Best way to get a ballpark of a synth's current going rate..

[space6oy]

...is to set up an ebay account, even if you're not planning to use ebay to buy or sell (or, like me, simply plan to use it as a last resort), so that you can do a search for whatever synth/sampler/drum machine/etc you're curious about how much to ask for / pay for then click the link to see completed listings. only very, very rare items won't have shown up. values definitely do rise and fall, but it at least gives you a fair ballpark.

thought i ought to toss this out there since it's one of the most common topics in the buyer's guide section.

[sequentialsoftshock]

eBay seems to be shortening the amount of time you can go back to look at ended auctions, so another helpful thing to do is browse the "Interesting eBay Auction/Craigslist" thread. It is by no means complete, but may allow you to see an auctions final price while eBay doesn't. The viewable auctions in this thread go back almost four months, and you can click "View & Bid" to view all the details you would if it were still active.
Just thought this would be another helpful tip.

[SynthatticCA]

Hey guys, I've been buying and selling on Ebay since 1998 and since day one I've been keeping and constantly updating a database of all model prices. I can tell you a good asking price for pretty much any synth that isn't super-rare.
I track averages, means, medians as well as upward and downward trends.
Why do I do this? Because I buy low and sell high after fixing up or reconitioning if needed, providing manuals and other materials that weren't included, etc.
So just ask me if you need to know a good price on your gear or are looking to buy something.
[email protected]

[cartesia]

^ He's gonna tell you a price 50% below what you should be asking, then watch for your username on ebay

[sequentialsoftshock]

Or we could just look at the recent prices since inflation has kicked in over the past twelve years.

[TheKeytarist]

I think inflation's been kicki'n for more than 12 years...
(especially since the late 60's, but I geuss that's what happens when you print more money than you actualy have...

[Ashe37]

I think inflation's been kicki'n for more than 12 years...
(especially since the late 60's, but I geuss that's what happens when you print more money than you actualy have...

Much more than 12 years. The inflation index was altered in the early 90s to make inflation disappear.... they removed things like milk, eggs (and most other food as well), gasoline, etc. from the price index they used... you know, the stuff people buy the most often?

[TheKeytarist]

Well, I guess you learn something new every day (or every time you get on the forum).

[vcs3]

You can go to my blog and check the prices of the most synths, if there isn't there
send me a mail that I will publish.

I have a database for the last 2,5 years of the most synths, now I'm expanding the search
for more rare synths.

More synth added.

[intrancewetrust]

great site man... the range of prices on a juno 106 is scary! would be a good place to point newbies like myself to i think... having seen the price these actually go for, i dont think ill be overpaying anyone for one, anytime soon