Reverb just ran this article, it is an interesting read.
On a side note, I love Reverb.com's web developers. Everything is always so clean and modern looking.
https://reverb.com/news/vertex-effects-after-the-axis-wah-scandal-a-conversation-with-mason-marangella (https://reverb.com/news/vertex-effects-after-the-axis-wah-scandal-a-conversation-with-mason-marangella)
Indeed... that website is slick 8)
I lost interest halfway through the intro... TL;DR summary?
The comments are pretty brutal lol. I dont know why these guys conduct themselves in this sort of manner, pretty short term outlook?
Great read. I'm ready to forgive when someone owns up and works hard to make things right. I didn't really know about this because I'm not into TGP. This definitely has a different feel than the TMG fiasco.
I think second chances are worth giving when the person has genuinely changed their ways.
But I really don't get a genuine feeling from him at all. He's a great salesman, though. I'll give him credit for that.
Wow. What a scumbag. I wouldn't touch this guy's stuff with a 10-foot pole.
On a lighter note, I'm starting a new PCB business and forum. It's called AngryLegume. ;D
TBH I wouldnt trust this guy, and I dont reward deception. Couldnt give a shit how good his pedals are - there are literally hundereds of options and nothing I saw made me feel he had much of a USP or innovations (irrespective of the deceptions, taking everything on face value)
The guy is a snake. I followed it all on TGP and will read this retrospective with much interest.
For context, I feel teh same way about persons that cheat in relationships - once you deceive someone, its game over for me.
Dude's in the wrong game. He should be in politics!
All JMO:
LEGIT APOLOGY
I fuss at wife for taking the last slice of pizza, only to find out the kid ate it - I apologize and she accepts. I learn to, in the future, investigate further before making rash accusations regarding pizza thievery.
NOT LEGIT APOLOGY
I push my wife around during arguments, this leads to slapping, which leads to punching and kicking - it goes on for 2-3 years. Her brother comes over and kicks my teeth in, so I apologize to my wife and we live happily ever after.
I don't know if these are good analogies - maybe I just shoulda said, despite trying to work on it, there's some things I just ain't gonna forgive and be able to move on. Only reason I can stand the fact that he's getting MORE press/attention is that maybe that article will inform somebody about what he is capable of.
And yes, kudos to Reverb for their slick website and I'll also give a kudos for trying to handle a touchy subject from an unbiased viewpoint, while also not being wussies about it - I think they did as good as you could do, given the situation.
Quote from: mrclean77 on September 19, 2016, 12:58:56 PM
And yes, kudos to Reverb for their slick website and I'll also give a kudos for trying to handle a touchy subject from an unbiased viewpoint, while also not being wussies about it - I think they did as good as you could do, given the situation.
Ditto. I think the main complaint is that they could have devoted that effort to something (or someone) more worthy. But, they did a good job as far as presentation.
Quote from: pickdropper on September 19, 2016, 02:00:31 AM
I think second chances are worth giving when the person has genuinely changed their ways.
But I really don't get a genuine feeling from him at all. He's a great salesman, though. I'll give him credit for that.
This is the direction I am leaning also. This all sparked my interest since I was reading all the posts about this as it was happening. From the gut shot pics to the comparison photos.. Its like watching Law and Order: Special Pedal Unit
Cody
He's doing a great job at generating buzz. Lots of people are typing his brand name on social media, forums, etc.
Dude knows how to hustle. That's for damn sure. ;D
And really...who among us hasn't rebranded a commercial effect, doubled the price, and sold hundreds of them. As I was saying to my close friend Robben Ford the other day...
Who among us hasn't done something stupid? Were all musicians so I'm guessing none. That being said, what he did was wrong and shows you how fast a tiny lie can snowball. He is a stand up guy for making good on his deal, may or may not have sold all of his gear. No, wouldn't buy anything from him especially since he doesn't own any gear, but we all know more than your average pedal buyer. Interesting article. Whatevs, just thought I'd throw my 2 ohms out there.
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My 2 ohms, Jimi you crack me up. I'm still on the fence as to if this isn't just great marketing/sales or if this whole thing is legit. The bottom line though is if ANYBODY that is buying a $350 wah, and really loves the sound of it....doesn't that in itself make it legit? Fools and money and all that but if you were happy with the pedal, what part of the fact that you were scammed makes you less happy with the pedal?
