When I started writing about Premier Amps, you could pick them up for about $100. The reverb units sold for about $35 at pawn shops and used equipment stores. I bought my first model 50 for $45.
Then I made the comment on this web site that the Model 50 was the best Harp Amp in my collection. Then I bought a Model 120 that was designed for accordion, but was perfect for harp. I wrote about it. I began collecting Premier amps and documented the dozen or so that I owned and included some pictures from eBay for identification. I said the Twin-8 was the best small size amp for harp that was ever made, and everyone began to listen.
Now here is a Premier Twin-12 on eBay for a $5,000 starting bid. NOW THAT'S JUST CRAZY!It doesn't include the tubes, the speakers, or the back panel. It is missing the original knobs. Is probably doesn't work and is being sold as-is. It is scuffed up and rained on and looks butt ugly. What the Hey???????
Please don't bid on this. It is worth between $250 and $500 depending on the motivation of the buyer. These come up in more complete condition from time to time and will always sell for under $750.
Premier amps are great amps. I own them. I love them. They are great harp amps. There are better amps, though. Sonny Jr. makes a great amp. These are new amps and will last a lifetime. The main advantage of the Premiers is that they were common and fairly cheap, but that has changed for the worse. I am sorry I every wrote about them. I should have kept Premiers to myself.
I am watching this auction and I think I might just give up all hope if this thing gets a bid.
Buy the Book!
I cleaned up my tab for Sonny Boy's Help Me and made it into a short book. There's a Kindle version for 99 cents, and if you buy the paperback you get the Kindle free.
