I’ve been a reader for awhile, this is my first post in the forum
After scavenging for some time, I have the opportunity to get an Analog Four mk1 for a good price (400 eur). The unit however is quite used, it has some scratches and the knobs are basically brown.
The seller swears it works perfectly (obviously) and showed me some pictures of the debug screen that shows zero errors and a led check. He lives pretty far from me so I cannot see the unit in person, but in the next days I will have a facetime call with him to check the machine.
Probably the money save is not worth the risk, considering that around 550 eur I can get units in definitely better conditions, but regardless of that the question is: what things would you check during the video call?
but seriously, you may miss a scruffy steal, but the less desirable prospect of having to spend on encoders would be high and worth considering - ask to see the test mode output which is also where encoders can be twisted to show their relative responsiveness, all should look and ‘feel’ the same … i.e the red trig trace lights should follow the encoder twisting equally and smoothly - if one is skipping/pausing or going backwards it points to a failing encoder - encoders can also be pressed, so check that too
buttons can also be tested - but all this is simply easier and safer in person - see if teh screen looks consistent and not blotchy - this can also be demonstrated in test mode by pressing the lower numbered trigs
there’s also no guarantee that a well presenting expensive example won’t have these issues, so buy with as much buyer protection as you can - plus, in time these parts will probably need replacing, so having them replaced now may be a good move, assuming the rest of the unit is sound - if you can solder/desolder it may work out inexpensive
basically - no guarantees, it’s about balancing risk - it might be priced to go or priced right (not forgetting that it could be priced low to prevent folk buying sensibly and be a scam, it happens)
Test Mode will reveal anything serious - be sure to have all 4 voices demonstrated - beyond that it’s down to your judgement on risks
I wouldn’t buy a unit that worn down and dirty without trying it myself & the seller cleaning it as well as possible before purchase. Even if the software and the internal parts work, the knobs might be wobbly or damaged, something you wouldn’t notice over a video call.
…if all push encoders work, it’s all fine…
let him show u a default sound and turn every knob…close up of the display…then let him drown the signal in reverb…filter open and close…all shows fine?..give him ur money and let him send it over to u with shipping insrance…400 bux for a dirty a4…u can’t get it any cheaper…
once in ur hands…take a towel, wet it a bit, rub the machine and these brown knobs…sturdy but carefully…they get brown with the years, no matter how often u wash ur hands…nothing u could not get rid of again once in a while, again and again…turn it on, check the os, download the actual one, install that and call urself the fresh owner of one of the best truu analog synth out there…
400€ for A4 is a very good deal but personally I still wouldn’t buy it in the condition you describe. A couple of reasons:
Never underestimate the significance of aesthetics. If an instrument looks and feels good, you’ll be even more eager to play it.
In the spring I was looking to buy a Revox reel to reel machine. Found a unit ”in immaculate condition” on an auction site for a good price, which was going to save me about 150€ (sound familiar?) on the average online going rate. The unit turned up all covered in dust, sand and spider webs. The seller went ”missing” and I was left to deal with the less-than-cooperative auction site. Six months went by and after dozens of emails and documentation sent I finally got my money back. Frankly, I started to hate the sight of the damn machine.
The lesson I learned? I’m still going to continue buying my gear 2nd hand but going for the absolute lowest prices often entails more risks.
Would be a bit too much of a risk and a bit too much work for me for a relatively small amount of money. Maybe if you ran a store or flipped music equipment more seriously the risk would be worth it.
Thanks everyone for the replies.
I will follow your suggestions and check mostly for encoder sensitivity, encoder push, screen response and if all the voices/filters/effects works properly, as far as I can understand from a video call.
I’m honestly worried for faulty buttons as the units looks used, but I guess there is no way to really understand it until I get my hands on it.
I will have the call today, I’ll keep you posted!
