One's trash is someone else's treasure


I would be interested to find out what “treasures” you people have come across in your journey to audio nirvana on the used market. For me, it was in 1993 (I don’t remember if the internet was already at its early stages of development – I don’t think so), and I came across an ad in our local newspaper for a Linn LP-12. The second I read the ad, I immediately called the seller who happens to be this older fellow who obviously didn’t have the slightest clue what he’s about to relinquish. I drove to his apartment and there it was, a Linn LP-12 complete with an LVX tone arm, a K9 cartridge and the smoke dustcover – all in excellent condition. The asking price? $100!!!! While I was in his apartment checking the table out, the seller received about three phone calls regarding the LP-12 too bad for those prospective buyers but first come, first serve. Talk about someone’s trash being someone else’s treasure!!!! About three years later, I sold the table for $900! It was about this time when the digital front end was really taking off with the transport and outboard DAC options. Now, I’m back into vinyl (just recently got back actually) and have a VPI Scout Aries with JMW 9 arm and a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge. This time, my analog set up is a keeper!!!! What treasures have you come across??????
gemini
When my father died my mother sold all of his "hobby" wood carving stuff at insanely low prices. My father collected wood and carving tools with a passion, but she had no attachment to the stuff and couldn't stand to look at it. She gave away $10K in exotic woods to whoever would haul it away. When I freaked out about it she calmly said "What would you want that old wood for?". Please, give gemini a break here, he may have actually done the gentleman a service.
PS - amending my 2x asking price suggestion...if you had a good idea of real market value a fair approach would have been to split that price. You are indeed providing a service by educating as to the true worth of his Linn. Split the price. Both come away with a win.
I don't think it was Gemini's obligation to do someone ele's market research. On the other hand, for the sake of conscience it might have been good to offer more than asked (2x the selling price?)...still a bargain I think. In any case, no one forced the asking price. It's a FREE market last I checked, unless you wanna live in some socialist state.
"I came across an ad in our local newspaper for a Linn LP-12. The second I read the ad, I immediately called the seller who happens to be this older fellow who obviously didn’t have the slightest clue what he’s about to relinquish. I drove to his apartment and there it was, a Linn LP-12 complete with an LVX tone arm, a K9 cartridge and the smoke dustcover – all in excellent condition. The asking price? $100!!!! While I was in his apartment checking the table out, the seller received about three phone calls regarding the LP-12 too bad for those prospective buyers but first come, first serve"
You cant frame this with such pride then have a problem with folks who dont agree with you.
I agree with others here, I am always looking for a deal and cant afford much of anything but I couldnt buy anything from someone I didnt feel knew what he had and would let him know it may fetch more money then is being asked. Who knows he might just sell it anyway but even if I lost out I would sleep good at night.