I went to a local repair guy who told me its a £30 bench fee plus vat upfront for diagnostic. Paid up to be told it would be three to four weeks before it's ready to be looked at excluding actual 'repair' time.
I had a last minute gig and called to say I needed the cab, got to the shop and the place was reeking of weed (it was a Saturday, two employees, no 'jobs on the bench') no signs of any actual work being done and once I got the cab in the car the cover was also stinking of weed. I'm heading back down today for a refund. I don't care if they're stoners but a three to four week wait and £36 up front so these lads can mooch about? No ta! I usually go via a local guitar shop. Drop the stuff off on a Friday collect the following Friday, £25 bench cost.
I thought I'd go local as it's literally 5 minutes drive from my place. Needless to say I'll be dropping it off the next time I have a week without gigs.
I get people need paid and it's a 'specialist' service but there's taking the p*ss