should I buy a used or new mic?

[gt_jumper]

good mics will hold value second hand, like i bought a Bees Neez tube mic for $600 and i can sell it (can, but never will) for that or more. Its a good way to find out if you like a mic or its not for you without loosing money.

the AT4033 is an amazing mic btw!

[2manyrocks]

Used=no warranty unless you buy from a store that allows returns.

Also, used seems to be more of a risk of getting a counterfeit product unless you buy from a established retailer.

New--can over pay if not on sale and then you get the depreciation in value hit if you try to resell.

[onespecial]

used

[Analok]

Buying used will always have it's risks. Trust your seller, ask plenty of questions over what's not disclosed (like tobacco or musty odors, etc). If & when you feel confident with the offering, pull the trigger. Most of us buy used gear all the time & mics are on the top of the list (preamps are surely a tight second place). Most times great deals can be had, now & again a bum sale comes your way. The good deals always outweigh the bad ones, so the sour grapes come out in the wash & hopefully you learn something from them. Most times both buyer and seller walk away happy. Good Luck in your hunting Oh, and whatever you do avoid eBay seller "9guitar" a.k.a "Flower Pot Guy" (he's a reckless price gouger!!).

[prizebeatz]

I personally have not experienced any problems buying used (knock on wood). I've been through at least a dozen mics including the AT4033. It's funny because the last three mics I've bought have been new which is unusual for me. The only downside to buying new is that if you decide to sell it you will normally lose out on money.

The AT4033 is a very solid mic. I think it works better with a 'less clean' preamp though. I've heard great things about the MXL R144 but have not used one yet. Saw one for $50 a few weeks ago and I regret not getting it. I got a Cascade Victor instead and it sounds schweet. I hope I'm not boring you to death. I know ribbons are supposed to be more fragile than the alternatives so maybe you should factor that thought into your decision somehow.

[wat99422]

I was thinking about a Victor but nobody has said much about them. I can get one for like $169. The AT 4033 will rum through a Joe Meek Twin Q (tube) so according to your post that will bring out the best in the AT4033. Ya me get bored talking about mics RIGHT

[2manyrocks]

I have no experience with the AT you are considering so I can't comment on it.

I ended up buying an R40 (on sale for $70 every so often) instead of the R144 based on the discussion in this thread: MXL R40 ribbon microphone

I also bought a couple of Apex 205 ribbons ($99 each) based on the Ribbon Madness thread. Ribbon Madness....Some Comparisons

Honestly, I haven't made up my mind to say one is a better value than the other, but if you're considering the R144, then you may want to also consider the R40 and the Apex 205, as well.

[crowhue]

Wouldnt have thought mics have much in the way of consumable parts that wear out so Id seek out a used bargain.

[dxavier]

I have bought many used mics. Only had one issue with one mic, which I returned to the seller and got my money back immediately. If you buy using ebay/paypal, you should have all the protection you need.

[halcyo]

I've bought a lot of mics used, and have always had good experiences.

The beauty of it all, is I've turned around and sold most of them again when they weren't perfect for what I was looking for and because I bought used, I usually sold em for the same as what I got em for.

[BrianVengeance]

For me it depends on the usage... if it will eventually end up in front my face (or someone else's) then going new is more likely. Stuff that I will stuff in front of an instrument, I'm more than happy to buy used. Just a personal cleanliness OCD sort of thing, but I'm more than happy to break out some sanitizer / disinfectant for a good deal on a microphone.

[seedee701]

i like buying used.
90% of the gear that breaks does so in the first 6 month of its life.
i don't like beeing the beta-guy...

sad enough i had the worst experiences with the priciest gear i own and bought new. of course you got warranty but it can be a pita nonetheless, especially when buying overseas...

[evermuse]

Originally Posted by Analok

Oh, and whatever you do avoid eBay seller "9guitar" a.k.a "Flower Pot Guy" (he's a reckless price gouger!!).

Vu Meter Speaker Vintage Rack | eBay

[wat99422]

Okay I am already hunting down an apex 205. What do you think about the 210?

[evermuse]

Realistic 32 1110 Electronic Reverb Delay Mic Line Input Out Vintage Unit | eBay
*laughing so hard it hurts* thanks for pointing this guy out... this is hilarious

Anyhow, so as to not go to off the rails here. I've bought a lot of new and used mics. There is no hard fast way to answer this. Right now, I need to pick up some 57s to replace the last two that where killed by my own sloppy stick work. Those are a no brainier. I'll go find em on craigslist.

I also have an ATM25 that I got a deal on at a guitar center for $100. And that was brand new. It's also a fantastic mic that normally sells for about $280. Why did they sell me one for 100??? I have no idea, but I love that mic.

[Analok]

+1 R40. Great bang for buck when on sale at MF for $69. The R144 is near identical but never drops in price...go figure. The Cascade line will afford you with higher quality out the door though. MXL ribbons "might" arrive saggy however I've personally not had a problem.

[Analok]

Originally Posted by evermuse

Realistic 32 1110 Electronic Reverb Delay Mic Line Input Out Vintage Unit | eBay
*laughing so hard it hurts* thanks for pointing this guy out... this is hilarious

be careful not to wet yourself while laughing...you might short out your power conditioner or worse

Ever notice how he closes out every description with "Vintage Unit"? Like that's his God given license to spike his pricing through the ozone layer!

[MarkF48]

Originally Posted by evermuse

Realistic 32 1110 Electronic Reverb Delay Mic Line Input Out Vintage Unit | eBay
*laughing so hard it hurts* thanks for pointing this guy out... this is hilarious

I'm laughing as well since I actually have one of those from many, many years ago. I'll sell you mine for half of what he's asking

[2manyrocks]

Originally Posted by wat99422

Okay I am already hunting down an apex 205. What do you think about the 210?

This probably explains a lot: Difference between Apex 205 & 210?

Front End Audio has the 205 in stock for $99 with a cable thrown in.