyway) I'm announcing that I'm prepared to do modification work to empegs, ie. soldering and mechanical work. I can do the majority of SMT component modifications posted on the board.(the stereo spread mod, the L/R Front rolloff mod, the Dimmer problem mod) and have built both the illuminated buttons and rather tricky Ring 'o' LEDs board with sucess.

I have updated my soldering gear (I bought the correct size tips with the right temperature rating and got some better tweezers) so I'm ready to rocket! Cost is E15 per hour, flat rate. You have to trust me to be honest about the billed hours: it seems like the three major mods are about 1 - 1.5 hours (including disassembly and reassembly), the illuminated buttons about one hour if the resistor pack is already on, otherwise add more time if I have to fit and test resistor packs first. The round LEDs board takes around an hour to build and test, and about another hour to properly install and test. If you think these times are excessive, it's because I am being paranoid and taking my time to do it properly with tests along the way to ensure the unit isn't going to be knackered by me powering on with a dodgy connection or some such. Believe me, I worry about this - if you still think the times are excessive and I'm trying to rip you off, well, that's your opinion - you are welcome to try it yourself of course . Obviously, it's cheaper to get all your mods done at once to save on repeated disassembly and reassembly/postage costs.

For residents of the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg or France (or anywhere else for that matter if you're brave enough - the Campanille hotel where we hold the European owner's meet is about 200m away), you're welcome to drive up here with your unit as long as you give warning and make an appointment by email. If you want a Ring o' LEDs board doing, I would advise you to post the kit to me first to allow me to build and test it before you come to visit, otherwise you could be kicking your heels while I put it together. It would be a good idea to insure it against loss when posting.

If you want to send your empeg by post from any location in the world, you will need to send your unit by insured courier delivery (properly packed, preferably in the original empeg posting box which is designed for the this purpose) and pay for a return collection under the same conditions. If the unit arrives damaged and non-functional you will be notified immediately but I'll accept no liability for damage in this situation. Repairs must be arranged prior to any modification work in this case.

If I damage the unit in my posession, I will pay to have it repaired, otherwise it's your own risk. Again, you have to trust me on this, but I have now sucessfully modified my fourth unit without problems, and so far everyone's gone home with a smile.

I will also be building Tuner kits (as and when they become available) at the same hourly rate. As yet, I haven't built one so it's not possible to give you an estimate on the number of hours it will take (and therefore the cost), but they are through-hole rather than SMT and should be easier (and therefore quicker) to build. They will be tested. If you want to use this service, then either instruct Patrick to deliver it to me when ordering, or post it on yourself. You will need to pay for insured return postage in both cases. Again, if I knacker it, I pay for it, otherwise your own risk. As soon as I have done one I will post here to give pricing indications based on the time it takes.

All payments must be received first prior to return of any sent materials.

In all cases if you want mods done, get in touch first by email, either through the board or direct to me.

I must say that the transparent buttons mod is a seriously piece of stuff - kudos to Brian Mihulka.