I'm the OP on the other thread on this topic, and worst case scenario, if the repair shop can't fix mine, I'll either try to return it (it's out of state though), or do what stormrider mentioned..
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Ampeg B-200R, issues, dealing w/ LOUD Technologies - Sorry for the long post
- Thread starter dwhite1031
- Start date
I'm the OP on the other thread on this topic, and worst case scenario, if the repair shop can't fix mine, I'll either try to return it (it's out of state though), or do what stormrider mentioned..
Well, I normally don't dis on Loud, but this is one place they messed up.
USED TO BE that if you called SLM (Ampeg) service, you got someone who might have gigged with the model you have, and who had fixed and played lots of them.
Now you get the "follow the questions in the book" person, who knows less than you do? Yow.........
I am sure that is cheaper.......................But not to toot our old horn, SLM had what was known to be one of the top service setups in the industry..... They could fix it on-site, could issue return authorizations, allow warranty with other than the specified documentation, give you a break if it broke a few days after the warranty ran out, etc.
As some know, I could call down to them and get parts or info sent to a repair place, or a person overseas right away, if someone had an issue and mentioned it here.
The first cost-cutting move Loud made was to dump the whole service department.
That ONE department could have saved Loud's fuzzy little behinds from most of the bad press about Ampeg that is going on right here........... too bad Loud did not realize that........
USED TO BE that if you called SLM (Ampeg) service, you got someone who might have gigged with the model you have, and who had fixed and played lots of them.
Now you get the "follow the questions in the book" person, who knows less than you do? Yow.........
I am sure that is cheaper.......................But not to toot our old horn, SLM had what was known to be one of the top service setups in the industry..... They could fix it on-site, could issue return authorizations, allow warranty with other than the specified documentation, give you a break if it broke a few days after the warranty ran out, etc.
As some know, I could call down to them and get parts or info sent to a repair place, or a person overseas right away, if someone had an issue and mentioned it here.
The first cost-cutting move Loud made was to dump the whole service department.
That ONE department could have saved Loud's fuzzy little behinds from most of the bad press about Ampeg that is going on right here........... too bad Loud did not realize that........
Same thing is happening to Mackie professional audio products. 
Mackie used to be born, bred, engineered, and built in Woodinville. My fellow club musicians and I had much respect for the company, their products, and performance. We were willing to pay an extra buck for Mackie gear. Now LOUD has the stuff built "elsewhere".
Sure you save a buck when buying the new imported version, but will you be happy with it's performance and reliability in 5 to 10 years....
Mackie used to be born, bred, engineered, and built in Woodinville. My fellow club musicians and I had much respect for the company, their products, and performance. We were willing to pay an extra buck for Mackie gear. Now LOUD has the stuff built "elsewhere".
Sure you save a buck when buying the new imported version, but will you be happy with it's performance and reliability in 5 to 10 years....
I've got an American B-100R that has been absolutely bombproof! When the B-200R was announced I was very interested in getting one because of the increased power and tubed preamp. Then I heard about initial problems with them in their tweeter/no tweeter circuit. Then came the buyout and move and I must say my confidence in Ampeg products has been shaken to the point that I decided to hang on to my "bombproof" B-100R and not buy a B-200R. I love the USA production Ampegs that I have (SVT-VR, SVT-3Pro & B-100R) and I intend to keep them.
My Dad once told me "to get the horses into the corral, herd the stallion and the rest will fall into line." In other words, when you can't get a problem resolved, go to a higher authority. I sent an e-mail to Kevin VanPamel @ Loud Technologies (as referred to by Fenderhutz) and the last Loud service tech I spoke to. I explained the problems I was having with this B200R and my discussions with their techs. He replied very promptly and has begun the ball rolling to resolve the issue.
Loud is going to check the series of serial numbers mine is part of to see if they may have a consistent issue among them. And he is having a stock unit pulled from their warehouse faciltiy and having it tested for any such issues and sent to me as a straight replacement/exchange. He also thanked me for relating my customer service experience to him. While initially my discussions with the techs didn't result in a resolution, they were always courteous and respectful to me. Which is more than I can say for some other companies and online music dealers customer service people I have dealt with.
I was indeed frustrated as my initial post reflected, and after my correspondence with Mr. VanPamel, it seems they are going to do whatever necessary to resolve the issue. I must say I am impressed that they are willing to go the extra mile on this.
Loud is going to check the series of serial numbers mine is part of to see if they may have a consistent issue among them. And he is having a stock unit pulled from their warehouse faciltiy and having it tested for any such issues and sent to me as a straight replacement/exchange. He also thanked me for relating my customer service experience to him. While initially my discussions with the techs didn't result in a resolution, they were always courteous and respectful to me. Which is more than I can say for some other companies and online music dealers customer service people I have dealt with.
I was indeed frustrated as my initial post reflected, and after my correspondence with Mr. VanPamel, it seems they are going to do whatever necessary to resolve the issue. I must say I am impressed that they are willing to go the extra mile on this.
Its cool they seem to want to fix the issue.I hope it all works out. I was really diggin the sound of that amp. I think its going to be awhile until I feel comfortable buying new ampeg gear. Oh well, onwards and upwards.
Just wanted to say that Dino and the folks at Ampeg are super! Dino personally tested several B200R amps at their Washington facility, and sent me a replacement amp, no questions asked. He dealt with me personally, not thru some subordinate or rep. He made sure I got the replacement in pristine condition and in a very timely manner.
I've been gigging with the amp for 2 montsh now and not a hitch, glitch, or any problems whatsoever.
Dino, Kevin, and everyone at Ampeg ar A1!!!
I've been gigging with the amp for 2 montsh now and not a hitch, glitch, or any problems whatsoever.
Dino, Kevin, and everyone at Ampeg ar A1!!!
Glad you got your amp problem taken care of. My only question is why they had to test "several" before shipping you one. Maybe there is a quality issue for Ampeg with this model? I remember a similar issue with Marshall on the DSL401series, they ran hot due to a design issue and fried the PCB's.
I'm sure Ampeg will get all their issues worked out eventually in their Asian factories but until then, your story should probably serve as a warning to Ampeg!
Ampeg - get it together or lose customers and your reputation.
Dino told me he wanted to send me an amp he would use himself. So he pulled some from different manufacturing batches to see if it was a QA issue since they are made in "batches" of so many at a time.
Sorry to hear about your luck with LOUD technologies.
I have dealt with them several times now and found that sometimes I get people that really know the products well and can listen then answer my questions and sometimes I get people that are like you said, going through an obvious checklist. I prefer calling the the mornings around 7am EST cause thats when I usually get knowligable staff. lol By the way anyone know when they started building this stuff oversees? Cause I would like to know if my SVT-2PRO was made is USA or not?
I have dealt with them several times now and found that sometimes I get people that really know the products well and can listen then answer my questions and sometimes I get people that are like you said, going through an obvious checklist. I prefer calling the the mornings around 7am EST cause thats when I usually get knowligable staff. lol By the way anyone know when they started building this stuff oversees? Cause I would like to know if my SVT-2PRO was made is USA or not?
Off Topic but another funny/sad story. Ampeg/Loud stopped making the 10 inch speaker guitar amps (Reverb-o-Rocket etc). When my guitarist emailed and asked why this happened, he got a response in the tune of (I can't remember if it was Dino or Van Pamel) said "Well 12's are louder aren't they?"
Well, if 11 is louder, I would assume 12 to be much louder.
I hate hearing things like this, especially when I was finally down to two combos and this was one of them.
And I cant seem find an Acoustic B200 in Canada.... Lovely.
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