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Buying used amp question...

T

Tapout73

Nov 30, 2007
127
2
#1
I want to buy a nice amp and have looked at GC and MF websites but if I could buy a used version it could save me some bucks.

Is buying a used amp a good idea? Could there be any problems associated with buying used? Should I only buy on local?

Any info would be appreciated...

I'm looking for a Gallien-Krueger.
 
#3
Tapout73 said:
I want to buy a nice amp and have looked at GC and MF websites but if I could buy a used version it could save me some bucks.

Is buying a used amp a good idea? Could there be any problems associated with buying used? Should I only buy on local?

Any info would be appreciated...

I'm looking for a Gallien-Krueger.
Click to expand...

I've bought all my current amp gear used, right here on TB. I'd rather buy it here to be honest than local or eBay, unless you know the guy you're buying it from personally. Cruise the Talkbass Classifieds forum, there's always a few great deals available from reputable people.
 
#4
I've had really good results buying dozens of used gear items on craigslist for 50% (or sometimes much less) of the current new prices. Savings like this much more than offset the occasional item that may have a glitch that ends up needing servicing.

I'd suggest very thoroughly researching the exact model by preforming a Google-Talkbass search and preforming a regular Google-search to learn of of any prospective problems common to the model, and typing in the brand/model preceded by the craigslist word in yet another search to compare used prices. You should also very thoroughly test every single knob, switch and function of any prospective item at low medium and high volume levels before buying. Leaving the device switched on (or preferably using it) for an hour or longer sometimes will help discover items with intermittent or heat-related issues.
 
#5
buy your used amps here on TB or on craigslist!
thought you may get a 'good deal' from GC or MF used, the markup will still obviously be there, whereas u can get real deals on the boards here from good ppl who most likely take good care of their gear. it's almost a no-brainer
 
#7
There is also the point that some sellers are getting rid of units that have potential problems. Whatever you buy you have no idea how it has been used or abused in the past. You could be purchasing someone else's problems. You have to be prepared to sink some money into any piece of equipment you buy. This has happened to me three times and each time it was a simple fix as I have been working with electronics my whole life. All the sellers claimed the units worked when shipped although that would have been impossible. Remember buyer beware!

I buy new and enjoy the protection of the warranty even though I have never had to use said warranties.

Paul
 
#8
Buying used is a good way of saving $. I bought my GK backline 600 used and have had no problems with it. In order my suggestion would be Craigslist, TB classifieds, e-bay.. I put Craigslist first because nothing compares to actually trying something out. With e-bay while most are honest there are enough scammers and less then honest people on there that you have to be careful.

Do your homework, look for models that have a good reputation for dependability, and get a good sense of what the going price of that equipment is.

My 2¢
 
#9
Most music stores have a functionality guarentee. 'As-is' usually referances physical condition in these cases. And you can get a great amp with some cosmetic issues for dirt cheap. I got an 800rb like 4 years ago for 167.00 dollars. Which is what my local 'daddys junky music' paid for it. (For a while the one down the road from me was leaving they pay out reciepts behind the price tag on all the used items)... I'd say before ebay, or craigslist, check out some more local shops. If not, then try tb. I doubt these dudes would try and rip you off.
 
#10
BassmanPaul said:
There is also the point that some sellers are getting rid of units that have potential problems. Whatever you buy you have no idea how it has been used or abused in the past. You could be purchasing someone else's problems. You have to be prepared to sink some money into any piece of equipment you buy. This has happened to me three times and each time it was a simple fix as I have been working with electronics my whole life. All the sellers claimed the units worked when shipped although that would have been impossible. Remember buyer beware!

I buy new and enjoy the protection of the warranty even though I have never had to use said warranties.

Paul
Click to expand...

+1

You could get lucky with used, but unless you know what you're doing, just like buying a car, get a qualified technician to check it out. Even then, sales are usually "As-is" even from the most well intent seller.
 

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