Ampeg Portaflex & GC Warranty

jd_watt · #1 03-26-2013, 02:45 PM

Hi all,

Thinking about picking up a Portaflex 500 this weekend, and wondered what the general consensus is on the Guitar Center extended warranty. I know there were a few quality concerns with this amp early on, but I'm wondering if the manufacture's warranty would be more than enough. Also, I'm concerned because I really enjoy using a DOD Meatbox. It produces subharmonic frequencies, and I'd hate to damage the amp or cab without any warranty protection. Thanks for taking the time, and btw, that Portaflex thread is gargantuan! Very cool!

JimmyM · #2 03-26-2013, 03:45 PM

Extended warranties = legalized gambling, and what's the first rule of casino gambling? The house always wins. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. But I never get extended warranties anymore because I always got burned with them.

Immigrant · #3 03-26-2013, 03:57 PM

I gotta ask- or comment rather- if I was looking to buy something, it would have to surely fit the bill for as far as what I needed it to do without damaging it. If I was concerned that I may damage the cab, I'd look at a different cab instead of running the risk of buying something that may fail.

I just picked up a used PF-500 (here in the classifieds) and I have it paired with an SVT410HLF. That cab laughs at low frequencies.

I'm pretty sure the Portaflex cabs can handle it also. Maybe not the 210, but the 410 fo sho.

My name is Mudd · #4 03-26-2013, 04:06 PM

I agree with Jimmy...extended warranties are free money for the seller, almost always. And I don't know if it's true with GC, but I do generically know that some manufacturers (not necessarily music-related) are not exactly enthusiastic about their dealers selling 3rd-party warranties on their equipment.

JimmyM · #5 03-26-2013, 04:06 PM

The PF210he and PF115he go pretty low. The PF115he goes lower than the PF210he, but both go pretty low, lower than the 410he and 810e for sure. If you want super low, though, go for the PF115lf or PF410hlf.

Turock · #6 03-26-2013, 04:13 PM

I have never bought an extended warranty. Waste of money for you, money maker for the seller. In most cases they are a rip-off.

pfschim · #7 03-26-2013, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd_watt

Hi all,

Thinking about picking up a Portaflex 500 this weekend, and wondered what the general consensus is on the Guitar Center extended warranty. I know there were a few quality concerns with this amp early on, but I'm wondering if the manufacture's warranty would be more than enough. Also, I'm concerned because I really enjoy using a DOD Meatbox. It produces subharmonic frequencies, and I'd hate to damage the amp or cab without any warranty protection. Thanks for taking the time, and btw, that Portaflex thread is gargantuan! Very cool!

I think the Ampeg warranty would cover you just fine.
I would push the amp hard in the first week or so just to make sure it did not demonstrate some of the thermal failures that the PF500 has had some issues with. Set the gain to just clipping steadily, then set compression as you like, EQ it to your taste, then push the master up past noon (I would not dime it) and play it hard for a while. Many of the amps that have died, have died pretty quickly (and I have no insight as to why). Do this either on your own, or in rehearsal (I would avoid doing this on a gig for obvious reasons). If your PF500 stands up ok, you will probably be ok in the long run. If not, you have plenty of time to get Ampeg to replace it (as it should, if it fails).

it's a good amp if it keep working.
good luck.

jd_watt · #8 03-26-2013, 05:41 PM

All good points, and great suggestions - thank you! I think I'll skip the GC warranty... I just wanted to be protected incase, by chance, I get a bum unit. Thanks for the additional cab info too. Lets get ready to rumble! Sorry, couldn't resist

**mjac28** · #9 03-26-2013, 05:44 PM

I disagree on large purchases I buy the warranty I never had a problem with G.C making sure I was taken care of and the good thing the warranties are refundable the company prorates them so if you sell it you can get money back I've done this on three different occasions.

**mjac28** · #10 03-26-2013, 05:45 PM

Most things break down well after the warranty period is over for some reason.

bassgod0dmw · #11 03-26-2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd_watt

I just wanted to be protected incase, by chance, I get a bum unit.

The manufacturers warranty would protect you against that.

Turock · #12 03-26-2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjac28

I disagree on large purchases I buy the warranty I never had a problem with G.C making sure I was taken care of and the good thing the warranties are refundable the company prorates them so if you sell it you can get money back I've done this on three different occasions.

How many times have you needed that warranty?

JimmyM · #13 03-26-2013, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

The manufacturers warranty would protect you against that.

For the first two years, you're protected by Ampeg's warranty.

Turock · #14 03-26-2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjac28

Most things break down well after the warranty period is over for some reason.

Most things don't break down at all (until they age), and if they do, it is usually shortly after buying it.

**mjac28** · #15 03-26-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turock

How many times have you needed that warranty?

I have used the warranty on two separate occasions for two different products I've never used my home owners insurance( knock on wood) but I'm glad I have it and on some of the cheaper amps,combos and cabs it doesn't pay to even get them fixed some folks don't believe in warranties I do.

Slackerprince · #16 03-26-2013, 06:17 PM

What cab will you be using?

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Turock · #17 03-26-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjac28

I have used the warranty on two separate occasions for two different products I've never used my home owners insurance( knock on wood) but I'm glad I have it and on some of the cheaper amps,combos and cabs it doesn't pay to even get them fixed some folks don't believe in warranties I do.

When you figure the cost for extended warranties on everything, you would probably come out ahead to pay for an occasional repair.

JimmyM · #18 03-26-2013, 06:47 PM

Homeowner's insurance doesn't even compare. You're talking about gambling with many thousands of dollars worth of house, sometimes in the 6, 7 or 8 figure range. Someone can get completely wiped out financially without homeowner's insurance. Buying an extended warranty for a bass or amp is hardly the same thing.

bassgod0dmw · #19 03-26-2013, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

For the first two years, you're protected by Ampeg's warranty.

That should protect from getting a bum unit.

JimmyM · #20 03-26-2013, 06:50 PM

Whatever. Like you can't get a bum unit from anyone else, and like an extended warranty will prevent that from happening.