Buying Used
Sun, 01/03/2016 - 20:37
Hey Skip. I am entering the market for a used amp, probably a Fender Hot Rod Deville or 59 Bassman reissue. What sorts of things should I look for when buying used to protect against getting ripped off?
Thu, 01/07/2016 - 18:46
#2
Thanks man. It's the fat
Thanks man. It's the fat bottom tone more than the volume I'm looking for from the Bassman. I'll start shopping.
Good question! Most amps made after 1980 are more fragile and difficult to service than the older stuff I usually see. Printed circuitboard construction and (especially) plastic speaker and input jacks require new amps to be "babied" a lot more than an old hard-wired amp.
I would avoid buying a used amp that has already seen hard service. Look for a clean, adult-owned amp with low hours. If it has the name of a punk band painted on it, you should pass! Believe it or not, Guitar Center online will ship any used amp to the Guitar Center nearest you and give you a few days to try it out with a full refund if you are not happy. That is tough to find on eBay or Craigslist!
I'm no harp player, but I think you would be much happier with the Bassman. A great player can certainly get a good sound from a Deville, but they have a lot of extra controls that don't do much for harp. Also, the design and layout of the Bassman makes them more durable and much easier to service than other new Fenders.
Lastly, are you sure you need such a big amp? If you aren't doing a lot of loud gigging, a smaller amp would be more usable for you.