Warranty Importance

[artofmelody]

Hi: I'm looking to buy a certain mic. On eBay I can buy a 2-month-old unit for $300, a new one from an unauthorized dealer for $325, and a brand new one from an authorized dealer for $400. According to the manufacturer, their 10-year warranty only goes with a new unit bought thru an authorized dealer.

So...is it worth the extra $100 for the 10-yr warranty? Assuming they don't cover a mic that's dropped, how often will a mic warranty be needed, assuming it works well to start?

Thanks!

 

[pohaku]

What microphone are we talking about here?

 

[artofmelody]

It's a Rode.

 

[P. Glaser]

My understanding is that Rode is pretty good about warranty service. I've never had any trouble with my NTK except that the cable strain relief fell apart and they replaced the cable. I did have to send it back to the dealer though.

Paul

 

[pohaku]

Well, a ten year warranty is pretty healthy - but it also presumes that Rode will be around that long to honor it. Maybe yes, maybe no.

On the other hand, I've got maybe 100 mics of various kinds and makes, most bought used, and I've yet to have any of them worked on (other than optional mods). If you take reasonable care of the mic, I think it is unlikely to need much service. As I assume it is an LD condenser - would the warranty cover cleaning the capsule if/when it gets dirty? If not, I'd question whether the warranty is worth it.

FWIW, I've also never received a bad mic in any e-bay purchase. Can't say the same about cameras. IMHO, if you are reasonably comfortable with the seller and that the mic won't be DOA, I'd just buy used. If you aren't that comfortable, buy from the unauthorized dealer.

 

[WhiteStrat]

My experience has been very similar to pohaku's. With over 60 mics, I'd say half were bought used. I've never needed work on a mic. If the used price is close to new, sometimes I'll go new just to have something brand new--that's a quirk of mine. But if the savings is anywhere near substantial, I'll go used.

 

[Zetajazz44]

It's a Rode.

I own 2 matched pairs of Rode NT5's and a Rode K2... I love them and have never had a moment's trouble out of them...

Here's a really good story about Rode mics, from a guy that, with his extensive experience in studios, should know that he's talking about:

Terry Manning's Apology to Rode


Randy
Zetajazz44
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[pohaku]

My experience has been very similar to pohaku's. With over 60 mics, I'd say half were bought used. I've never needed work on a mic. If the used price is close to new, sometimes I'll go new just to have something brand new--that's a quirk of mine. But if the savings is anywhere near substantial, I'll go used.

I do the same thing. If the price difference is small, I think new with a warranty is worthwhile. The price difference here is more substantial.

 

[JTC111]

Here's another thing to consider...do you really need a 10 year warranty? It's reasonable to assume that at some point in the next few years, you'll upgrade from the $400 mic you're buying. And when that happens, you'll either put it on the shelf or you'll put it up on ebay. So why lose the extra hundred? Buy the used one and keep the $100 to put towards something else.

 

[JTC111]

I do the same thing. If the price difference is small, I think new with a warranty is worthwhile. The price difference here is more substantial.

Exactly! I saw some guy trying to sell the Great River 500 pre on another board for just $25 below what it would cost me new. Now why would I buy his used one when for the extra 25 I could get it brand new with a warranty? Anyone who bought it would have to be an idiot.
But I think it's fairly common that people overvalue what they have.

 

[pohaku]

Exactly! I saw some guy trying to sell the Great River 500 pre on another board for just $25 below what it would cost me new. Now why would I buy his used one when for the extra 25 I could get it brand new with a warranty? Anyone who bought it would have to be an idiot.
But I think it's fairly common that people overvalue what they have.

Yup. And Buyers don't do their due diligence and check to see what the unit would actually cost new if they shopped around a bit.