The front of Rainbow Electronics as seen from Madison Avenue. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Rainbow Electronics, located in a bright blue, two-level residential-style building at 7531 Madison Avenue Suite A, has specialized in tube-based electronics since its opening in 1963, well before the city’s incorporation.

Residents might remember that Rainbow Electronics was one of the few businesses in Citrus Heights that repaired early-model color television sets. If you needed an individual replacement tube or service for your bulky black-and-white or color TV, their shop was the local place to go.

Today, Rainbow Electronics, with some 60 years locally in business, has specialized in the service and repair of just about everything from 1920s-era, battery radio sets, to today’s digital multi-track technology. Husband and wife owners John and Robyn McCormack proudly offer their customers state-of-the-art audio and video repair.

“The business name is based on the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) rainbow color bars which are a standard for testing color quality on video displays and cameras,” John said.

John McCormack stands at attention in his shop, Rainbow Electronics, which he owns with his wife, Robyn McCormack. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Rainbow Electronics repairs most brands of consumer and professional equipment. A $110 diagnosis and one-hour minimum is payable in advance and is non-refundable, he said.

McCormack provided a “behind-the-counter” tour of Rainbow Electronics workshop where arriving gear is tagged and then scheduled for repair, and where service technicians guided by product schematics will soon perform a service diagnosis.

In a main service area, cabinets chock-full of older parts, individual tubes, vintage service manuals and other testing equipment are ready for when they are needed.

Whatever type of gear you have which might need repair, odds are owner John McCormack has either seen it, or has at one time worked on it. The Sacramento State University graduate, with a major in electrical engineering and psychology, purchased the business in 2016. He had worked for the previous owner as one of its lead service technicians.

The building was extensively remodeled in October 2019 with new offices, shelving storage and repair spaces added for future business growth, he said.

Vintage equipment awaits repairs at Rainbow Electronics. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Eight-track players, integrated amplifiers, antique tube equipment, studio monitors, cassette decks, mixing consoles, multi-track tape recorders, tube amplifiers, surround sound receivers and processors, public address (PA) systems, portable and arranger keyboards, turntables, digital pianos, VCRs, Edison cylinder recorders, vintage microphones, vintage radios, home stereo components including reel to reel recorders and guitar amplifiers, are just a few examples which he said may be repaired at the shop. A complete summary listing of repairable equipment can be seen at:  https://www.rainbowelectronics.net/services.

Walk-in customers bring in a wide range of equipment daily and the workload varies. Once received, it typically takes four to six weeks for an initial repair diagnosis to be made, he said.

“It’s a very enjoyable business and a profession to be in,” he said. He often speaks philosophically about the older equipment he has worked on, and audio amplifiers and equipment he has built himself over the years.

“We know these treasures are more than just machines,” he said. “They’re a window into your past and carry significant memories which (our customers) might not be ready to let go. We tend to feel the same way.”

Through the years, Rainbow Electronics, a member of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, has established a local reputation for high quality, enduring repairs, creative modifications and has received excellent customer service reviews, he said.

“We have the necessary resources, where other service or repair companies may fall short,” he said.

McCormack said he’s ready to help his customers in their quest to make their vintage equipment work well again.

“If parts can’t be found, our technicians have the ability to custom make parts to keep your machine working like new,” he said.

“With all our combined experience, our technicians have the knowledge and talent to bring your equipment back to vibrant life,” he said.

In addition to doing local repairs, many customers from across the U.S. ship their equipment to Rainbow Electronics for repair, he said.

“We also focus on repairs and modification of consumer and professional audio and video equipment upon request,” he said.

Rainbow Electronics also performs warranty repair work, and a complete listing of brands which it can repair is provided on the shop’s website.

Customers will need to provide a copy of their original bill of sale to waive the repair deposit fee, he said. Some warranty companies may not cover units under warranty if no problem is found or for intermittent issues. In that event, Rainbow Electronics will charge a minimum shop charge of $110.00, he said.

Rainbow Electronics at 7531-A Madison Avenue in Citrus Heights is located between San Juan Avenue and Mariposa Avenue at the corner of Madison and Highview Lane. Customers should turn onto Highview Lane, take an immediate left, and park behind the building, John said.

Shop hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For general service inquiries, call 926-863-7277 for more information, or email: [email protected].