Question:
Hey
Whatcha guys thing about buying Tube amps from Pawn shops?
Ive been to a couple around here and the amps look find and all...But is it worth it? What are some good things to look for to tell if its a good deal or not.
Thx
Answer:
Originally Posted by Jake2787 Hey
Whatcha guys thing about buying Tube amps from Pawn shops?
Ive been to a couple around here and the amps look find and all...But is it worth it? What are some good things to look for to tell if its a good deal or not.
Thx
In dealing with pawn shops or anything used, you need to know the market prices for the amps. You should always do independent research by watching eBay auctions. I think the key is always to know more about the gear than the salesperson at the pawn shop. Plus, they are usually willing to negotiate price, so you need to know the highest price you are willing to pay. Make sure the electronics check out and that the speaker is in good condition. Sometimes, the fix might be simple and cheap, but other times, if the damage is significant, it may cost you more than the deal you made.
Answer:
Make sure it works and make sure your not paying too much for it. Other than that, I don't see why not. You can find some really awesome deals at some pawn shops if they're the ones that happen to be clueless about guitar gear. My friend Brad has found a lot of pretty awesome gear at his local pawn shop for dirt cheap. No such luck in my area . They all know too much.
Answer:
Hmm how would you check the tubes...like if they are still good or not...Ive seen some good tube amps at my local pawn shop .. but kinda iffy about em.
Answer:
Just crank it up and play it. I would second A' Nothing's advice about the pricing. I know a lot of guys buy stuff from pawn shops and get some good deals....I don't check them much 'cause in my area EVERYTHING I have seen in them was extremely overpriced.
Edit - as far as used tube amps, from a price/value standpoint, I would pretty much always assume that the tubes will need replaced, unless you buy it from someone who just changed them.
Answer:
To piggyback on what some folks have said, here's my method:
1) Go not too long before closing time. This is a negotiating tactic.
2) Know your bottom-line price and be absolutely willing to walk out the door without an amp in hand.
3) Bring your own guitar and your own cable. Pawn shop guitars usually have a string or two broken, electronics badly "bruised," and cables straight from the devil's workshop.
4) PLAY!!!
5) If there are no keepers, visit another shop tomorrow.
6) If it's the kind of shop that puts "price tags" on items, pay ABSOLUTELY NO ATTENTION to them. You should know how much the item is really worth, and chances are it won't even be in the same universe as the price on the tag. I've seen Crate solid-state 10" practice amps marked at $300. Real value: you'd have to come close to paying me to take it from you! (probably $25-40 in reality, though). Anyway, I busted a gut laughing at the utter meaninglessness of price tags in pawn shops the first time I saw them.
7) If you find a potential keeper, take your bottom line price and start negotiating at at least 30-40% LESS than it. Point out one or two strong points of the item, and then its flaws (because it will probably have a few). Save a few flaws for negotiating time, though.
8) Negotiate with a level head and somewhat indirectly. i.e. "Yeah, I can see why you might want more money out of this amp, but since it _______________________, I think a more fair price would be ____________ (somewhere below your bottom line). Would you think that unfair?" "Why?"
9) If you're not getting anywhere, remember it's getting close to closing time. "Sir, I'd really like to give you good money for this amp and walk away with it tonight, but under the circumstances of the price you're quoting me, I don't think it's going to happen..." Start walking. If the salesperson doesn't stop you, keep walking.
Anyway, that's an amateur's guide to pawn shopping. Take it or leave it or add to it, any of you with stories...
Nate
Answer:
Really good stuff there Guys
Thx allot

Jake