what to look for in a second hand 2000xl

Hi,

I'm looking to pick up a 2000xl second hand and wanted to know what I should check with the buyer - either on the internet on inspecting in person - in regards to the condition of an mpc 2000xl.

So far I've just been asking if the screen has any lines, are all the pad sensors still functioning properly and just looking at the general condition. Anything else I should look out for so I don't get stuck with a dud?

Are they pretty reliable machines in general?

thanks!

poppyzD wrote:Hi,

I'm looking to pick up a 2000xl second hand and wanted to know what I should check with the buyer - either on the internet on inspecting in person - in regards to the condition of an mpc 2000xl.

So far I've just been asking if the screen has any lines, are all the pad sensors still functioning properly and just looking at the general condition. Anything else I should look out for so I don't get stuck with a dud?

Are they pretty reliable machines in general?

thanks!

they are reliable, but at the same time they are not new units anymore.


check for lines, or any missing pixels... stay away if that is the case because once the first one happens it gets worse fast. Then the pads, check that they all work... some will work less good then others but that isn't a huge issue and if ever some of them stop entirely which is doubtful you can get a new sensor sheet for under 100 bucks.

check every input and output to make sure they work... also the knobs should be working.

mainly the screen though.


check what options it has.
-8 outs
-eb16 effects expansion
-ram expansion (which is a 10 dollar upgrade that can be done yourself for close to free)
-the f-rom (which is doubtful but it exists and is not really useful at all on the 2000xl)
-CF card reader... WAY BETTER then a zip or floppy drive. you can get this mod done for under 100 bucks... i personally bought my own one from an asian component seller online and payed 1 dollar for a working card reader. you may not want to mess around and maybe you would want to cut to the chase and get a good one right off the bat so I suggest checking out scsiforsamplers and getting their reader which supports up to 16gb cards.

good luck.

Thanks for the reply.


Why is the CF much better? Seems like most people get by with zip ok.

poppyzD wrote:Thanks for the reply.


Why is the CF much better? Seems like most people get by with zip ok.

cf is better because no click of death... google the zip click of death.

cf cards hold more, they are more reliable, less moving parts... easier to go to and from the computer, it's faster, cheaper, easier to pop samples in a friends different model mpc....

okay, the jump from floppy to zip is much more relevant then the jump from zip to CF card. that is true, but it is a nice bonus having the card reader and it is a cheap add on that you can get anywhere (vs something like the 8 outs or the fx expansion where you got no choice but to bite the bullet and pay for them)

I also noticed in some photos the screens of certain mpcs looked orange, where other times the screens look white. I assumed this was just the color looked when the screen was titled back, or is the orangeness a sign of an older failing screen?

One screen I saw was very orange and the edges were slowing closing in on the screen with a fog that made it hard to read.

that would likely be related to the back light and is not the same as the missing pixel and line problem... the back light can be fixed for way cheaper from what I understand.... also that may have been just a bad picture or the camera flash playing a role....

mr_debauch wrote:that would likely be related to the back light and is not the same as the missing pixel and line problem... the back light can be fixed for way cheaper from what I understand.... also that may have been just a bad picture or the camera flash playing a role....

Actually some units have orange backlights, some have green backlights, and some have white backlights. You can modify the backlight to whatever color you want, really. Ive seen people with red backlights on MPC 60's, purple screens for 1000's and 2500's. The orange screens normally shipped with the special edition models, and were available as replacements. The white backlights were for the MCD and Studio Plus versions, and were also available as replacements. And the green backlights came stock on the original units, and are normally harder and near impossible to find.
At least thats what I heard.

i have one mpc 2000 xl se 2 since i bought i only use it about 10 times ... fully loaded with 8 outputs ,32 ram,multicardreader, you must see this one is like new on the box.... but i live in holand rotterdam so is kind of dificult for you peace...

Tapuno wrote:

mr_debauch wrote:that would likely be related to the back light and is not the same as the missing pixel and line problem... the back light can be fixed for way cheaper from what I understand.... also that may have been just a bad picture or the camera flash playing a role....

Actually some units have orange backlights, some have green backlights, and some have white backlights. You can modify the backlight to whatever color you want, really. Ive seen people with red backlights on MPC 60's, purple screens for 1000's and 2500's. The orange screens normally shipped with the special edition models, and were available as replacements. The white backlights were for the MCD and Studio Plus versions, and were also available as replacements. And the green backlights came stock on the original units, and are normally harder and near impossible to find.
At least thats what I heard.

yeah true, but the fade out around the edges must be due to the backlight.. wouldn't you guess? the screen wouldn't be responsible for that..