@keysme: What basis would there be for action against Roland? Not only do they not know what has happened to the synth before the original poster bought, but neither does he/she. For all anyone knows, the first owner could have spilled their coffee on the keyboard or something like that, thereby shortening its life.

If the OP lives in a country where a three-year warranty is in force and has the purchase documentation (for the original purchase, not the eBay transaction), then it would be reasonable to pursue the matter. He/she shouldn't draw attention to the fact that they're not the person who bought it new, though.

comradec,

Hi, I am assuming he purchased the G8 within the U.S. since that is the person's place of residence according to the IP location. U.S. purchases of the Fantom G series are a 1 year only warranty as far as I understand. You're right about the original receipt too. He would need verification of the original purchase transaction, not just the eBay one. Something smells a little fishy in all of this if you ask me. It's hard to believe that Roland would turn someone away if the documentation is in order regardless of whether his G8 is out of warranty or not. The only reason I can think of where Roland might refuse repair service is when documentation is out of order or not sufficient enough to verify legality of the purchase and ownership.

FWIW, he may have bought a stolen (hot) Fantom G8 and now he's stuck with the cards he's been dealt and Roland wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. ;) I wish him well, but if you buy through eBay you have to be extremely careful so as not to get ripped off, which is what may have happened in this case unfortunately.

Lots of assumption here. Theres a statement that the unit worked as advertised for a while. We have no idea how the instrument was treated or what environment in was in after the ebay purchase.

I sold a SP606 on ebay, two days after the purchaser recieve the item, his son jammed the memory card in backwards and broke the instrument. Who liable here, I told the dude I sypathize, and recommend he isolate his equipment from the hands of his son.

Did the horseman drop the instrument? Did he store it underwater? Did he leave it un-attended and the grimlins get in? I personnally sleep with my equipment.

All I know is that I treat my G6 like it is gold. I usually take very good care of my instruments anyway. My motto is that you never know when you may want to sell it or trade it in, so to me it's important to have it in excellent condition.

Okay, I opted for a PC3X instead of a G. The X8 is my main board and I have bought Rolands my whole musical life and I have NEVER had trouble with ANY Roland other than back problems from their incredibly sturdy construction.

This auction, if it was eBay perhaps it is not too late to report it? I guess the cliche buyer beware is appropos here. I would NEVER buy a piece of kit - new OR used without auditioning it. Prime example: a local music store is selling a used Korg Radias for 799. Lowest price I have seen on the web is 1200. So I am thinking WOW what a deal. But, I auditioned it and glad I did. Nifty sounds but truthfully, it just wasn't for me. Had I believed all the hype about this Radias, I would be out 800.

ALWAYS get TIME with the instrument you are going to consider buying.

I TRULY hope you get the situation fixed. The G IS a good board. Roland have been in the biz for a LONG time and their instruments are among the best. :)

Ahimsa,
Vlad