Buying Amps off Ebay - Should I?

11 Gauge · December 17th, 2003, 11:52 AM

I'm currently looking around for such amps as an early 70s SF Princeton, a JCM800, and a fairly decent Twin (no MV models or beyond).

Things rarely pop up in the garage sale in my price range, and my local store leaves alot left to be desired, otherwise I wouldn't even be contempating this.

I've always resisted even thinking about Ebay as a source for amps, but may have to reconsider.

Anyone care to offer any experiences/stories good or bad? Any advice?

And how about shipping? Is it better to stick w/smaller amps like the Princeton?

A mighty thanks!

WrapAround · December 17th, 2003, 12:04 PM

After buying a few amps off the net including eBay, I've reconfirmed my original belief that I need to listen to it before buying. But with that said, despite the fact that I live near one of the major cities, gear selection at music stores is pathetic as well. I guess if you don't mind buying and selling a few amps on-line to find the one that you like, I'd say go for it.

buglecorps · December 17th, 2003, 01:07 PM

And you will encounter a wide range of product and people...Most of my experences as a buyer were fine (but I limited myself to small "practice" type amps...) I have heard all the horror stories..poor packing, misrepresented product, terribly slow shipping ect. ect. ect. So......

Educate yourself..get the various amp books and read them, so you at least have a general idea of what you are looking for/at..

Be polite... but...Ask lots of questions, ask for additional pix..be clear on how it will be shipped and packed ;.dont buy the first thing you see..get comfortable with the process..perhaps buy a few inexpensive things, and turn them..just to get the feel..check the feedback..perfect makes me wonder (most folks get hold of a foul ball or two) avoid lots of neg. If you are at all uncomfortable WALK AWAY..I don't care what it is there will be others..

Be realistic..if it sounds too good to be true it probably is..but bargans can be found. DON'T be a JERK..IF you want overnight shipping, perfect condition, and the ability to retun it...buy from a specalist or get a new amp from a shop.and remember no mater who you buy from(outside new product from a big chain) when it's shipped it's yours..if UPS ect. damages it YOU file the claim and deal with it...
Pay promptly, and say a few prayers. You will probalby be OK..Still when all is said and done would rather deal with a shop.

11 Gauge · December 17th, 2003, 02:38 PM

so basically like the haggling process in a store, but in cyberspace, eh? be polite, educated, and assertive.

i think i've got the jist of it, but still seem to have this feeling in my gut that says 'don't do it'...

maybe i'll try the little shops in the boonies around me first, as a last ditch effort.

money's so tight these days that if i get shystered i'll be kicking myself for a long time...

Tony Dz · December 17th, 2003, 02:45 PM

I have bought many amps from ebay, from BF Vibro-Champs all the way to a SF Super Reverb. Every amp arrived in great shape with no problems, with the exception of one VC that had a ground come unsoldered in transit. I also had the benefit of having a great amp tech, Dave Boze, available to go through each amp to look for any potential problems.

I would not hesitate to buy another off ebay.

Sidney Vicious · December 17th, 2003, 03:16 PM

I have had good success on ebay both as a buyer and a seller. In my neck of the woods - New Orleans - I have scoured the want ads and occasional pawn shop for the last three years and could count on two hands the number of vintage Fender amps of any type that I have run across. Similarly, I got one call and and no show when I tried to sell an ProJr locally. With ebay I sold it at a good buy it now, same thing on a Champ that I had bought off ebay.

Ask questions - get answers or walk.
I recommend trolling ebay for a while before buying, however, so you get a feel for what is available and what things go for - when the right buy it now comes along, you'll be ready to jump.

dean · December 17th, 2003, 03:16 PM

I have bought and sold a few amps on eBay and have not had any trouble. Buglecorps seems to have the best advice regarding educating yourself about the amps you plan on looking at. You need to know how to date speakers and transformers, you need to understand Fender's dating system up through the blackface era, and you need to know what maintenance procedures will cost.

As far as buying an amp, pictures are extremely important - especially pics of the inner areas of the amp. With the right info, you can be fairly sure of what you're getting. The other thing about pictures is that some of the pros on the TDPRI can help you with identification.

I feel a lot safer about buying an amp on eBay than I woould feel buying an old Fender guitar. Additionally, you'd better figure on spending some bucks and time cleaning and performing maintenance on the older amps.

Still, I think it's a pretty decent place to get amps if you're well-prepared.

Dean

VoodooVox · December 17th, 2003, 05:03 PM

Know what you are buying and as previously mentioned by buglecorps pick up a few books; Fender, Marshall, Vox & Ampeg all have had excellent books on their product lines. I have bought and sold amps on ebay and have never had a problem as either a buyer or a seller. If I am interested in an amp but am not real comfortable with the responses I receive in reply to my questions, I don't bid. Another one will show up.

GuitarJonz · December 17th, 2003, 05:29 PM

I've had good luck with amps from eBay, I'd recommend buying only from sellers with alot of positive feedback, after asking all the questions about past servicing, mods, etc. In fact, I just bought & sold amps there: sold off my '73 PR there to pay for the '71 non-MV Twin reverb that I got off ebay for $495, it all worked out great. My biggest worry was that UPS would destroy one of them.

Dacious · December 17th, 2003, 06:22 PM

It might be heresy, but IMO if you are buying a known i.e. Telecaster from a certain year, amplifier of a certain type etc, as long as you do the checks and balances as listed above, photos, details etc there are two scenarios that can go wrong:

The person can outright lie and the amp can have a serious fault or problem they have not disclosed.

It may make some noise or need some maintenance the owner has neglected or is unaware of.

The first is of course serious - that's why feedbacks and a little discernment.

But I don't buy into the 'you must play it first' because the first thing I will do is set the amp or guitar up and it will change, probably significantly from how it was.

If you are buying a BF/SF Fender amp you have to know that, if it is working and not in a million pieces, then it is no more than about $100 worth of tubes and minor components to restore it. Maybe with $50 or so labour if you use the services of a tech. Then it's good to go for another ten or so years. The most expensive change you may have to go through is the speaker.

Buying a good Telecaster on ebay requires a little more care but is possible.

j vegas · December 17th, 2003, 06:57 PM

SF Bassman head, "It keeps blowing fuses." NO KIDDING, the PT was blown and everything around it was melted. I knew it was not functioning, but I was hoping for an easy fix(new caps, tubes, etc.). Oh well, I guess I learned the hard way. A speaker is not the only expensive part that you may have to buy.

j

halouis · December 17th, 2003, 11:24 PM

i've had very good luck too. got a very sweet drip edge SF Vibro Champ that sounded great. i dont still have it, but wish i did. Same goes for a '59 tweed Champ I had. excellent experience. again, kinda wish i still had it. And my current Fender SUper CHamp i got off the 'bay. THas a keeper of an ampo fer sure.

as others have said, communication is the biggest thing. if you ask a question and get good responses and if you can call the seller, then you will likely have a good experience. anytime you get weird or zero responses i'd stay away. and look at the feedback.

Might I also add: I have had the best experiences with regulars around here. I got my Vox AC15ri in trade from a fellow TDPRIer. I put a WTB/WTT ad in the garage sale, and had a super fair deal happen. both parties very happy.

Guy from Idaho · December 23rd, 2003, 03:19 PM

...if you live in North Idaho it's the only game in town. Let's see... a few DrZ's,
bunch of Fenders, couple Matchless...more. The Z's and Matchless amps were
literally in showroom-new condition as advertised, never got a real bummer.
I have picked up some marginal guitars on ebay a couple times though... Do your
homework (lots of it), check feedback, ask questions, talk to the seller about
packing & shipping... works for me (so far!), good luck on the quest! -Guy

genelovesjez · December 23rd, 2003, 05:23 PM

Another option is to buy online from a reputable store. I could recommend three in my area that regularly see those amps, but they're in Canada so there might be some duty implications, not to mention the fact that JCM 800s are different up here (the notorious "CSA models". I actually have one, and it seems to be a great amp. I've never compared it to another one, though). Perhaps someone here can recommend some good stores in the USA.

Dano · December 23rd, 2003, 07:44 PM

I bought a nice drip-edge SFPR about three years ago on Ebay. It was a very pleasant transaction, and the amp was in great condition. Lurk on Ebay awhile to see what things are going for, and to see what's out there. Sellers will often relist with a lower reserve if the item doesn't move; check out the 'completed' listings to get an idea about how things are moving. I also agree that buying from a shop online might be OK --- I came close to buying an amp from Elderly back when they still shipped used amps, and they seemed extremely knowledgeable, honest, and polite. There are probably other places out there just (or almost) as good. The main thing is to be familiar with what you're looking for so you can ask about things like transformer numbers, speaker codes, to get an idea of what the seller has in fact for sale. No amount of research will protect you from a crook, however, but that's true in places other than cyberspace. Good luck with the hunt.

poipounder57 · December 24th, 2003, 03:08 PM

Hi 11 gauge,

Be very cautious if you go the Ebay route. Make sure you research the seller well. I just recently got scammed on Ebay. The seller had less than 50 positive feedbacks. It seemed like there would be no problem dealing with the seller. He responded quickly with all questions asked.
Well I paid for the amp using Pay Pal almost 2 months ago...yup no amp yet!!!
A lot of good people are getting ripped off...don't get me wrong. I still do business on Ebay, but I'm very cautious now.
If I buy another amp online...it's going to be from a store with a good history!!! With a lot of positive feedbacks!!!
Good-luck!!!

CAgan · December 26th, 2003, 06:55 PM

I bought my 72 coutom reissue on Ebay.. it was a good buy, as I got it for a great bit less that I could find it any place else.. it was in "showroom" condition.. (it had nasty strings and badly needed a trip to the local tech for action and neck adjustments... he gave it a good bill of health and I am happy..) My thing with Ebay and guitars(I am at three bought from ebay now..) I have only bought from folks with a storefront, used paypall, and even escrow service once.

Would I buy another? yes
Would I buy an amp? yes

All in all I have been happy.

Frank E · January 1st, 2004, 11:22 AM

I've bought many amps, mostly old Fenders on ebay and have had relatively good luck. I won't touch an amp with special mods, and try to make sure most electronics are original. Almost every amp I've bought needed re-capping and a bit of maintenance ( biasing etc). I enjoy tinkering with amps and a recap is relatively inexpensive and brings an amp back to life. Most of my buying spree was about 2 years ago and prices have gone up so it's not a bad investment. Music stores and pawn shops seem to want way too much for vintage amps.

December 17th, 2003, 11:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
11 Gauge Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The East Coast Posts: 3,091 10 Photos	Buying Amps off Ebay - Should I? I'm currently looking around for such amps as an early 70s SF Princeton, a JCM800, and a fairly decent Twin (no MV models or beyond). Things rarely pop up in the garage sale in my price range, and my local store leaves alot left to be desired, otherwise I wouldn't even be contempating this. I've always resisted even thinking about Ebay as a source for amps, but may have to reconsider. Anyone care to offer any experiences/stories good or bad? Any advice? And how about shipping? Is it better to stick w/smaller amps like the Princeton? A mighty thanks! __________________

December 17th, 2003, 01:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
buglecorps Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Suburban Twang Town Posts: 753	I have bought and sold... And you will encounter a wide range of product and people...Most of my experences as a buyer were fine (but I limited myself to small "practice" type amps...) I have heard all the horror stories..poor packing, misrepresented product, terribly slow shipping ect. ect. ect. So...... Educate yourself..get the various amp books and read them, so you at least have a general idea of what you are looking for/at.. Be polite... but...Ask lots of questions, ask for additional pix..be clear on how it will be shipped and packed ;.dont buy the first thing you see..get comfortable with the process..perhaps buy a few inexpensive things, and turn them..just to get the feel..check the feedback..perfect makes me wonder (most folks get hold of a foul ball or two) avoid lots of neg. If you are at all uncomfortable WALK AWAY..I don't care what it is there will be others.. Be realistic..if it sounds too good to be true it probably is..but bargans can be found. DON'T be a JERK..IF you want overnight shipping, perfect condition, and the ability to retun it...buy from a specalist or get a new amp from a shop.and remember no mater who you buy from(outside new product from a big chain) when it's shipped it's yours..if UPS ect. damages it YOU file the claim and deal with it... Pay promptly, and say a few prayers. You will probalby be OK..Still when all is said and done would rather deal with a shop. __________________ Loud is Good...

December 17th, 2003, 02:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
11 Gauge Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The East Coast Posts: 3,091 10 Photos	so basically like the haggling process in a store, but in cyberspace, eh? be polite, educated, and assertive. i think i've got the jist of it, but still seem to have this feeling in my gut that says 'don't do it'... maybe i'll try the little shops in the boonies around me first, as a last ditch effort. money's so tight these days that if i get shystered i'll be kicking myself for a long time... __________________

December 17th, 2003, 02:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tony Dz TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NW MI Age: 48 Posts: 47	Ebay amps I have bought many amps from ebay, from BF Vibro-Champs all the way to a SF Super Reverb. Every amp arrived in great shape with no problems, with the exception of one VC that had a ground come unsoldered in transit. I also had the benefit of having a great amp tech, Dave Boze, available to go through each amp to look for any potential problems. I would not hesitate to buy another off ebay.

