Should i purchase this early/mid-90s Mark IVA combo?

[Thrashman]

So Ive been searching for a Mark IV for years, and recently got contacted by a guy in his 40's wanting to sell me his short-head combo(compact?), saying it has been standing there almost untouched for 10-15 years due to a severe nerve damage in his wrist.

I'm amazed he's wanting to let go of it for around €1k or so, just because I seemed to want it so badly.

The combo looks brand new, doesnt look used at all. I think he's the only owner of it aswell, the tags are still there.
It is however, an american amp so it has a stepdown transformer for use in europe(sweden to be exact).

Are there any things i should be weary about when trying it out? Things to look out for? Things to look for and be extra careful about what shape they're in? Since he's selling it for so cheap. I'm not doubting he's a genuine and nice man, but the amp is old.

Also, where and what would a head shell cost to convert it into a shorthead?

Pictures for you to see!

 

[tony777]

You have to play the amp in all channels and all settings, for test driving, if has been "untouched" filtercaps might go dry.
Step down transformer is a drawback. The amp is heavy enough as it is. You can get export transformers at TAD if you woud like to change it though.
Headshells are available at ebay from time to time, prices vary a lot, and forum members here can build you one. I recommend the floorboard hooks built in if you decide to get a head shell made.

Good luck

 

[Thrashman]

If the filtercaps go dry, how would it affect the amp? Is it fixable?

Yeah the transformer is a drawback, but I'm not going to lug it around barely at all, so I don't mind that, until i can afford a replacement transformer from mesa/boogie or something equivalent to what they use on the mark IV's over here.

I'll PM one of the makers on here to get a price quote, thanks!