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Post subject: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:42 am
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Ok, so what affects a vintage amp's value in terms of condition and original parts? What I mean is, for example, a guitar - the value is highest if ALL parts are original with little or no signs of wear. Original strings even fetch a special premium.

Amps are different because they're electrical devices and in many cases, all original parts can be a detriment to their usefulness and safety. So, that being said, what's "ok" to have done on a vintage amp and yet still have it retain max resale value? Caps? Power Transformer? Speaker(s)?

I'm genuinely curious!

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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:56 am
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IMO, "consummables" would include tubes, electrolytic caps, carbon-comp resistors, power cables, and pilot lamp bulbs.

Beyond that and the deductions begin......

Aftermarket speakers? Ding Ding Ding! Definitely red ink.

Damaged or missing parts? Dittos!

Cosmetic replacements? They better be damn accurate and pass my muster!

"Mods"? Fuggedaboutit unless they're reversible and leave no "legacy"!

YMMV, KDTTAH, PDOACCTT, etc

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:11 pm
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Personally, I can say I look for original parts when buying old amps. Unfortunately, there are a LOT of amp tech out there that don't know what they are doing. Or why. Esp since the advent of so much dis-information on the Net.

Better to replace the "worn-out" part yourself (or from a reputable tech). Then you can maintain the integrity of the amp, keeping the basic philosophy of the unit's design. "Upgrades" are often downgrades. IMHO, of course.

Besides, you are buying a "vintage" amp for it's vintage tone. Right? And what makes that vintage tone? :mrgreen:


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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:14 pm
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+1 Retroverbial

ALL original AND in working order ; highest value


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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:59 pm
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But,remember there are collectors and there are players....and so with collectible amps and player amps....the all original closet classic may not have the tone that an amp that has seen regular use,not abuse,and regular maintenence has....it depends if you value originality more than playability....the money value reflects it also.
The rarity plays a large part too,a great Blackface Vibroverb in pristine condition will be worth more than a Blackface Super Reverb in similar condition...and you would probably take the Super out to gig with in places and maybe not take the 'Verb out of the house. :D
It's nice to have all original vintage amps,but I like to get them out and jam,so a couple don't get out that much.


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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:05 pm
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All well and good......so long as a seller understands the difference and doesn't labor under the fantasy of demanding a "collector's" ransom for his "player" specimen.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:13 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
All well and good......so long as a seller understands the difference and doesn't labor under the fantasy of demanding a "collector's" ransom for his "player" specimen.

Arjay

Exactly,and with all the hype circulating over the internet about vintage gear,eager buyers with more money than education on the subject can and will get taken when searching out that amp that is guarenteed to make them sound like their guitar heroes.


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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:15 pm
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I always get a kick out of the seller who claims that the item is "rare". It seems to be a term that is used loosely......

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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:35 pm
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Rebelsoul wrote:
Exactly,and with all the hype circulating over the internet about vintage gear,eager buyers with more money than education on the subject can and will get taken when searching out that amp that is guarenteed to make them sound like their guitar heroes.


A neophyte and his wallet are swiftly parted in this nebulous realm and I've seen it happen all too often.

If you don't know what you're doing, for sanity's sake heed the advice of someone who does.

(or just stay on the porch with the puppies and buy a re-issue)

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:08 am
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Beaubs wrote:
I always get a kick out of the seller who claims that the item is "rare". It seems to be a term that is used loosely......

:lol: :lol: "vintage and rare" what more could you want!
Arjay,you're exactly right on heeding someone's advice...so many new people come here asking for advice but seem to turn a deaf ear to that which doesn't jive with their expectations....as long as I've been doing this I still need advice.


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Post subject: Re: Vintage amp value?
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:45 am
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Rebelsoul wrote:
....as long as I've been doing this I still need advice.


+1

The same with me, Reb. I have a small cadre of noteworthy experts in the field available whom I rely on periodically whenever some enigmatic question arises.

Arjay

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