[Brian Krashpad]

So I just ran across one of these in a pawn. Fender Super Champ XD.

Like new. 15W all-tube with some digital effects and, on channel 2, 16 different "voicings."

It was tagged at $250, but since I can get one brand new for $299, I was pretty sure I could get the seller down to $200.



My approach was this:

"Tom (you do know your pawnbroker by name, I hope!), my usual rule of thumb is that a good deal for used gear is one-half of "street" price new. These street for $299, and I can get an open-box new w/same warranty for $270. Give me your best price."

Then I checked all around the clock on the effects and voicings, everything seemed to work, even hooked it up to my open-back 2x12. Plenty loud, sounds good. Played with both single coils (Gretsch Special Jet with DeArmond 2000's) and humbuckers (DeArmond Jet Star with Gold Tones).

Total damage?

$175 USD!

Ka-ching!

I'ma try it out at church band practice in a couple hours.

[R.B. Huckleberry]

nice score. Great price, and by every account I've run across...a great amp!

[Brian Krashpad]

Thanks, it seems to be pretty cool.

Used it in church and then last night had a no-drums low-volume practice with my main band to work on a new song.

So far so good.

[MrSandMan]

That is a clean looking amp, looks like you just took it out of the packaging.

Our local pawn is a waste of time to even visit. They'll price a fake diamond as if it was a De Beers D-Flawless while telling why fake diamonds are better. They'll even over charge you for a used can of Vaseline while they're giving it to ya. Lol. They have been showcasing a set of Cragar rims (rusted and pitted) in their picture window for like 3 or 4 years now... what does that tell ya?

When I lived in Denver, the pawns out there were awesome (and negotiable). I felt like a kid in a toy store... Wish we had good and reasonable pawn stores here.

Anyhow, another great score by the Krashpad!

[Brian Krashpad]

Originally Posted by MrSandMan

That is a clean looking amp, looks like you just took it out of the packaging.

Our local pawn is a waste of time to even visit. They'll price a fake diamond as if it was a De Beers D-Flawless while telling why fake diamonds are better. They'll even over charge you for a used can of Vaseline while they're giving it to ya. Lol. They have been showcasing a set of Cragar rims (rusted and pitted) in their picture window for like 3 or 4 years now... what does that tell ya?

When I lived in Denver, the pawns out there were awesome (and negotiable). I felt like a kid in a toy store... Wish we had good and reasonable pawn stores here.

Anyhow, another great score by the Krashpad!

Thanks, man.

I'm on good terms with this particular pawnbroker. He's a good guy. I told him my "rule of thumb" being half of "street," but also let him know that I realized this was a VERY clean amp and let him know that my rule of thumb was not an absolute barrier. The $175 price was one he gave me, and I think very fair.

I make a point of going in once or twice a week (this pawn is just a couple blocks from my office), and buying DVD's (they're only $3, after all) to support him in some small way between large purchases, and have also done him some small favors over the years (such as suggesting simple things he could do, like tightening tuning pegs on guitars that are slipping, and one time even pricing an item for him on the fly, when he had some kids interested in something that he hadn't priced yet). He also knows that I have tons of guitars and amps and am thus not "needy" of anything he has, but will buy a good deal. (Also, he knows I'm a church player as well, and thus not out to really screw anybody, not that everyone who goes to or plays in church is a saint, by any means.)

It's good to know your pawnbroker by his first name.

[shredrick]

I had a super champ xd sold it sounded brittle and harsh. Went to a peavey vypyr for a practice amp

[Brian Krashpad]

Wow, mine has never sounded brittle or harsh.