Buying a used dub siren: practical guide 2026

The second-hand market is the natural ally of the future dub siren owner. And why is that? Because cult models are virtually impossible to find new (NJD, Klementz, Mr Law, etc.) and even brands that are available new(Benidub, RDH) are 30-40% cheaper second-hand. This guide tells you where to look, what to check and how much to pay so you don’t get ripped off.

Why the second-hand market is so dynamic

Three factors make the secondary market for dub sirens particularly active:

1. The end of production of historic models (NJD SE10 and others) means that demand outstrips supply, so resales are constant.
2. The niche nature of the product means that buyers and sellers come together in the same communities (forums, Facebook groups), facilitating trust-based transactions.
3. The price of a Dub Siren never goes down: an NJD bought for €400 today will sell for €400 in five years’ time, and sometimes more.

So buying second-hand is both a money-saver and a sensible investment.

Where to look

Reverb (international)

Reverb.com is probably the best place to look for second-hand sound system equipment. Huge catalogue, mostly serious sellers, buyer protection system.

Wanted: dub siren, NJD SE10, Benidub, Klementz.

Advantages: wide choice, detailed photos, technical descriptions, secure payment. Limitations: prices often slightly higher than local prices, international postage.

eBay (international, France)

eBay remains a mine for vintage dub sirens. Filter by “sold” on past searches to get an idea of the realistic price of each model.

Advantages: volume, accessible price history, PayPal buyer protection. Limitations: variable ad quality, sellers sometimes not very knowledgeable (“vintage synth” without details).

Audiofanzine (France)

Audiofanzine is the essential French platform for second-hand music equipment. Active classifieds section, community that knows the value of things.

Advantages: transactions in France (so low postage costs), knowledgeable audience, ability to ask in-depth technical questions. Limitations: lower volume than Reverb, very rare models not very present.

Thomann Used / Thomann Cyberstore

Thomann offers a ‘Used’ section with second-hand products sold directly by Thomann (income from returns, shops, etc.). You’ll occasionally find Benidub and other dub sirens at reduced prices with a Thomann guarantee (typically 60 days).

Advantages: maximum confidence, guarantee, return possible. Limitations: few vintage NJDs or craft brands, focus on distributed brands.

Le Bon Coin

Avoid buying dub siren. Why not?

• Uninformed public – sellers often don’t know what they’re selling
• Increased risk of untested or faulty units
• No buyer protection

Unless you know the seller personally or can travel to test on site.

Specialist forums and Facebook groups

This is the best source for rare models and craftsmen. Facebook sound system reggae/dub groups (French, English, Italian) are active, and transactions are hand-to-hand or sent securely between known members. The risk of scams is low because the community is small and a dishonest seller is quickly spotted.

Groups to look out for include “Sound System Forum”, “Dub Connection”, “UK Dub Reggae Soundsystem”, “Selectors Italia”, etc.

Advantages: fair prices, passionate salespeople, advice included. Limitations: you need to be active in the community, have a bit of patience, nothing is instantaneous.

Sound system shows and conventions

Dub stations, sound system meetings and other gatherings are an opportunity to buy equipment directly from a manufacturer or a sound system that is selling off a unit. On-site testing possible, direct contact, atmosphere. The best way to buy a dub siren – when the opportunity arises.

Realistic prices in 2026

Prices move with scarcity and demand, but here are the current ranges for units in good working order.

Over €1,000 for a dub siren? Be wary, unless it’s a truly exceptional collector’s item (signed vintage case, proven numbered series, documented provenance).

Under €80? Either it’s an unassembled kit, or it’s a broken-down unit, or it’s very basic quality. Check carefully.

What you absolutely must check before buying

On the advert

• Photos from every angle: front, back and inside if possible. Beware of ads with a single pixelated photo.
• Serial number if available (NJD, Benidub): to authenticate the product.
• The words “functionally tested” or, ideally, a demonstration video.
• Origin: how many owners, in what context of use (studio = good, live sound system = to be checked)
• Consistency of the price with the market: if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.

Before you buy

Ask the seller these questions:

1. “Do all the potentiometers turn without crackling?” Pot spitting is the most common fault and costs €30-50 to repair.
2. “Does the trigger push-button work without bouncing? A trigger that “double-triggers” is annoying live.
3. “The power supply: battery, mains, or both? Is the audio output intact? A jack that cracks when plugged in = soldering to be redone.
4. “Have any modifications or repairs been made? If so, by whom? A mod can add value or detract from it, depending on who did it.
5. “Do you have an audio or video demo? Honest sellers are happy to send a test.

On receipt

Immediate test before validating the transaction:

1. Switch on and play for 5 minutes at different pitches, rates and depths.
2. Move all the potentiometers: it should turn smoothly, without noise
3. Repeated triggers: no double triggering
4. Test the output on a system: clean signal, correct level
5. Test the battery and mains supply if both are provided

If there’s a problem, you have 48-72 hours to report it (depending on the platform) before the seller considers the sale final.

Pitfalls to avoid

Clones presented as original

Some retailers present handmade units inspired by the NJD design as “NJD” in the title, when in fact they are unofficial copies. This is not necessarily bad material, but the price should reflect the copy status. Always ask for a photo of the brand/screen print on the case.

Anonymous DIY at pro prices

DIY units assembled by enthusiasts can be excellent – or approximate. If you’re offered an artisanal dub siren for €400, ask who made it. A recognised name (Klementz, Zongo, etc.) justifies the price; an anonymous ‘home-built’ should cost €100-200 maximum.

Hidden faults

The analogue delay is a weak point (particularly on BBD units). A dub siren that is told “the delay is almost working” should be avoided: repairs are complex and expensive. The same goes for units where “sometimes it won’t turn on” – it’s rarely possible to repair at a good price.

Outrageous shipping charges

Check the port before committing yourself. A Dub Siren weighs between 500g and 1.5kg, and a reasonable price from Europe is €15-30. Over €50, the seller will often try to inflate the margin – unless the shipment is insured and declared at high value, which is justified for collector’s items.

Pure scams

On eBay and Facebook Marketplace, there are classic scams: stolen photos, sellers who ask for payment outside the platform, prices that are too low. The golden rule: always use the platform’s secure payment system, never use a direct transfer or crypto transfer to a stranger.

Prepare your overall budget

In addition to the purchase price, plan for :

• Postage: €15-50 depending on distance
• 6.35 mm jack cable if not included: €10-20
• Mains power supply if not included: €15-30 for a quality 9V transformer
• Tune-up by a technician (cleaning potentiometers, checking power supply): €50-100 if necessary

That’s €80-150 more than the price of the dub siren itself.

To sum up

Second-hand is the natural way to buy a dub siren – not by default, but by choice. You get access to models that are impossible to find new, you pay a fair price, and you join a community that values these objects. Choose Reverb for international markets, Audiofanzine for France, and sound system forums for nuggets. Always check the condition before you buy, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller ten questions – a real enthusiast will be happy to answer them.

Still deciding on a model? Read our NJD vs Benidub vs RDH comparison to clarify your choice.

If you want to understand what’s inside the machine before you buy, see also our article on the analogue diagram of a dub siren – useful for spotting faults when you buy.

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