I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

[Lewguitar]

It's a '70 handwired small box model 1987 50 watt head. I just never play through it anymore...even with the Weber Mass.

It sounds real good but here's the thing: this amp is in great cosmetic condition and bone stock! Not one cap has been changed, including the filter caps.

But after 35 years it needs a cap job. The hitch is that if I do a cap job, it won't be 100% stock any longer and in a weird way, it might be worth more with all of the original caps...even though I can tell from the tone that they need replacing.

So what do you guys think: should I do a cap job on it or offer it 100% stock?

Anyone who'd want to gig with it would want to have a cap job done on it.

But some collector types would probably prefer it be left stock.

Lew

 

[Curly]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

I think you should offer it for sale as is, with the option of a cap job, and describe the amp just as you did here.

any buyer is likely to know what the deal is with an early 70's small box

(that is, the best deal for an early hand wired head!)

 

[jeremy]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

i think id sell it as is and let the purchaser deal with the caps, cause i think youre right, itll be worth more to a collector as is even with the flakey caps

 

[Simon_F]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

What they said - sell it as it is, but advise that you think the caps need replacing. It will be the buyer's decision, depending on whether they want to play it or collect it.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Most people buying an old amp probably assume some cappage is in their immediate future. Let the buyer decide.

 

[Kent S.]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

If the collector wants to play it, rather than look at it, well, ....they'll cap it.
I agree, give to buyer the option ... be up front about it, and let them know what the deal is, impressing upon them that a cap job isn't optional.
If you get a bunch of feedback from potential buyers saying they would like it capped, then offer a separate price for it for you to cap it before sale ...
1/2 up front ... and no refund if they back out of the deal, that way you won't get stuck with doing a cap job on it, and maybe nudging yourself out of a sale with a vintage collector because some wink backed away.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

I had the caps go on my JCM800 ... and I totally thought it was worth it. I think that someone interested in that kind of tone will consider it a small price to pay to get the amp capped.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Thanks! I'll take some pics inside and out and post them on here first. No new caps...unless the buyer asks! Lew

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Sorry, Lew, this is O/T, but there's a thread in the Guitar Shop called 'what does alder sound like ??????', or similar, and I think your input would be great! Sorry for the hijack -- back to your regularily scheduled thread!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

What does alder sound like? OK...

 

[Bluzboy66]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

It's a '70 handwired small box model 1987 50 watt head. I just never play through it anymore...even with the Weber Mass.

It sounds real good but here's the thing: this amp is in great cosmetic condition and bone stock! Not one cap has been changed, including the filter caps.

But after 35 years it needs a cap job. The hitch is that if I do a cap job, it won't be 100% stock any longer and in a weird way, it might be worth more with all of the original caps...even though I can tell from the tone that they need replacing.

So what do you guys think: should I do a cap job on it or offer it 100% stock?

Anyone who'd want to gig with it would want to have a cap job done on it.

But some collector types would probably prefer it be left stock.

Lew

Lew,
I totally understand where you're coming from about the originality factor........BUT........I only buy gear that I intend to use (as I suspect MOST others do as well), and, as a buyer, it's very comforting to know that the guitar/amp you're about to purchase is 100% usable, and in rock solid condition. When I view eBay auctions in search of an amp, I really appreciate when sellers state that the amp has been recently serviced by a qualified tech, and is in perfect working condition, and that a detailed service/repair order will be incuded with the purchase. If a guy is willing to go that far, then you're in good hands (for the most part).

IF you do have the cap job done, you, and your buyer, will have the piece of mind that the amp is ready to rock and roll......no excuses.

A couple of days ago, I'd posted that I have my eye set on an early 70's 50 watt Marshall head. It is 100% original and unmolested, BUT, it has never been serviced in any way, according to the owner. The ONLY reason I'm even considering buying the amp is because the price is right. I know that I'll have to put the amp in the shop for a thorough 'run-through'. So, that's MORE money that I'll have to put out after the amp is mine.

Just my 2 cents.

Mike

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Did you find an AC30? If not, I might know a friend open to a trade. What is the value on that? 1500 to 2000? I have not asked him about it, but thought I would mention it to you first.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Did you find an AC30? If not, I might know a friend open to a trade. What is the value on that? 1500 to 2000? I have not asked him about it, but thought I would mention it to you first.

I would trade it for the right AC30...one of the same value. I'd also trade my '59 tweed Bassman for one. What's your friend's like? Old? New? Thanks! Lew

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Lew,
I totally understand where you're coming from about the originality factor........BUT........I only buy gear that I intend to use (as I suspect MOST others do as well), and, as a buyer, it's very comforting to know that the guitar/amp you're about to purchase is 100% usable, and in rock solid condition. When I view eBay auctions in search of an amp, I really appreciate when sellers state that the amp has been recently serviced by a qualified tech, and is in perfect working condition, and that a detailed service/repair order will be incuded with the purchase. If a guy is willing to go that far, then you're in good hands (for the most part).

IF you do have the cap job done, you, and your buyer, will have the piece of mind that the amp is ready to rock and roll......no excuses.

A couple of days ago, I'd posted that I have my eye set on an early 70's 50 watt Marshall head. It is 100% original and unmolested, BUT, it has never been serviced in any way, according to the owner. The ONLY reason I'm even considering buying the amp is because the price is right. I know that I'll have to put the amp in the shop for a thorough 'run-through'. So, that's MORE money that I'll have to put out after the amp is mine.

Just my 2 cents.

Mike

Thanks! I'm the opposite. Since I work on amps myself I'd rather buy one that's bone stock so I can recap it and repair it with the caps and parts I like and prefer the tone of. I usually end up tweaking the whole circuit a bit of every amp I own. The only reason this Marshall stayed stock for so long was that #1 it sounded killer as is and #2 I rarely play it. But I did plug it in the other day and now I can hear that it needs a recap. It sounds a little shrill and underpowered and I can hear some ghost tones. I'm sure it's the 35 year old filter caps. Lew

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

More to the point........ HOW MUCH!!?? LOL!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

More to the point........ HOW MUCH!!?? LOL!

As much as I can get! :laugh2: More than $1200....less than $2000 probably. Lew

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

I shot him a note and should hear by tonight. He has a RI and a 64 Top Boost done by the Plexi Palace. I think he will be very intrigued. I will let you know.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

Perhaps sweeten the deal by diagnosing exactly which components to change, then include a little baggie of them with instructions on how to do the swap.

Even if the buyer doesn't want to do it himself, at least he'll have the correct values and brand. Just a thought. I wish I could buy it, but it's not in the cards.

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

its just like the issue of old guitars like 50's gibsons that have completely dead frets but you might lose value on it if you do refret it

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: I think I'm going to sell my Marshall

I shot him a note and should hear by tonight. He has a RI and a 64 Top Boost done by the Plexi Palace. I think he will be very intrigued. I will let you know.

Thanks! A few years ago I retubed it and compared it to three other Marshalls I owned: two 50 watt JCM 800's and an identical '71 50 watt head and sold them all except this one. It was just a killer amp. But now time has caught up with those 35 year old filter caps and they need replacing just like you'd replace a worn out set of strings.

Lew