New or used amp?

Terje Larson · From: Rinkeby, Spånga, Sweden

I was pretty close to buying a Peavey Envoy last weekend at about 70% of the price for a new one. The reasoon I didn't buy it was simply that the guy who had the add out never replied when I tried to contact him, probably already sold it.

But, doesn't that really mean that I should buy it new? If I buy it new in a store I'll get a one year warranty and a 30-day return policy and a brand new amp that doesn't have a scratch on it. That's worth a good 30% I'd say.

How would you guys reason in this situation?

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

It depends on what you're looking to buy. Here are some peavy steel amp scenarios:

If you wanted an amp such as the "in-demand" Nashville 112, you'd be better off buying new because the used prices are not much less than the new price. (They're a great price anyway, at under $500.) Conversely, the used price on a Nashville 1000 is almost half the new price in some cases. A used Nashville (or Session) 400 is an easy-to-find steel amp that's popular, dependable and fairly cheap. They're out of production.

Here are some Fender amp scenarios:

The '65 reissue Twin Custom 15" is relatively expensive. You will pay about $1,200 for this amp new, and there are not many used ones out there yet. It's a specialty amp, so there'll always be a limited amount of used ones. But it's a great amp, and worth the price IMO. You could also purchase a '70s Silverface Twin - at 100 watts, it's good for steel and has a great tube warmth. Some come with a 15" speaker, which will be better voiced for steel. These usually go from $500-$800 depending on condition, although you may get lucky at a pawnshop or something. Keep in mind they're about 80 pounds. Then there's the Steel King, Fender's solid state amp specifically voiced for steel. I don't know much about these, but I believe they're close to a grand, and go for about 35% less on the used market.

The above are only estimates. There are also other choices, including Evans and Webb. But they are considered boutique steel amps and have a price to match.

**I just noticed you're in Sweden, so your options for steel amps will probably be limited (just as they are in my part of Canada). If there's a Peavey dealer there, they may order in a Nashville 112 for you. (My quotes are in US currency.)

[This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 28 March 2006 at 10:53 AM.]

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

If a solid state amp is working when you buy it, chances are it will work for a good long while. With tubes, even if you buy a new one, you have to do regular replacements of the tubes, and also other maintenance every 10 years or so. (Because they run a lot hotter, electrolytics don't last quite as long as in solid-state amps.) As far as the "it's gotta be new and shiny" thing, I could care less. I want it to work, and I don't want to pay a premium for an amp (as in a new tube amp), and then have to keep sinking money into it. If I have to "maintain" it, I'd just as soon buy a used one.

George Macdonald · From: Vancouver Island BC Canada

I believe both Peavey and Fender have a five year warranty on new amps now. George

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

I prefer Fender twins with the 12" speakers. The new reissue twins are great for steel. I use them all the time. The amp doesn't need anything special to be a steel amp.

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Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Yes, the warranty on a Peavey instrument amp such as the Nashville 112 is 5 years.

Robert Leaman · From: Murphy, North Carolina, USA

Used amps are always a better buy. This is particularly true with solid state equipement. If you buy Peavey, you are guaranteed superb customer service, outstanding performance, factory repair any time. Solid state equipment failure follows a bathtub curve. Nearly all failures occur with initial operation. With vacuum tube equipment, 96% of the problems are vacuum tubes themselves This has not changed in the last 80 years nor will it change in the future for tube equipment. When solid state equipment operates for approximately 500 hours without failure, probability of future failure becomes very low. If you want reliability, buy solid state. If you want to do constant maintenance, buy tubes.

Terje Larson · From: Rinkeby, Spånga, Sweden

Just to make it clear again, I do not play steel. I play an elelctric balalajka, on which I from time to time try to emulate the sound of a steel (which is impossible but that's no reason not to try, is it?). I don't have any low notes or huge chords to worry about

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