(Dr Bass/Marc Serio)-cab builder accepted >$10k in payments,never delivered gear

[Tim Schnautz]

It seems like this question get's asked every year or two. I have a simple reply... does it matter if it's still happening?

Even if it's not still going on (I'm pretty sure it is BTW), do you really want to do business with someone who stole tens of thousands of dollars from Talk Bass members?

I would think the mere existence of this thread would stop people from asking that question.

My reply isn't intended to be hostile but every time this thread goes to the top, it's like nails on the chalkboard of the members who will likely NEVER be made whole by this criminal who continues to evade justice.

DO NOT BUY FROM HIM. THIS THREAD IS THE PROOF.

I think that no matter how many negative threads show up on a Google search, there’s always a customer out there who thinks that they are the one who won’t get ripped off and send a down payment anyhow.

 

[bassically_eli]

I think that no matter how many negative threads show up on a Google search, there’s always a customer out there who thinks that they are the one who won’t get ripped off and send a down payment anyhow.

I’m sure there must be very few paying customers that are aware of the complaints. The problem is people not bothering to do a search and not being aware of the allegations.

I don’t understand how charges have never been brought. Is it too late now, is the statute of limitations past?

 

[portaflexer]

I don’t understand how charges have never been brought. Is it too late now, is the statute of limitations past?

It's a long sordid story but the short answer is Marc is a professional criminal. He knows how not to get caught.

Steal $200 here, $300 there, fulfill a couple orders, say you're turning over a new leaf, get a new "business plan", then back to stealing $200, and repeat. The truth is it's very hard to prosecute theft and the legal fees are often more than the money stolen. Some folks have had success with chargebacks, but even that is limited.

He knows all this and he exploits it... over and over again.

 

[InkCow]

I would say that the only Dr. Bass cab that anyone should consider buying is a used one. At least you know it actually exists.

Given the message on his page that actual prices are 25% higher than listed, due to the increased cost of materials, there isn’t much difference in price between his cabinets and RevSound or Schroeder: either of which is going to be half the weight and actually arrive in your presence in a timely manner.

My 112s sound really good, but I agree with other commenters that I doubt they sound remarkably different than the other two cabinet builders I mentioned and they’re way heavier. If the weight isn’t an issue, then Avatars would be considerably cheaper. There are just too many alternatives in the general price range, I’m not sure why Dr. Bass should even warrant consideration.

Unless you’re talking used: because his name is mud and they’re heavy, there’s not much resale value. It’s how I got mine.