Musical Instruments

[Twist]

I recently purchased a SpiderValve 212 amp from my local Best Buy store.  I almost went for the plasma tv but on the way out the door stopped and found a Line 6 SV 212 on sale.  I looked at this amp about 2-3 months ago and the new price peaked my interest.  In talking with the sales associate about he amp I had asked if this was the most recent model as I thought I saw a different config for the amp at Guitar Center ?  The sales person assured me this was the most recent version of this product.  I wound up negotiating a little and walking out with what I thought was a great price on current hardware with the floor model 212.  On looking for the documentation for the amp on line imagine my surprise that this amp was DISCONTINUED from Line 6 several months back.  The NEW and IMPROVED model of this amp - SPIDER VALVE 212 MKII was released several months back (October / November).  This new Amp is what you can buy from the other music stores (local and on line).  The older amp is being discounted to clear them out as old stock.  Not everybody can know every thing but 'I do not know" when you don't  is better than giving out info that just is not correct.

The most recent version of this product is the Line 6 Spider Valve MkII.  It has more capability in terms of modification of the presets / models for the amp that the MkI cannot do. I believe that the new model has less of the band specific / song specific pre-sets that come with the Mark1.  It has a couple of new effects (pitch shift, looping, etc ).  This also includes the ability to update the firmware on the amp as well as the individual pre-sets from the foot pedal setup.  Do yourself a favor and if you are looking at a Line 6 SV 112 or 212 go on line and check out the differences between the Mk1 and Mk2 before you decide.  The foot pedal available for the Mk2 has several functions that do not work with the old Mk1 as well.   The Mark 1 is still a nice amp but be aware of the situation prior to plunking down your cash ! Any input that other folks have on the delta's between the two amps would be good for others looking at this.  
 

My question is - what is the return policy for this amp at Best Buy?  Is there a re stocking fee ? I am a Silver Reward Zone member currently and have spent a few bucks at BestBuy in the last few years.   I am considering the SpiderIV 75 or 150 112 as these seem to have more ability to interface with the pedals to mod tone and effects than the old Mark1 SV. 

[Kyle-BBY Community Connector]

Hello Twist,

I'm really sorry to hear that the amp isn't really what you were looking for.  Our Musical Instrument staff typically stays up-to-date on the new products out there so I apologize if you weren't made aware of the newer Line 6 Spider II amps that are out.

Being that you are a member of our Reward Zone Premier Silver program, you would have 45 days from the date of purchase to return the amp with no restocking fee.  That should give you ample time (pun not initially intentional) to return it for a full refund if you do decide against keeping it.

If you are thinking about fronting some more money for the Spider Valve 112, you should know that that one also is a discontinued model, but it might have the functionality you need.  The main difference I see between this Spider 112 and the Spider II 112 is that the next model pumps out 75-watts of sound rather than the 40-watts it previously did.  Likewise, the Spider II 212 has 2 12-inch speakers backed by 150-watts of power versus your Spider 212, which has those 2 12-inch speakers backed by 40-watts of power.  The newer model would definitely crank out more volume if you playing live gigs with the amp.  In that respect, you could also go with the Spider 150 to get that same power at a lower price.

I hope this information helps!

[jthorstad]

WOW! Crazy story! This same thing happened to me last night. I stopped at the Maple Grove MN BB on my way home from a business trip last night. Been wanting a Line 6 Spider Valve 212 and have had a hard time finding them...

Entered the store...YAY! There's a guitar section!

Walk through the display...RATS. Only see the 112. Wait...maybe in the "practice room"...

YEAH! There's a 212 in there! And it has a clearance price of $599 on it. I've died and gone to heaven.

The guy comes to talk to me. I asked if this is the current version of this amp. He says it is...I am thinking I'm getting the best deal ever!

I my excitement I negect to look to see if it's an MK II or not.

Well, I get it home (2 hours away) and lo and behold...it's the first generation. :-(

So, I'm playing it today, and hey...I kind of like it. I think I can live with it, really.

The bummer I'm having now is the footswitch. I got the $99 FBV Express, cuz the guy told me I could change banks with it. Not exactly true. You can change presets (your main 4), but NOT banks.

Ugh.

So I'd really like to upgrade to the FBV Shortboard. If I bring this pedal to my closest Best Buy (Fargo, ND) will there be a hassle returning it??

[CrystalWoW Valued Expert]

Doesn't matter that it is a different location so no problem there. Make sure to bring your id and your receipt. As long as everything is with it and functioning there won't be a problem. Keep in mind that if you paid cash or check they will mail you a check for the refund if it is over $500. If you paid credit, and for most debit cards it will go back on the card. Gift card back on a gift card.