From dan.skywalker@gmail.com Fri Aug 18 07:45:32 2006
Subject:Re: Roadbox III - Is it too expensive....?

Flame retardant gear is hopefully not necessary at this point. However, I
think we can all agree that "overpriced" is a concept that depends entirely
on what value you place on a product. If a Pro-145 at your local street
price of $1450 makes you perfectly happy in terms of tone and build quality,
then for you, a RBMk3 probably is overpriced for you. That doesn't mean
it's overpriced for everyone (or anyone) else. Value is subjective, and in
a niche market like this, based almost entirely on one's specific needs.

For me, for instance, the main criteria for a Leslie are, roughly in order
of importance, (1) tone, (2) portability, (3) build quality / service, and
(4) price. Lots of folks whose ears I trust have assured me that the RB3
kills all current comers in tone, and the lack of low rotor is not missed in
the contexts I play in. It's an objective fact that it wins in portability,
if one excludes horn-only solutions (which usually require lugging a
separate amp anyway). Build quality / service - again, no contest based on
what I've heard and seen. So are all those advantages worth a $700-1000
price disadvantage to me? I would say yes - FOR ME. It's still next on my
"to buy" list.

While it's good to keep in mind the cost structure of an outfit like
Speakeasy compared to the higher-volume manufacturers in the market, if only
to assure yourself that just because you're paying a high price doesn't mean
you're being taken advantage of, it should be beside the point in your
purchase decision. Your value for the money spent is, and that's different
from player to player.

-Daniel

On 8/18/06, Chad Menge wrote: