Restored? Serviced? Really?

plikestechno · 18th October 2011

Noticing a new selling point recently on Ebay. A lot of vintage items are being listed as being recently restored or recently serviced and obviously going at a premium. I wonder if this is actually the case. It's easy to confirm of course by just asking for the receipts and work notes but has there actually been a boom in guys servicing synths or is this something people feel they can get away with just because everything is working properly?

What does recently serviced mean? Last week? Last year? Five years ago?

Did they take it to a qualified tech? Did they do the work themselves? Does it matter?

Would you pay a premium for a synth that has been listed as restored/serviced over one that is simply listed as everything working with pictures showing the condition.

Interesting thing is that all these synths claiming to be serviced, restored aren't showing any papers. I have half a mind to ask some of these sellers for proof but I don't like emailing people unless I'm actually interested in buying things. I hate tirekickers and weird questions when I'm selling stuff.

Just a pecularity I've seen a lot of recently and wondered what others thought. This doesn't seem to be the case on message boards as much but seems to be booming on Ebay.

Roboticefx · 18th October 2011

It could be a scam, just like anything else.

It isn't abnormal for a person to get an older synth serviced, though. It does save you (the buyer) the time of finding a qualified person to either do minor restoration, repair, or recalibration. Most of the ones I see, have a picture of the service ticket. It'll have everything marked off that was checked, along with notes, the name of the technician, and the name of the place that serviced it. You can then call to verify everything before you purchase it.

I think I see the ones you're talking about, where the date and other information are folded over? You could probably still contact them with the order number, and have them verify it against the serial number of the synth. That will give you the time-frame of when it was serviced.

Space Station · 18th October 2011

Its hardly a new thing.. And I dont think theres a qualification for synth servicing that exists. (Not said pedantically, I have a qualification in arcade machine repair for instance)

In fact a few synths I have bought serviced by well known named techs, with paperwork..were done very badly. I find 'enthusiast/owner restored' gear to be generally a lot better as in the main as those types will go the extra mile without caring about time spent.

As ever, if you're interested, you research and ask lots of questions, check feedback, go and see the item..use logic.

ttown23 · 19th October 2011

Yes, and if their techs are anything like mine, the 'work done' is maybe in an email somewhere, and not actually written up on an official receipt.

My tech will, however, always make a note inside of the unit as to what was done and when. Plus he does very clean work... which I agree is really all that matters in the end!

James Will · 19th October 2011

I also get suspicious with items that are listed as "recently serviced" and agree you cannot tell the quality of the service without going over it yourself (or having someone you trust look it over).

The posts that get me (talking classified mostly) are the ones with "quick fixes" that they don't discount the price accordingly for. "It doesn't make any sound but turns on... it's a quick fix" or "one key is just hanging there. It's a quick fix" Well, fix the darn thing before you sell it!

Which is maybe what the sellers whose 'boards are "just serviced" are doing. I know I'd be more comfortable selling something I knew worked or at least had a professional look over and determine what exactly was wrong with it tell me so I could tell potential buyers...

UCTION · 19th October 2011

Yeah I wanna buy a Juno-60 thats been "restored" looks like it's in really good condition but its not even in the US and it costs like 1640 total with shipping wtf?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roland-Juno-...#ht_828wt_1075

seen-da-sizer · 19th October 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Will

The posts that get me (talking classified mostly) are the ones with "quick fixes" that they don't discount the price accordingly for. "It doesn't make any sound but turns on... it's a quick fix" or "one key is just hanging there. It's a quick fix" Well, fix the darn thing before you sell it!

My favorite one is "cannot test due to missing power cord"

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCTION

Yeah I wanna buy a Juno-60 thats been "restored" looks like it's in really good condition but its not even in the US and it costs like 1640 total with shipping wtf?

Roland Juno-60 JUNO60 Perfect Working Professionally Se | eBay

AFAIK Awakewalk may be expensive (like every other seller from Japan), but has a good reputation. Every market (Australia, Europe, Asia, and the US) has its own pricing structure. The global market is not as global as everyone wishes.

Unless the seller mentioned (with proof) the name of the technician like for example "Synthfool" AKA Kevin Lightner, or Phil Cirocco of CMS, it means diddly squad nothing. Just bought a vintage synth that was "serviced" a year ago. "Butchered" would be the better word than serviced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttown23

My tech will, however, always make a note inside of the unit as to what was done and when. Plus he does very clean work... which I agree is really all that matters in the end!

As long as the note is removable/reversible that is fine. This is what Dr. Sound did to my synth:

jalguitarman · 19th October 2011

To be honest, I am very leery of buying anything off E-bay as I know some people who have gotten hosed in the past and I don't want to go through it.

Yoozer · 19th October 2011

With my JP6 I made sure that it was serviced by a tech with good reputation, and I could show the seller the complete receipt with full description of what was done and how.

I've bought something that was serviced recently according to the seller but I'm still going to drop it off at the tech; not that I don't trust the seller, but there's nothing wrong with a second opinion. Better safe than sorry.

verve92 · 19th October 2011

I, too am VERY leery of buying from ebay- I can't see forking over hundreds or thousands for something I can't test or return. I like local craigslist myself, this way I can go see and play.
I'm one of those guys who needs to play and hear the instrument. When I shop for a new guitar, it could be a $1000 Gibson that plays like a** while a cheapo Strat may play great. Just like people there needs to be chemistry. For me instruments are like women- as longas they treat me right, I don't care where they come from

Acid Mitch · 19th October 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by verve92

I, too am VERY leery of buying from ebay- I can't see forking over hundreds or thousands for something I can't test or return.

Some stuff on Ebay you can test and return. I've done it a few times. Normally you just have to ask the seller before you buy.If it's a business seller they have to give you a 7 day money back guarantee by law. (UK distance selling rules))

Acid Mitch · 19th October 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jalguitarman

To be honest, I am very leery of buying anything off E-bay as I know some people who have gotten hosed in the past and I don't want to go through it.

It's no different from buying anywhere else. I've bought more things with undeclared faults locally and from ads in magazines than from Ebay.

verve92 · 19th October 2011

Of course. I was talking about items across the country that say "no returns."
Besides with 2 kids I have no time to play bidding games day and night. Just not for me.

Paradigm X · 19th October 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttown23

Yes, and if their techs are anything like mine, the 'work done' is maybe in an email somewhere, and not actually written up on an official receipt.

My tech will, however, always make a note inside of the unit as to what was done and when. Plus he does very clean work... which I agree is really all that matters in the end!

Interesting, i was going to post the same.

I got my 909 serviced, he did a fantastic job, its as new, communication throughout was excellent, loads of photos etc... but i tried on a number of occasions to get a written document stating what was done, for future reference/possible sale. I have no record of it being done.

Hopefully ill never need to sell.

seen-da-sizer · 19th October 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jalguitarman

To be honest, I am very leery of buying anything off E-bay as I know some people who have gotten hosed in the past and I don't want to go through it.

I bought a lot of stuff on ebay, and rarely I got hosed. My experience matches Acid's:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid Mitch

I've bought more things with undeclared faults locally and from ads in magazines than from Ebay.

Exactly my experience too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid Mitch

If it's a business seller they have to give you a 7 day money back guarantee by law. (UK distance selling rules))

On the other hand, if a business sells it, it is going to be more expensive. I try to do the opposite of noobs who are driving up prices to insane levels, buying from noob sellers! You can get excellent deals from less experienced sellers, who do only have little feedback, posting less that three grainy photos, and only post minimal descriptions etc. I rather have a "fixer upper" and can do repairs on my terms, than having a "fixed" machine that does not meet specifications.

rarara · 19th October 2011

incidentally, what prices are we talking about to get an analogue synth serviced from somewhere reputable, assuming nothing needs fixed?

Yoozer · 19th October 2011

What synth, and what doesn't work? If it's just cleaning, the harder it is to take apart, the higher the price. Some are pretty easy - see http://www.synthforum.nl/forums/showthread.php?t=147308

18th October 2011	#1
plikestechno Gear nut Joined: May 2009 Posts: 111 Thread Starter	Restored? Serviced? Really? Noticing a new selling point recently on Ebay. A lot of vintage items are being listed as being recently restored or recently serviced and obviously going at a premium. I wonder if this is actually the case. It's easy to confirm of course by just asking for the receipts and work notes but has there actually been a boom in guys servicing synths or is this something people feel they can get away with just because everything is working properly? What does recently serviced mean? Last week? Last year? Five years ago? Did they take it to a qualified tech? Did they do the work themselves? Does it matter? Would you pay a premium for a synth that has been listed as restored/serviced over one that is simply listed as everything working with pictures showing the condition. Interesting thing is that all these synths claiming to be serviced, restored aren't showing any papers. I have half a mind to ask some of these sellers for proof but I don't like emailing people unless I'm actually interested in buying things. I hate tirekickers and weird questions when I'm selling stuff. Just a pecularity I've seen a lot of recently and wondered what others thought. This doesn't seem to be the case on message boards as much but seems to be booming on Ebay.

