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Second hand Amp question

H

Harro72

Aug 3, 2007
28
0
Canberra
#1
Hello all

Im going through second hand shops looking for amplifiers.

When looking at second hand amps, what should I be looking for. Whats considered 'Good Condition'?

I was looking at one today and the amp had a hiss when powered on and nothing plugged into it. Is this bad?
When I plugged a Bass into it, it still had a hiss behind the notes.

Cheers in advance

Harro
 
#2
If it had a hiss when "nothing plugged in-do U mean-no bass, or no speaker cab- I assume U mean no bass. In this case -were the treble controls, or hi's on the Graphic EQ(if it had one) up hi???? This could make a hiss. If not-dunno, but doesn't sound good.
2nd hand amps-depending on condition/price etc... should do what U want 'em too-1. sound good, 2.be reliable etc.. So any noise comin out of it with ALL volumes-gain, master, turned off is SUS!!!! A bit of noise when volumes turned up should be ok. Check ALL controls-wind 'em back & forth-see if they crackle/noise at all? Then check all controls individually while playing-to see what difference they make to the sound. If poss-see what it looks like inside-neat & clean, or filled with sticky dust-could mean it's done 1000's hours work in dirty, smoky pubs & is due for a total service & clean out-with the possibility of many parts replacing. Tube amps- see how old... how old tubes are...then same tests as above.
Test with the bass U intend to use too...& pref. with yr own cabinet too-unless is a combo or U are gonna buy a different one-then make sure the amp can handle the impedance(ohms) of the cab U have/want. www.activebass.com has a lotta good advice for this sorta thing.
Rod
 
#3
Be fussy as hell - and be willing to walk away if your gut tells you the amp has had a hard life.
It's that simple.
I'd rather go through the private sale route, as you'll get the amp cheaper, and the owner is far more likely to be honest, compared to a salesman.
Just remember that a scratched up exterior doesn't always mean the amp is cactus, but it is more likely......
 

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