2nd hand amps and effects

D-Man

In a previous post I was told that buying a guitar 2nd hand is definitely worth it (mos tof the time). does this apply to amps and effects pedals?

Gearhead

Yesyesyes. A guitar may sound better after a couple of decades play, an amp/pedal is going to sound the same for a decade or so. Things to look out for are scratchy pots, poor contact on the jacks and power plug (pedals) and inoperable foot switches, otherwise you're good to go. The more battered up it looks, the better value for money it is ?

MikeM

Gearhead speaketh the truth.

nicovlogg

And always bargain. Always. ?

inflames

I would definitely look at second hand amps.
Especially if you don't know exactly what you want.

Gumtree is your friend here!

If you want to buy new go and test out as many amps as possible!
It took me 4 years of buying and selling amps before I found what I've been looking for!

Good luck on this amazing journey!

Manfred-Klose

broken components can be replaced with new ones, guitars necks can also be replaced, but it will never be the same again.

a broken valve amp can be easily repaired.(depending of the costs of the technician)

Wizard

The big advantage of buying secondhand (wisely) is that you can recover all or most of your costs when you sell again.
Then the learning process can be self-sustaining.
Then you can blow the budget on the dream machine when you're sure.

But you do need to know what brands and models retain their value, and what a good price is.
But that's where this forum is really useful.

A bit like buying a 2nd hand Toyota vs. a brand new Alfa.
Under one of those options you'll get your money back ?

IceCreamMan

Gearhead wrote Yesyesyes. A guitar may sound better after a couple of decades play, an amp/pedal is going to sound the same for a decade or so. Things to look out for are scratchy pots, poor contact on the jacks and power plug (pedals) and inoperable foot switches, otherwise you're good to go. The more battered up it looks, the better value for money it is ?

Even scratchy pots are simple enough to replace though ...as a matter of interest what is the cost of having a pot replaced?