One thing is certain: this will cause the value of a genuine Vertex Axis Wah skyrocket, because many have been refunded/returned. Publicity + rarity = demand and $$$. I can't even find one for sale to compare.
Quote from: lars on September 20, 2016, 02:52:41 AM
One thing is certain: this will cause the value of a genuine Vertex Axis Wah skyrocket, because many have been refunded/returned. Publicity + rarity = demand and $$$. I can't even find one for sale to compare.
Just buy a BBE Wah. Same thing. ;D
Quote from: pickdropper on September 20, 2016, 03:01:24 AM
Quote from: lars on September 20, 2016, 02:52:41 AM
One thing is certain: this will cause the value of a genuine Vertex Axis Wah skyrocket, because many have been refunded/returned. Publicity + rarity = demand and $$$. I can't even find one for sale to compare.
Just buy a BBE Wah. Same thing. ;D
Buy a bbe wah, mod it to look like a vertex wah, sell them as an authentic vertex wah, have someone point it out, "oops my bad", reverb article, become internet famous for plagiarizing a plagiarist, profit. ;)
Quote from: Aristatertotle on September 20, 2016, 03:16:02 AM
Quote from: pickdropper on September 20, 2016, 03:01:24 AM
Quote from: lars on September 20, 2016, 02:52:41 AM
One thing is certain: this will cause the value of a genuine Vertex Axis Wah skyrocket, because many have been refunded/returned. Publicity + rarity = demand and $$$. I can't even find one for sale to compare.
Just buy a BBE Wah. Same thing. ;D
Buy a bbe wah, mod it to look like a vertex wah, sell them as an authentic vertex wah, have someone point it out, "oops my bad", reverb article, become internet famous for plagiarizing a plagiarist, profit. ;)
Brilliant!
The thing I can't seem to get past is the fact that he knew it was wrong, and he would eventually get caught. If you know it's wrong, and you know you're gonna get caught, why bother. I get that it takes a big man to admit fault and apologize but "Hey everyone, It did this terrible thing and at the time I knew it was wrong but did it anyways, so I'm sorry now" doesn't really sound like an apology to me. It sounds like he's sorry he got caught.
Yes he refunded customers the money. He also said that he sold some of his personal gear to do so. But who knows where the money came from so he could buy that personal gear in the first place. possibly from the margin he made of the Wah pedals (i'm just speculating of course). But I feel like he probably got some legal advice and they said "do what you can to keep it out of court". Which was good advice other wise he would be bankrupt and would have lost A LOT more. IDK I certainly wouldn't trust him.
I notice he didn't see the error of his ways and 'fess up. Nah he was caught and then coughed up an apology.
There is a significant difference IMO.
I don't see any reason for throwing more $$ in this guys direction.There are plenty of reputable pedal manufacturers out there making great pedals, truly handmade (not on a production line like the photos suggest), for less money.
Quote from: gordo on September 19, 2016, 11:01:21 PM
My 2 ohms, Jimi you crack me up. I'm still on the fence as to if this isn't just great marketing/sales or if this whole thing is legit. The bottom line though is if ANYBODY that is buying a $350 wah, and really loves the sound of it....doesn't that in itself make it legit? Fools and money and all that but if you were happy with the pedal, what part of the fact that you were scammed makes you less happy with the pedal?
For some people the fact that it costs $350 is what makes it special. Even more if it comes with certain bragging rights. Look at my expensive stuff, ye peons! Tremble and despair! That does tend to make such persons a snob though. And how can you drop $350 on a pedal, know its just a rebranded rehoused product sold as something completely new, know you could have had the original for half the price and not be pissed about it? It would make me
very less happy about such a pedal.
As has been said the guy is not sorry that he did it, just that he got caught. Which is stupid
as these things always come out! Too many people, too many places like FSB that love to open up things and see what's inside. It lessens my opinion of Robben Ford that he keeps on endorsing this cheater. It also shows the power of eating humble pie and doing a full apology. People seem to love a reformed sinner. Well, at least plenty of them.
Quote from: Muadzin on September 20, 2016, 11:18:14 AM
For some people the fact that it costs $350 is what makes it special.
Exactly.
what's the over/under on reverb asking pointed questions of JHS?