Goldmaster II's bringing high price

[salmonriverhotrock]

Had watched four Gold Master II's up for auction at E-Bay and could not believe what I saw. As best I can tell, the GM-II was introduced in about 1990 so makes them about 20 years old. I have not found what the retail on them was new but a GM V-Sat went I think for about $499 from information I've seen and a GM-4 went around $599.

The first three machines went to the same winning bidder who had zero Feedback and two went at $345 each and the third for $455 not including shipping. The forth GM-II went for $490 to a bidder who has been on E-Bay less than 30 days who beat out the winner of the three other machines.

Has been interesting to watch the continuing rise in cost for anything related to finding gold. Even books like "Zip Zip" by Larry Sallee are going out the roof.

 

[cvs]

Still have my GM II I bought a good 20 years ago, and getting ready to dust it off, spring is around the corner. Good to know I made a sound investment. Last time I talked to my Whites dealer his comment on the GM II was it's basically the same machine as the GMT minus the digital readout and no automatic ground balance. So a good GM II at $300 or $400 less then the new GMT will get the job done, works for me.

SF & HH Carl

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

If the trend continues, I think you made a very good investment for a hobby that is more often than not done at a loss. To get about new price out of a 20 year old metal detector is about like getting to use it free for 20 years with not much more than gas, batteries, and your time added in. I do think though there is a point in which a person would be further ahead to pay the difference for newer and better.

Will be interesting to watch more of these auctions. There were very few veteran bidders on these machines though two looked to be very Mint and they stopped at or about the $100 range while one on the forth machine went over the $400 mark. I still can't believe one guy bought 3 of them and tried for a forth. Almost appears to be hoarding in anticipation their value will soon rise further.

 

[BHNugget]

There was a GMT on there that got up to about $500 when I quit watching it.Looking at the pics of the listing,I wouldnt have bid even close to that.It looked pretty well used with screws missing from the box.For $175 more,I just went ahead and ordered a new GMT. My brother lucked out and came across a v/sat locally that is in pristine condition for $200.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

I may have watched the same GMT. It sticks in my mind it went higher but even at $500, your so close to new price you may as well buy new and with warranty. A GM V-Sat in decent condition I think would be worth up to around $200 and could see a GM-III and IV going for a bit more but a GM-II going for the money I saw was a jaw dropper, especially when considering the experience and tolerance required to try and run an old manual machine. I guess a GM-II will be worth what it is worth to each person.

 

[RRandy]

I got one on Ebay a few months ago...advertised as "broken-parts"...for $82. I needed to get a shaft, battery holder, and the little battery compartment door. It looked like it had never been used, no scuffs, no nothing...I sent it to Whites, and they made a repair and check up and they provided the parts (and they charged me absolutely nothing), and it works excellent...this is the nicest detector Ive had, or used (and thats not alot of detectors)...and it does detect miniscule pieces of metal...point is, Whites makes their detectors to work well, their functions are very well thought out, and the more I re-read the manual and practice, the more practical function I see, and even after the technology has become outdated in some ways (ie manual ground balance which I dont find a problem), all the Goldmasters are designed to detect gold, and they will do that until they wear out, Their service is second to no one's, and I plan on detecting with mine for along time, and will replace it with a new Whites detector.

Oooorrraaahhh & SF
Randy
Astoria, OR

 

[PaulMBurgess]

They don;t call it fee bay for nothing. Like anything on there it works both ways .You have to use your judgement,and keep your fingers cross and do homework and more homework on what your looking at before you hit that bid botton or buy now..

 

[RRandy]

Noticing these high prices on Ebay, I noticed this week, one sold in the "completed listings" for around $150, and in the Albany OR Craigslist, they had one advertised as "Never been used" for $150, which, didnt last long...go figure.

 

[joepierce]

I like what I hear about the Whiting... company.. the fact they will fix and repair.. and what not.. and $0.00 that is wonderful... I can tell you one thing.. word of mouth is gold... I build computers.. and I can tell you when it comes to CPU's AMD out does Intell anyday.. and I'm the guy that will tell it too anyone that wants to know.. and if Whiting does that for me.. you can bet your bottom dollar I will support them 200%