What service/modification affects resale value?

[rspst14]

I've been shopping for a Marshall Silver Jubilee for a while now, and I finally picked up a pretty nice 2550 with one of the higher serial numbers. The amp is all original, including the capacitors and output transformer. I've read that electrolytic capacitors typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, can I assume that having a cap job performed should not affect the resale value of the amp?

My other question is regarding the tolex. I can clean it up a bit and re-glue a few pieces of torn tolex, but there are still some missing spots here and there, and some marks that probably won't come out. Nothing too major, but I would say it's cosmetically in good condition, not excellent condition. If I were to use genuine Marshall tolex and the work were done professionally, would the cosmetic improvement actually reduce the value of the amp by making it non-original?

Obviously, I bought the amp to play and not necessarliy as a collectors item. But they have been slowly rising in value, and who knows what these could be worth down the road? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[VanDerchuck]

Re: What service/modification affects resale value?

I wouldn't worry to much about caps on that amp. All that stuff is still available. Plus if you take it to a reputable tech and keep the receipt you should be fine. Just wait for it to show some symptoms of trouble before changing anything. I've played blackface amps that haven't been touched and still sound great. Enjoy your amp.

 

[USAPatriot]

Re: What service/modification affects resale value?

No need to glue the tolex down. Grab a hair dryer and heat the glue til it's tacky and then just stick the tolex back down. -Rod-

EDIT: In my mind an amp's cover is a reflection of what it's been through, good or bad. If an amp is sound inside and thrashed outside, that may be okay. New tolex would make me wonder what else has been done to the amp that I can't see. One sort of expects old amps to have some battle scars.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: What service/modification affects resale value?

Basically anything thats a service item will have a neglible effect on its value. The caps i wouldnt worry about. Dont have it recapped unless it needs it but if it does go ahead.

Though i will question your description of cosmetically good condition. If theres a chunk missing thats big enough that your considering having someone re-tolex it then thats not good condition.


The tolex is another matter. Its a cosmetic not service or function issue. ESPECIALLY since its a custom color you want absolutely as much of it as intact as possible. Outside of gluing down any edges that are sticking up so they dont get torn more and cleaning it up a bit I wouldnt touch it.

If the cosmetics bother you enough that you want it pretty get someone to make you a whole new cab covered in silver with the silver piping. That way you can set the original cab aside and retain its value and then have a shiny brand new looking amp.