Things to Look For When Buying Used DJ Gear
January 22, 2018
Wouldn’t it be great to win a mega-million lottery and spend the cash on new DJ equipment? Yeah, that probably won’t happen anytime soon. What can happen, though, is finding someone who has upgraded their DJ equipment and is looking to sell some older gear. Buying used DJ gear can be a hassle, but not if you look for a few key things before shelling out your money. Protect yourself and your money with these helpful suggestions.
Physical Wear and Tear
Most DJs travel with their equipment, and good DJs invest in protective cases and bags that will protect their music machinery. If you’re going to consider buying used DJ gear, you need to be sure to inspect any physical damage. Check to see if there are any scratches, dents, scuff or bruises on the equipment.
Physical wear could mean one of several things. On the positive side, it could mean the equipment is sturdy and can stand the test of time. It could also mean that the equipment can weather adverse circumstances, which, as a DJ, is a great thing. However, it could also mean that the equipment wasn’t well cared for. Also, worn equipment could mean that the gear you’re looking to buy may be nearing its last good years. If you have questions or doubts, be sure to ask the seller about any inhibitions you have regarding how the gear looks, how it’s been kept and stored, and so on. You want to know about any strange discrepancies before you buy.
Loose Wires, Toggles or Knobs
Along with the physical upkeep of the used gear you’re looking to buy, you should also be mindful of any loose wires, knobs or switches on the equipment. If something seems too easy to turn or move when there should be a bit of tension, inquire about it. One exception may be mixer faders. Faders can be tricky because many can be adjusted to suit a particular scratching or cutting style. On the other hand, loose faders can be a sign of extreme wear and use.
If you have any doubt about what controls on the gear should feel like, consider taking a trip to a local electronics store to check out the “new” version of the gear you want to buy. This can be a perfect gauge of what to expect with the used equipment that’s being offered. Also, do your online research. YouTube will undoubtedly have tons of reviews for you to consider, and that can also give you a good idea of what you’re looking to invest in.
Connection Static or Feedback
External wear is not the only thing you should be aware of. Used gear can look great on the outside but be extremely frazzled internally. Be sure you are afforded the opportunity to connect your choice of cables to the gear you’re looking to buy. If you hear any static, humming, buzzing or feedback when cables are connected, you should inquire about the equipment’s history: when it was purchased, any servicing or repair work that’s been done on it, and if it has all of its original parts.
Before Buying Used DJ Gear, Test It!
When all is said or done, you should be wary of any deal or seller that won’t allow you to test out the equipment for yourself. If it’s a mixer, controller, PA system or turntable, a reputable seller will not try to hide the functionality of products they’re looking to sell. If you won’t have an opportunity to try out the equipment–if you buy it on ebay, for example–be sure to check for return options. That’s not to say that a piece of equipment labeled “as is, no returns” is junk. It simply means you need to know ahead of time what you’re investing in.
Buying used DJ gear will always come with a bit of a risk. However, many DJs have reaped a huge reward finding the right person looking to lighten their equipment load. Be wise and protect yourself by paying close attention to your potential purchase, inside and out. You’ll be happy you did.