[Kitchener]

So I'm considering, maybe, down the line trying to sell my Crack (Ironclad/Brass Shithouse, has pictures) to finance a Bottlehead S.E.X. kit.
I'm not quite there yet, and maybe I'll never get there but I'd like some help determining how much I could realistically ask for it.

It has the following internal mods:
Speedball - $125
Mundorf Mcap MKP (100uF 250V) - $95
Hammond 157M choke - $30
TKD 2C-601 pot - $40
JB JFX, PSU bypass cap (2.2uF 250V) - $1-2

Cosmetics
New knob - $15
Brass Corners - $78.41 (I know, jesus what was I thinking!?)
Clear poly coat

Bunch of tubes
12AU7 type:
Mullards x7
RCA Clear Tops x3
Genalex Gold Lion x1

6080 type:
Mullard x1
Svetlana 6N13S x2
Philips x1

It was wired and soldered to the best of my abilities.
My philosophy was pretty much "this should be able to fall down the stairs and still work" (It wont, of course, but I tried).
I'm particularly pleased with how I suspended the output caps from the top plate; metal clamps, sturdy, easy to either remove or replace caps.
The wiring from the RCA inputs to the pot could probably use a do-over, but they're good and solid.

Cracks pop up frequently on the marketplace here, some of the really unique ones go for $6-700 maybe more, while the stock variants go for about $400 it seems.
Let's say I could sell the lot, what would anyone be willing to pay, what would a reasonable asking price be?

 

[Paladin79]

I cannot swear it is true but I have been told that on DIY amps you can only base them on kit price to sell them on Headfi. Now on Ebay there are stock cracks for $650 up. I have turned down a private offer of much more for mine. Also here, everyone knows you can buy a kit on sale without speedball for $200 roughly so personally I would say post in on Ebay next to stock Cracks and you should be able to fetch considerably more if the right buyer comes along.

 

[Kitchener]

Ideally I'd sell it on our "Norwegian eBay" called Finn.no, that way I can maybe even hand it over in person and be "on call" for tech support.
But I'd definitely "cast a wide net" and try eBay.

 

[Paladin79]

I think that is wise but I am certainly not an expert on policy here so maybe someone else has some thoughts there.

My basic build was six hours but I spent a LOT of time on cabinet and copper plates and components and tubes and changing the build. The fact that less probably exist in Norway should help you a lot I would think.

 

[Allanmarcus]

here be the rules:

https://www.head-fi.org/articles/buy-sell-trade-rules.13274/
Likewise, DIY items cannot be sold at greater than the cost of parts (and shipping), as doing so would make the DIY'er a Member of the Trade and subject to the rules as stated in the Terms of Service.

 

[Kitchener]

Great, thanks!

 

[Paladin79]

Well stated Allan, personally I would like to be paid for the pain and suffering I incurred while cutting square holes in 1/8 inch copper plate but that amount would be astronomical so I best just keep the amp.

 

[bloodhawk]

here be the rules:

https://www.head-fi.org/articles/buy-sell-trade-rules.13274/
Likewise, DIY items cannot be sold at greater than the cost of parts (and shipping), as doing so would make the DIY'er a Member of the Trade and subject to the rules as stated in the Terms of Service.

Going by that Logic, everyone selling their BH Cracks for $200+ is breaking the rules.

 

[Paladin79]

Not necessarily, buy one when not on sale with Speedball and they could be $375 or more.

 

[bloodhawk]

Not necessarily, buy one when not on sale with Speedball and they could be $375 or more.

Totally agreed, but my statement above was based on the actual cost of material.

 

[Kitchener]

I have a feeling that people on here are the sort who have the skills and confidence to actually build amp kits, and therefore might not be interested in paying extra unless the amp is truly unique in some way.

 

[Paladin79]

Very true. One guy on ebay started with about ten and is down to four or so now at $650 or so, but he has had them up for sale for a long time. Shipping to Norway has to be expensive, I know sending a small cable to the Netherlands was $35 postal. A lot of the Bottlehead experience is the fun of the build but not everyone wants that.

 

[bigfatpaulie]

I bet there are mods here who don't know that rule... I think if you listed it for what you want, it's fine. I think that rule is to prevent someone from building a business on HF's sales corner, not selling a one off amp that was for your own private use.

 

[bloodhawk]

I bet there are mods here who don't know that rule... I think if you listed it for what you want, it's fine. I think that rule is to prevent someone from building a business on HF's sales corner, not selling a one off amp that was for your own private use.

Definitely makes sense.

 

[Quadfather]

I have not yet received the Tung Sol 5998. However, I received the Mullard CV4003. Currently I am running it with an RCA 6080 power tube. I really love the fact that this tube has made the treble and cymbals sound much more realistic and clear. That is the first thing I notice.