I gotta ask, did you charge him for his repair request? You should anyway. Someone should teach them to not be so stupid or prepare to pay for stupidity, their option. Money out of their pocket teaches a point sometimes.
I try to remind customers that the symptoms and how they communicate them to me will directly affect their labor bill. I have had guys just stare at me when I've said that... Weird, I can't tell if they pissed or are just processing. I can usually read the body language enough to understand that I will have to figure it out before they say it. Oh well, I'm on their clock.
I have been building and selling quite a few lately... been fortunate there for the most part. Seems like I have a better chance of trouble when modding an amp more than with builds. It would be nice to just build... Less schematics to keep track of, less unfamiliar problems, less parts space. Repairing is learning though, and I am in no way close to done learning anyway.
Exactly!! I've had a few customers play 10+ hours on one of my amps only to go buy a Mesa a week later. I sometimes see that guilty look on their face later, like they've made a mistake... you know that "I bought a three channel amp but only play one of them" look. or the "My $$$$ new amp still doesn't have the good cleans like yours" look. I had an argument with a guy once. He told me that I needed to put cheaper parts in my amps so I could keep the price down. I should add that he plays a $3500 guitar through a Roland cube knock-off. He wouldn't know tone if it bit him the ass.
Miles, one last thought... Could you maybe try to record one of those phone calls and post it here? I'm sure quite a few of us would get a good laugh out of it.