Sounds

At last, you can test the sound of the synth. If it has factory presets you can compare the sounds to their names. If they match, it's probable that the electronics are working correctly. Nevertheless, you should test the response of every control in turn. Knowledge of the synth is vital here: it's no good determining that a knob has a progressive action if the sound isn't changing the way it should. Always look for problems. Electrical and electronic faults, often causing controls to function in unexpected (and therefore wrong) ways, can be very expensive to track down.

Two final pieces of advice. First: If you're unsure of yourself, don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Most of us know somebody who is delighted to show off, and it could save you hundreds of pounds. Second: Many components are becoming rare, whilst others are already unavailable. Check that your prospective purchase can still be serviced before handing over any cash. Otherwise, it could all end in tears.