From tonycapp@earthlink.netMon Jan 30 09:25:54 1995 Date: Sun, 29 Jan 95 21:32 PST From: Tony Cappellini To: Scott <1SHW1010@ibm.mtsac.edu>, ANALOGUE@MAGNUS.acs.ohio-state.edu Subject: Re: Ob-8 At 11:56 AM 1/29/95 PST, Scott wrote: > > >What's the average asking price for the OB-8 nowadays? Once again, here >in LA I looked through several pawn shops, used music places in the San >Gabriel Valley, not to mention looking through ALL the Recylers, and >I couldn't find ONE OB anywhere. > > >This is like looking for records... > > You'll have to be patient. Check the adds weekly. I know (or at least was available 2 weeks ago) of one for sale by a repair guy at MusicTek, but he wants $800 or so. But I'm sure it's in tip top shape since he repairs them. I live in the San Fernando Valley. I got one through the Recycler 3 months ago for $450. It DOES have a factory midi retro, but it had 1 dead voice, which I fixed. It also didn't have a manual, but I was able to get one after the fact. The average price is $700, but most are going for > $800 or so. IF you do find one, check for the following ... 1. Midi retros - Oberheim Factory retros are on the left side of the Unit, but I have read somewhere that some may be located on the REAR panel. I'm not sure if these are 3rd party retro's or not. 2. Look for the Page 2 identifiers silk screened on the front panel. They are a different color than the normal function lettering. This isn't a must, but is a convenience so you don't have to keep referring to the manula for the Page 2 functions. 3. Make sure ALL 8 voices work. 4. Make sure all the keys work. 5. Make sure all the knobs turn. 6. Ask if you can open it up, and look for damage inside. I found a fried rectifier in mine AFTER I got it home. There are only 3 or 4 screws on each side that need to be taken out to open the front panel. 7. Check for the Midi Revision. Press Page 2 twice, and make sure the Page 2 LED comes on. Now press and hold the Page 2 button, and press the SYNC button. The Programmer LED's should illuminate showing you the Rev. There are 4 alpha LEDS, A,B,C,D, and 8 numberic LEDS 1-8. B5 is the latest Rev, so B and 5 should light up. I don't know the difference between B5 and the earlier mods. There is one place in the Valley that does OB8 retros, but they are $65 and hour, plus $175 for the kit. If you are technically inclined, you can do it yourself.