All I need is a couple more amps....

A few weeks ago, I ran across this blurb somewhere on the web:

“Owning top name music products just got easier, with new financing programs from several leading brands. From now until Sept. 15, 2010, consumers [that means people!] purchasing a new product over $499 from brands such as Korg, Marshall and Vox, from an authorized dealer in the U.S., can receive 6 months of 0% financing. The program is being offered in partnership with GE Money. Full terms and conditions can be found at authorized dealers or by visiting www.voxamps.com or www.marshallamps.com [and, if you're so inclined, korg.com].”

Interesting. This seems to be a program that these presumably related companies are trying in order to goose sales. But six months? That’s it? Guitar Center, where you can buy the above new products, already offers 12 months of 0% (“no-interest”) financing if you use its Preferred Player Card (I don’t have one, don’t know anyone who does, can’t comment on it).

But assuming you qualify for said financing, why do it? The only reason is to defer paying for something you gotta have now. I get that. BUT would you be better off waiting a little, saving a little longer and getting a truly killer amp for a killer deal. Because said deals are are ALL OVER the place.

I’m not necessarily talking about Craigslist, though you can find some good deals there. Not pawn shops, many of which now try to overcharge. I’m talking about the venerable “evil-Bay,” as so many folks call it, and forums like thegearpage.net, mylespaul.com, seymourduncan.com and many others. Holy crap some great deals are out there! IF you know exactly what you want, and if you feel you’re buying from a reputable seller.

I’ve seen $2,800 Fuchs amps go on eBay for $1,000. Seriously. I’ve watched killer Reinhardt literally-better-than-90+%-of-Marshalls heads go for $1,200, basically new heads that would cost $1,800 new. Compare that to the cost of a new Marshall.

These are great deals, folks! [Wish I had the coin!]

I’ve also seen amazing boutique amps not sell on pages like thegearpage.net, even at outrageously low prices. Crazy!

In view of the above, I’m going not going anywhere close to out on a limb when I say: NOW is the best time to buy an amp.

And who knows? With business slow, maybe some of the amazing boutique manufacturers out there would be willing to make a deal too!

Bottom line: Not having a few $K lying around is killing me, man!