M
microchip
New member
I would love to hear about everyone's opinions and/or experiences when it comes to purchasing used equipment...especially with regard to sound modules and synths.
Micro
Micro
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brzilian
New member
Been buying them for the last 5 years or so. They have included a Roland D-50, Korg M1/M1r, Roland R-5 and Yamaha DX7.
If you realize that youre are buying a USED piece of gear and of course it will have some kind of blemish/defect its all good.
You just have to keep your eyes open for the usual/obvious problems (I've encountered most of these):
-Backup battery needs replacement
-Original patches are gone
-Dings, dents, scratches
-Bad contacts under keys/buttons
-Loose MIDI/audio connectors
A small monetary investment on your part for service/cleaning usually fixes all these problems. The wierdest problem I encountered was with the D-50. The display would randomly just show jibberish. It would take a couple power ups/downs to get things back to normal.
If you realize that youre are buying a USED piece of gear and of course it will have some kind of blemish/defect its all good.
You just have to keep your eyes open for the usual/obvious problems (I've encountered most of these):
-Backup battery needs replacement
-Original patches are gone
-Dings, dents, scratches
-Bad contacts under keys/buttons
-Loose MIDI/audio connectors
A small monetary investment on your part for service/cleaning usually fixes all these problems. The wierdest problem I encountered was with the D-50. The display would randomly just show jibberish. It would take a couple power ups/downs to get things back to normal.
Trak
New member
Depends where you get it from... I buy a lot of used gear, but I usually get it at a store called Rogue Music, they have a solid reputation and tryout period so I know whatever I buy can be returned/exchanged. Also they make sure everything works, all original patches are there etc...
Chriss
Jitens Half Brother
only thing used i've ever gotten is my turntables... 1210's so they'll last fuhevah.. though... the left stereo channel on one of them sometimes fall about 9 db in volume, which is weird... this started not too long ago...
TexRoadkill
Audio Bum
One thing to look out for on used synths is make sure every key and button is functioning properly. It's common for some of the patch change buttons to go bad and the entire keypad will need to be replaced.
Badger
Active member
On used 12 string gtr's, always make sure they are in tune....To many strings to have to tune it..
I consider having all the factory patches on a used synth wiped out a good thing...easier to resist the urge to use a patch someone else created...MAKE YOUR OWN....
I consider having all the factory patches on a used synth wiped out a good thing...easier to resist the urge to use a patch someone else created...MAKE YOUR OWN....
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porphyrous
New member
My experience has been very positive.
Nearly everything I own (except the Alesis QS-6 I bought new) I got used off of eBay. I even day-traded synth equipment on eBay for awhile and only occasionally ever ran into problems.
I ran into one non-operational drum machine where the seller disappeared, and 2 synth modules (both Korgs, oddly enough) that needed new batteries but the seller didn't state it up front.
If you have a chance to buy used in person, that's the best way to go, so you can try out everything. But eBay isn't a bad way to go as long as you're diligent. Most people there are honest and scrupulous. And you can save a ton of money.
Nearly everything I own (except the Alesis QS-6 I bought new) I got used off of eBay. I even day-traded synth equipment on eBay for awhile and only occasionally ever ran into problems.
I ran into one non-operational drum machine where the seller disappeared, and 2 synth modules (both Korgs, oddly enough) that needed new batteries but the seller didn't state it up front.
If you have a chance to buy used in person, that's the best way to go, so you can try out everything. But eBay isn't a bad way to go as long as you're diligent. Most people there are honest and scrupulous. And you can save a ton of money.