Question:
I have come across a Mesa DC-5 for sale with a $300 price tag. It hasn't been taken care of, and the seller says it won't turn on.
Does that sound like a good deal? I mean, it could be something simple to fix. A fuse, maybe some missing tubes. Any opinions or ideas?
Answer:
Or it could be something not simple... Check what price they usually go for new, and I'd see if you can knock off a good $200 at least for possible repairs.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Rainer. Or it could be something not simple... Check what price they usually go for new, and I'd see if you can knock off a good $200 at least for possible repairs.
Out of production now. From what I can find I think that the DC-5 morphed into the F-50. Around $1000 new back in the 90's. Around the same for a new F-50 now. And price is non-negotiable.
Eh, I guess I don't want to pay $300 for a wood box just because it says Mesa on the outside. I'm too fond of fairy tales I guess. "I bought it for $300 and when I accidentaly dropped it, a mint '57 lp fell out."
Answer:
Actaully I meant used, not new...
Yeah, I'd guess they'd go for $400-450 used these days, but I don't think possible repairs would be worth it.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Rainer. Actaully I meant used, not new...
Yeah, I'd guess they'd go for $400-450 used these days, but I don't think possible repairs would be worth it.
Especially not with shipping added.
I'm too much of a gear junkie.
Answer:
The going rate for an inoperable (with no explanations offered) nice all-tube amp such as a Mesa DC-5 in my neighborhood is about $150. Without knowing what's wrong with it, I'd have to know that either:
1) I could sell the spare parts that did work for a total of $300 or more
2) I didn't really care how much I had to spend to get the thing into working order. I really just want a Mesa DC-5!!!
If either of those sounds like you, then go for it. Otherwise, I'd try to shift the price point down towards $150 or so.
If it's the output transformer that's shot, you're looking at a pricey fix, and that $150 saved will go a ways (but perhaps not even all the way) toward finding a new one.
Nate