Cosmetics

Let's start with the obvious: if a keyboard's case is battered, the electronics have probably had a rough ride. After all, it's harder to crack a panel than it is to smash a delicate component. So check for any signs of physical abuse, and make sure that you turn the synth upside down (or get down on your hands and knees) for a close inspection. You might discover that the claim "never gigged" is untrue. Of course, a gigged synth is not necessarily unreliable, but in all likelihood it has had a tougher life than one that's spent ten years in someone's living room. Don't forget to check for scratches or gouges that have been overpainted or restained - this could be a sign that someone is trying to hide some damage.

Case screws are often painted, and therefore show abuse quite clearly. Mismatched or missing screws tell their own story, and while there's nothing stopping a seller from inserting a whole new set, someone willing to do that will probably take care of the unit in other ways as well.

Before going any further, you should also check for visible signs of water or other, less pleasant, liquids. Spillage can cause severe problems that may not manifest themselves immediately, but corrosion might have started, and this can lead to component failure of one sort or another. You must be particularly careful if the instrument has a touch-sensitive screen. These are not particularly robust, and the gap around the screen can draw liquid into the unit by capilliary action. This is then capable of destroying the resistive surface under the screen, thus rendering it useless. Repairs can be expensive: it is often necessary to dismantle most of the synth to access the screen, and this adds cost. The same is true for pitch ribbons, such as those on the Kurzweil K2000 series. These too are susceptible to liquid damage, and replacing failed units is not cheap.

The only sensible advice here is, "If you see signs of spillage, but you're still intent on owning this machine, check it very, very carefully. If its functionality is already impaired, if you see signs of developing rust, or there's evidence of other corrosion, demand a discount. If that's not acceptable to the seller, grit your teeth and walk away." You'll probably be glad that you did.

Furthermore, if you own a synth and get liquid inside it, get it serviced without delay. Doing so could save a lot of money in the future, and even stop your pride and joy ending up in a rubbish skip.