December 17th, 2003, 03:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sidney Vicious Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Posts: 1,250 14 Photos	I vote for ebay I have had good success on ebay both as a buyer and a seller. In my neck of the woods - New Orleans - I have scoured the want ads and occasional pawn shop for the last three years and could count on two hands the number of vintage Fender amps of any type that I have run across. Similarly, I got one call and and no show when I tried to sell an ProJr locally. With ebay I sold it at a good buy it now, same thing on a Champ that I had bought off ebay. Ask questions - get answers or walk. I recommend trolling ebay for a while before buying, however, so you get a feel for what is available and what things go for - when the right buy it now comes along, you'll be ready to jump.

December 17th, 2003, 12:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
WrapAround Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 804 14 Photos	After buying a few amps off the net including eBay, I've reconfirmed my original belief that I need to listen to it before buying. But with that said, despite the fact that I live near one of the major cities, gear selection at music stores is pathetic as well. I guess if you don't mind buying and selling a few amps on-line to find the one that you like, I'd say go for it.

December 17th, 2003, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
dean Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Age: 60 Posts: 2,044	I've had good luck I have bought and sold a few amps on eBay and have not had any trouble. Buglecorps seems to have the best advice regarding educating yourself about the amps you plan on looking at. You need to know how to date speakers and transformers, you need to understand Fender's dating system up through the blackface era, and you need to know what maintenance procedures will cost. As far as buying an amp, pictures are extremely important - especially pics of the inner areas of the amp. With the right info, you can be fairly sure of what you're getting. The other thing about pictures is that some of the pros on the TDPRI can help you with identification. I feel a lot safer about buying an amp on eBay than I woould feel buying an old Fender guitar. Additionally, you'd better figure on spending some bucks and time cleaning and performing maintenance on the older amps. Still, I think it's a pretty decent place to get amps if you're well-prepared. Dean __________________ "I used to be clueless, but I've turned that situation around 360 degrees."

December 17th, 2003, 05:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
VoodooVox Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South of Door Posts: 102	Know what you are buying and as previously mentioned by buglecorps pick up a few books; Fender, Marshall, Vox & Ampeg all have had excellent books on their product lines. I have bought and sold amps on ebay and have never had a problem as either a buyer or a seller. If I am interested in an amp but am not real comfortable with the responses I receive in reply to my questions, I don't bid. Another one will show up.

December 17th, 2003, 05:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,865 7 Photos	I've had good luck with amps from eBay, I'd recommend buying only from sellers with alot of positive feedback, after asking all the questions about past servicing, mods, etc. In fact, I just bought & sold amps there: sold off my '73 PR there to pay for the '71 non-MV Twin reverb that I got off ebay for $495, it all worked out great. My biggest worry was that UPS would destroy one of them.

December 17th, 2003, 06:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,623 35 Photos	It might be heresy, but IMO if you are buying a known i.e. Telecaster from a certain year, amplifier of a certain type etc, as long as you do the checks and balances as listed above, photos, details etc there are two scenarios that can go wrong: The person can outright lie and the amp can have a serious fault or problem they have not disclosed. It may make some noise or need some maintenance the owner has neglected or is unaware of. The first is of course serious - that's why feedbacks and a little discernment. But I don't buy into the 'you must play it first' because the first thing I will do is set the amp or guitar up and it will change, probably significantly from how it was. If you are buying a BF/SF Fender amp you have to know that, if it is working and not in a million pieces, then it is no more than about $100 worth of tubes and minor components to restore it. Maybe with $50 or so labour if you use the services of a tech. Then it's good to go for another ten or so years. The most expensive change you may have to go through is the speaker. Buying a good Telecaster on ebay requires a little more care but is possible. __________________ My other Telecaster is a Thinline The Tele Bible, Ch 1, v 10 Love thy Telecaster, covet not thy neighbour's Strat!

