Would you sell 'as is' - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Pcspike · 8th Oct 2022, 3:25 pm

Been doing some renovation work on my Sugden A21, (mk1 I believe) as I intend selling it on. When I say renovation, I mean the wooden case rather than the actual amplifier which is in excellent cosmetic and working condition. The veneer on the case was stained and scratched so I have refinished it and it is looking good again. I'm sure that you can understand my disappointment after completing the job to find that it has now developed a 50hz hum on one channel. I removed the case and checked for any loose wires and joints and all seemed fine. I suspect that perhaps one of the capacitors is failing.

My question is this, should I sell it 'as is' or should I attempt a repair? My thinking is, given that both channels are working there's not a lot wrong, probably a simple fix (if you know what you are doing). I would appreciate your thoughts.

kellys_eye · 8th Oct 2022, 7:21 pm

Depending on the 'as is' situation it can reflect on the sale price to a smaller or greater extent depending on who takes an interest in it.

You would need to assess the cost of making it 100% against the potential sale price - only something you can determine.

A simple 'hum' issue could reduce the potential sale price by (in my experience) 10-50%. But that also depends on other factors such as rarity and desirability!

Diabolical Artificer · 9th Oct 2022, 8:02 am

Fix it. A fault means a reduced price plus potential problems with a buyer. For the sake of an hours work and a few components making sure the amp is 100% means you can sell with peace of mind and makes the amp far more desirable.

50hz hum tends to be caused by ground issues, stray magnetic flux etc, 100hz is caused by leaky caps and what have you.

Andy.

stevehertz · 9th Oct 2022, 8:10 am

Fix it. The amount of interested buyers will be much larger and you'll get more money for it. It doesn't sound like it's going to be a difficult repair. And of course you'll get lots of help on here. Fix it!

joebog1 · 9th Oct 2022, 9:09 am

For myself, its ethics.
Otherwise sell used rusted out transportation machines, that are full of problems.

Joe

OHH you need VERY long pointy toed shoes.

Radio Wrangler · 9th Oct 2022, 12:13 pm

If you offer somerhing with an obvious fault, the most a sensible person will pay for it will include an allowance for the worst-case repair, every time. If you repair it you will probably face the cost of the average repair.

In the long run, it is worth repairing. Human psychology and statistics are on your side.

David

paulsherwin · 9th Oct 2022, 4:28 pm

However, it does depend on your skill level. Much of the value of classic vintage amps depends on originality, so any repairs have to be done well with appropriate components. If you attempt to repair it and finish up with a bodge, the value is likely to be less than selling it with a declared known fault.

8th Oct 2022, 3:25 pm	#1
Pcspike Triode Join Date: May 2022 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 49	Would you sell 'as is' Been doing some renovation work on my Sugden A21, (mk1 I believe) as I intend selling it on. When I say renovation, I mean the wooden case rather than the actual amplifier which is in excellent cosmetic and working condition. The veneer on the case was stained and scratched so I have refinished it and it is looking good again. I'm sure that you can understand my disappointment after completing the job to find that it has now developed a 50hz hum on one channel. I removed the case and checked for any loose wires and joints and all seemed fine. I suspect that perhaps one of the capacitors is failing. My question is this, should I sell it 'as is' or should I attempt a repair? My thinking is, given that both channels are working there's not a lot wrong, probably a simple fix (if you know what you are doing). I would appreciate your thoughts.

8th Oct 2022, 7:21 pm	#2
kellys_eye Octode Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Oban, Scotland, UK. Posts: 1,129	Re: Would you sell 'as is' Depending on the 'as is' situation it can reflect on the sale price to a smaller or greater extent depending on who takes an interest in it. You would need to assess the cost of making it 100% against the potential sale price - only something you can determine. A simple 'hum' issue could reduce the potential sale price by (in my experience) 10-50%. But that also depends on other factors such as rarity and desirability!

9th Oct 2022, 8:02 am	#3
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 7,667	Re: Would you sell 'as is' Fix it. A fault means a reduced price plus potential problems with a buyer. For the sake of an hours work and a few components making sure the amp is 100% means you can sell with peace of mind and makes the amp far more desirable. 50hz hum tends to be caused by ground issues, stray magnetic flux etc, 100hz is caused by leaky caps and what have you. Andy. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.

9th Oct 2022, 8:10 am	#4
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,832	Re: Would you sell 'as is' Fix it. The amount of interested buyers will be much larger and you'll get more money for it. It doesn't sound like it's going to be a difficult repair. And of course you'll get lots of help on here. Fix it! __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..

9th Oct 2022, 9:09 am	#5
joebog1 Banned Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Mareeba, North Queensland, Australia Posts: 2,704	Re: Would you sell 'as is' For myself, its ethics. Otherwise sell used rusted out transportation machines, that are full of problems. Joe OHH you need VERY long pointy toed shoes.

9th Oct 2022, 12:13 pm	#6
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,894	Re: Would you sell 'as is' If you offer somerhing with an obvious fault, the most a sensible person will pay for it will include an allowance for the worst-case repair, every time. If you repair it you will probably face the cost of the average repair. In the long run, it is worth repairing. Human psychology and statistics are on your side. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

9th Oct 2022, 4:28 pm	#7
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,957	Re: Would you sell 'as is' However, it does depend on your skill level. Much of the value of classic vintage amps depends on originality, so any repairs have to be done well with appropriate components. If you attempt to repair it and finish up with a bodge, the value is likely to be less than selling it with a declared known fault.