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Question: What's the deal with used guitar amps?

(Posted by: Veotis W on 2009-11-08 11:41:13)

Is it possible to find good, used guitar amps at a music store? when u got to a music store, they always wanting to sale you a new one. If I buy one out of the paper, I'm scared it won't have a garentee.

Posted by: Jackson on 2009-11-08, 12:18:53

Yes, it is. It's all about negotiating with the store. Of course they'd rather sell you a new one, but, a sale is a sale. If the store takes trade ins, they'll want to get rid of them, and usually at great prices. As far as a guarantee, that's going to be a tough one. Unless the model you're buying from the store is relatively new and one of the better brand names, you probably have to buy as is. acousticguitaramps.net/ Used-Guitar-Amps.html is a site that'll give you some pointers on what to look for in a used guitar amp.

Posted by: byrde94 on 2009-11-08, 11:50:24

I depends on the store some take in used amps as Trade Ins, some don't They will be be limited, to what they have taken in on trade that's the one drawback to used, it may be harder to find a specific model I stay away from Pawn shops these days I used to be able to find good deals there, but not anymore they usually charge almost new prices these days, and they offer NO warranty Most stores will give you a warranty, if you ask for it good luck the "fun " in the "chase "

Posted by: Tony B on 2009-11-08, 12:41:47

It's certainly possible to find good used amps in a music shop although, of course, you need the right shop. Some shops are more like warehouses stuffed with new gear and sometimes staffed by people who are good at selling but know little about what they are selling. Obviously you need to take care but generally, if an amp works properly there's no reason to assume that it's going to break down: it's not really like a car where someone has "warmed it up " first or put sawdust in the gear box etc. Make sure it suits you, works properly (no noisy controls, no smell of burning, buzzes or hums etc.) and you SHOULD be ok. As I understand it buying from a shop is safer, what they sell has to be of merchantable quality, buy privately and, unless the seller has committed fraud, if it goes wrong it's your hard luck.

Posted by: TommyMc on 2009-11-08, 13:07:31

Used amps can be a great deal. You see, the thing about musicians is that they are always looking for that "elusive " sound. In this search, they often buy and sell amps for no other reason than that they got tired of them. Other times, they just need money...you've heard of the proverbial "starving musician ". This means that there are lots of used amps out there with nothing worse wrong with them than a few dings from road wear. And these are usually good amps....the kind you gig with. Try the amp out. Crank it up to be sure the speaker isn't half blown. A little static in the switches can be corrected with a shot of switch cleaner. If everything works, there's no reason to worry that the amp won't be reliable. Like anything used, you have to keep your eyes open and look the amp over well....but old amps can be just as reliable as new ones. My newest amp is over 20 years old and still going strong. I've been gigging with it every weekend since it was new.