December 17th, 2003, 06:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
j vegas TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: va beach, va Posts: 59	I got burned once! SF Bassman head, "It keeps blowing fuses." NO KIDDING, the PT was blown and everything around it was melted. I knew it was not functioning, but I was hoping for an easy fix(new caps, tubes, etc.). Oh well, I guess I learned the hard way. A speaker is not the only expensive part that you may have to buy. j

December 17th, 2003, 11:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
halouis Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,404 7 Photos	i've had very good luck too. got a very sweet drip edge SF Vibro Champ that sounded great. i dont still have it, but wish i did. Same goes for a '59 tweed Champ I had. excellent experience. again, kinda wish i still had it. And my current Fender SUper CHamp i got off the 'bay. THas a keeper of an ampo fer sure. as others have said, communication is the biggest thing. if you ask a question and get good responses and if you can call the seller, then you will likely have a good experience. anytime you get weird or zero responses i'd stay away. and look at the feedback. Might I also add: I have had the best experiences with regulars around here. I got my Vox AC15ri in trade from a fellow TDPRIer. I put a WTB/WTT ad in the garage sale, and had a super fair deal happen. both parties very happy.

December 23rd, 2003, 03:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
Guy from Idaho TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Moscow, North Idaho Posts: 41	I've bought a bunch of amps on ebay... ...if you live in North Idaho it's the only game in town. Let's see... a few DrZ's, bunch of Fenders, couple Matchless...more. The Z's and Matchless amps were literally in showroom-new condition as advertised, never got a real bummer. I have picked up some marginal guitars on ebay a couple times though... Do your homework (lots of it), check feedback, ask questions, talk to the seller about packing & shipping... works for me (so far!), good luck on the quest! -Guy

December 23rd, 2003, 05:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
genelovesjez Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 3,735	Another option is to buy online from a reputable store. I could recommend three in my area that regularly see those amps, but they're in Canada so there might be some duty implications, not to mention the fact that JCM 800s are different up here (the notorious "CSA models". I actually have one, and it seems to be a great amp. I've never compared it to another one, though). Perhaps someone here can recommend some good stores in the USA.

December 23rd, 2003, 07:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dano Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 101	seconding research I bought a nice drip-edge SFPR about three years ago on Ebay. It was a very pleasant transaction, and the amp was in great condition. Lurk on Ebay awhile to see what things are going for, and to see what's out there. Sellers will often relist with a lower reserve if the item doesn't move; check out the 'completed' listings to get an idea about how things are moving. I also agree that buying from a shop online might be OK --- I came close to buying an amp from Elderly back when they still shipped used amps, and they seemed extremely knowledgeable, honest, and polite. There are probably other places out there just (or almost) as good. The main thing is to be familiar with what you're looking for so you can ask about things like transformer numbers, speaker codes, to get an idea of what the seller has in fact for sale. No amount of research will protect you from a crook, however, but that's true in places other than cyberspace. Good luck with the hunt.

December 24th, 2003, 03:08 PM	#16 (permalink)
poipounder57 TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 13	Hi 11 gauge, Be very cautious if you go the Ebay route. Make sure you research the seller well. I just recently got scammed on Ebay. The seller had less than 50 positive feedbacks. It seemed like there would be no problem dealing with the seller. He responded quickly with all questions asked. Well I paid for the amp using Pay Pal almost 2 months ago...yup no amp yet!!! A lot of good people are getting ripped off...don't get me wrong. I still do business on Ebay, but I'm very cautious now. If I buy another amp online...it's going to be from a store with a good history!!! With a lot of positive feedbacks!!! Good-luck!!!

December 26th, 2003, 06:55 PM	#17 (permalink)
CAgan NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2	I bought my 72 coutom reissue on Ebay.. it was a good buy, as I got it for a great bit less that I could find it any place else.. it was in "showroom" condition.. (it had nasty strings and badly needed a trip to the local tech for action and neck adjustments... he gave it a good bill of health and I am happy..) My thing with Ebay and guitars(I am at three bought from ebay now..) I have only bought from folks with a storefront, used paypall, and even escrow service once. Would I buy another? yes Would I buy an amp? yes All in all I have been happy.

January 1st, 2004, 11:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Frank E NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 4	Buying on eBay I've bought many amps, mostly old Fenders on ebay and have had relatively good luck. I won't touch an amp with special mods, and try to make sure most electronics are original. Almost every amp I've bought needed re-capping and a bit of maintenance ( biasing etc). I enjoy tinkering with amps and a recap is relatively inexpensive and brings an amp back to life. Most of my buying spree was about 2 years ago and prices have gone up so it's not a bad investment. Music stores and pawn shops seem to want way too much for vintage amps.