To fix (&sell) or not to fix (&sell)???

TylerDurdenPSSC · #1 02-27-2011, 12:54 PM

Times are rough, cash is low, my girl needs a new phone, and I'm not playing anymore. So I've decided to sell my sweet sweet mistress, my Ampeg V-4B.

She's real sweet, but she needs some work. The tolex isn't perfect, the grill is a scoche mis-colored, and channel #2 is out. Not to mention the need for some new tubes, as she's only running on 3 of 4 power tubes. (Yet still very loud!)

My dilemma is this, in her condition now, I'd say she's worth about $500-$550, $600 tops. If I were to fix her up, with a cleaning, new tubes, and a set-up/bias, I'm not sure I can get more out of the amp, than what the cost of the "check-up" would be. I mean, I figure at MOST, she's worth $700, and to get her tip-top would probably be $200.

So, should I just cut my losses, or do you fellers think I outta get her fixed up pdq? (I kinda need the cash quick to be honest.)

TylerDurdenPSSC · #2 02-27-2011, 12:57 PM

And a little picky for reference...

projectMalamute · #3 02-27-2011, 01:07 PM

I think you are overvaluing the amp.

In good working and fair cosmetic shape a 70's V4B is a five or six hundred dollar amp.

I'd pay about half that for the amp you are describing and fix it myself. I suspect most people unwilling to get in to a job like that wouldn't touch it at all.

JimmyM · #4 02-27-2011, 01:12 PM

i have to agree with malamute all the way around, tyler.

coreyfyfe · #5 02-27-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectMalamute

I think you are overvaluing the amp.

In good working and fair cosmetic shape a 70's V4B is a five or six hundred dollar amp.

I'd pay about half that for the amp you are describing and fix it myself. I suspect most people unwilling to get in to a job like that wouldn't touch it at all.

+1. Especially considering that you've been running it with 3 tubes, potentially damaging the transformer.

RickenBoogie · #6 02-27-2011, 02:37 PM

I concur.

christw · #7 02-27-2011, 02:42 PM

I agree with everyone as well. A good condition one with receipts for work has been floating on CL for 650 locally.

craig.p · #8 02-27-2011, 02:48 PM

I'd rather sell a "puff" amp with new tubes, totally checked out and dynoed into a dummy load, than a fixer-upper that has even a one percent chance of turning into a boat anchor for the buyer. Just on "the principle of the thing."

Axtman · #9 02-27-2011, 03:01 PM

Craig,

In my experience, There are lots of guys out there that want fixer tube amps. I have been able to sell several project amps that I just have not had time to get around too.

Now broken solid state amps is another story. Those are practically worthless. I should know....I got a stack.

TylerDurdenPSSC · #10 02-27-2011, 05:30 PM

Ive only ran her on 3 tubes, just twice. Once for a few minutes wheh I demo'd my cabs (as pictured) to sell to a fellow forum member, and once the day I bought her. (Which is when I noticed the issue. I don't een have cabs to run the amp with, lol.) I doubt this is enough to damage a transformer, these things are tanks.

When I referred to $700, I mean pristine condition, as in fixing EVERYTHING wrong with it, there's no way I could sell it for that just with a re-tube, lol.

I really thought that $500 was right on the money, but apparently not. I don't need oodles of cash, just some. I don't see how $300 is unfitting, I could suffice with that.

Appreciate the responses guys, an if yer interested, check the CL's in a bit, she'll be there.