Street Talk: Many Careful Owners
Old bangers in demand across Euroland

By Bob Kelly

The world of “previously cherished” second hand equipment has gathered pace over the years. This is, of course, due to manufacturer’s ongoing commitment towards research & development of new products. The resale value of used equipment normally fluctuates according to international exchange rates and regional economic conditions.

Market conditions slow the flow of used gear on the market, due to busy periods when every piece of equipment is required. Likewise, when things simmer down many rental/hire companies consider moving old stock to help fund new purchases in preparation for the next busy cycle.

PRE-OWNED PRICES

Occasionally, very good deals on pre-owned stock (one-five years old) can be found when “Flavor of the Year” purchases are made. When this occurs rental companies are sometimes very keen to move on used gear at very reasonable prices in order to facilitate their next best system.

This can be an excellent opportunity for used equipment buyers as they can land a great bargain. There are multiple purchase opportunities at present in reaction to the market pressure from a dozen different line array loudspeaker system.

Systems like Meyer MSL3, Turbo TMS3/TMS4, d&b F2/B2, EAW KF850 and Martin F2 systems can still yield excellent returns after all those years of being toured and loaded in and out of lorries almost daily throughout their life span. For instance, a Meyer MSL-3, which cost £1800(US$2500) in 1983 can still fetch £1000(US$1400) on the market today and the upgraded version MSL-3A, from 1991 which cost £2100(US$2935) back then, can still realize up to £1300(US$1800) per cabinet today.

The venerable EAW KF850, which I helped launch into the European market in 1988, were available for £2500(US$3500) at the time. I have recently been selling these for around £1500(US$2100) per enclosure. Turbo TMS-3 enclosures loaded with PD/V2 drivers, can still be sourced for around £800/900(US$1100-1250) today. The original version was launched in 1983 and sold for £2000(US$2800).

THE LONG & SHORT OF IT

Martin F2 systems are abundant around Europe, they have been changing hands for anywhere between £1500-2000(US$2100-2800) per stack depending on the configuration and condition. Of course, all of these systems have to be well looked after and serviced after every tour to obtain good resale prices otherwise the return is very low.

Investing in equipment covers is usually a wise choice as they offer better protection leading to a higher resale price. It can be difficult to source second hand quality products in good condition unless they were owned by professional sound rental companies dedicated to regular maintenance.

Some systems on the market are almost impossible to find these days like d&b F2/B2 stacks or TMS4’s as well as TSE111/TSE118’s which they say are harder to come across than “Rocking Horse Shit”. There are some Meyer UPA-1A’s around which can be bought for £750(US$1050) and £950(US$1328) for UPA-1C’s.

Currently, several “pre-owned” PA systems, from installs, are available. These systems range from JBL, Nexo, EV, Martin, Turbo, Renkus Heinz and Community and include amps and processing.

Obtaining used install gear like this can be very advantageous when it comes to resale value, as the condition of previously installed gear is normally very good while purchase prices are comparatively low on complete package offers.

To be frank, I am blown away by the fact that these systems are still being sought, bought and sold down the pyramid to smaller hire companies worldwide, after all these years. Such stellar resale value’s are an homage to the design and build quality of these loudspeaker manufacturers.

DESKS DEALS

In the Mixing console world Midas still seems to be the most specified product for touring professionals. An XL4/64 console dating from 1995/1997 can still change hands for anywhere between £40.000 (US$56,000) /£45.000 (US$63,000) depending on the service record and recent upgrades. An XL3-40 with centre faders dating from 1993 to 1996 can be bought for £17,000(US$23,750) /£18,000 (US$25,175) and 1997/98 models for £18,000 (US$25,175) /19,000 (US$26,550. The older Midas consoles with right hand side faders(right hookers) sell for less then centrally located versions.

It is very difficult to source XL250 desks without breaking the Bank but, there are still a number of XL200’s (44 + 4) changing hands for around £13,000 (US$18,175 )£15,000 (US$21,000). All the above prices are related to Full Touring Packages which should include a flightcase and two PSU’s.

Soundcraft consoles are always in great demand. If you are lucky you might be able to come across one in Euroland like a K3 40-channel FX output Theatre desk or Standard version with FX outs for around £5000(US$7,000)/ £6000(US$8,400).

The Soundcraft SM12/SM16/SM24 are still very popular monitor consoles and can be difficult to locate while a Series 5 FOH & Monitor seem almost impossible to come by in Europe. You can however, find Viennas, Venus and Europas used consoles at very reasonable prices.

Yamaha PM3500-FOH & MON consoles have been selling recently around Europe for anywhere between £13,000(US$18,175)£15,000(US$21,000) with PM4000 models from 1996/1998 maintaining price levels at around £16,000(US$22,375)/£18,000(US$25,175). Once again, these are Full Touring Package estimates.

Amek Langley Recall consoles are available now and again, a 56-channel fully loaded board can fetch up to £18,000(US$25,175)/19,000(US$26,550 while the smaller Amek 501 40-channel recall can be found for £7000(US$9,785)/£8000(US$11,200) if sold in the UK.

Finally, If you can locate a second hand Allen and Heath GL2200/3300/4000, count yourself lucky, as these are extremely difficult to come across in Europe.

Due to longstanding exchange rates with our European touring partners, it has been difficult to sell UK equipment abroad. However, the pound is much weaker against the dollar and sound equipment from the UK and Europe is much more affordable to buyers in the North American market.

Happy Hunting!

Bob Kelly is a Market Development specialist who has helped launch many brands of audio equipment for manufacturers such as Martin Audio, EAW, d&b audiotechnik, and the V-DOSC for L-Acoustics. He can be contacted via e-mail at bobkellyuk@aol.com

July/August 2001 Live Sound International