How to thin the homebrew herd?

[luthierwnc]

 Hi All,  Not really a question but it’s time to float the issue.  Over the last 30+ years I’ve been making, modifying or tweaking tube guitar amplifiers.  Probably done that 100 times.  Right now I’ve got 15 or so that survived sonic tests as good examples of what I intended.  Some are scratch-builds with laser-cut aluminum chassis and no (or few) extra holes.  Some are donor-conversions with major circuit modifications but relatively few amp hacks.  Some are complete basket-cases and must remain part of the permanent collection.  At any rate, I only play a few and those are generally the 20-watters.  I’m only playing at home now and the big amps (> 30 watts) aren’t useful at those sound pressure levels.  Makes my ears hurt.

So it’s time to part company with a few but I don’t know how to do that with one-offs that have no provenance or UL ratings.  They are safe and well-built, but that’s just my opinion.  I’d be glad to break even but even less than that is fine.  This isn’t for the money.

For those of you with suggestions or experience, I’d like to hear how to present these creatures to the public with the understanding they are orphans.


Thanks for looking, cheers, Skip 

[tubenit]

I've sold a few amps with hope to get some of the money for parts back. Never made any profit. Never have covered any labor costs.  I always describe them as homemade amps sold in "as is" condition with no warranty.  And I provide an accurate schematic and layout for them for them to have IF they ever need to take it to a technician for repairs.

Not saying you or others should take that approach, it's just simply what I've done. I likely have lost a few dollars (or more) on every amp I've sold.

With respect, Tubenit

[luthierwnc]

That probably the approach.  Where did you sell them?  sh

[SILVERGUN]

Craigslist still gets a pretty good audience and it is simple to list.
It also carries the reputation that anyone who shops on Craigslist should expect AS-IS with no possible legal ramifications.
If it makes you feel better, put a disclaimer in the ad and meet them at the McDonalds so they don't know where you live. 

[shooter]

I built, re-built, continued...after 21 proto-types 6 became actual, thumbs up builds.


I did the same as Tubenit suggested, I used a group of Guitarist for my final tuning, they wound up buying most at deep discounts since they're all broke!  a couple i just gifted to family.  now they are in the wild where they belong.  I learned more than I expected about tubes, a win for humanity 


all the leftover really heavy pieces I gave to a couple members here, they paid freight 

[mresistor]

There is also facebook marketplace if you are on fb.   

[shooter]

if you are on fb.

 
I like my friends from tin-foil country to much to be on fb 

[luthierwnc]

Not on FB.  And Craigslist in my area may as well be the witness protection program -- no idea why.  People would be welcome to stop by and play them but I expect these will be internet exchanges.  sh

[PharmRock]

I've sold a lot of stuff on CL.  My general rule of thumb is before we meet for the transaction I will have their actual phone number (via text) as well as have talked to them on the phone and have their full name.  I've had a few people come to my house to try out amps/guitars, which is only reasonable.  Most of the time we meet at McDonalds or somewhere like that.

For the $ aspect...I treat it like a hobby.  Breaking even is the best case scenario, for me at least.  If I end up in the red, I justify the loss by figuring I probably would've wasted more money playing golf.

[bmccowan]

I am in the same boat and have thought about starting a similar thread many times. I have at least a dozen scratch built amps and an equal number of PA conversions. I am trying to get additional liability insurance, but it is unclear if it would cover issues with non-UL listed amps. I have a relative who is an insurance lawyer and he just laughs about my exposure. I may sell to benefit charity - still does not absolve all responsibility, but who sues a charity?

[luthierwnc]

I"ll probably just stick a label on the chassis warning against high-voltage and stating there are no consumer-adjustable components inside.  Keep pictures of them on the hard-drive and call it done.  sh

[pullshocks]

Need to do the same thing in the near future.  A couple random thoughts:


I see kit built and home brew clone amps on CL around here from time to time, mostly 5F1 and 5E3 and the like.  There's no way to know if they actually sold.  There was a guy who did a very nice build of the Vox AC-10 SRT of the Doug and Pat Show fame.  It was listed for weeks and weeks, I think he sold it eventually, don't know the $


Since the amps I have are not designs that would be familiar to most buyers, I don't know how much interest there is going to be.  Probably title the ad "Unique 5 watt tube guitar amp" and include  links to some sound clips and see what happens.



Thinking it may be more efficient to part out or sell "as is for parts" than go through the process of selling as a complete amp.


As far as the liability, I think luthierwnc is on the right track in the post above.  I would also keep a copy of my ad which would clearly state it is home made, sold as is, kind of like selling a car, provide them the opportunity to have it checked by a tech at their expense.  And as Tubenit stated, I would provide an "as built" schematic. 

[luthierwnc]

Thanks pullshocks,  The beauty is that as hobbies go, building and refurbishing obsolete electronic devices is cheaper than yachting.  The downside is the same.  If the best possible outcome is clearing under a couple grand in exchange for a month of hassle, liability and hauling boxes to FEDEX, they can sit around even longer. 

The hole in the vacuum tube supply might influence values.  They might get scarce and desired.  They might get so scarce that everyone gets a Line 6 and the amps sit in my closet until my estate sale.  Much larger players than me will be watching that closely.  Cheers, Skip 

[jordan86]

If you sell online, I’d try to make some quality audio samples to post. I personally wouldn’t even entertain buying a home brew online without some audio sample.

Asheville seems like a happening place. Maybe there are music stores that you could sell to, who could turn around and sell. Or do some sort of consignment. Or maybe there are some music or arts festivals in/around Asheville you could have a space at.

Not to be that guy but you could consider jumping on Facebook just to join a few groups or list the amps. Gotta meet the people where they are at sometimes 🤷🏻‍♂️
A lot of times there are blues or rock or jazz enthusiast groups by region on Facebook. My small town has a blues group that one retired guy who builds and services amps is a part of. It’s a great source of business for him to be a part of that community.

[luthierwnc]

Thanks all,  This is part of a process to decide what kind of music I will play from now on, followed, hopefully, by a commitment to practice objectively.  That will define the gear I want vs just like having around.  It's a weird dynamic but sometimes the more choices I have, the less I actually play.  Moreover, a few are close runners-up to the keepers.  There are household considerations as well.  A half-dozen pedals are vulnerable. 

And yes, I would need to make sound clips because some of the amps on the block are hard to describe; both on the schematic and the build parameters - experiments that worked!

I don't want to make this a sales pitch to the forum but trades are as good as cash.  There are some guitars and FX that would find a home.  If I pull the trigger, I'll put that on the Buy sell trade forum.  Cheers, sh

[vampwizzard]

Sorry, late to the game.

Consignment at your local music store would be my first option. Most of the mom and pops are struggling for inventory and that could be mutually beneficial.

People ask me about my builds that I've played out and I'm positive I could sell them to some of those players who have taken them to test for me in the studio or on stage.

Next up would be friends who have kids who are getting into music and need better gear but dont want to spend the money on a Princeton etc. Or if they have a Hot Rod Deluxe that you know is going to fail in the near future.

Be creative. And good luck!