Before I pull the trigger....

maevinj · #1 07-01-2011, 07:41 PM

I'm getting ready to order an Ashdown ABM 500 from MF. I'm using their 15% off code , so I think it's a pretty sweet deal ($679). My question is, should I pony up the extra 79 bucks for their gold coverage or pass on it? I'm still not completely sold on Ashdown reliability, so that is why I'm considering it.

StereoPlayer · #2 07-01-2011, 07:51 PM

I NEVER buy any extra coverage on any thing. If it quits in 45 days, return it to MF. Then use the amps coverage. I like to self insure myself.

billfitzmaurice · #3 07-01-2011, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maevinj

should I pony up the extra 79 bucks for their gold coverage

You're betting $79 that the amp will fail past the initial warranty period. The house is betting that it won't. Ever heard the expression: The house always wins?

cavedweller · #4 07-01-2011, 08:19 PM

maevinj · #5 07-01-2011, 09:39 PM

Judging by the poll, I guess I already have a definitive answer. Thanks for replying!

Downunderwonder · #6 07-02-2011, 02:12 AM

Depending on how long the free warranty period is, and what you anticipate for the cost of a failure, you could do a better analysis.

Most premature failures occur very early. But if fixing it means a whole new circuit board it's probably cheaper to buy a new one than fix it. See what I'm getting at? MF doesn't pay retail to replace.

JimmyM · #7 07-02-2011, 03:12 AM

Stores make a buttload on extended warranties because they rarely have to pay out. Extended warranties are legalized gambling.

Downunderwonder · #8 07-02-2011, 03:19 AM

It stands to reason they make out great on it when they cover their end at wholesale and you cover your end at retail. That doesn't mean it doesn't offer value to the consumer. Far more information is needed than you'll likely ever find.

HugoM · #9 07-02-2011, 10:38 AM

Consumer Reports doesn't like them (see Extended warranties). " . . . We have long advised that extended warranties are a poor deal for almost every product . . . The experience of our readers who bought extended warranties and a closer examination of how they work (available to subscribers) show why the odds are stacked against you . . . "

klokker · #10 07-02-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maevinj

I'm still not completely sold on Ashdown reliability, so that is why I'm considering it.

So why buy the amp? I'd get something I could trust.

maevinj · #11 07-02-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klokker

So why buy the amp? I'd get something I could trust.

Because I love the tone of the ABM. I've got a Traynor yba200-2 and I love it , but there is just something about the ABM that is making me go out on a limb for it. Plus I think it's 50/50 on whether their quality is rubbish or excellent. That's what has me debating on gambling 80 bucks that it breaks in two years.

StereoPlayer · #12 07-02-2011, 02:58 PM

Today, I just placed an order at MF for the GK MB800. $99.00 for the extended waranty.....NOT!

$594.00 what a deal! 75 cents a watt!

Pilgrim · #13 07-02-2011, 04:43 PM

If you buy the coverage YOU are betting that the amp WILL fail, and do so after the warranty expires. (Otherwise the warranty would cover it and you wouldn't need to spend the money.)

THEY are betting that it won't.

They make a lot of money off these warranties - which should tell you that they are right a lot more often than they are wrong.

Downunderwonder · #14 07-02-2011, 05:50 PM

I expect the consequences of losing the gamble to notbuy the cover are what drives the market in extended warranties.

xjeremiahx · #15 07-02-2011, 06:09 PM

My brand new bass and amp were destroyed!! :-(

Read that thread. Dude's bass was trashed in a car accident. Then read my post at the end. He's getting another bass, since he bought the warranty. Just saying. I've bought em, used em & sold em. I stand by them in most cases. They're like car insurance(except not required by law), they only help you if you have a problem, otherwise you're just paying for them.

electracoyote · #16 07-02-2011, 06:11 PM

If your number comes up, it's great.

As others have said, odds are it won't happen. And yes, it is almost criminal the amount of money being made from extended warranties.

xjeremiahx · #17 07-02-2011, 06:12 PM

^^ think warranties are bad? Look at insurance companies, or even your bank.

babebambi · #18 07-02-2011, 06:16 PM

I go for the extended coverage, when I score great deal on pre-owned gear in store.

JimmyM · #19 07-02-2011, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjeremiahx

^^ think warranties are bad? Look at insurance companies, or even your bank.

I do. They suck, too. I play the odds. The money I've saved in not buying extended warranties is much greater than the money I've paid out in repairs and replacements. Sorry...I know they're your bread and butter, but all insurance is legalized gambling.

pablomigraine · #20 07-03-2011, 10:57 AM

I dont know what all the GC coverage offers, but I can speak to the Daddy's Junky Music Expanded Benefits... which I assume is similar...

The Bottom line is this: if you're a person who can 1) do most minor repairs yourself, 2) have the time / patience / skill / cash to source and install OEM replacements for parts / pieces that commonly need repair on the gear you buy.... these programs are generally not for you..... much in the way that, if you're a guy who knows how to change your own oil, rotate your own tires, replace belts and hoses etc... you wouldn't buy an extended warranty on a used car.

However, these things are not true for the vast majority of people. For the most part, no matter where you go, instrument repair is usually $40 / hour for labor, and usually $75 / hour for electronics. If you're buying a solidbody electric guitar for $250, it may not make sense to buy an extended warranty.... however, if you're buying a Martin Acoustic for $1,700.00 ..... paying $60 to guard against things like bridge lifting, busted nuts, rotational twist in the neck etc.... is probably a really good idea.... since even the smallest possible thing that could go wrong will cost you well more than that to repair or replace...

my $0.02