1 Topic by twelvenotes (edited by twelvenotes 2012-04-06 10:26:12)

  • From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2012-02-11
  • Posts: 20

Topic: Help with buying used amp and cab

I'm out of my depth here. I'm interested in buying a used head and cabinet and I don't know the first thing to ask. Having been a drummer for 30 years I'm out to sea on what to "watch" out for when buying used electronics. It'd be so much easier if I could just hit it!

So, two scenarios and then I'm all ears (or in this case eyes):

1. it's on eBay and I'm not going to see or hear it.
2. I'm in a store and it's in front of me.

Items in question are amp head and cabinet or a combo.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I should note that I currently have a Fender Twin Reverb Reissue and I'm looking for a Marshall-type to complement it.

  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: Help with buying used amp and cab

Don't have much firsthand experience - but I'd be *real* leary of buying off of eBay - could easily be damaged in shipping.

How about CraigsList?  Those are usually local enough that you can drive there, put your hands on it, and then carry it home and not worry about shipping damage.

And, it's great to save a dollar buying used - but you might want to start this process with a trip to your local music store to put your hands on a bunch of new ones just to see what you like and don't like.

kestrou

P.S. - long time drummer here too - my main setup is a '77 Slingerland kit. smile

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Help with buying used amp and cab

Buy a cheap modelling amp eg line 6, enjoy playing and take time looking and hearing until you find exactly what you want. Personally I'm looking for a Marshall Haze stack, but that's just me.

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Help with buying used amp and cab

I'm very uneasy of buying amps used if its from eBay, won't do it. Craigslist is your better chance so you can play and hear it first, but personally I prefer to buy amps NEW, guitars USED. But I have had good luck with used amps too, so I'm not totally against it.

Since you're pairing with a twin reverb, I'm guessing you're talking about something loud?

Marshall DSL heads are great and can be had easily for cheap. Also, I like the Egnater stuff, good Marshall'y tones and affordable. Can get a cheap 2x12 cab that will sound absolutely fine. Unless you're a serious player or looking to go pro, I wouldn't get too wrapped up in MDF vs plywood and splitting hairs over speakers. Put it this way: I have a Bugera 2x12 among other high end cabs with celestions etc, and it honestly sounds pretty good.

  • RickB
  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Help with buying used amp and cab

Be very leery of ebay. I had a couple of customers get ripped off bad on electronix. Check the seller rating. If not 100%, don't!

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  • From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2012-02-11
  • Posts: 20

Re: Help with buying used amp and cab

RickB wrote:

Be very leery of ebay. I had a couple of customers get ripped off bad on electronix. Check the seller rating. If not 100%, don't!

Thanks. Good advice. I passed. So did everyone else as its been re-listed.