Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Tomo got me thinking about supplementing my Spark II ("instant ramen") amp with a "real" amp to work on good tone. I also saw his recommendation to get a vintage (used) amp for practicing (I've been playing guitar for six months — no gigging, just practicing).

One thing that's holding me back is I don't know what to look for when buying a used amp. Can anyone share advice about what to look for when buying a used amp to know if it's in good enough working condition, so I don't come home with a lemon?

Maybe if you go through a large or active dealer they may have a refund policy. Wouldn’t hurt. I think also you shouldn’t be looking for a deal. If it is underpriced it probably is for a reason

I’m sure others here have more experience. I would think about buying through a well known vintage shop maybe especially if you don’t know the gear well yet

Hello Andy,
If you are experiencing the draw backs of the spark mini, then you will help yourself out with a 'real' Amp. I still like my spark mini for it's purpose, small portable, BLE speaker, some fun sound and modeling Amp stuff. Like what Jeff is saying if you spend a little more you get more. The black cat Amp is a nice Amp for a high end. An OK Amp is this little practice Amp, very honest and clean with gain channel

Used Kustom DART 10 Guitar Combo Amp | Guitar Center https://share.google/AgbTzEg8e3JIoXPBn

If you can get a tube fender that is good too. There was another discussion if you try a search 'about amp' there are some great suggestions there. Cheers - johno

Hey Andy - I agree with Jeffrey. I get stuff from a few different places. But when I got my vintage practice amp, I bought from Guitar Center. One, because of the return policy. Two, because I didn't want the hassle of mail return to Reverb or Sweetwater. If there was an issue (there wasn't), I could just go to the local GC and return it.

https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/forums/general/71238-about-amplifier