19th October 2011	#5
James Will Gear Head Joined: Nov 2010 Location: Sunny California Posts: 37	How about "it just needs a quick fix"? I also get suspicious with items that are listed as "recently serviced" and agree you cannot tell the quality of the service without going over it yourself (or having someone you trust look it over). The posts that get me (talking classified mostly) are the ones with "quick fixes" that they don't discount the price accordingly for. "It doesn't make any sound but turns on... it's a quick fix" or "one key is just hanging there. It's a quick fix" Well, fix the darn thing before you sell it! Which is maybe what the sellers whose 'boards are "just serviced" are doing. I know I'd be more comfortable selling something I knew worked or at least had a professional look over and determine what exactly was wrong with it tell me so I could tell potential buyers...

19th October 2011	#9
Yoozer happy cycling Joined: May 2009 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 7,101 1 Review written	With my JP6 I made sure that it was serviced by a tech with good reputation, and I could show the seller the complete receipt with full description of what was done and how. I've bought something that was serviced recently according to the seller but I'm still going to drop it off at the tech; not that I don't trust the seller, but there's nothing wrong with a second opinion. Better safe than sorry. __________________ For all the intelligence and knowledge that technology empowers us with, the lazy and stupid is amplified along with it (Staticstarter) Threads to check out: Chord Generators & Tips \| Pop Sound Sources

19th October 2011	#10
verve92 Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 1,208	Very good question I, too am VERY leery of buying from ebay- I can't see forking over hundreds or thousands for something I can't test or return. I like local craigslist myself, this way I can go see and play. I'm one of those guys who needs to play and hear the instrument. When I shop for a new guitar, it could be a $1000 Gibson that plays like a** while a cheapo Strat may play great. Just like people there needs to be chemistry. For me instruments are like women- as longas they treat me right, I don't care where they come from

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18th October 2011	#2
Roboticefx Gear Head Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 44	It could be a scam, just like anything else. It isn't abnormal for a person to get an older synth serviced, though. It does save you (the buyer) the time of finding a qualified person to either do minor restoration, repair, or recalibration. Most of the ones I see, have a picture of the service ticket. It'll have everything marked off that was checked, along with notes, the name of the technician, and the name of the place that serviced it. You can then call to verify everything before you purchase it. I think I see the ones you're talking about, where the date and other information are folded over? You could probably still contact them with the order number, and have them verify it against the serial number of the synth. That will give you the time-frame of when it was serviced.

18th October 2011	#3
Space Station Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Chichester UK Posts: 3,023	Its hardly a new thing.. And I dont think theres a qualification for synth servicing that exists. (Not said pedantically, I have a qualification in arcade machine repair for instance) In fact a few synths I have bought serviced by well known named techs, with paperwork..were done very badly. I find 'enthusiast/owner restored' gear to be generally a lot better as in the main as those types will go the extra mile without caring about time spent. As ever, if you're interested, you research and ask lots of questions, check feedback, go and see the item..use logic.

19th October 2011	#4
ttown23 Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 668 1 Review written	Yes, and if their techs are anything like mine, the 'work done' is maybe in an email somewhere, and not actually written up on an official receipt. My tech will, however, always make a note inside of the unit as to what was done and when. Plus he does very clean work... which I agree is really all that matters in the end!

19th October 2011	#6
UCTION Gear addict Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 310	Yeah I wanna buy a Juno-60 thats been "restored" looks like it's in really good condition but its not even in the US and it costs like 1640 total with shipping wtf? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roland-Juno-...#ht_828wt_1075

19th October 2011	#8
jalguitarman Gear Head Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Near St. Louis Posts: 64	To be honest, I am very leery of buying anything off E-bay as I know some people who have gotten hosed in the past and I don't want to go through it.

19th October 2011	#16
rarara Gear Head Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 73	incidentally, what prices are we talking about to get an analogue synth serviced from somewhere reputable, assuming nothing needs fixed?