From mcleland@gmail.com Thu Nov 23 10:06:21 2006
Subject:Re: Even UPS can't Kill my AMA

Here's an interesting parallel --

Yesterday, I received my mass-production built CME UF8 MIDI Controller
from Sweetwater Music and immediately noticed that the box that FedEx
held for me at their station was damaged. There were several
punctures and rips on the outside of the box.

After getting it home and manhandling the casket-sized box into my
house, I began the somewhat lengthy process of opening the packaging.
Since Sweetwater normally double boxes everything, I wasn't too
concerned.

Upon opening the outer corrugated board box, I saw that the actual
instrument was indeed wrapped in yet another box, completely sealed
and undamaged. There was plenty of ~3" thick styrofoam blocks
strategically placed to properly support and protect the inner
package.

I proceeded to open the inner box which was well sealed with lots of
tape. When I got this box open, I was happy to find at least 4
styrofoam "sleeves" surrounding the keyboard, completely supporting it
from end to end and keeping it safe in transit. Not only that, but
the keyboard was wrapped in plastic!

With some help from my wife, I was able to extract the instrument from
it's packaging and set it up -- it works perfectly, with not a scratch
on it. Also, I didn't have to open it up and re-assemble the internal
components.

My entire research, purchasing, shipping and receiving experience with
Tim Harrington from Sweetwater Music was flawless -- he gave me a good
price, very inexpensive shipping by FedEx, it was delivered on time
and in perfect condition.

What is my point here?

My point is that I purchased a product that is arguably much harder to
package, handle and ship than the Speakeasy AMA. This thing weighs 60
pounds and about as long as a child's surfboard. I bought it from a
company that provides excellent pricing and service. This instrument
was made in China, and somehow survived the trip from China to Indiana
and then back to me in St. Louis undamaged.

I didn't feel the need to get on this list and gush about how Tim
personally applied the packing tape to my box or how he was going to
replace it if it arrived broken. I would fully expect that from any
place I purchased from, without having to think twice.

I think the comment about American engineering and workmanship was
unnecessary. There are plenty of products that are designed,
manufactured and shipped from overseas which are far and away better
than comparable products made here in the USA.

I'm sorry if I sound bitter, but I'm in the same camp with Ramon and
some of the others. I vote for a separate mailing list for Speakeasy
raving fans so we can increase the signal to noise ratio around here.

My personal disclaimer: I don't work for Sweetwater, Hammond, CME,
Yamaha, UPS or FedEx. I'm an American. I own a XK-3 which I purchased
from Bill Brown @ BB Organ. I've never purchased a Speakeasy product
although I'm sure I would like it if I ever did.

On 11/22/06, David Jacques wrote: