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Post subject: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 10:29 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Is it just me or is the vintage amp market currently saturated with super inflated vintage Fender amps? In particular the vibro champs. I can't seem to find one under $600 anywhere. Just a few months back there were several in the $325 - $550 range. I don't get it. Worst part is they're not exactly flying off the shelves either.

Even the broncos are commanding steep prices. I might even say I've seen them listed for more than a similar era vibro champ... :? :?

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:04 am
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It does appear that way. Scrolling through Ebay you would think so, but when I check craigslist the prices aren't quite as high. Also Ebay sellers asking price and selling price have a good bit of difference, but there is a very large amount of amps out there.

Short of a Deluxe Reverb, my amp collection is pretty much where I want and need it to be. But that doesn't mean I am not out actively looking!

T2

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:32 am
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In a word... YES !!

But, it's less due to greed on the Seller's part than a heightened awareness of the versatility of these low-powered amps by Buyer's.

These amps are lighter, less complex, cheaper to repair and re-tube, yet still deliver amazing Tone.

eBay auctions are being bid-up due to the relative scarcity of these amps and that is raising all prices.

And, it's not just the Champs, Vibro Champs and Broncos. The Princeton Reverbs (both Blackface and Silverface) are skyrocketing in price, hundreds more than when I paid $750 for my '73 PR (9.5/10.0) just a year ago.

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But, there are still deals out there if you're willing to put in the 'legwork'.

For example, I just scored two Vibro Champs this past Saturday at a local Estate Sale for $800 for the pair (after some negotiating). A 1965 Vibro Champ in 9.0 condition (it has a crappy Mojotone speaker), and a 1968 Drip-edge Silverface Vibro Champ in 9.5 condition (it is missing the Footswitch and still has the two-prong power cord). They wanted $575 for each of them, but I told the Mgr. of the Sale that I'd take them both for $800 and he agreed (bird in the hand I guess).

They won't be making their public debut for about a week until I get a chance to clean them up, sort through them electrically, etc. The '68 is almost perfect so I'll likely keep that one. Haven't decided what to do with the '65 Blackface yet. I may sell it, or I may make a 1X12 cabinet and install the chassis along w/ a vintage 12" Jensen I've been sitting on, mothballing the original cabinet. I've even considered Tweed-covering it, though Tolex would be much simpler.

But you have to do the work to find them in good condition at reasonable prices, I've been looking for good examples for 6 mos. or more. They're just not something you can find as a one-stop shop item, unless you're willing to fork over the Big Doh Re Mi.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:19 pm
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These are great amps. Usually reliable with consistent tone. Hard to find comparable new units.


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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:33 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Since the economy has turned around (for most of us), I have noticed prices climbing again, even on CL. I think this extends beyond just Fenders.

I think its two-fold. Pent-up demand and the "Media".

I think there has been a pent up desire for vintage amps for at least the last 3 or 4 years. With an improving economy, people have a bit more free cash. :D From 2008 to 2012 there certainly were a lot of vintage amps on the local CL. And they would sit for a while. Some of us were able to take advantage of the situation.

The other thing that affects pricing is the "media". For example, there seems to be a stronger demand for vintage Gibson amps - particularly with a recent article about the old GA-5 circuit being very close to a Tweed Champ. (Les Paul Jr. which would later be renamed "Skylark") Those use to command $300 to $400 in top shape, now they are demanding twice that amount. I have a 1961 Skylark that is just fantastic sounding. Its very much a player. I paid $100 for it. I think those old tweed Gibson used redwood for the cabinets. Its my poor man's Tweed Champ. :lol: Very little headroom. Breaks up around 2 1/2.

The old Gibson tweeds are certainly undervalued and I think we'll see people moving to them because they are far less than a similarly aged Fenders. Different tone certainly, but if people want a vintage amp….. I'm looking for a GA-6 Lancer which is pretty much a Deluxe clone. I can't justify $3k for a Tweed Deluxe, but $700-900 for a Lancer…. sure. The rising tide of the Gibson amp market will just push up the Fender market. IMHO. :D

My Skylark has the original Jensen speaker and transformers. It got a cap job and a grounded plug.

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:47 pm
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I guess I'll keep searching till the right deal comes along. I'm not in a rush to aquire one but it definately is "next on the list" as far as amps go. I should have pulled the trigger when I had the chance just didn't have the funds. Now I have the funds but can't find the deals(murphys law comes to mind). :cry:

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 3:14 pm
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If you thing the prices are climbing have a look at this sale :mrgreen:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321639959039?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT


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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 3:47 pm
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Nikola Tesla wrote:
If you thing the prices are climbing have a look at this sale :mrgreen:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321639959039?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT


Yep... anything Blackface is really hot right now.

The Blackface Club is becoming increasingly exclusive and the cost of entry is just going to go up and up for the foreseeable future.

And since the big amps are now soaring into the Stratosphere, out of reach of the young or those with limited disposable incomes, it has pushed the Demand (and Prices) of the Practice Amps along with it.

My 1967 Deluxe was <$800 when I bought it two years ago, now it's double that. I've even seen pristine examples in the $2200 range with a couple >$2500 !! :shock: :shock:

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One new group, which wasn't a factor for many years- The Collectors have entered the fray creating upward pressure on both Demand and Prices. And, they're not going to go away anytime soon. Saw the same thing happen 20 yrs. ago with classic cars. The sad part is that by-and-large, these guys don't play, yet they're denying access to these great amps to those who do, because they smell profits to be had.

