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Dave Funk AWOL???

#41
Maybe the guy is suffering from burnout. I understand, I've avoided issues in the past because I just didn't want to deal with them at that time.
The flip side of that coin is in this day and age almost everyone carries their email on the phone, which is practically attached to the wrist.
I work daytime, do consulting computer work, play in a band, and have a home life. But I have no problem reading my email while I'm doing whatever.
Laying on the beach in Hawaii? Pull out your phone and check your mail. Or maybe you don't want to?....?

Good luck with your amp, hope you get it back soon. Please do a proper update if the guy comes through for you.
 
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#42
Today, I finally received my amp back, and it appears to be fixed. For the past several weeks, I've been trying to obtain some kind of status, calling multiple times a day, texting, and emailing. I have yet to receive a direct response, other than a text a few weeks ago stating he had surgery and promising a phone call that never came. If the amp ever needs service again, I will most definitely use someone local. I understand life happens, and I'd like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but a little communication goes a long way.
 
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#43
We should also realise that half of California is afire. That tends to slow stuff up a tad. Fix that amp and burn to death or run like hell! I know what i’d do. My condolences to everyone suffering the effects of this disaster!

I’m glad you got your amp back OP and I hope it gives you years of faithful service. :D
 
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#46
So bringing this thread back up. As far as Dave being "around" I'm sure he is though I think many should understand he is getting on up there in age. He has got to be in his 70s by now and is not getting things done as quickly and efficiently as he used to. Lets face it as we near our twilight years priorities change.

If anyone in this industry deserves respect and the benifit of the doubt it would be Dave Funk. He worked on the Super Collider as well as classified stealth fighter aircraft and many cool amps.

I remember some of Daves tube amp designs from way back, some really nice gear.

I hope Dave is doing well.
 
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#47
Red Planet said:
So bringing this thread back up. As far as Dave being "around" I'm sure he is though I think many should understand he is getting on up there in age. He has got to be in his 70s by now and is not getting things done as quickly and efficiently as he used to. Lets face it as we near our twilight years priorities change.

If anyone in this industry deserves respect and the benifit of the doubt it would be Dave Funk. He worked on the Super Collider as well as classified stealth fighter aircraft and many cool amps.

I remember some of Daves tube amp designs from way back, some really nice gear.

I hope Dave is doing well.
Click to expand...

Dave turned me onto the recording studio genius Tom Dowd - I bet you know about him too! I actually got to see Dave's home shop when I went to pickup my TFB550B several years ago. He told me all about the engineering history behind his amps. I hope that he is doing well also, and maybe kicking it back these days.

EDIT: Tom Dowd!
 
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#48
I sent a 750A I purchased here on TB to Dave Funk in December for repair. I received an email from him that month (December 2017). It's now been almost 5 months and I have heard nothing from him in response to numerous emails and messages left on his phone. I was trying not to be a pest...I waited until well after two months to make any inquires. But now I'm wondering if he is still around. Does anyone have any info on his current status??
 
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#49
Bassheart365 said:
I sent a 750A I purchased here on TB to Dave Funk in December for repair. I received an email from him that month (December 2017). It's now been almost 5 months and I have heard nothing from him in response to numerous emails and messages left on his phone. I was trying not to be a pest...I waited until well after two months to make any inquires. But now I'm wondering if he is still around. Does anyone have any info on his current status??
Click to expand...


Did you contact Dave before you sent it?
He is getting on up there in age.
I think he also was on vacation in Hawaii too, which has turned deadly for many.
 
#50
Capture+_2018-05-20-19-40-40.png


Anyone try phoning?
 
#54
I wonder if he's thought about any apprentices in training to continue that wealth of information he's gathered over the years. Seven months is a long time to wait for an amp, but some boo-teek bass guitar builders take 18 months so there ya go....
 
#55
Red Planet said:
Did you contact Dave before you sent it?
He is getting on up there in age.
I think he also was on vacation in Hawaii too, which has turned deadly for many.
Click to expand...

Yes of course I did. Packaged it just like he told me too. I got an email from in in December acknowledging receipt, and setting forth the terms of his "flat rate" repair cost. To update, I just received my first email from him yesterday. Apparently he has had some health issues and and another project took much longer than he anticipated. So...keeping my fingers crossed and will update when I get it back.
 
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#57
Never played his amps but Im just sceptical about anyone who claims: other camps are just crap that throws out of phase sounds into the room because they are inferior too his amps. Also earlier claiming on his site that a well known Italian basscompany had a certain hidden "chorus" buit into their amps too fatten up and mask their useless "digital" sound. It looks like it got removed from the thunderfunk site though, maybe he got sued?
 
#58
David Funk is an excellent engineer ( and a fellow bass player ). As such, he has some personality traits that some might not admire. So what - he makes great amps! ( as any to own one would know )

EDIT: If he continues to run his business, I agree that he needs to address customer service. Hopefully this is a temporary situation. And I know that many of us TB'ers wait months for custom pedals, let alone a hand-made amp. Just sayin'...
 
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#59
Again Dave is getting older I wouldnt look for his service to get better. Its more a fact of life than a service issue .


Also if you haven't played the Thunderfunk you wouldnt understand how good these amps are. Its actually quite anazing how warm, full, and powerfull without power amp squash the amp is.

As to comments on his site, well it's his isnt it?

To the Markbass stuff yeah I'm not a fan. My biggest issue is the amps are at full power halfway on the master volume and the input gain clips way too soon. To me the master volume is a cheap parlor trick to make many think the anp has more power than it does.
 
#60
I’ve had very good customer service experiences with Mr. Funk. However, I will admit that sometimes his communication can be spotty.

Nonetheless, the construction and sound quality of his amps are absolutely top-notch. One of Dave’s stated goals is that the amps are able to be repaired by any competent technician in the field, without the need for expensive proprietary parts.

Both of my Thunderfunks have been purchased used (shameless plug: one is for sale in the TB Classifieds now), and I’ve had each one evaluated by a respected local tech. I have no concerns about their longevity or the ability to get them repaired, if ever needed.
 
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