INTRODUCTION TO SYNTHESIZERS - hol.gr

the display for flickering when you play the keys - it could be a sign of a malfunctioning power supply.
Connections, like outputs, headphone jacks and pedal connections are prone to be broken. There is nothing
more annoying than discovering broken line outputs too late, just because you only tested the synth with your
headphones!
Check the MIDI connections. You will need to have another keyboard or a computer to perform this check, but a
broken MIDI circuit can render the instrument useless for sequencing work, so this check may very well be
worth some fuss.
If the synth is equipped with a disk drive, watch out! Old disk drives may be working perfectly for decades, but
when they break down you may not be able to replace them. Check the drive out for dust and dirt - use a
flashlight to see if there is grime and grease on the inside. I am serious. Take a look at the disks - if provided.
Do they look dirty? Are the labels loose or sticky? Do they have pencil writing on them? Pencil dust, combined
with eraser dust is the worst disk drive-killer you can imagine.
Definitely avoid instruments using QuickDisk (QD) drives, like the Akai S700, Akai X7000 and the Roland S10.
Empty QD-floppies used to be very expensive and they are almost impossible to get hold of today!
What about the manuals? You may be able to figure out the basic operation of the instrument by yourself, but
can you set up the System Exclusive Patch Dump Request too? The condition of the user manuals can also tell a
lot about the previous owner - a mint condition manual may tell you that the owner took good care of his
instrument.
Stolen equipment
How can you be certain that the equipment you wish to buy is not stolen?
Well, this one can be a bit tricky. If the previous owner can show a receipt of his purchase, then you are
probably quite safe. But otherwise you should be careful. Ask the seller about the reason for the sale. If the
price is absurdly low, or the conditions of the purchase seem weird, you should definitely watch out. Also check
that the serial number plate (often on the back of the synth) is intact. If this plate has been removed or
obviously replaced, you can be pretty sure that the instrument is a stolen one.
Sometimes it can be tempting to buy a synthesizer at a ridiculously low price with no questions asked, but you
should remember that buying stolen property is a crime! And if the police comes knocking on your door, you will
need to have some good explanations at hand! Losing your new synth, your money and getting sued at the
same time is more than enough to ruin your day!
Frequently asked questions
I receive a lot of mail about musical instruments and synthesizers, and it's great to be able to help. I try to
answer your questions if I can, but it may take some time!
Q: Which synthesizer should I buy?
A: Please, please, please - don't ask me what synthesizer you should buy!
This is without doubt the most frequently asked question and it is absolutely impossible for me to answer it!
As any newcomer in this area surely must have noticed, it's a complete jungle out there: there are thousands
and thousands of different kind of synthesizers and modules, so picking just the right one for you is nearly
impossible. I am only familiar with, like ten or twenty of them. You have to take your time and do your
homework, reading reviews in music magazines, gathering information, visiting music shops and trying out
the instruments that you feel good about.
For issues regarding buying synthesizers and music equipment, please check out my Synthesizer Buyer's
Guide web page. If you still have specific questions, don't hesitate mailing to me. I'll answer if I can!
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