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Epifani Customer Service Question

bwest9

bwest9

Apr 14, 2009
828
6
Boston, MA
#1
I'm having some slight difficulty in communicating and ordering new speakers for my T-310... and getting frustrated to the point where I'd like to take my business elsewhere.

Anyone have good or bad experiences with Nick and/or Mario?
 
#4
NR, thanks for responding.

Yeah, I think we established that they were Eminence drivers, but he wouldn't tell me which model. He also said --after I explained that this was a time critical issue, since I had important gigs coming up-- that he'd get back to me, and he hasn't --twice now. I have no idea if he's looking for the speakers in stock, or if my email is sitting in limbo somewhere, or if he's forgotten about my request.

Rockman, I'm just replacing two of the three speakers, so I'd like to keep them the same instead of unwisely mixing things up. But I have to find out what speaker this is exactly first before I can do that. I have tried matching the numbers on the speaker to any serial # from the Eminence site, but no luck.

Very frustrating.
 
#7
*Update: received the return call 20 minutes later. All 3 new drivers (decided I could afford to replace all of them) will be shipped out today. My faith in their customer service is restored.

Sling, from what I've been told, the replacement speakers are Eminence but they are not ones you can get anywhere else. Their proprietary design is specific to this Epifani cab, so in the end I'd rather stick with the intended speakers. Thanks for the info though!
 
#10
Thanks guys, yeah, I'm glad it worked out too, because 1) I didn't want to have to go into the realm of guess work of what would be a good fit for my cab, and 2) I retain a good impression of Epifani as having good customer service for their products.

Nick, I had two speakers that, after my last gig, were distoring at low volume, and when I took off the grill and physically checked them, they were making a crunchy noise (with resistance) when pressed. It was impressed on me that this was a good indication that they're done, and I would atrribute it to being age related, as I'm sure this cab has been put through its paces. I have good PA support when gigging, so I never have to push the speakers too hard (its run w/ a SWR Bass 350 anyways, kinda tough to do it to an Epi 5.3 OHM cab with that).

Anyways, I had a choice of the older ceramic drivers that were originally put in the cab at manufacture, but I would have to wait a week until Nick got back to test them (yes, they were that old). Or I could either go with the ceramic drivers that are in the performance series cabs, or upgrade to the neo-drivers.

I chose the PS speakers because they could ship now instead of waiting a week, and as a result of cost. And, although I'm sure I would enjoy the lighter weight, the cab is light enough as it is now, and I’m use to it. Besides, I need the exercise, trust me.

Question: anyone have any experience with the PS cabs-speakers, and if so, what's your opinion? I can’t wait to get these new speakers in for a test drive. Will be sure to report back when accomplished.

Appreciate any responses!
 
#12
Was told about $87 for each speaker, but never received an email receipt for the total of all three, including taxes and shipping. I was told that they would be packed and shipped today, and I would receive an e-mail later in the day when this had been done. Didn’t happen.

I’ll just give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they’re very busy and either got the speakers off but didn’t send the receipt, or will send them off tomorrow with sent receipt.

I know most dabble in the UL series, but anyone else have good or bad things to report about Epifinai's Performance Series speakers?
 
#13
FYI: In the future try calling Eminence. Tell them you want to try and match, as close as possible, one of their "off the shelf" speakers to an OEM speaker such as the Epi 1x10.

I've done this in the past and they have been very helpful. And easy to communicate with. Might make a good second option.

Good luck!

FYI #2: I'm a BIG Epi fan. But their customer service is lacking. My impression is that they care but are very, very busy.
 
#14
I am a non-pro, but still pretty busy for a part-timer. I recently moved over to a PS112 and in those months, it has served me well. Ken Jung here on TB originally recomended that cab. I use it with the LMII I just picked up, and I really like that combination with my MIA Jazz bass. The PS112 is lightweight too, and interacts nicely with my other cab when used in combo.
 
#15
I'll never buy another piece of Epifani gear at any price.

My new, early UL410(s2) started making buzzing noise several months after I got it. After much back and forth, Epifani recommended I take it to a local and reputable tech to take a look. The consensus was that I ran into a lot of defective speakers (3 of the 4) and that they did not appear to be damaged through abuse. Instead of going through the warranty repair procedure the tech said I should be getting, I was told in no uncertain terms, "hey you pay shipping out to us in NY on your dime and if WE determine there are defective speakers, we'll replace them. If not, you pay for ALL shipping and repairs". Couldn't believe the attitude, implications and hassles that came with it.

I've had nothing but the best experiences with the likes of Jim Bergantino, Roger Sadowsky, Dave Funk, the guys at Genz, etc who all know what good CS is about. And to be honest, at these price points expect a certain level of service. The Epifani crew are not even remotely in the same league (IME)...
 
#16
Diaper Geni, yes good advice on picking up the phone -- that's exactly what I did to resolve the e-mail disconect. And I suspect that you're right, that they care but are uber busy. Which in my mind means that they need to acknowledge this, and spend something to cover this gap, otherwise they're likely to lose more potentially devoted customers like Alexander. If they lose enough, then maybe down the road they wont be so busy, and will have to then reckon why.

Reckon, I love that word.

Basman Al, thanks for the input. I've just aquired a Little Mark Tube 800, and can't wait to match that up with these new speakers and cab. Combined with my Spector Euro 5, this could end up being more powerful than the GDP of some 3rd world nations.

Thanks folks!
 
#17
I use a PS410 cabinet and have an older NYC 210 with the original speakers and all I can say is that it's sounds great. Similar in character to the NYC IMO but with a nice edge to them. I'm not the best describer of sound but speaking from experience with the original Epi NYC cabs, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I actually prefer them in some aspects. One disclaimer though is that mind is an older PS cab and the drivers are a bit different then the current run which are the speakers I'm assuming your getting. Those sound even more similar IMO to the NYC in that they sound more neutral in the mids where as mine are a bit different but not in a negative way at all. Not Uber noticable but I preferred them. Also I would add that the guys at Epifani are busy. I visited nick not too long ago and they were swamped which is one of the reasons they weren't at namm this year. He told me he's really working hard to finish up the Piccolo head as well as some cabinet designs. The shop doesn't have a big staff at all and nick pretty much does alot himself. I hope they do expand. It'll certainly make things better for them and hopefully create better relationship with his customers.
 
#18
New speakers just drove up in a FEDEX truck... man, that was quick delivery!

Will give a report soon on how well the installation goes. Anyone have any pointers on how you're suppose to "break" the speakers in? Do I apply vaseline to the cone, and let the cats get at it all day?

Picture is of blackbean soup with sourcream and cilantro garnish that I made last night. There's leftovers if your in the Boston area.
 

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