Should I buy used?

[OhHeyThere]

I've been looking to buy a new practice amp for home and I decided on an Acoustic B20. I tried it out at Guitar Center and it sounds great and should be well worth the money. On Musician's Friend they are selling one right now used in what says "Very good condition." It says one or two minor parts may be missing that won't effect performance, one of them just being an owner's manual. Also, it says the amp has been either lightly or rarely used and is in about the quality of a floor model at a store. It's 30 dollars cheaper, and with myself being 16 and not having a job, this would really save me some cash. Would this be a good idea to buy?

[SpankyPants]

RE: Used

Yes.

[Pilgrim]

ABSOLUTELY. Grab it while it's available.

[TortillaChip520]

i'm pretty sure BUY USED has become my signature statement.

[OhHeyThere]

Thanks, I thought this sounded like an incredibly good deal but I've never bought used equipment and just wanted to make sure from people with experiences.

[TortillaChip520]

Originally Posted by OhHeyThere

Thanks, I thought this sounded like an incredibly good deal but I've never bought used equipment and just wanted to make sure from people with experiences.

However, i just read original post, and for the sake of saving $30, i would go with the brand new one. Buy used when you can save 40% or more, but not when it's a miniscule difference such as that.

[OhHeyThere]

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

However, i just read original post, and for the sake of saving $30, i would go with the brand new one. Buy used when you can save 40% or more, but not when it's a miniscule difference such as that.

I'm really strongly considering just waiting it out, but I literally have just enough to buy this right now and probably won't be getting any more money for a while. On top of it, I've been hurting for a new amp as I'm currently playing through a Dean Piece-of-Crap 10 watt at home that never stops buzzing, even with volume at 1. I figured I would at least give it a shot, it says they have a 45 day return policy and I can get a full refund if I'm not completely satisfied.

[HigherGround93]

Who needs the owner manual? I'm sure you can find it online.

[j_nition]

I cant remember the last time I bought a peice of gear new. ...besides strings and patch cables.

[TortillaChip520]

Originally Posted by HigherGround93

Who need's the owner manual? I'm sure you can find it online.

But buying it brand new, you know nothing is wrong with it, whereas buying it used from guitar center means somebody was willing to sell it back to them for 60% less than what they payed for it, in "mint" condition, although there's no way to tell what could really be wrong with it.

I'm just saying if you're going to buy used, at least get a good deal.

[OhHeyThere]

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

But buying it brand new, you know nothing is wrong with it, whereas buying it used from guitar center means somebody was willing to sell it back to them for 60% less than what they payed for it, in "mint" condition, although there's no way to tell what could really be wrong with it.

I'm just saying if you're going to buy used, at least get a good deal.

Yeah, I appreciate the feedback. This helped sway me away, but I also just realized that there's 20 dollar shipping from Musician's Friend. I feel stupid for not seeing that right away. I can wait on it anyway I suppose, 30 dollars was barely enough for me to consider it but 10 won't come close to cutting it.

[TortillaChip520]

Originally Posted by OhHeyThere

Yeah, I appreciate the feedback. This helped sway me away, but I also just realized that there's 20 dollar shipping from Musician's Friend. I feel stupid for not seeing that right away. I can wait on it anyway I suppose, 30 dollars was barely enough for me to consider it but 10 won't come close to cutting it.

Just check out craigslist. Patience is a virtue when it comes to CL, though.

[Fetusyolk]

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

But buying it brand new, you know nothing is wrong with it

i've read way too many threads on TB where this was not the case. regardless, if you're going to buy used, buy it actually used. storm craigslist- it will be cheaper... you just have to be careful, make sure it's in 100% WORKING CONDITION. there will be no refunds.

EDIT: i'd also like to add that i strongly advocate buying used. best route to go.

[OhHeyThere]

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

Just check out craigslist. Patience is a virtue when it comes to CL, though.

Yeah, I'll have a look at it tomorrow I think. Thanks for your help.

[OhHeyThere]

Originally Posted by Fetusyolk

i've read way too many threads on TB where this was not the case. regardless, if you're going to buy used, buy it actually used. storm craigslist- it will be cheaper... you just have to be careful, make sure it's in 100% WORKING CONDITION. there will be no refunds.

EDIT: i'd also like to add that i strongly advocate buying used. best route to go.

I think he was saying if you buy new there's most likely nothing wrong, and if there is you can get a refund anyway if you bought it from any kind of reasonable dealer, I feel like that was kind of implied.

[derrico1]

Used, yes; but buying used from Musicians Friend = paying almost new prices for used gear.

Except for very in-demand or just released gear, buying used ought to save you in the neighborhood of 40-50% over new (street) prices. In general, if someone offers you used gear at a 5-10% savings compared to buying new, keep walking.

[seamonkey]

Check for a warranty.
Don't buy used unless you know what you're doing, or you can bring someone along that knows what their doing.
And it has a warranty - otherwise it's "As is"

[BigOldHarry]

ALWAYS BUY USED.

ALWAYS!!!!