#1
|
|||
|
|||
What to watch out for in used amps
I have bought and sold many high end guitars and have never had an issue with the items I have received. I have some concerns regarding amps due to possible abuse/poor handling and I am concerned about the tubes, speakers, and electronics (i.e. things you can't see). Is it generally pretty safe to buy used amps?
The amp in question is a handwired Vox combo and it is local so I can see it before I buy it. Is there anything I should look/listen for to indicate abuse? I would be buying from the original owner who states he has only played it in his home.
__________________
Matt '79 Yamaha CJ-838S, '03 Martin D-41, '03 Taylor 600 SPEC, '99 Taylor 714, '08 Gibson J45R, '01 G & L Legacy |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
what vox is it and how old? original receipt? ask if any work has been done on it. if so, is there a receipt? look at the general condition. clean or abused? any changes to the amp such as new tubes? or are they original?
with the amp on, i listen for any noises with the volume and tone knobs off. then i turn each one up and listen. play it with YOUR guitar plugged into each input. listen for any problems with the speaker. if you can see the guts, check to see if the tubes are operating properly with no red plating. also check to see that the components are original and that you see no blackened components. i also look at the screws that hold the amp together to see if anyone has taken them off. that could be a sign that work has been done within. the handwired, i've heard, are great sounding and usually command more $$. good luck. play music!
__________________
2014 Martin 00015M 2009 Martin 0015M 2008 Martin HD28 2007 Martin 000-18GE 2006 Taylor 712 2006 Fender Parlor GDP100 1978 Fender F65 1968 Gibson B25-12N Various Electrics Last edited by muscmp; 07-05-2018 at 11:31 AM. Reason: additions |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
AC15HW1X recent/fairly new.
__________________
Matt '79 Yamaha CJ-838S, '03 Martin D-41, '03 Taylor 600 SPEC, '99 Taylor 714, '08 Gibson J45R, '01 G & L Legacy |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
- which makes me wonder why he's selling it so quickly...
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Just an old drum playing guitarist now. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
I wouldn’t be worried about that. It could be buyers remorse, it could be not working for him like he thought it would. Sometimes better amps are more revealing, and if you have sloppy technique, they will highlight the sloppiness.
Maybe he’s a Fender guy, and he wanted to try out a Vox and just didn’t vibe with it like he had hoped he would. I’ve played many high-end amplifiers that were very unforgiving. A good friend of mine who is an amazing player has a vintage Marshall that he says sounds amazing if he’s having a good day, and terrible if he’s not. Some people like to flip amps and guitars all the time. Some people buy used just so they don’t take a big hit when they sell. That way they get to try out as many amps is they want. They’ll say things like “it’s the best amp I’ve ever heard in my life, my wife just says I need to thin the herd...” Why would you sell the best amp you ever heard? Why wouldn’t you just sell some of the other cows? Tangent: I bought and Eastman E10SS. I loved everything about it. It sounded incredible. I couldn’t believe it. Then I tried to sing over it. It was so loud and projected so much, that it was obnoxious to sing over. Just had too much of everything for what I wanted on my solo gigs . I sold it for the same reason that I sold my Martin D 28. Great guitar, but horses for courses Then, I bought a Gibson J 45 and never looked back. My cousin bought my Eastman and absolutely loves it. What didn’t work for me, work for him perfectly. He got a great deal on it and we’re both happy. Last edited by The Kid!; 07-05-2018 at 10:14 PM. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Number 1 on my list for any used amp is to pull the fuse and compare it to the label on the amp. If it doesn't match in value, or heaven forbid is wrapped in foil, run away. People will see a fuse blowing as simply a nuisance and pop in a larger one to keep playing, ignoring the fact that fuses that are properly sized very seldom "just blow". This leads to damaging large, expensive things like transformers.
On a newer amp like you're looking at, any service issues should be minimal. On any amp greater than 10 years old, budget in some bench time with a good tech for a once over to check operation and possibly a recap (service) to keep it running like new.
__________________
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -Zig Ziglar Acoustics 2013 Guild F30 Standard 2012 Yamaha LL16 2007 Seagull S12 1991 Yairi DY 50 Electrics Epiphone Les Paul Standard Fender Am. Standard Telecaster Gibson ES-335 Gibson Firebird |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
The first thing I typically check is the transformers. Is there any resin leakage or hint of overheating? From there it is hints of abuse: There's a difference between a well-loved amp and one that has been chucked into the back of the station wagon too enthusiastically.
Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
He’s got quite a few items for sale and says once he raises the cash he needs, he will pull stuff back down. He’s also offering trades.
__________________
Matt '79 Yamaha CJ-838S, '03 Martin D-41, '03 Taylor 600 SPEC, '99 Taylor 714, '08 Gibson J45R, '01 G & L Legacy |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
In his ad the pictures certainly present as 'like new'. The price is right. Search Reverb if you need proof. HE |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
play music!
__________________
2014 Martin 00015M 2009 Martin 0015M 2008 Martin HD28 2007 Martin 000-18GE 2006 Taylor 712 2006 Fender Parlor GDP100 1978 Fender F65 1968 Gibson B25-12N Various Electrics |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
In short, a fuse rated over what the amp is designed for is usually a good sign there's a problem lurking inside.
__________________
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -Zig Ziglar Acoustics 2013 Guild F30 Standard 2012 Yamaha LL16 2007 Seagull S12 1991 Yairi DY 50 Electrics Epiphone Les Paul Standard Fender Am. Standard Telecaster Gibson ES-335 Gibson Firebird |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks guys - makes sense.
Quote:
Quote:
|
#15
|
|||
|
|||
I buy amps, and then another amp might look interesting, and I will sell one. I have a Marshall DSL 401 for sale now on CL, although no one is buying. I am practically giving it away, but no offers. I just like other tones now.
|