• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

So my new Ampeg SVT-VR arrives...

I sure hope the TalkBass filter is up to snuff...

I go over to pick up my package. The boxes were roughed up but I thought nothing of it. I took it home and opened it. It was a box inside of a box. There were loads of loads of cardboard and whatnot. It was in a plastic bag, packed with the packing peanuts.

You can tell it was packed thoroughly. You don't just chuck one of these in a mail and forget about it. I get it out of the box, and it's in a custom soft shell case. I take it off and my heart skipped a beat. No, I am not being sarcastic. This is the third or fourth time my heart has actually stopped in my life.

Jaw. Meet floor. Please enjoy your stay.

This thing was ****ing dropped! I mean, it looks like it came right out of someone's hands onto the ground. Top up. This amp is ****ed.

At first I thought it was just the side panels. They were cracked from front to back. I was going to file a claim with UPS, have them reimburse me, and pay to get it fixed. Then I look more...

... the back panel (metal grating) covering the tubes is bent to pieces. It's cracked on the sides from where it came apart. Even the front panel by the logo is coming off. I can see through the left hand side of the amp. That's how far it's separated.

This is blowing my ****ing my mind. I had to go outside and cool off. My heart is pounding at an excessive rate and I think I'm going to puke...

I got in touch with UPS, as well as the original seller (who did put insurance on it). He is already filing the claim. If UPS is at fault, they will reimburse me. $1,300 (rounded) for the amp. $200 for shipping. $276 for customs/brokerage.

I ran without an amp for a week before this arrived. When this shows up, I have to wait to find out whether or not UPS is at fault (which they clearly are). Then I'll have to go for a while they finally reimburse me, then try to get another one.

It's going to be a while until I hear my basses again...

Expect pictures soon...
 
It looked like a typical UPS delivery. The outside box was a little rough around the edges. I thought it was just because the inside box was a little smaller. The outside box would get a little roughed up from picking it up and such. I did not expect to open and see this.

When I upload these pictures, it'll be evident UPS is at fault here.

I have no idea when I'll be able to get another one. I sure as hell hope they can investigate this soon and reimburse me. I would like to have an amp to play through...
 
20p8r9x.jpg


977584.jpg


This corner is a little more torn from me:
erzes4.jpg


23k7lm0.jpg


b6rk39.jpg
 
I'm sorry man.....that is heartbreaking.

You're a very understanding person.....I look at those pics and I think you're giving the seller way to much of a pass.

The box was clearly handled in an awful negligible way by UPS...no doubt, they are the main culprits here...that said, as someone who has bought and sold many an amp on the bay.

I don't feel it was packed well enough..although the way that box looked, I dunno maybe it was unavoidable....but it could have been packed better and smarter. It should have at least been covered with stickers or scrawled by a marker that said "FRAGILE" all over it.

Take heart, be patient, get your money back and get another one. I feel your pain.... I've been through a couple of similiar situations.
 
The amp was used (roughly a year old). I saw plenty of pictures before it was shipped.

It's 9:45 and I'm in bed. I'm just... I don't even know what to say. If I somehow "lose" and UPS says the shipper is at fault, **** will explode everywhere. Volcanoes will erupt, tsunamis will flow, mud will slide, and the earth will quake.

I will call it... two days before the day after tomorrow.