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buying second-hand: what to look for?

#21
stargazer181 said:
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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Things I would look for:

Do the knobs all turn easily? Do they make scratchy sounds or jump in volume when turning them?

Are there signs of abuse? Broken jack panel? Big ol' stain down the front? Cat scratches?

Did anyone swap out the stock speaker for a crappier version (this happened to me once :/ )

Are there signs of somebody "working on it"? Stripped, missing or non-matching screws on access panel(s)?

I would ask straight out "are there any issues at all with this? Anything, even minor?". I have found that it's rare for someone to lie outright if you ask this question. If something is up, you're more likely to get a "well sometimes it catches fire when I turn it up, but it's no big deal, easy fix" than a "nah, everything is fine" if you ask them straight out.

I look for signs that it was stored in a non-ideal environment. Is there mold, water damage or stacked piles of mouse poo in the back?

Does it smell funny? :D

In any case good luck!
 
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#23
stargazer181 said:
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.
Click to expand...

I had great results buying used amplification gear. The last piece of a new amp and cab I bought was back in the 70’s, an acoustic 371 set up. Since then everything I’ve purchased was used. With the exception of two used Carvin heads, I’ve had zero issues.

All I can suggest is to use your ears and twist knobs to make sure all is in order. Of course, that’s in addition to looking for signs of physical abuse. Best wishes
 
#26
Zooberwerx said:
BTW...welcome to TB! Don't forget to complete your profile and spring for a supporting membership...the mods have some long-delinquent child support payments. Post a follow-up if & when purchased.

Riis
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update:

i picked it up earlier today, and it seems everything is working alright. i love it.

oh and also the owner let me try his 1969 fender jazz bass and let me keep his cable, which was awesome. very cool guy
 
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#27
stargazer181 said:
update:

i picked it up earlier today, and it seems everything is working alright. i love it.

oh and also the owner let me try his 1969 fender jazz bass and let me keep his cable, which was awesome. very cool guy
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That’s added value plus you made a new friend. If you “pushed” the deal a little harder, you could have a ‘69 Jazz…and a body in the boot.

Riis
 
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