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Values

What a vintage amplifier is worth

Value in this market follows originality and condition before age, and the models that carry a premium are a small set. This page gives the framework the classes are built on, not a price list — no sold-price data was collected for this reference.

ClassYearsMarket dataWhat drives it
Tweed Fender combos and heads1946–1960no market data collected yetOriginal cabinet and an intact tube chart, matching transformers, condition of the tweed and the speaker make.
Brownface and blackface Fender1960–1967no market data collected yetCircuit originality, original transformers and drivers, an unmarked faceplate and cabinet, and the model itself.
Silverface Fender1968–1982no market data collected yetModified or unmodified circuit, original speakers and transformers, cabinet cosmetics and size.
Marshall Plexi and JTM1962–1969no market data collected yetPanel, tolex, grille and transformer authenticity — the era most often forged — plus documented provenance.
Marshall JCM 800 and 9001981–1992no market data collected yetModel code first, then originality, service history and condition.
Vox AC30, JMI era1959–1971no market data collected yetOriginal Woden transformers and Celestion drivers, correct cabinet and cosmetics, and the voicing details of 1963–64.
Ampeg SVT, V-series and Portaflex1961–1985no market data collected yetTransformer originality, recent professional service and functional condition, since these are working amplifiers rather than shelf pieces.
High-gain classics: 5150, Mark series, Hiwatt DR1966–2005no market data collected yetModel and revision, service history and condition rather than age; several of these are bought to play.
What moves a price
Originality of the major parts
Matching transformers, original drivers and original pots support the top of a range; any one replaced part moves an amp down.
Capacitor and service history
A documented professional recap and service usually helps a working amp and can hurt a collector piece; undocumented work does neither.
Cabinet and cosmetics
Original tolex, grille cloth, logo and hardware are checked against the era; re-covered amps are priced as players.
Documentation and provenance
A tube chart, a dating sticker, an inspection tag or paperwork that matches the codes removes doubts, which is exactly what a buyer is paying to avoid.
Model and revision demand
Within one maker the demand is uneven: the 2203 and 1959 Marshalls, the blackface Fenders and the early AC30s carry the interest.
Completeness and condition
Footswitches, covers, original speakers and working condition matter more than small cosmetic marks on an amplifier that is bought to be used.
Sold-listing aggregates (Reverb / eBay sold, cleaned of parts-only and clones) are published for 37 catalogue models, newest reading 2026-10-24. Figures live on each model page; condition and originality still move them more than any list price.The method behind every answer →
Date the amp first — the year decides the class →