Elektron Musical Instruments

--- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, "magnetize15"
<magnetize15@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I'm thinking seriously about getting a Machinedrum, but cannot afford 
> to buy one new. Are there any areas that need to be looked at in 
> particular when buying one used ? For example, is the o/s upgradeable 
> by midi or eprom ? Are there any particularly parts that can go 
> dodgy ? That type of thing.
> 
> Unfortunatley i dont know anyone with one, & being in Ireland if i'm 
> buying one it will typically be from the UK, so i won't be able to 
> see it beforehand, so i'd like to know what questions to ask before 
> paying over.
> 
> Thanks.

Honestly, I would suggest foregoing the used-purchasing option and
just save a little longer for a new one.  There are two reasons for this:

1) you'll probably only save about $100 (USD) after shipping; I've
usually seen them go on ebay for $950 or more (USD) when a new one
costs $1100 (USD) shipped; so used *will not* yield a tremendous savings

2) IF you have a problem with it (and hopefully you don't), the used
one will most-likely not be covered under warranty whereas a new one
includes one year of warranty coverage.  The warranty pays for itself
immediately if you do have a problem.  Elektron's repair fee is $50 an
hour plus parts and shipping.  Which isn't bad, but one small
non-warranteed repair will immediately bring the cost of your used MD
above the cost of a new one.  Do you see my point?

HOWEVER, if you purchase a used one that is fairly old (a year or
more) and you check with Elektron that no problems have been reported
on it, then it will *most likely* be fine in the long run.  At least I
hope so (because I'm in this category :-)

There is one other reason why I would suggest buying your MD straight
from Elektron: they deserve the money!  Seriously, even at $1100, the
MD is worth every dime!

Whichever you choose, you've already made the most important decision
to become an MD user :-)

Joe.