Turning Back the Clock

[i_got_a_mohawk]

In my area, of handmade valve amps, from the 70s, its starting to look like rising price of 70s amps is heading toward making it economic to start making amps by hand in the UK again, without having to rely on a reputation established 40 years ago, or making clones of Marshals and Fenders for blues lawyers. A new build valve head is heading to not being that much more than a rebuilt to good as new vintage one. I finally managed to sell a vintage head for about enough to have a new custom head built, so there is step one.

Thing is, I'm going to be buying most of the parts for the work I do from China, not just because its cheaper, but in part because making the parts isn't even allowed in Europe (valves) and thus far, my experience with dealing with far eastern suppliers has been far better than dealing with European ones. Maybe a bit deliberately ingratiating, but it beats the straight up rude and blaming me for their failures to deliver I get from suppliers I've tried here.

Interesting other note is the amount of fancy high end vintage bits, mostly the really nice valves people want for hifi, that I end up sending to the east.

True, the cost of vintages is starting to get a bit silly.

There have still been british manufacturers which have continued, but they've generally been smaller scale and still pretty expensive (Cornford is one that jumps to mind).

It is a valid concern regarding the production of certain things, like tubes. I'm sure there are ways to do it in a more environmentaly sound manner, thought that may not be a cost effective one

 

[Mr. Foxen]

True, the cost of vintages is starting to get a bit silly.

Its not silly, its sensible, up until they cost equal or more than equivalent new ones. Vintage badges might have got a bit silly, but there isn't too many thing that you couldn't buy a new clone/equivalent of for less aside from historic pieces.

 

[chee666]

Fords and Gibson all you need.

 

[Kmonk]

The automotive industry is dealing with the same issues. Many "domestic" auto makers are sourcing parts from Asia. U.S. World & News Report did a study which found the following percentages of U.S. versus Foreign parts used in automotive production.

The Chevy Aveo has 2% of parts from U.S. and Canada
Ford Fusion 20%
Buick Lacrosse 57%
Chevy Equinox 66%
Dodge Journey 38%
Ford Ezpedition 50%
Ford F-Series Trucks 60%
Ford Ranger 65%
Chrysler Town & Country 80%

There are many more examples.

One thing that surprises me is that we marvel at the craftsmanship of Asian architects and artists yet we worry about the quality of almost everything else these countries produce.

 

[Mr. Foxen]

One thing that surprises me is that we marvel at the craftsmanship of Asian architects and artists yet we worry about the quality of almost everything else these countries produce.

The artists and architects work domestically for people will to pay for a good job. Everywhere else assumes a crap job and prices accordingly, then they get what they pay for.

 

[Tactician]

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen
"In my area, of handmade valve amps, from the 70s, its starting to look like rising price of 70s amps is heading toward making it economic to start making amps by hand in the UK again, without having to rely on a reputation established 40 years ago, or making clones of Marshals and Fenders for blues lawyers. A new build valve head is heading to not being that much more than a rebuilt to good as new vintage one. I finally managed to sell a vintage head for about enough to have a new custom head built, so there is step one.

Thing is, I'm going to be buying most of the parts for the work I do from China, not just because its cheaper, but in part because making the parts isn't even allowed in Europe (valves) and thus far, my experience with dealing with far eastern suppliers has been far better than dealing with European ones. Maybe a bit deliberately ingratiating, but it beats the straight up rude and blaming me for their failures to deliver I get from suppliers I've tried here.

Interesting other note is the amount of fancy high end vintage bits, mostly the really nice valves people want for hifi, that I end up sending to the east."


Yep it doesn't take much to get going in amp production - Ashdown were up and fully running in the UK (ten years ago before they went offshore) with about twenty guys in the production shop. Setting up something like that isn't real difficult and locations can be rented easily in all sizes. And its scaleable - start with one guy - and build it on sales as they increase.