Buying a bass head from the US?

godofmachines · #1 04-07-2010, 07:24 PM

Hey Guys,

First post, but I plan on it not being the last!

The pricing for musical instruments etc here is just stupid, so I'm looking into purchasing from online stores like samash.com, sweetwater.com etc.

My only concern is I'm going to have to purchase a step down transformer to feed the gear with 110v instead of the 240v we have in Aus. My problem is actually finding out how much power the devices are going to use.

Does anybody have some tips on how I can actually find this info out?

**B-string** · #2 04-07-2010, 07:49 PM

Check the amp's manual online, at the end should be a specs. page that lists the idle and full power draw in watts. Also many units have a universal trans with 230Volts taps. A few duckets paid to a tech to change taps and lower the fuse values is a lot cheaper than a step down transformer!

mattwear · #3 04-08-2010, 05:00 AM

In the past I have imported an SVT-VR, SVT-2Pro, and a GK2001RB into NZ from the US. All had universal transformers that I had a tech swap over to 230 for use in NZ. Five minute job if you know what you're doing.

rag · #4 04-08-2010, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by godofmachines

Hey Guys,

First post, but I plan on it not being the last!

The pricing for musical instruments etc here is just stupid, so I'm looking into purchasing from online stores like samash.com, sweetwater.com etc.

My only concern is I'm going to have to purchase a step down transformer to feed the gear with 110v instead of the 240v we have in Aus. My problem is actually finding out how much power the devices are going to use.

Does anybody have some tips on how I can actually find this info out?

When you buy like this it is very difficult for the manufacturer to support you if you have problems. You will fall into no mans land where the distributor will not warranty the product and the manufacturer can not support it either.
Bob

crockpot2001 · #5 04-08-2010, 06:40 AM

I'm in South Korea and the prices here are insane. 2-3x as much.

I went with a Genz-benz due to their flexible tranformer. All I need to use is a plug adapter.

KarateKid25 · #6 04-08-2010, 07:08 AM

Checking the manual is the best bet. Usually they tell you the power specs. A lot of heads can be converted quite easily as people who tour overseas need something that can be switched over easily. Also, it means only one amp design for the world etc.. Usually a fuse might need changing and that is about it. If the manual doesn't specifically tell you, just ask here on TB. A photo of the back of the amp near where the power cord plugs in will usually tell you if the power supply can take 240v. I imported an Eden WT800 and after about 2 minutes work and $5 worth of fuse and cord, it was converted.

Sometimes the conversion is more involved. My latest import was an Ampeg SVT-CL. This one required me to rewire the amps internals. If you are not confident with electronics then you'll need a tech to sort it for you.

What amp are you looking into? Personally, I would recommend looking into the used market. Check the TB classifieds. You will nearly always find that you don't have any warranty buying new from the US, so it kind of defeats the purpose of spending the extra moolah for a new item. Even if you did have warranty, shipping it back to the US for a fix is going to be pricey, again defeating the purpose of the extra cost.

Also, remember that the cheaper prices are not exactly what you will be spending. Shipping on heavier items is pricey. Also, you have to pay taxes if the item is over $1000aud. The tax is for the entire transaction too, so you have to factor in paying tax on the cost of the amp + shipping. Usually with expensive items like an SVT, you will still be miles in front. Last time I checked, an SVT costs about $4000aud here. My used SVT is in excellent condition and cost me about $1500aud all up. That included the amp, shipping, duties and brand new tubes included

KarateKid25 · #7 04-08-2010, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rag

When you buy like this it is very difficult for the manufacturer to support you if you have problems. You will fall into no mans land where the distributor will not warranty the product and the manufacturer can not support it either.
Bob

This is true. I contacted the Australian distributor for Ampeg to get advice and they basically cut me off once I mentioned it was American and then hung up on me. Having said that, Aussie prices are so crazy that the risk involved with buying used is worth the gamble IMO. Even if you have an issue, paying a local tech to fix it should still leave you way in front.

As much as I would like to buy locally, literally spending thousands more on the off chance that I might need support is just not worth it.

Walking · #8 04-08-2010, 08:13 AM

I think my carvin bx500 works with 120 or 240, automatically detecting and switching. Also, even if you buy from the US, you might be able to get a 240 volt unit--although I suppose vendors discourage that so they can support their overseas dealers.

Another option is to get an external transformer.

BassmanPaul · #9 04-08-2010, 02:10 PM

Most of the newer amps with SMPSs will auto detect the required input voltage. Others may have a switch that needs to be changed. Some amps with regular rectifier/capacitor supplies have tapped primaries. Most, I suspect, will need to have the power transformer changed.

The first risk you take is that the amp you choose to buy will need a new transformer. The second risk is that you will have zero warranty even on a new amp. As Rag has posted, manufacturers set up a network via their distributers in each area of the world. By buying from the Americas you bypass all of that network and there will be no one to help you should you need it.

All in all you would be much better off buying locally even if it is at a premium. It's better to have an amp you can use rather than an expensive paper weight.

Paul

Walking · #10 04-08-2010, 02:30 PM

He's no worse off than buying used.

Calaverasgrande · #11 04-08-2010, 02:49 PM

ditto on switch mode power supplies. I cant speak for bass amps (I am a tube snob) but most other devices that involve switch mode power can be engineered to auto detect whatever kind of volts/hz they are being fed. I have seen some that have a 100-120/210-240 switch as well.
A step down tranny is a lot to haul around if you are running a beast that sucks down 8 amps of current!

BigOldHarry · #12 04-08-2010, 02:54 PM

Yes, find out if they have switching power supplies. I would avoid a step-down tranny, as my experience with those is *bad* unless you spend big money.

KarateKid25 · #13 04-08-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

By buying from the Americas you bypass all of that network and there will be no one to help you should you need it.

We have techs here in Australia too... It is the same as buying a used item in Australia or owning an Aussie item that has an expired warranty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Yes, find out if they have switching power supplies. I would avoid a step-down tranny, as my experience with those is *bad* unless you spend big money.

Yep, step-downs suck. They are another thing to lug around and another thing to have issues with. A decent one that provides the current required to run an amp will cost you another $400 aud or so as it is.

BassmanPaul · #14 04-09-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

We have techs here in Australia too... It is the same as buying a used item in Australia or owning an Aussie item that has an expired warranty.

Of course you have techs down under, I did not say that there were none. My point is that should anything be faulty with the amp you will get no help from the manufacturer.

Paul