steveketay
1 post
Sep 24, 2010
9:56 AM
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Looks like the wife and I will be moving to Scotland next year. Have been wanting to buy a small tube amp for a while now, but am wondering if it would be smarter to buy here and bring it to the UK (would need to factor in the cost of shipping and power converter), or purchase there (exchange rate, etc...). Any advice would be appreciated.
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MrVerylongusername
1248 posts
Sep 24, 2010
9:58 AM
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Don't forget UK mains is 240V
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steveketay
2 posts
Sep 24, 2010
11:07 AM
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I figured that a power converter would probably run me about 40-50 pounds...I'm guessing haven't had a chance to look into it yet.
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Kingley
1378 posts
Sep 24, 2010
11:35 AM
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You can get a power converter in the UK 110v-240v for around £20GBP. Although if you were to buy a HarpGear HG2 (the best small amp around in my opinion) for example, then Brian Purdy would install a 240v transformer if you requested it. I guess most of the other harp amp makers would as well. The only thing you need to be aware of is UK import charges. Those will add to the overall cost of the amp. Although I'm guessing that as you're moving to Scotland you'll probably be having your belongings shipped over, so then it wouldn't really be an issue.
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bluemoose
316 posts
Sep 24, 2010
12:02 PM
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I'm guessing there is a much wider range of amps available in the States as well.
(If we were talkin' Scotch the shoe would be on the other foot..but then you'd be drinkin' from your shoe (?)...hummmm...forget that train of thought. :)
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steveketay
3 posts
Sep 24, 2010
10:05 PM
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Thanks for all the advice so far. Have been looking at getting a vintage Champ, and have been trying to find reasons for me to buy it. Will check out the HG2 now, maybe there's a distributor around these parts that I can go give it a try...I now also want a bottle of scotch.
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strawwoodclaw
101 posts
Sep 25, 2010
5:24 PM
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I live in the UK , I have bought many amplifiers from the US in the past .There is very little choice over hear & the £££ is still stronger than the $$$. I have a Premier 50 for sale that is in good condition & sounds great for harp & is a little louder than a champ it has a good HONK. 1 6l6 1 5751 & 1 5y3 8" smooth cone alnico. If you was to buy one from the US & bring it over I would not worry about custom charges on a second hand amp tell customs you are giving it a friend for cheap gift.
step down converters can be bought very cheap paulbellows at hot mail dot co dot UK
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steveketay
4 posts
Sep 25, 2010
9:27 PM
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Cheers Paul and everyone else - looks like I will go for something over here and just get a converter box. The HG2 is looking promising. Any suggestions for a real dirty amp?
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