Next to succumb will be the early Silverface Amps, those which are still Blackface under the new cosmetics, mostly '68 and '69 (+ a few models into the early '70s). We're already seeing it.

It may behoove those looking for a cheap Blackface, to concentrate instead on an early Silverface where there is better value and still some deals to be had.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 5:55 pm
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" Next to succumb will be the early Silverface Amps, those which are still Blackface under the new cosmetics, mostly '68 and '69 (+ a few models into the early '70s). We're already seeing it. "

You betcha! I love my drip edge SF Fenders. :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:39 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
" Next to succumb will be the early Silverface Amps, those which are still Blackface under the new cosmetics, mostly '68 and '69 (+ a few models into the early '70s). We're already seeing it. "

You betcha! I love my drip edge SF Fenders. :mrgreen:
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Nice Grouping... !!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

cheers!

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'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:53 pm
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I can't say I've been actively searching amps lately but the prices seem to be going up. The blackface Vibro Champ I have I plan on keeping as it is my favorite to play, lighter weight and still has a great sound. I sold the 1956 Champ I had recently, and the 1970 Twin Reverb may or may not be sold after I swap speakers in it. All of this stuff was my father's, however. I'd love to have a vintage Gibson amp to go with the Fender amps but have no clue which ones are decent.


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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:01 pm
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Codyyy wrote:
I can't say I've been actively searching amps lately but the prices seem to be going up. The blackface Vibro Champ I have I plan on keeping as it is my favorite to play, lighter weight and still has a great sound. I sold the 1956 Champ I had recently, and the 1970 Twin Reverb may or may not be sold after I swap speakers in it. All of this stuff was my father's, however. I'd love to have a vintage Gibson amp to go with the Fender amps but have no clue which ones are decent.


Smart move to keep the VC and if you can, set the TR aside as well as it will appreciate a bit over the next few years.

Admittedly, right now, anything deemed 'Vintage' is rising in price, and Gibson Amps are no different. But, I've never been turned on by any Vintage Gibson amp I've heard.

Perhaps it's because Gibson is a Guitar maker who gravitated to making Amps when they saw an opportunity, as opposed to Fender, who started out as an Amp maker and moved into to making guitars.

cheers!

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'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
'13 Lanikai Tenor Ukulele


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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 2:09 pm
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I'd advise waiting for the deal you're looking for, for the amp you're looking for comes along. Tastes change, markets change, collectors move on to other collectibles. (Even tho' that $6000 Vibrolux seems to be the height of insanity-obviously someone sees this as an investment that will appreciate.)
I remember when Champs, Broncos, VC's etc., were used music store/garage sale/ pawn shop staples for cheap. Back then the high-powered Fenders commanded the big bucks. Now I see often Silverface Twins for $600 or less, and currently there's a '74 and a '77 Super Reverb on our local C/L asking prices: $400 and $600.
There are Quads, Super Sixes, and PA 100's (all built on the Twin/Showman chassis, I believe) listings that will run for weeks with no takers at very reasonable prices. These may be the "sleepers" to jump on before the market catches up. Actually that PA 100 shows up every few months at $300-never moves, shame.
Finally, I'm negotiating to buy a VC clone, that a local amp builder has made from period correct vintage iron, for $250 (I know, I shoulda bought one back in the seventies/eighties when you could find them anywhere for $50, but I wanted the Twin, and the Showman, and the Super,,,).
I guess my point is that yes, I think the market is inflated, and will see a correction, especially in the Champ-type line. Afterall, These were Fender's most popular amps for over 30 years, and there's a damn blue million of them out there. Also, everybody and his uncle has jumped in on the Class A single power tube 5-6W amp market these days ( check out the VHT Special 6, e.g., not bad at all for a sub $200 amp, brand new).


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Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 4:07 pm
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nyquilcoma wrote:
I'd advise waiting for the deal you're looking for, for the amp you're looking for comes along. ...Also, everybody and his uncle has jumped in on the Class A single power tube 5-6W amp market these days ( check out the VHT Special 6, e.g., not bad at all for a sub $200 amp, brand new).


Good advice !

+1 on the Class A low-watters.

Personally, I like my Bugera V5 quite a bit. Headphone Jack, Power attenuator w/ selectable 5W, 1W or 0.1W, EL84. Decent Reverb too for what it is. I got mine on an Amazon Special for $129, today they're under $200.

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cheers!

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'11 FSR Am. Vtg. Ltd. Ed. CAR '57 Stratocaster (SN# LE02639)
'14 American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster
'12 Telebration Empress Telecaster
'99 Deluxe Nashville Telecaster
'12 FSR Telecaster HH
'10 Heritage H-535
'99 Martin DC-1E
'13 Lanikai Tenor Ukulele


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Profile
Post subject: Re: inflated prices?
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 8:55 pm
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SF VC's are going for close to double what I paid for mine just a few years ago. The prices are so high right now I was considering selling or trading mine for a nice tele. However, after much deliberation I think I'll keep my VC and hold out for a good buy on a tele. Tele's are easier to come by than vintage VC's.


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