Mark Series Head Cabs

[gts]

Hey guys, I've made many head cabs over the years and am grateful to all who have supported my efforts.
I'm grateful to all who gave me the privilege of making them a cab.
Grateful for those who have put their trust in me to make them something that would be of quality and would function as they desired/ needed for years to come.

As many of you know, my making cabs is a hobby. And it's a time consuming hobby at that.
After all is said and done I make about $7-8hr building cabs. Bottom line; it's a labor of love, I enjoy making cabs.

But lately things seem to have gone "south". I've been getting scammed.
It's a very very small number but unfortunately the old saying goes "one bad apple...."
It's been too many years to think the whole bunch here will be spoiled by these few, but man I'm not sure what t do.
I don't want to stop making cabs as I enjoy it, but seriously at this point I'm not sure what to do....

 

[Markedman]

Get full payment first. Any person who really wants one will be willing to live by those terms. Chuck Berry always insisted on getting paid before playing.

 

[Agustín Collia]

I agree with what Markedman said. I find that to be a good idea, even more so because it's not like you're just starting with this, making your first cabs and nobody knows what to expect (both in terms of quality and commitment). You've been making these cabs for years, there are pictures of them all over the Boogie Board in case a new member wants to order one and isn't familiar with their superb quality, and there are many many users that can vouch for you so that new members know they won't be scammed if they pay the full price when they order one.

 

[Buster Leggs]

Get full payment first. Any person who really wants one will be willing to live by those terms. Chuck Berry always insisted on getting paid before playing.

+1 You have the reputation of being honest and you craftsmanship speaks for itself. Get the dough up front

 

[ryjan]

What everyone else in your industry does is require 50% up front before production begins the the other 50% prior to shipping. Photograph and document well prior to shipping and if someone renegs at that point you can post it on the classifieds at 25% off.

 

[cpw]

I've been thinking about ordering a head shell and I have no problem paying in advance.
Don't stop!
CPW

 

[revgsmall]

Yeah George, you do great work, I get so many compliments on the one you made me. I am waiting to see if I want to hold onto this Mark combo and if so I'll be emailing you for another. Get the money up front it's the only way. Rock on Bro!!!! gary

 

[tony777]

Agreed with all other posts, get the money up front.
Though I thought I payed full when I ordered mine, maybe I remember wrong?

 

[gts]

Thanks guys. It's not so much a money thing.
But fwiw at the very latest I'll typically take payment before the tolex goes on a cab (or if a custom, color, style, of tolex needs to be ordered).

It's hard to explain how it feels as the scam is subtle but in general there have been a few newbies "working me".
It starts with an "inquiry" about having me make them a cab.
Then the truth comes out that that's not what they want at all.
What they really want, what they're really trying to do is get me give them my blueprints/ drawing plans so they can make their own cabs.

Hey I don't mind helping someone, offer insight, during their efforts, to make their own cab,
but don't feel it's right to give away the blueprints/ drawing plans I've developed over the years.
Maybe that's selfish, not sure what to say... Does not giving them away seem unreasonable?
Regardless, this approach of being asked about making them a cab when what person really wants is my blueprints feels pretty sleazy....
Unfortunately I've got sucked in a couple of times before realizing what was/ is going on.

 

[Buster Leggs]

It's not selfish or unreasonable for you not provide your intillectual property to anyone. You have design features that standard cabs don't have. Many a board member lists a GTS cab along with their prized gear if they have one. I get that your bigger issue is dishonest scammers. Unfortunately it's not the nice guy world we grew up in anymore. Anyway 2 things I'm hoping don't happen before I get the cash to get my gear squared away, Mike B. retiring and / or GTS stopping cab crafting. I need to get on those soon.

 

[ryjan]

Never feel bad about not giving away something you worked hard for to someone who did not.
If you choose to help someone out that is up to you but why on Earth would you feel selfish about protecting your intellectual property from scammers? Eff them in the A. :lol:

 

[cho]

George,
Sorry to hear about this. I recommend to quickly ask customers for a deposit, so you know they are serious. Your cabs are the best! Don't take any guff from those swine!

 

[megavoice]

Major rule on this planet:
First full payment, and then delivery.

...Anyway 2 things I'm hoping don't happen before I get the cash to get my gear squared away, Mike B. retiring and / or GTS stopping cab crafting. I need to get on those soon.

You`re making me nervous man, I`m often thinking about Mike B.`s retiring. So I think I`ll have to hurry up soon......

 

[psychodave]

Payment up front. Either 50% or 100%.

BTW, I'm still interested in that long head shell we've been discussing. I'll pay up front if needed. 8)

 

[jonathanccwong]

I think its only fair to demand full payment.

Especially since this is not your full-time gig,
I think it is fair to be selling it on your own terms.

As we've discussed, looking for a IIC cab, :mrgreen:
I for one will definitely pay 100% up front to you, your reputation here (and elsewhere on the interwebz)
as well as testimonials speak for themselves and I have full confidence in your work to pay up front.

 

[kdorsey]

I don't see that as a scam attempt as it is unadulterated gall. Some people have amazingly huge balls because they're protected by the Internet, so either ignore them or tell them to get bent. Wow...

My gts shell was found second-hand (for sale next to the hen's teeth and unicorn horn powder...they don't hardly exist...or at least for more than 10 minutes in the used market) and I'll never sell it. You never know when you'll get bored and want to change your amp's format. 8) Thanks for giving back to the community!

 

[gts]

I really appreciate the support and sentiment guys. Thanks!

 

[McBarry]

I hear U George re intellectual property and ideas.

Mesa cab dimensions (general) are fairly easily found or deduced. No biggie.

BUT......HOW you assembly, where you put cleats or types of screws, or types of glues, or staple things or glue them or dovetal or fingerjoint, or marine or std ply.. or cup washers or flat or recessed cup washers or raised.... etc etc etc etc etc etc.. they're all things that YOU have deduced over the decades.
They're part of the GTS cab and what sets it apart from anyone elses.

That you feel "taken advantage of" speaks volumes and I suspect your feelings are right to be bruised.
It seems not so much a money thing, but being "used" issue.. ??

If so, to cease production will not right that wrong.
Maybe batten down the intellectual hatches and keep doing what you enjoy and clearly what your supporters love..!!

.02 worth..
Dave

 

[kippiejr]

Hey GTS,
Don't feel bad, they tried it to me as well. Since I've moved on to hardwood (easier, and only you would understand this) it seemed to stop. I usually only do Tolex for my personal collection. The hardest thing for me (and You) to comprehend is the quality and time and materials that goes into these and the customers barley want to pay half price. Have they priced Mesa custom orders? lol.. I rather keep and admire the finished work than sell it for pennies on the dollar. Plus, the added features to enhance the performance and maintenance should not be over looked.

If they wants the blueprints tell them sure, Full price of head shell X5. The blueprints are only the starting point as they will soon find out. There is a WHOLE lot of other things/steps, as only you know, involved... Its not just easy tolex and wood....

KP