800rb with blown channel -- should I buy it?

[allanmac00]

I'm going to look at an old GK 800rb listed at $200 on craigslist. The issue is that one of the channels is blown, and the seller doesn't know much about it. He's evidently not a musician, but is tasked with selling this thing. I don't know much about amp repair or anythign, nor do I know which channel it is that's blown.

Is this worth the risk? I might try to ask $100, given that it's only 50% functional. I know nobody here can diagnose a problem without seeing the amp, but does this seem like a correctable issue (or at least won't cost me hundreds of dollars to fix)? Thanks!

[lbwdog]

I'd probably chance it at $100 or $120, depending on which "channel is "blown". If the main (Lo) out is working, you could probably use it as is, since that's the one that puts out 200/300 w @ 8/4 ohms. Quite possible the fix is simple too.

[allanmac00]

Originally Posted by lbwdog

Quite possible the fix is simple too.

Is it also within the realm of possibility that it could be shot? Or is virtually anything fixable?

[lbwdog]

Well....anything is fixable. Usually it's one bad component. Ideally, you have a friend who can troubleshoot and diagnose an amp failure without a huge bench charge. In reality, it normally doesn't take more than fifteen minutes with proper equipment and know-how.

I've found G-K to be priced reasonably for repair, and you also know it will be fixed right.

[stingray56funk]

I say offer the guy $100-$125 and then get it repaired. Couldn't be too difficult to fix and you'll have a rock solid amp on the cheap (once it is fixed of course).

[dmusic148]

9 times out of 10 it's the 100 watt amp section that's blown, and you probably won't need it anyway. Probably worth buying and using as-is.