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buying second-hand: what to look for?

S

stargazer181

Feb 7, 2024
5
9
Rome, Italy
#1
I'm going to pick up a second-hand fender rumble 200 on monday, and I'd like some advice since it's my first time buying an used amp.

any specific thing to look for? what's your go-to way to check if the EQ and overdrive work correctly, if the volume output is full, etc.

about equalization: I have an active bass. how does one use both the bass' and amp EQs? I know this may sound stupid, but I'm a beginner and I honestly have no idea.
 
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#12
Get the manual from Fender’s web site, read and understand it. This is your homework.

How the amp sounds should be your priority. Start with the tone controls. It can be easier to evaluate the amp if you have someone else play while you try all settings on the amp and listen. Slowly move the tone pots through their entire range to ensure that they are working. Try all the inputs. Then play through the amp yourself, interact with it, dial in a good tone setting and see what you think.

The onset of distortion at higher volume levels is normal. Listen for any mechanical buzzing due to a loose fastener or a bad speaker.

  • Ask what the service history has been and if there has been any issues.
  • Ask if the speaker is original or if it has be reconed. If a speaker is reconed properly, it is as good as new.
  • Check that the three-conductor power cord is in good condition.
  • Ask if any circuit modifications have been performed.
  • Are the knobs original and do all they all look the same.
  • Is there a scratchy sound when the knobs are turned. This could simply mean that the pots need cleaning or a more serious problem that a tech would need to attend to.
  • Listen for any cabinet rattles and buzzes at higher volume levels.
  • What condition is the vinyl in. When the dust or dirt is removed, the amp will look a lot better.
  • Is there an included dust cover. The best preserved amps are usually the ones that have covers.

Finally, do a sniff test. I’m serious. I wouldn’t want an amp in my home that reeks of cigarette smoke or cat pee.
 
Last edited:
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#16
beans-on-toast said:
Get the manual from Fender’s web site, read and understand it. This is your homework.

How the amp sounds should be your priority. Start with the tone controls. It can be easier to evaluate the amp if you have someone else play while you try all settings on the amp and listen. Slowly move the tone pots through their entire range to ensure that they are working. Try all the inputs. Then play through the amp yourself, interact with it, dial in a good tone setting and see what you think.

The onset of distortion at higher volume levels is normal. Listen for any mechanical buzzing due to a loose fastener or a bad speaker.

  • Ask what the service history has been and if there has been any issues.
  • Ask if the speaker is original or if it has be reconed. If a speaker is reconed properly, it is as good as new.
  • Check that the three-conductor power cord is in good condition.
  • Ask if any circuit modifications have been performed.
  • Are the knobs original and do all they all look the same.
  • Is there a scratchy sound when the knobs are turned. This could simply mean that the pots need cleaning or a more serious problem that a tech would need to attend to.
  • Listen for any cabinet rattles and buzzes at higher volume levels.
  • What condition is the vinyl in. When the dust or dirt is removed, the amp will look a lot better.
  • Is there an included dust cover. The best preserved amps are usually the ones that have covers.

Finally, do a sniff test. I’m serious. I wouldn’t want an amp in my home that reeks of cigarette smoke or cat pee.
Click to expand...

this is really great.
how can i check the tone controls if i have an active bass though? how do i know what's coming from the amp equalizer and what from the bass itself?

on a side note about distortion and volume, would the high wattage be a problem when trying to get high-gain, overdriven tones with the built-in overdrive section? (think cliff burton leads - i know that requires pedals, but still)
 
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#18
stargazer181 said:
this is really great.
how can i check the tone controls if i have an active bass though? how do i know what's coming from the amp equalizer and what from the bass itself?

on a side note about distortion and volume, would the high wattage be a problem when trying to get high-gain, overdriven tones with the built-in overdrive section? (think cliff burton leads - i know that requires pedals, but still)
Click to expand...
Set everything flat(or what you think is flat)on your bass, then play around with the amp controls. OR..if you have arrived at a pleasing setting on your bass through another amp, vary the sounds on this one to hear if it enhances what you believe to be perfect in the first place.
 
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#19
stargazer181 said:
how would i know?
Click to expand...
look at every single screw head, particularly the ones that would be holding the steel amplifier unit chassis in the tolex wrapped wooden combo enclosure- if any screw heads are marred by close-but-not-right screwdriver tips and/or sloppy hands… it’s been messed with. “Thank you for your time. This one’s not right for me.”
 
#20
stargazer181 said:
this is really great.
how can i check the tone controls if i have an active bass though? how do i know what's coming from the amp equalizer and what from the bass itself?

on a side note about distortion and volume, would the high wattage be a problem when trying to get high-gain, overdriven tones with the built-in overdrive section? (think cliff burton leads - i know that requires pedals, but still)
Click to expand...

You can always bring a pedal to the audition. The right pedal into the amp might be better than using the amp’s EQ.

You should hear some EQ difference when you turn the amp’s knobs. Also see how the active tone circuit affects the tone through the amp. Find out what settings are needed for a flat EQ on the amp, then test variation of your active bass tone controls.

High gain will provide some distortion. See if you like the sound. Test the amp’s tone controls at lower gain settings to see what you think. It’s hard to hear subtle changes with heavy distortion present.
 

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