We were soundchecking. I flipped the standby switch on my vintage 1974 Marshall Super Lead. A loud POP, a puff of magic smoke, and silence. The power transformer had shorted. Repair cost: $600. I filed a claim. Denied. “Mechanical Breakdown and Wear & Tear are excluded.”
Key Takeaways
- Insurance is for Accidents: Insurance covers things that happen to your gear (drop, fire, theft, surge). It does not cover things that happen inside your gear due to age or usage.
- The “Surge” Loophole: If the amp blew because of “dirty power” at the venue (a surge), it is covered. You need a tech to certify that a voltage spike caused the damage, not just old components failing.
- Warranty vs. Insurance: If the amp is new, use the Warranty. If it’s vintage, you are self-insuring the maintenance.
- Tubes are Consumables: Insurance never covers vacuum tubes. They are like lightbulbs.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Definition of Peril.”
A transformer dying from old age is “Wear and Tear.” Excluded.
A transformer dying because lightning struck the building is “Lightning.” Covered.
A transformer dying because the venue wired the outlet 220v instead of 110v is “Electrical Disturbance.” Covered.
The cause of the failure determines the payout, not the failure itself.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the Diagnosis)
I asked amp techs how to frame this.
The “Old Age” Diagnosis
- Tech says: “The capacitor dried out and shorted.”
- Insurance says: “Maintenance issue. Denied.”
The “External Factor” Diagnosis
- Tech says: “The varistor shows signs of high voltage spike consistent with power surge.”
- Insurance says: “Covered peril.”
Extended Warranties (Sweetwater/Guitar Center)
- The Option: These plans do cover mechanical breakdown / wear and tear. For touring amps, they are often better than insurance for breakdowns.
[IMAGE: Photo of a burnt circuit board inside a guitar amplifier]
Comparison Table
| Failure Type | Standard Insurance | Extended Warranty | |
| Old Tubes | No | No | Yes |
| Blown Transformer (Age) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Surge | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dropped/Smashed | Yes | No | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Use a Power Conditioner: Not a $10 strip. A Furman voltage regulator. It protects the amp and proves you weren’t negligent.
- Get a Tech Report: Don’t just tell the insurer “it broke.” Get a written diagnostic from a repair shop.
- Ask the Venue: If their power was bad, their liability insurance should pay. (Hard to prove without a power analyzer).
- Maintain Your Gear: Re-cap vintage amps every 15-20 years. Preventive maintenance is cheaper than a blown transformer.
FAQ
Does insurance cover the recap cost?
No.
What if it catches fire?
Fire damage is covered. Even if the fire started from the bad amp, the resulting fire damage to the cabinet/room is covered.
Is my pedalboard power supply covered?
If it fails, no. If it surges and kills your pedals, the pedals are covered (resultant damage).