[sdiy] Repairability of modern analog synths

[Neil Johnson]

Roman Sowa wrote:
> Why do I rant on economics now?

Because you're an engineer!

Engineering = Science + Economics

The cost per unit of function for consumer electronics has dropped
considerably, to the point now where you can pick up a brand new copy
of a vintage synth for a tiny fraction of what the original cost back
then.  For example, the ARP 2600 cost $3,300 new in 1975:
https://www.theaudiohunt.com/blog/9-vintage-synths-that-made-history

In today's money that is equivalent to about $16,000
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

Today, you can buy a Behringer clone with the same (or better)
feature/function set for about $600
https://www.musicradar.com/news/behringers-arp-2600-clone-will-cost-just-dollar599-but-when-will-you-be-able-to-get-one

Now, assuming the majority of customers are not savvy with a soldering
iron (present company excepted!) most will refer to a tech to fix the
thing when it goes wrong.  I have no idea how much a tech charges, but
let's say $50/hr.  It doesn't take long before it simply becomes not
worth (uneconomic) to repair, but to replace.  Of course some repairs
would be covered under warranty.

Another example: the Prophet 5.  The original cost $4,495 back in
1978, which today with inflation is equivalent to almost $18,000.
Today the re-issue - with more features - is $3,499
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/sequential-prophet-5-2020

The reality is that as soon as something is made it is degrading.
Even more so when powered up: thermal stresses, electrolytics drying
out, ICs wearing out
(yes they do: https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/sprabx4 ) and so on.

And if you understand how an EPROM works you know the clock is ticking....

Cheers,
Neil