A lot of you ask for advice on buying vintage guitars and amps (often, I get a desperate call from a customer who is vacillating on a “deal” at Guitar Center or an instant message from someone surfing on e-bay!). My overall advice goes something like a familiar cliché: “If a deal seems to good to be true it usually is.” However, there are some great deals out there and the questions below will help you find them. As another cliché goes, “Knowledge is power.”

1. When is the last time the tubes were replaced? If they haven’t been replaced in awhile, they’re probably going to have to be replaced sometime soon.
   
   • Tubes should be replaced yearly with moderate use, and more often with heavy usage. This type of repair can run anywhere from $40-$200, depending on the size and type of amplifier. If they haven’t been replaced in awhile, this should be reflected by a lower price than if the tubes have been replaced recently. Unfortunately, there’s no “magic test” for this – you really just have to take the seller’s word for it.
   
   
2. When is the last time the filter capacitors were replaced? Which brand was installed?
   
   • Filter caps should last 15-20 years. Most vintage amps are overdue for this type of repair. If they have been replaced recently, find out which brand. Sprague caps, in Fenders & Mesa/Boogies or F&T caps, in Marshalls, Hiwatts and Sound Citys are excellent replacements. Filter cap replacement can cost $60-$180, again, depending on the size and type of amplifier. This should be reflected in the price, expect to pay a little more if the replacement has been done recently. An experienced amp tech will be able to tell if the filter caps have been replaced recently – if you’re paying a lot, or it’s possible, it may make sense to get an expert opinion.
   
   
3. It’s all about the transformers:
   
   • You want original transformers. Ask if they’ve been replaced. If you can, try to verify that the transformers are original (an expert amp tech can help). If they are not original, you can (should!) bargain for a lower price.
   
   • Inspect the transformers – are they free of rust? If you’re surfing on e-bay and communicating with the seller, ask for a picture. This is important because the amp may seem to work fine, but the rust could cause problems in the future. The rust can cause arcing or eddy current inside the transformer. This might not be a bad tradeoff if you’re getting a great deal on the amp.
   
   
4. Have the speaker(s) been replaced? If there are multiple speakers, how many are original? Have the speaker(s) been reconed? If the speakers are original, but have been reconed, the sound may be OK, but it is never going to sound like the original, so don’t pay a vintage price. On the other hand, just because it’s a vintage speaker, doesn’t mean it is going to sound good – there are so many factors that affect speaker tone (topic for another Sommatone article perhaps!) such as the brand, condition, magnet strength, the surround, etc. The best way to deal with the speaker issue is to hear the amp (I know - difficult for all you e-bay aficionados!).
   
   
5. Has the cabinet been recovered or replaced? Expect to pay less for a recovered cabinet or one that is not in pristine condition. On the other hand, if you’re getting a great deal, you could get the cabinet recovered or replaced, however this can by pricey depending on the type of amp.

Because “vintage” is hot right now, expect to pay a premium for a true, vintage amp. Many sellers aren’t willing to deal even if the amp will need repair (e.g., filter cap replacement) or it’s not in pristine condition. Unfortunately, it’s a seller’s market right now because the demand for vintage equipment is so high. I don’t see this trend ending anytime soon. I would encourage you not to settle for an overpriced vintage amp. If you truly want a vintage amp but can’t find what you’re looking for or don’t trust the quality of what you’ve found, you may want to consider a boutique amp or a replica.