no love from (and now for) Markbass

**nostatic** · #1 02-10-2011, 03:24 PM

For those of you playing the home version of our game, my LMTube head took a minor tumble off my cart while inside it's "protective" MB bag. As luck would have it, it landed knob-first, and caused the VPF to be 100% on. That was in late Dec. Since the local authorized repair facility was closed over the holidays, I wasn't able to initiate any repair until 3Jan when I dropped it off in person.

About two weeks later I called and they said that the preamp board was broken and that they'd have to order the part. I asked whether or not it might be covered under warranty (the amp was purchased March 2010) and they said they'd ask but since it was dropped they didn't think so. I argued that in my opinion there were a couple of issues that they might want to factor into their decision - it was stored in a MB bag, it was a short fall, and most important, the knobs are not properly supported by the face plate, making any physical trauma a potential PC board breaking event. To me that is a design flaw.

So finally today I got the email that they got the part (5 weeks after dropping it off). A little over $100 for the board plus labor and it would not be covered under warranty. And then they ask if I want them to fix it. Well, not much choice, eh?

Somehow I think (know?) that if this were a Genz Benz product the customer service would have been slightly different. I wouldn't have been out an amp for 5+ weeks, and they would have more seriously considered a "goodwill" warranty claim or at least partial claim. More importantly, GB actually builds their amps such that the knobs are properly supported by the faceplate, thus minimizing the probability of this type of problem.

I guess I'll get the MB back in a few days (depending on how quickly they want to fix it - hey, I've already sat around for 5 weeks without the amp, it must not be that important). It'll be up for sale (with full disclosure of its history) and I won't be owning any more MB products. ymmv.

LilRay · #2 02-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Closed me off from ever buying MarkBass Todd. If a head is susceptable of such damage from a minor drop, that's a design flaw PERIOD. And MarkBass leaving you out to dry for close to 6 weeks is absurd.

Way to help your customer MarkBass!

God Bless, Ray

**Chef** · #3 02-10-2011, 03:50 PM

sub'd.

Floyd Eye · #4 02-10-2011, 04:10 PM

You dropped it. Why should they warranty a product against abuse? You might have a legitimate gripe about their turnaround time, but you're the one that didn't research the product fully before you bought it and you're also the guy that dropped it.

Vintage Guy · #5 02-10-2011, 04:11 PM

All the amp manufacturers are striving to build the smallest,lightest and most powerful amps. I worry that their durability is being compromised by the design style and the flimsy components being used. I hate to see controls sticking out of the front with no protection. I had a GB 6.0 head and loved it,however,never felt it was as safe to transport,even in it's padded bag. Racks are safe protection for your rig,but most of the time become cumbersome,as they get loaded down. Mine weighs in at 85 lbs now,but I know my heads are safe. So you have a choice to have a lightweight head to transport,but can be damaged easilly,or go with max protection of a rack case.

craig.p · #6 02-10-2011, 04:19 PM

I have to say I'm on the fence on this one. I can see both sides to it. Yes, it would be goodwill to fix it for free. The problem, though, is that this sort of thing can set a legal precedent that can, over time, suck a bottom line dry if the word gets out and everyone decides he wants the same treatment.

cybersnyder · #7 02-10-2011, 04:20 PM

I have to agree with Floyd Eye. $100 isn't bad for the repair.

Jim Campbell · #8 02-10-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

You dropped it. Why should they warranty a product against abuse? You might have a legitimate gripe about their turnaround time, but you're the one that didn't research the product fully before you bought it and you're also the guy that dropped it.

i agree....if they have to pay for you dropping gear in the name of good will,having the op for a customer may be worse than no customer.....the last time my truck got crunched i did not even think of going to ford for a li'l good will freebie.....i'm really shocked at the incredible lengths people now expect gear builders to go in the name of good will.....

martyman5000 · #9 02-10-2011, 04:24 PM

I agree with Floyd, sorry.

RCCollins · #10 02-10-2011, 04:27 PM

1) the amp was dropped. Out of warranty.

2) $100 is what many techs charge just to LOOK at your amp

3) Markbass is a European company with Chinese manufacturing and an exclusive contract with geetar center. And you expect good CS and fast turnaround?

Bob Rock · #11 02-10-2011, 04:30 PM

I'd have to say you dropped it, you broked it, you pay for it.

Jim Campbell · #12 02-10-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

1) the amp was dropped. Out of warranty.

2) $100 is what many techs charge just to LOOK at your amp

3) Markbass is a European company with Chinese manufacturing and an exclusive contract with geetar center. And you expect good CS and fast turnaround?

rolls royce used to send techs out to the customer......a'course those customers had paid for a rolls.....i think the op should look at this as very valuable lessons.....just because he didn't take care of his stuff does not constitute a problem for the builder,and if you want a rolls royce style warranty,buy a rolls.....geez, you get so tired of people who think the few hundred bux they spent buys them cradle to grave service....

Schlyder · #13 02-10-2011, 04:34 PM

I have to agree here. You dropped it and it broke. Design flaw or not. A warranty wouldn't cover you dropping it.
And $100./+labour repair is a pretty good escape from any kind of repair shop.
Fix it, sell it, and buy something more durable.

Gomeztool · #14 02-10-2011, 04:37 PM

Clumsy should hurt. It teaches us to tread lightly next time.

electracoyote · #15 02-10-2011, 04:37 PM

I'm willing to bet GB products have their own "design flaw" that evidences itself when the unit is dropped. Let me drop a few, I'll bet I could find it.

I've been playing Markbass products for a few years. I am wondering what's going to happen when my turn comes to get service.

Those bags, are they really intended to prevent damage when the unit is dropped? I thought they were like gig bags, mainly for keeping the dust and scratches off.

Anyway, servicing failed units has long been a big mystery regarding MB. It's a risk you knowingly take when you buy one. Not to seem callous, but if my unit breaks down, and they won't fix it for free or absorb a big chunk of the cost, I won't be too surprised.

But I knew this to be the case before I bought the unit, so it would be on me.

Musicman20 · #16 02-10-2011, 04:37 PM

These products are built in Italy, aren't they?

D-Nut · #17 02-10-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

1) the amp was dropped. Out of warranty.

2) $100 is what many techs charge just to LOOK at your amp

3) Markbass is a European company with Chinese manufacturing and an exclusive contract with geetar center. And you expect good CS and fast turnaround?

I could NOT have put this any better myself. Well said!

YOU DROPPED IT

Gomeztool · #18 02-10-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman20

These products are built in Italy, aren't they?

Yes they are. I don't know where RC got his info from.

RCCollins · #19 02-10-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman20

These products are built in Italy, aren't they?

my bad

Musicman20 · #20 02-10-2011, 04:49 PM

I always thought the size/weight and build quality was brilliant with MB. The Shuttle? Too light for me. But I'd like to try a Streamliner.