Should I build it or buy it?

[NjuiMusic]

I want to acquire a Fender Bassman but I am unsure whether to buy a kit and make it or just wait and buy one used for same price if not less.

Price for a Kit with the only thing not included is the closure and speaker which comes to $605 USD

Price of Fender Bassman anywhere from $550 USD - $4000 USD

What should I do guys?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

Just ****in buy one. They're everywhere. Plus i would buy a preowned vintage Bassman. I would not buy some Bassman clone kit some random dude built himself.

So really your question is, do you want to own a classic vintage American amp, or do you want to invest a bunch of money in a project you might not even complete successfully that you will be stuck with forever?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

...and which could electrocute you fatally.

:eek2:

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

Build it Build it Build it Build it Build it

They're not complicated and you'll love playing something you built.
Fear of bein electrocuted is for pansies anyways and a lame excuse not to learn safety basics...

 

[jeremy]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

tweed bassman? build it. bf/sf bassman? you can probably buy it for about the same price as you would spend on the kit

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

Have you ever built an amp before.?
Do you solder real well.?
The SF Bassman can be had in good shape for 500-800. Do not know what a BF goes for.
The Tweed will be another story.
If it is Tweed, I would look for a used, hand-wired clone if you are not good with building.
If you can build...maybe a head. A 4x10 combo is a PITA to move around or gig with.
good luck

 

[NjuiMusic]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

I've built a JCM800 50 watt head before. Didn't get electrocuted once.

Yeah I do know the prices I posted them above $550-$4000 if anyone bothered reading.

This kit is from Mojotone which is a not some guy selling you a **** kit, this is all professional

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

Mojo kits are good. I'd also look into Weber, they are an amazing value for your money, in that regard I do think they got Mojo beat... built two of their kits before starting to do scratch builds and they both sound glorious.

 

[NjuiMusic]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

Mojo kits are good. I'd also look into Weber, they are an amazing value for your money, in that regard I do think they got Mojo beat... built two of their kits before starting to do scratch builds and they both sound glorious.

my JCM800 kit I got from Triode electronics is really good! I am excited to try a Mojo kit!

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

If you've built amps before then why not? If you do spend extra on a kit then think about the enjoyment you'll get out of building one vs just buying it.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

I've built a JCM800 50 watt head before. Didn't get electrocuted once.

Yeah I do know the prices I posted them above $550-$4000 if anyone bothered reading.

This kit is from Mojotone which is a not some guy selling you a **** kit, this is all professional

I'm not questioning the quality of the kit or your build skills, I'm just speculating about potential future buyers.

You can buy a classic amp that people instantly recognize and already want, plug it in right away and hear it, and if you don't like it you might sell it for a profit. On the other hand, you can buy a new kit that you have to spend a few hours wiring up before you can hear it, then if you don't like it you have to convince people it's just as good as the classic vintage amp.

I am just the kind of guy who prefers to get directly to the point and play my guitar. If i was going to put the time into building a kit, i would build something way harder to get than a Bassman.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

That's a good way to look at it. Thing is, some folks really like building these, I'm clearly one of them but the resale point is a very valid one.

 

[Grenade]

Re: Should I build it or buy it?

If it's a tweed kit, build it as a head and buy a Marshall 1965a cab. 4x10 Celestions and lightweight. Sounds excellent.