Synthoid Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I've read numerous posts from people who bought a used keyboard... stating the manual was missing. You would expect that with a vintage synth purchase, but not from a fairly new keyboard. So how long do you keep your manuals? I've still got the one that came with my Ensoniq ESQ-1 from 1985... When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I hang on to them indefinitely. I have manuals to stuff I never owned--just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tusker Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Many of the manuals are now online. I keep my hard copies around but you've made me wonder if I should ditch them. On many occasions, it's more convenient to use the PDF file to search for something specific. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridog6996 Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have all my manuals stashed away someplace, but to be honest, if I ever needed to look something up it would be much quicker just to grab one online. Like Tusker said, manuals are easy to find online for just about anything. My YouTube Channel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mogut Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Ive got a box box full of manuals for all the gear I own. As I sell items, the manual goes to the proud new owners. It's called etiquette. -Greg Motif XS8, MOXF8, Hammond XK1c, Vent Rhodes Mark II 88 suitcase, Yamaha P255 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muiriled Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I don't even open manuals, just using online pdf versions. Just in case I'll want to sell my board in future I keep original box, manuals , software, intact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marzzz Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I save all manuals, as well as original boxes and packing material (kept in storage unit). It is really nice to have all that if you ever sell a piece of gear, which happens occasionally around here.....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I've read numerous posts from people who bought a used keyboard... stating the manual was missing. You would expect that with a vintage synth purchase, but not from a fairly new keyboard. So how long do you keep your manuals? I've still got the one that came with my Ensoniq ESQ-1 from 1985... while I memorize each manual, word for word, I keep them for 40 years next to my stack of similar age keyboard magazines. You simply cannot predict when these items will command $10,000 on eBay. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yannis D Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Save the planet, recycle your manuals! I still got my Nord Lead 2 manual (i sold the Lead 1 year ago, but the new owner downloaded the manual...). It's PDF from now on Be grateful for what you've got - a Nord, a laptop and two hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muiriled Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 It's PDF from now on cannot take pdf to bath tube... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I keep the manuals, and all paperwork that came with the purchase. I often keep boxes too, but that depends on the product and the condition of the box. I sold my EPS 16+ not too long ago, as well as my VK-7, and they were astonished at the condition of the boards as well as all the stuff I had with it, including manuals and etc. That said, I do keep PDFs on my computer for quick look up, spec info when comparing to new version online, etc. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 I've read numerous posts from people who bought a used keyboard... stating the manual was missing. You would expect that with a vintage synth purchase, but not from a fairly new keyboard. So how long do you keep your manuals? I've still got the one that came with my Ensoniq ESQ-1 from 1985... while I memorize each manual, word for word, I keep them for 40 years next to my stack of similar age keyboard magazines. You simply cannot predict when these items will command $10,000 on eBay. When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Force Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 FWIW I keep all manuals, packing material, warranty cards, etc together for when I resell the gear. Having all of that helps the resale value, IMO. Steve Force, Durham, North Carolina -------- My Professional Websites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeronyne Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I think manuals are the number one justification for an eReader. A laptop is often too unwieldy to put next to your keyboard while you try to figure out how to access the LFO rate with a menu button and single slider. "For instance" is not proof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I keep my manuals as long as I keep the gear. I use the manuals too, and would quite often rather use the real thing than the online version. Sometimes online is better (like with the behemoth Logic 8 manual), but I find that more often than not the hard copy is better (looking up MSB LSB numbers for instance). If you're using your computer to do something, then you don't have to waste screen real estate with an open PDF. And like Zeronyne said, you can't just plop the laptop down anywhere. Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Like others, I keep the manuals for periodic reference and in the event of a sale. PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meisenhower Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I keep mine until I get rid of the gear (or forever, whichever comes first). I also keep original box, packing materials and other goodies, as it makes it easier to sell should you want to. Yamaha C7 Grand, My Hammonds: '57 B3, '54 C2, '42 BC, '40 D, '05 XK3 Pro System, Kawai MP9000, Fender Rhodes Mk I 73, Yamaha CP33, Motif ES6, Nord Electro 2, Minimoog Voyager & Model D, Korg MS10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I keep my manuals as long as I keep the gear. I use the manuals too, and would quite often rather use the real thing than the online version. Sometimes online is better (like with the behemoth Logic 8 manual), but I find that more often than not the hard copy is better (looking up MSB LSB numbers for instance). If you're using your computer to do something, then you don't have to waste screen real estate with an open PDF. And like Zeronyne said, you can't just plop the laptop down anywhere. When I want to *read* a manual, printed is better. OTOH, for a quick reference, the PDF is better for me. Type in the term in a search and boom, I'm there. Find the command or function I need, and move on. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I keep all my manuals until I have thoroughly read them and understand everything there is to know about the product - soup to nuts. In other words, I keep 'em forever. ...and the boxes they came in. In fact, I often keep the advertisements from the pages of Keyboard Mag - just to remind me that I wasn't totally crazy to buy the product in the first place. i.e. Alesis 3630 compressor AND Alesis DataDisk. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 In other words, I keep 'em forever. ...and the boxes they came in. I have the manuals but no more room for boxes... When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 In other words, I keep 'em forever. ...and the boxes they came in. I have the manuals but no more room for boxes... you should always keep the packing boxes, esp. for 88 keyboards first of all, if you have a fight with the wife/girlfriend, that huge carton can double as a sleeping box. if you are tight on space, due to saving everything, you can break down the keyboard boxes, and lay them on the garage floor. I have a large carpet remnant over the flattened keyboard boxes. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I hate PDF's, but like to have them in addition to printed manuals due to the easier search mechanism. PDF's are extremely slow to scroll, especially when you can't see a whole page at once due to the need to zoom for legibility. Faster computers and larger monitors obviate both of these problems, but don't change the fact that we have ten fingers and can quickly cross-reference printed manuals and skim them, whereas only directed searches are really very convenient with electronic manuals. I keep manuals forever. Why not? It boggles my mind how many people sell stuff on eBay without the manual. When stuff is stolen, I hold onto the manuals for a couple of years in case the gear shows up. Then I either sell the manual or give it away to someone who needs it. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITGITC Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 When stuff is stolen, I hold onto the manuals for a couple of years in case the gear shows up. Then I either sell the manual or give it away to someone who needs it. Wow. That sentence makes me think that you get ripped off a LOT. Say it's not so. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SK Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have a 1978 Rhodes 'manual' around here somewhere. Not much to it - how to set it up, plug it in, turn it on, vibrato, etc. CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevekessler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Yes, I DO get robbed a LOT. Thanks for the concern. Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clpete Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I've kept all manuals until I get rid of the equipment. I even keep the ones including those that are not of much use like for speakers or Roland stuff. We play for free. We get paid to set up and tear down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthoid Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 if you are tight on space, due to saving everything, you can break down the keyboard boxes, and lay them on the garage floor. No garage... When an eel hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's a Moray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umbramusic Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I don't sell anything ... I collect things. I have all the hardcopy manuals I've received with a piece of gear. I actually find it easier to just grab the manual off the shelf when needed, as opposed to trying to navigate through a PDF file. Very often I print out the chapters of a manuel that I use most frequently. Live: Roland Jupiter 50, Korg M50 Studio: Axiom 61, Fantom XR, Micro Q, Juno D, Juno 1, D10, D110, TZ81z, TG55, Proteus One, Matrix 6R + an array of soft synths. WWW.UMBRAMUSIC.COM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theGman Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I also like the paper manuals better than PDF. It is much quicker to "scroll" through, is portable and you can sit on the couch while reading, if desired. It is so slow to scroll around while on a computer when you can jump around with a real manual in hand. Someday others will discover this! Why make life so difficult? I actually told a guy this. He was a complete computer geek. I told him there was a new unit available, better than a Kindle, which would give you instant portability, almost indestructible, and never need recharging. He asked what it was.......so I told him they call it a ... book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff_D_in_MD Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 I keep the boxes in the attic crawl space, but worry that I've thereby added more fuel to any fire that might break out. Yamaha P2 acoustic, Yamaha P120 digital, Nord Electro 3HP, QSC K10. FOR SALE: Nord Electro 2-61. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.