200s; what should I be willing to pay for this thing?

[kineticturtle]

So, this fellow is selling his 200S for $450, which would be fine, normally, but it's got some issues, mostly cosmetic.

The tolex and the grille are in pretty decent shape, but the control plate and the logo plate are missing (how do you even lose the control plate?). The names of the controls are written on in black permanent marker. The metal corners are missing. The back "panel" is missing, and the cover for the 6AN8A is gone. It's running 6550s, and seems to be fully functional!

Tomorrow I'm taking it to my rehearsal space to try it with my normal bass cabs (an ampeg 1x18 and a 2x10) and see what I can really get it to sound like, but I know that with all these things missing, there's no way I'll be willing to pay $450 for it (essentially "full price"). Although I could probably eventually replace the corners, the logo and the back, the control plate will likely be forever gone. The result is a true Sunn amp, but it doesn't say Sunn anywhere on it!

Anyway, assuming I play it in rehearsal tomorrow and fall in love with the sound, what should I offer the guy for it in this state?

Cheers!

[basiklybass]

Sounds a bit high for one in that shape. It is nearly impossible to get a repalcement front plate...I have never seen one. You can get logos on Ebay for around $25.00. Corners and tube covers are also available.

I think the 6AN8 should have the cover. I think without it there would be more hum since it is before the output tubes. Experts; your knowledge is needed.

IMHO KT88's are better in this amp.

If it had the plate and logo then the price is within going rates.

Offer $250 to $300. Unless you have to have it.....which I think you just might. Remember it is 60 watts, not much power for many live venues these days. But nothing else sounds like one.

[kineticturtle]

So,

A generous offer has been made to me to build a new back panel with original tolex for cost (thanks Bill!)
I've found an auction for a vintage sunn nameplate that ends in four days...
I've also found an auction for some reproduction sunn-style cabinet corners...
and I'm sure my amp tech (whose hands this would travel through shortly anyway) would be able to replace the tube cover...

So all that remains is whether I can talk the guy down. I'm hanging on to it until Friday (I live near his rehearsal space, so I'm meeting up with him again when he's here), so I guess I'll just try to play around with it until then...

Thanks for the reply, basiklybass, $250-$300 was about what I was thinking, so we'll see what happens. I don't really "have" to have it; it doesn't put out quite enough power for what I really want it for; I just need more headroom, so I'd like to wait for a model T, a 2000S, or the like. But if I can talk him down to a fair price, it would be very cherished and well used in my collection...

[Oli]

Hi,

try out the 200S with s solid state rec. I produces a lot more headroom!

[basiklybass]

Your welcome....but what collection would be complete, nay, even near complete...dare I say....even a collection... without a 200S?

Without a 200S...you just have a bunch of stuff.

With a 200S...you have a collection.

IMHO

[kineticturtle]

I suppose to, basiklybass, but this isn't much of a 200S.

Although I'm not returning the amp to him until Friday, he has already reposted the amp with an added note that he doesn't want to haggle about or discuss the price at all; given that, I'm not even going to talk to him about it.