1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

[75lespaul]

I won a 1973 Artiste off eBay. The amp is in Scotland, and the seller originally quoted 90 pounds, or $177 bucks for shipping here to the USA. After I won the auction, using that shipping quote in my figuring for cost (didn't really want to go over $900 for an Artiste), he came back with shipping costs of 160 pounds or $315. I contacted a few sellers in the UK who were selling amps and they gave me the name of a company they use and have used before. I thought that was really great of them to give me the info. I gave it to this guy and at first he said he got the rate of 67 pounds, but then after packing the box said nope, it was still going to be 160.

I asked him to split the cost difference but he refused stating the amp sold for too cheap already. He's willing to let me out of the transaction. What would you do? I gave myself a budget and a time frame, which ends in two weeks, to put together a small vintage Marshall collection. With the way prices are skyrocketing on these amps would you just bite the bullet and pay nearly $1100 for an Artiste? (duty taxes included in that figure) I really don't care if he's trying to scam me and pocket more coin, as long as the total price is within reason but I just don't know that it is. I'm willing to pay a bit more if I see an amp in person, but on the web I want a bargain in case it either never gets here, arrives damaged or isn't what they say.

What would you do?

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

Three hours and not one opinion :eek13:............on the amp?

 

[wixedmords]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I am unaware what the shipping to the US would be from Scotland. Some of the UK or EU guys here may have better information.

I would have asked the seller for a shipping quote before bidding due to all the issues we read about shipping overseas. I know the Ebay shipping calculator can be off, and I have seen it quite off in fact.

It may just be one of those situations where the transaction is canceled, and you both decide to not leave feedback, going your own way.

I would just chalk this one up to experience.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I asked for a quote. He gave 90 pounds. Ooooooh, this is killing me because I'd really love to have the amp. I'm going to keep it for many, many years as I want to have something to leave my kids who are only 3 and 4. It's also in quite original condition, no mods, holes etc... I guess years can make up any extra I pay now. I guess I'll just get it.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I asked for a quote. He gave 90 pounds. Ooooooh, this is killing me because I'd really love to have the amp. I'm going to keep it for many, many years as I want to have something to leave my kids who are only 3 and 4. It's also in quite original condition, no mods, holes etc... I guess years can make up any extra I pay now. I guess I'll just get it.

The seller would need to validate his price increase to me. He has bound himself to a certain price through the auction rules and your inquiry of shipping. I would report the seller to Ebay.

If you have your mind set on something, it may be worth the extra to you. It is a free market. IMO, becoming emotionally involved and having to have an item is bargaining from a deficit to begin with.

I hope it works out for you. It’s a bad sign to me. Good luck.

 

[milkbone]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

Is it setup for the same voltage as here?

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

It has the voltage selector on the back, so yes it is.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

The seller would need to validate his price increase to me. He has bound himself to a certain price through the auction rules and your inquiry of shipping. I would report the seller to Ebay.

If you have your mind set on something, it may be worth the extra to you. It is a free market. IMO, becoming emotionally involved and having to have an item is bargaining from a deficit to begin with.

I hope it works out for you. It’s a bad sign to me. Good luck.

I don't think I'd go as far as reporting him to eBay. His feedback is perfect so I think he honestly thought he could ship it for 90. I just didn't know it was a guess until after the auction which was really annoying. I'm just caught in the value. If the amp is worth $1200 and I'm paying $1100 altogether, then I'm fine with it. However if it's worth $800 and I'm paying $1100, then I don't want to pay extra to get it. I need to know the "street" value of the amplifier.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I'm not sure of the value, but weren't the Artiste a mail-order only product when they were originally released?

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I'm not sure. They sure are blasted as horrible amps though. I've never heard one, so I don't know.

I actually decided to take him up on his offer and pass on the amp. I guess I need something to regret in the future, lol.

 

[Lu_B]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

Can't comment on the amp itself as i know bugger all about it. But its can be more expensive to ship to and from Scotland even from within the UK if the item is in specific regions/postcodes such as the highlands and islands.

So he might not be trying to pull a fast one. initially he might have got an overall cost from shipping from the UK to US and when he looked a bit closer including the weight of packing materials it has got more expensive.

only you can decide i its worth the money at least he's done the right thing and given you a get out.

Hope it all works out OK

 

[Lu_B]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

I'm not sure. They sure are blasted as horrible amps though. I've never heard one, so I don't know.

You'd spend $1100 on a amp model you'd never heard:eek13: Wow is all I can say.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: 1973 Marshall Artiste--need some quick advice on value

You'd spend $1100 on a amp model you'd never heard:eek13: Wow is all I can say.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for a beauty, lol. I was actually looking at this as more of an investment than for tone. The value is rising on these now and this is an amp with no mods, holes in the chassis etc...