Why does Electronic Gear hold better value than tube amps?

[VC4Ever]

I'm kind of baffled at how the used market values things like the Axe-FX and Two-Notes stuff at almost near new prices. Tube amps take a huge hit of hundreds to thousands of dollars yet these microchip technologies stay safe.

When you buy a computer the technology has already advanced to the point that you need a new one in a year. They don't hold value much at all. So why am I going to buy a used Axe-FX when I can throw a couple hundred dollars more and get a new one?

 

[Spaceboy]

There is nothing out there really competing with the Axe FX/Kemper and Two Notes at what they do. The demand is extremely high and the products are too notch, the closest competition being miles behind. There are hundreds of amplifier choices so the demand for a particular model isn't nearly as high, same with computers.

Just a guess...

 

[VC4Ever]

Fair enough. But then we have the famous thread "Hey you in the classifieds with the over priced stuff"...where they are complaining about sellers asking for at near new prices in the classifieds.

Why does saving a few hundred dollars appeal to me with this type of gear when I can just as well say fuck it and buy it new without losing my shirt. I mean its only a few hundred dollars cheaper.

 

[glassjaw7]

Supply and demand? If something is available all day, every day it probably won't go for as much.

 

[VC4Ever]

I don't know, I ordered an Axe-FX 11 Mark 2 no problem almost a year ago. I was put on the wait list and within a day I was getting an email asking for payment. Maybe its changed but seriously how hard is it to manufacture an Axe-Fx. No harder than any other computer related device I would think. Granted they are made in the USA? so it won't be like pumping out iPhones with millions of Chinese hands.

 

[blackba]

If you compare the prices of new tube amps that just hit the market to the latest axe-fx and two notes they are pretty similar as far as price off new. If you compare amps that have been in the market a long time, than they compare to the old axe-fx standard and ultra, both of which can be had pretty darn cheap compared to what they sold for new.

The digital gear will eventually bottom out as the new models keep getting released. It's one of the reasons I hate buying keyboards, as they don't hold their value. I have a keyboard that I rarely use, but at this point it's not worth selling as I will get 20% of what I bought it for. Just the nature of the beast with digital gear.

 

[BYTOR]

Because digital is the future of amps.......you'll always have purists like with analog recording etc...but it's just a matter of time.

There will be at least 80% of young generation guitarists who will have zero experience with tube amps.

You already can't tell the difference on properly done recordings, and the live experience for guitarists will soon enough be equal or better...

The technology is just way too versatile, portable & great sounding to be ignored. There will be iphone/ipad apps that will sound & feel as good as any tube amp there is!

Mark my words people.......I love & own some top tier tube amps, but the writing is on the wall bitches!

Oh by the way......I recently updated to the Axe2XL & got $2099 for my Axe2 that I bought new in 2011 for full price at $2199......try getting that much for your brand new tube amp after a few years!

 

[jsp]

Because digital is the future of amps.......you'll always have purists like with analog recording etc...but it's just a matter of time.

There will be at least 80% of young generation guitarists who will have zero experience with tube amps.

You already can't tell the difference on properly done recordings, and the live experience for guitarists will soon enough be equal or better...

The technology is just way too versatile, portable & great sounding to be ignored. There will be iphone/ipad apps that will sound & feel as good as any tube amp there is!

Mark my words people.......I love & own some top tier tube amps, but the writing is on the wall bitches!

Oh by the way......I recently updated to the Axe2XL & got $2099 for my Axe2 that I bought new in 2011 for full price at $2199......try getting that much for your brand new tube amp after a few years!

No.

There is nothing out there really competing with the Axe FX/Kemper and Two Notes at what they do. The demand is extremely high and the products are too notch, the closest competition being miles behind. There are hundreds of amplifier choices so the demand for a particular model isn't nearly as high, same with computers.

Just a guess...

If you compare the prices of new tube amps that just hit the market to the latest axe-fx and two notes they are pretty similar as far as price off new. If you compare amps that have been in the market a long time, than they compare to the old axe-fx standard and ultra, both of which can be had pretty darn cheap compared to what they sold for new.

The digital gear will eventually bottom out as the new models keep getting released. It's one of the reasons I hate buying keyboards, as they don't hold their value. I have a keyboard that I rarely use, but at this point it's not worth selling as I will get 20% of what I bought it for. Just the nature of the beast with digital gear.

Yes.

 

[PBGas]

It's one of the reasons I hate buying keyboards, as they don't hold their value. .

