Double Bass AI customer service--great

[Wild Rice Chris]

I have an AI Contra Series II that I bought new in '03. About a year ago it stopped working and has sat in the closet ever since. I recently switched to double bass in my family band and wanted to use the AI (with Euphonic Audio Wizzy 10 extension cab). I called AI, and they walked me through troubleshooting (which I'd already done on my own), and asked me to send the amp head in. I received it back last week. They replaced a bad opamp and pot in the preamp and shipped it back. I never sent in my warranty card, and the amp was a few years out anyways, but they didn't charge me for the repair/return shipping and included an AI bag!

I only wish the amp was a better fit for my musical needs, because this is one company I'd love to support!

 

[Febs]

AI's customer service is the best. Literally!

 

[Marcus Johnson]

They are the best. They've kept my Series 1 Contra alive for years now, and they've never asked for one cent from me (including a new 10" speaker!), even shipped to Hawaii. Just an outstanding company. That Ten2 really has caught my eye lately.

 

[Wild Rice Chris]

That Ten2 really has caught my eye lately.

I can't get over my lust for that amp, even though I suspect it won't work for my hands/bass/band!

What's working best for me right now is a GK 800RB though early 80's Bag End cabs with EV speakers (12" and 15").
Not nearly as natural sounding by itself, but it sounds great with the band.
I did some comparisons with the AI/EA rig today, switching amps/cabs mid-song with the band.

 

[B String]

AI, is one of those companies that just seems to get the
concept that in a niche market, word of mouth is paramount
to success. They are genuinely nice guys who totally stand
behind what they sell, which by the way, is of the highest
quality in my opinion.

 

[DMcNutt]

I agree that AI's customer service is outstanding. My teacher's AI combo amp started to have a buzz when playing low notes loudly. I took the amp home, called AI, got immediate intelligent advice that the woofer was bad. A few days later a new woofer was delivered to my door. A few minutes to remove and re-install and the thing was working beautifully again.

My instructor regularly demonstrates amps for another manufacturer at the Southern California NAMM show. Needless to say, he loves the AI amp and the customer service.

This is win-win.