Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
- Thread starter Top Jimmy
- Start date
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
If it's a MkIII or SL-X, it might be worth it. Actually, if it's a MkIII, I'd snag it as a restore project. Those are the best of the bunch in the JCM 900 line, IMO. And I'm not just saying that because I own one. I've played 'em all. If it's a Dual Reverb, pass.
If it's a MkIII or SL-X, it might be worth it. Actually, if it's a MkIII, I'd snag it as a restore project. Those are the best of the bunch in the JCM 900 line, IMO. And I'm not just saying that because I own one. I've played 'em all. If it's a Dual Reverb, pass.
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
From my experience with JCM900s and dirty pots, you'll probably need to replace a few. They're pcb-mounted too so it's kinda a pain. If you have good desoldering skills, it's definitely do-able though. You might get lucky and be able to get by with just a good cleaning but I've had two come through here and both required replacing pots.
As the seller says, it's a bit of a leap of faith. If it really is just the pots, I'd consider doing it. However, I'd definitely want to listen to the amp before making the deal. For all you know a transformer may be dead or some other issue that would suddenly make it not worth the investment. Also, the tone of the post comes off a little "smarmy salesman" to me, and that sets off some warning bells IMO. I mean he doesn't even say which model JCM900, and if he honestly thinks any of them are the greatest amps of all time, to me, that makes the rest of what he has to say suspect.
From my experience with JCM900s and dirty pots, you'll probably need to replace a few. They're pcb-mounted too so it's kinda a pain. If you have good desoldering skills, it's definitely do-able though. You might get lucky and be able to get by with just a good cleaning but I've had two come through here and both required replacing pots.
As the seller says, it's a bit of a leap of faith. If it really is just the pots, I'd consider doing it. However, I'd definitely want to listen to the amp before making the deal. For all you know a transformer may be dead or some other issue that would suddenly make it not worth the investment. Also, the tone of the post comes off a little "smarmy salesman" to me, and that sets off some warning bells IMO. I mean he doesn't even say which model JCM900, and if he honestly thinks any of them are the greatest amps of all time, to me, that makes the rest of what he has to say suspect.
BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
I say do it.
I say do it.
muttonchopsrule
New member
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
are you into building/modifying/working on amps? if so, it sounds like it would be a great project of sorts. if you have the know-how, you might be able to get it up and running with fresh tubes throughout, a couple of new pots if they can't just be cleaned, and if there's anything else in there that needs replaced then you could hit up mouser and buy replacement resistors/caps/diodes for pretty cheap.
hard to say though without knowing exactly what's wrong in there. sounds like it would make a great project though if you're into that sort of thing. just beware of high voltages!
hell, you could even fix it up and turn it around on ebay and get 3X what you paid for it :smokin:
are you into building/modifying/working on amps? if so, it sounds like it would be a great project of sorts. if you have the know-how, you might be able to get it up and running with fresh tubes throughout, a couple of new pots if they can't just be cleaned, and if there's anything else in there that needs replaced then you could hit up mouser and buy replacement resistors/caps/diodes for pretty cheap.
hard to say though without knowing exactly what's wrong in there. sounds like it would make a great project though if you're into that sort of thing. just beware of high voltages!
hell, you could even fix it up and turn it around on ebay and get 3X what you paid for it :smokin:
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That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
The way I see it is this: a good working JCM 900 can be picked up for around $500. It could be turned around for a small profit if it isn't in terrible condition. Unfortunately, there are far too many unknowns. Thinking worse case scenario here: pots needed changing, transformer is on its way out, needs new tubes. If you have to invest in that you're going to be paying more than what you could simply pick up on the 'bay.
You could get lucky and just need to change out tubes and clean up the pots with some contact cleaner. Then you'd have a $500 amp for $275. That'd be nice, but in a situation like this you really have to prepare for the absolute worst.
The way I see it is this: a good working JCM 900 can be picked up for around $500. It could be turned around for a small profit if it isn't in terrible condition. Unfortunately, there are far too many unknowns. Thinking worse case scenario here: pots needed changing, transformer is on its way out, needs new tubes. If you have to invest in that you're going to be paying more than what you could simply pick up on the 'bay.
You could get lucky and just need to change out tubes and clean up the pots with some contact cleaner. Then you'd have a $500 amp for $275. That'd be nice, but in a situation like this you really have to prepare for the absolute worst.
Top Jimmy
New member
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
That's what I was thinking. I couldn't do it myself so it would be a paid for repair and then if it ends up being more then the 100-200, it wouldn't be worth it.
Always huntin' for a bargain. :bandit:
That's what I was thinking. I couldn't do it myself so it would be a paid for repair and then if it ends up being more then the 100-200, it wouldn't be worth it.
Always huntin' for a bargain. :bandit:
Bezmotivnik
New member
Re: Craigslist: JCM 900 $200, needs work?
I've done so much better since I've stopped buying "great deal" used equipment.
This doesn't look like that attractive a deal to me, either.
Me too...but some days the bear eats you.
I've done so much better since I've stopped buying "great deal" used equipment.
This doesn't look like that attractive a deal to me, either.