The Virus synth would be something that goes against this thought. Coincidentally the same folks that make the Kemper amps.

but yup...keyboards take a nosedive for the most part.

 

[Spaceboy]

just curious but are analog synths a money sinkhole too or is that more digital?

 

[Shask]

I think it is all of the above There is really no competition, but I also agree that more and more people are wanting high end modeling and leaving big loud tube amps behind. They are just not practical for most people anymore. We have finally reached the point where there is not huge tone sacrifice for convenience.

 

[Shask]

just curious but are analog synths a money sinkhole too or is that more digital?

Analog synths are not digital. That is the definition of analog

There has actually been a resurgence of "cheapish" analog synths lately. Arturia mini/micro brute, Korg Volca series, Novation Bassstation II, Moog, etc.....

Digital synths can be too similar to computer software, so people are looking for something that computer software does not produce as easily....

 

[Spaceboy]

No, what I meant to ask was 'do analog synths depreciate as rapidly as digital synths, or do they follow a similar pattern to tube amplifiers?'

 

[Shark Diver]

My opinion is that the electronic stuff is more versatile. So, when you want to try something different (which we all do constantly) you don't need to buy another amp, but simply load another amp, IR, etc. So, people tend to hold on to those things capable of that more - less on the used market, so back to supply and demand.

 

[blackba]

My opinion is that the electronic stuff is more versatile. So, when you want to try something different (which we all do constantly) you don't need to buy another amp, but simply load another amp, IR, etc. So, people tend to hold on to those things capable of that more - less on the used market, so back to supply and demand.

There is something to be said for that. Even with tube amps I have long said that if I were to sell all my amps I would keep the most versatile one, which in my case is a Mesa mark Iva and sell off the if single channel amps that I tend to play more actually.

Axe-fx does a good job at keeping a waiting list, which helps limit the supply of the amps and this keeps resale high. For those that have these high end digital gear be thankful that it holds its value right now. Just look at tvs, tablets, laptops, etc. Its depressing to think what that type of stuff is worth.

 

[Shask]

No, what I meant to ask was 'do analog synths depreciate as rapidly as digital synths, or do they follow a similar pattern to tube amplifiers?'

I guess it is hard to say. The old-old analog is usually sought after, but usually only the most dedicated people collect them. They are usually seen as a maintenance nightmare because they are getting old and can fall out of tune and such. Just like people buying old 60's tube amps to refurb them. Some people do it, but many will avoid it and buy something newer. There are some Gems though that hold very high values.

The digital synths depreciate quickly because they cant be updated as fast as software. Many people feel like these are pointless now since Plugins sound so good these days. I still like them though

Right now there is a surge in the market for small cheap tube amps. You are seeing a ton of these mini-heads that offer tube tone in a smaller, cheaper, more modern package. That is what you are seeing in analog synths as well. There are a lot of newer, cheaper, back to the basics analog synths coming out that are offering analog sound and knobby interface (as opposed to clicking on a computer), in a more modern package. These will probably depreciate quickly over time though, just because of the sheer volume of them being made.

 

[RJF]

I don't get it. I don't want a do it all digital "box of presets." If I want to try a different amp, I don't want to just change to a different preset. I want to buy that amp and try it, feel it through a 412. I want a collection, a collection of the classic and modern guitar sounds, from a collection of my own tube amps. Not a collection of amp presets in an ugly little square box.

The Axe/kemper has it's place, but it's not the 100% future. If I had to settle for a "box of presets" only for an amp, I'd pursue my other hobbies.

 

[mooncobra]

I don't get it. I don't want a do it all digital "box of presets." If I want to try a different amp, I don't want to just change to a different preset. I want to buy that amp and try it, feel it through a 412. I want a collection, a collection of the classic and modern guitar sounds, from a collection of my own tube amps. Not a collection of amp presets in an ugly little square box.

The Axe/kemper has it's place, but it's not the 100% future. If I had to settle for a "box of presets" only for an amp, I'd pursue my other hobbies.

I agree!! Down with digital!!!

 

[Spaceboy]

I sure the heck can't afford to buy a new amp every time I want to try a new sound, most people can't.

 

[gtr31]

To me the Axe strength is still it's greatest weakness it has too much stuff in the box ,every firmware has new things like # of windings on your transformer , new Mic pres ,
mix 2 cabinets and different speakers ,If your a sound guy or studio producer ok great but some guys like plug and play.
When axe releases a box with Bass mid treble and 20 amp models with simple fx i will be interested.
I know people say just don't use all the bells and whistle ,but to me then they are just in the way again IMO