Watford Valves

[paul_5]

I noticed that recently on BC certain music shops have had a bit of a flaming, and thought to myself that one day, if I ever had a really positive experience of a retailer then I would share it to redress the balance. It happened today.

I spent 20 minutes on the phone to Watford Valves and spoke to a guy called Derek. I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO, and he asked a lot of pertinent questions (what sort of sound do you want? etc... ) and eventually we settled on a set of valves. Even once he'd made the sale he continued to answer all of my questions regarding other makes of valves and transformer issues etc... A thoroughly nice (and very knowledgeable) chap. I can't recommend these guys enough. Good to see staff in music retail who actually give a sh*t about their customers.

That is all.

[Roland Rock]

Old fashioned customer service - brilliant. Sounds like they really care about the customer and the product.
I have a good local place, but if I can't get what I'm after there, I'll go to WV

[Noisyjon]

I've not dealt with them myself but I put a clueless Guitard friend of mine onto them and they sorted him out quickly and professionally!

[icastle]

I've dealt with them a couple of times for replacement valves and can thoroughly agree with the OPs comments.
These guys know their valves, are enthusiastic about their subject matter and are a pleasure to deal with.

[Mykesbass]

Perhaps we should have a special thread for good service - I'd quickly add Status - ordered some strings during the Christmas closedown and got an error message as well as a confirmation email. Rang them on Tuesday and they had it sorted in minutes. E mailed later to confirm strings had been posted.

(sorry if this is a bit of a hijack).

Edited January 6, 2011 by Mykesbass

[Cat Burrito]

I've dealt with Watford Valves a couple of times & they are bang on the money

[gary mac]

I think Derek is himself one of us, a bass man that is!

Think I've depped for him a couple of times, but we've not met.

[bigjohn]

I think it was Derek I spoke to when I bought some valves there. He's got an SVT-IIP and SVT 300 poweramp. If it is.

Knows his Ampeg pre's.

[Lozz196]

Strange, I`ve e-mailed them twice for advice, and neither message was replied to. And it was about items they stock, not just a general enquiry.

[Rich]

[quote name='icastle' post='1080449' date='Jan 6 2011, 09:08 PM']I've dealt with them a couple of times for replacement valves and can thoroughly agree with the OPs comments.
These guys know their valves, are enthusiastic about their subject matter and are a pleasure to deal with.[/quote]
Yup, similar experience here.

[ahpook]

[quote name='paul_5' post='1080372' date='Jan 6 2011, 08:15 PM']I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO...[/quote]

exactly what i did when i was revalving and had the same excellent service.

watford valves rule.

Edited January 7, 2011 by ahpook

[Dood]

Yup, +1 here - I've bought many a valve from Derek Rocco. - Similar experiences too, as we ended up having a very long conversation about tubey goodness! - If his select valves are good enough for Mr May, then that's an endorsement I can live with!

[Noisyjon]

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1080724' date='Jan 7 2011, 07:39 AM']Strange, I`ve e-mailed them twice for advice, and neither message was replied to. And it was about items they stock, not just a general enquiry.[/quote]

Hi Lozz,
I know from experience the email service can be a bit crap so I would recommend phoning for immediate help/advice.

Regards,
Jon

[Ancient Mariner]

I bought a speaker from them once, and they were helpful, pleasant and quick. They charge a premium price, but do seem to provide a premium service.

[mcnach]

[quote name='paul_5' post='1080372' date='Jan 6 2011, 08:15 PM']I noticed that recently on BC certain music shops have had a bit of a flaming, and thought to myself that one day, if I ever had a really positive experience of a retailer then I would share it to redress the balance. It happened today.

I spent 20 minutes on the phone to Watford Valves and spoke to a guy called Derek. I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO, and he asked a lot of pertinent questions (what sort of sound do you want? etc... ) and eventually we settled on a set of valves. Even once he'd made the sale he continued to answer all of my questions regarding other makes of valves and transformer issues etc... A thoroughly nice (and very knowledgeable) chap. I can't recommend these guys enough. Good to see staff in music retail who actually give a sh*t about their customers.

That is all. [/quote]


dealt with them in the past and indeed, they are good. Wish all shops were like them.