engl screamer combo with changed transformer

[JDC]

hey, this guy I know has come down on the price he wants for his engl screamer combo, he wants £450 for it, I'm not sure if that includes the new tubes he's got for it but....

the transformer got changed for some reason, is this anything to worry about and what kind of questions should I be asking?

all he's said about it is "It had a bit of trouble with the stock transformer, which was pretty poor but that's been upgraded now to a big monster one and hasn't been a problem since. I think the guy that sorted it used to do some work for Sounds Great in Manchester. I think he re-wired it when he put the transformer in, so might need re-jigging if you wanted to use another 1x12 with it or something - I can check that out anyway"

[hamfist]

Sounds like a new Output transformer has been fitted.

Like any amp mods or work, it will all depend on the quality of the work and the knowledge of the person who has done it. Although fitting a new OT is not rocket science, choosing the right one is important.
  It could all be fine, or it could be a disaster zone. If it was me, I'd want a little bit more detail about what the new OT was, and who did the work. Ideally, even get to speak to the guy who did the work.
A change of OT will change the tone of an amp though, so it might be as well to make sure you can play the thing before any commitment to buy.

[JDC]

thanks, I found out a bit more about it now, the stock one blew so the tech replaced it, and that blew, so he stuck an over matched one in to it, the seller said he'd test the connections on the back to see if they work

just had an email off him and I can't believe how close he lives to me, hopefully I'll go round his tonight or tomorrow and test it out

[hamfist]

thanks, I found out a bit more about it now, the stock one blew so the tech replaced it, and that blew, so he stuck an over matched one in to it, the seller said he'd test the connections on the back to see if they work

just had an email off him and I can't believe how close he lives to me, hopefully I'll go round his tonight or tomorrow and test it out

My advice is AVOID THAT AMP !!

If two OT's blew, then there is a high chance that something else is wrong with the amp that is causing OT's to fry. Putting in a beefed up OT will not cure any underlying problem. Be very cautious.

[JDC]

if I'm reading what he's saying right only 1 of the 8ohm output connectors is attached, the 16ohm ones are not for some reason, would this be related or has the tech got lazy?

does anyone else on here think I should avoid the amp?

[hamfist]

if I'm reading what he's saying right only 1 of the 8ohm output connectors is attached, the 16ohm ones are not for some reason, would this be related or has the tech got lazy?

That would mean that the new OT probably only has an 8 ohm tap, and no 16 ohm tap. Not laziness on the part of the tech, in fitting the transformer. Although perhaps a little lazy in not bothering to find an OT with different impedance taps which are, of course, very useful.

[JDC]

thanks hamfist, I was going to go round his house and try it, but your amp knowledge seems to back up your avoid the amp statement, I still have a bit of gas for it which is annoying but if it won't take 16ohms at all then that really limits my choice for 2x12 cabs if I wanted one in the future

he said he was going to sell on ebay anyway

[Will]

Watch it on eBay, and if it is looking cheap it may be worth a bid? It may turn out to be a bargain, and then you will have enough money to swap the OT + full service

[noodleplugerine]

£450 with a new transformer and an underlying unknown issue.

Bare in mind I got mine for £500 with the footswitch and a cover, in perfect working order.

[JDC]

£450 with a new transformer and an underlying unknown issue.

Bare in mind I got mine for £500 with the footswitch and a cover, in perfect working order.

originally he wanted £600 for it!!!

[dave_mc]

£450 with a new transformer and an underlying unknown issue.

Bare in mind I got mine for £500 with the footswitch and a cover, in perfect working order.

that's what i'd have thought. i'm not too well up on electronics, but i'd be very wary.

problem is, some people want to get most of their money back, even if it's broken- they feel like they've been gipped, but don't have a problem with passing the gip down the line to someone else. it doesn't work like that, but that doesn't stop them from trying, so it's best to be wary just in case this guy is one of those people.

[MDV]

£450 with a new transformer and an underlying unknown issue.

Bare in mind I got mine for £500 with the footswitch and a cover, in perfect working order.

I sold mine 450, mates rate, based on what I saw them going for second hand (550-600, no footswitch (had my PB by then))  :?

[MDV]

Oh, wait, I think it was 400.
Yes, it was. In whenever-you-can installments. Part of the mates rate thing

Dont get me wrong. Glad I did. Mates getting good use from it (original post reads a bit like "What have I done?" when its meant to mean 450s a good price).

[d1dsj]

I'm in the "I would n't touch it with a barge pole" gang here. You may well be lucky, but if ever the thing fails on you you'll be thinking about this thread forever and a day!