Today, we'll delve into the fluctuating values of analog poly synths – which ones have surged and which ones have slumped since I acquired them, all of which were second-hand purchases.
While some of the newer additions to my collection may take time to appreciate, especially given recent price drops, I anticipate their values will rebound, considering the dwindling production of analog synths and the enduring demand for them.
My acquisitions stem from both necessity and desire. I regularly deploy these synths for my band (@AWaJIJazzBlues) and in demonstration videos. They're also integral to my studio work with clients and artists. Operating out of a studio in West London, space constraints dictate my choices. Consequently, I've passed on potentially lucrative investments that hold little appeal to me personally.
It's worth noting that comprehensive demos of each synth featured here are available on my channel. Let's dive into the rankings.

Kicking off at number 11 is the Yamaha CS80, which I acquired for 32.5K in 2022, equivalent to 35.3K today. Its current value remains at 32.5K, resulting in a loss of 2.8K.

At number 10, we have the Jupiter 8, purchased for 20K in 2022, now valued at 20K, indicating a loss of 1.7K.

Moving on to number 9, we encounter the Roland Super Jupiter with programmer, acquired in 1996 for 1.8K, which, adjusted for inflation, amounts to 3.5K today. Remarkably, its current value stands at 3.5K, mirroring its original purchase price.

Claiming the 8th spot is the Oberheim Xpander, procured for 1.8K in 1994, now valued at 4K, yielding a profit of £400.

At number 7, we find the Juno 106, obtained in 2018 for 1K, adjusted for inflation to 1.25K, and currently valued at 2K, resulting in a gain of £750.

Stepping up to number 6 is the recent acquisition of the CS50 in 2024, snagged for 4K during the recession. Presently, these synths are advertised for around 7K, fetching roughly 5.5K, thereby netting an instant profit of 1.5K.

Number 5 spot is occupied by the 2015 purchase of a Prophet 5 Rev 3 for £2800, with an additional £500 spent on servicing and adding MIDI. Adjusted for today's prices, this amounts to £4400. Its current value sits at 6K, resulting in a profit of 1.6K.

Securing the 4th position is the Jupiter 4, acquired in pristine condition for 1K in 2018, now valued at 3.5K, signaling a gain of 2.5K.

Advancing to number 3 is my original Prophet 5 Rev 3, procured for 1K in 1982. Adjusted for today's prices, this amounts to 3.4K, yet its current value stands at 6K, marking an increase of 2.6K.

Number 2 is the Prophet VS, acquired for £600 in 1995, adjusted to 1.2K today. These synths now sell for 4.6K, indicating a gain of 3.4K.

Finally, at number 1, we have the Oberheim OB-8, purchased for £600 in 1995, adjusted to 1.2K today. With a current market value of 6K, this represents a gain of 4.8K.

Adding up the gains and losses, we arrive at an overall gain of 12.9K. A detailed breakdown is available in the description below.
These findings suggest that while analog synth prices may appear to have skyrocketed, they've essentially kept pace with inflation. The significant gains I've realized were primarily from acquisitions made during the 90s, amidst the analog market downturn.


Time Stamps
00:00 Intro
00:18 Yamaha CS80
00:49 Roland Jupiter 8
01:35 Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter with MPG-80 Programmer
01:54 Oberheim Xpander
02:27 Roland Juno-106
03:02 Yamaha CS50
03:43 Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
04:22 Roland Jupiter 4
04:56 Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
05:17 Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Synth
05:40 Oberheim OB-8
05:54 Sum Up
06:08 Conclusion
06:44 What's Next

No. - Synth - Purchased - Price - Conv 2024 - Current - Profit/Loss
11 - Yam CS80 - 2022 - £32,500 - £35,318 - £32,500 - -£2,818
10 - Jupiter 8 - 2022 - £20,000 - £21,734 - £20,000 - -£1,734
9 - MKS80+Prg - 1996 - £1,800 - £3,460 - £3,500 - £40
8 - Xpander - 1994 - £1,800 - £3,636 - £4,000 - £364
7 - Juno 106 - 2018 - £1,000 - £1,248 - £2,000 - £752
6 - Yam CS50 - 2024 - £4,000 - £4,000 - £5,500 - £1,500
5 - Prophet 5 - 2015 - £3,300 - £4,364 - £6,000 - £1,636
4 - Jupiter 4 - 2018 - £1,000 - £1,248 - £3,500 - £2,252
3 - Prophet 5 - 1982 - £1,000 - £3,413 - £6,000 - £2,587
2 - Prophet VS - 1995 - £600 - £1,181 - £4,643 - £3,462
1 - Ober OB-8 - 1995 - £600 - £1,181 - £6,000 - £4,819

Profit £15,678.00

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