Automated Fixtures - Discontinued moving lights

[GreyWyvern]

I am looking into getting a handful of Martin MiniMACs. They were discontinued a while ago. My questions is, should I stay away from discontinued moving lights? My main concern is replacement parts. I'm just not sure how Martin handles there discontinued products. I don't want to get something, have a part break, and not be able to get what I need to fix it. At the same time, I am thinking that maybe I shouldn't be that concerned about it if it is a Martin product as they are still around and doing well.

Thoughts?

[mrb]

what about the little Robe units? Or did you find a killer deal on the martins?

[JD]

Well, moving light models don't stay around like Source 4's, or for that matter, any conventional lights!

There are always changes in the technology causing manufacturers to create new models, and dump old ones from the line up. The focus should be on the manufacturer.

A company like Vari*lite or any other company that has been around for years will probably give you better support on discontinued models than the lesser companies give on current models.

[NickJones]

I have seen parts around for the MiniMacs, and personally I love these little guys. So cool, gotta get some for my room...
Try contacting Martin, and asking if they stock spares, chances are you will be able to get them, one guy on the forum clorslighting works in China making spares for the Martin Mac range, give him a PM and ask him if they make MiniMac spares. I don't think it's official Martin spares, but if it gets your fixture working again, then it's gotta be good.
Nick

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by JD

...A company like Vari*lite or any other company that has been around for years will probably give you better support on discontinued models than the lesser companies give on current models.

Hear, Hear. There's also LightParts, which I'm sure will continue to support the major manufacturers' products for many years to come.

However, MiniMACs? Really?

[MNBallet]

I would say it depends on the price you're getting them for. I still have some Chauvet Mini-Legend wash units that were discontinued something like 5 years ago. The interesting thing about this is that I often work with road houses that stock the latest and greatest stuff and they still comment on how "cute" and effective they are.

[Esoteric]

I just bought 2 Technobeams. Of course there is an endless stream of parts out there, and Strong just picked up the license to manufacture the unit.

Mike

[ship]

Beyond that, Manufacturers often stock parts and support discontinued fixtures years after their end of making. After that, there is other sources for parts as listed.

[gafftaper]

Being that Martin is a very high quality product and #1 or #2 in the industry (depending on if you are a VL fan or not). I think you are fairly safe as far as part supply goes. I wouldn't go buying a discontinued Chauvet product.

Have you looked at purchasing as used version of a non-discontinued product from: AVForSale, Solaris Network , or Gear Source

[abbyt]

I can't speak *for* Martin, but I believe they strive to make parts available for 5 years past the discontinuation of manufacture of said piece of gear. As Derek mentioned above, LightParts is a fantastic resource...and I can't recommend them enough as a source for parts (and repair).