Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

[SoCalSteve]

Let's say you have set a budget of $600 for a small tube combo. Would you get a 10-15 year old boutique (I should probably say used higher end amp) like a Rivera Thirty Twelve or Clubster or even one of those Soldano Yamaha's or would you get something new like a Peavey Classic 30, Crate V Series,Traynor, etc.

How long should an amp with a good reputation like Rivera last? Appreciate your input.

 

[mrid]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

I wouldn't buy new if I could help it...more bang for the buck.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

Used boutique all the way, although I wouldn't call Rivera boutique, just well made products.

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

DEFINITELY used. Some people say that buying new is better for reliability. To be honest, I think used is a safer bet. If an amp has held up for a year or two under regular use and proper maintainance, chances are it'll stand up for at least 10 more with proper maintainance. I usually the Yamaha Soldano and Rivera are both excellent amps for that price range.

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

or you could buy a used Peavey classic 30, I see them for around $300 all the time, pop in a vintage 30 speaker, jensen or a weber and you have one nice sounding little combo at well below $600. I'm not sure you'll find much in the boutique market for around $600.

I'm in the market for a good single twelve comba as well - there's a guy on ebay with a VHT pitbull 45 single 12 combo up for sale, he's in huntington beach, I'm going to see what he will take to close the auction and sell it to me. I used a pitbull 45 head for a couple of years and loved it, but I got tired of lugging the head and cabinets around - I've played this model combo at Tone Merchants and dug it, so hopefully I'll be able to work something out. Or, I'm thinking of a custom built marshall 18 watt clone - not very versatile but they sound awesome!

good luck!

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

Good points, all 4 of you. I actually have an Eminence V12 in a box in the garage I keep forgetting about - took it out of my Traynor 2x12 when I sold it. Hmm..........

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

I'd suggest spending a week or so hitting every Southern Ca. music store, trying out every amp you can.....pretending to be a serious buyer to the salesman, of course.
Then, spend a few days searching the used market for the one that interested you most. If the guy tells you the tubes are over a year old, replace them all for about $50, and you'll essentially have a new amp for 2/3 the price of a new one.

 

[nuntius]

Re: Amp dilemma - used boutique vs. new mass produced?

Anyone who buys new stuff (unless it's custom or one off or something like that) is throwing money away IMO. Mrid sums it up nicely

I wouldn't buy new if I could help it...more bang for the buck.