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Shipping Amps....

P

P. Lacey

May 15, 2008
91
0
#1
Is it a good idea buying an amp from an American seller and getting it shipped over?

Is it possible to do?

keep in mind ive never looked into this sort of thing, so if im coming across as an idiot, just give me a head ups and that'll be the end of it haha

if it is possible, has anyone had any experience with this sort of thing?

getting an amp shipped from America to Australia?

cheers guys
 
#2
Depends on the amp. You have to make sure you can operate it on your country's voltage. Some amps require a small mod to do it, some require replacing a transformer for a lot of money. Other than that, it's no different than having an amp shipped in your country, except it takes longer and there is more time for it to get banged around. But they have to get there somehow.
 
#4
Probly around $1000AUS Then U gotta figure in Aus tax & duties(if any) & insurance! It cost me $700AUS to ship a tube amp from USA to Aus _& thats JUST the head-they USUALLY go by size(VOLUME) not weight too. -So sumthin like a Small lite weight amp (if Aus duties etc aren't too much) might be OK- But U gotta do yr homework- see IF the amp can-run on 240V, - be changed easily from 110V(USA ) to 240V....etc If so How easily & how much- Do U have someone that DEFINATELY CAN do it!
In all these cases- I DID do my homework & LUCKILY I had a tube tech who'd worked on the exact same model amp, & even then we/HE came across some hurdles. In the end IT probly came out about the same $$$$ as if I'd bought it 2nd hand here in Aus(It was 2nd hand from the US) Only I couldn't find the model I got here in Aus.
 
#5
Shipping amps is one thing, cabs is another. The freight cost on a cab will be huge (think US$500+ for a 210). A lightweight amp like a markbass would be around $150 US with insurance but it can vary, both up and down. Markbass, ampeg, eden etc all make amps that are easy to convert to 240v, it's a matter of doing your homework. If the amp + freight + insurance lands in Oz for less than $1000 then there's no GST or duty. Over that I think the duty is 5% (depends) and GST obviously 10% (on the landed cost). Check out the customs web site and ring them up. No warrantee or the possibilty of having to make an insurance claim might put you off, you have to balance the potential risks against the savings. Depends on what you are comfortable with.
 

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