Cancelled the sale of my Tremolux ...

[Joshlespaul1952]

... because, apparently - one of the transformers (the smaller of the two) is from a 1969 Deluxe Reverb. :cool: Didn't seem right to sell an amp advertised as being "all-original," which I believed it to be, when it, in fact, wasn't. Again, I apologize to the potential buyer(s). I feel quite bad about it.

Anyway, there is a question out of all this - how has this impacted the tone of the amp? I presume the transformer from a Deluxe is smaller than one from a Tremolux, so would I get a bolder, bigger sound if I got everything back to original spec? And if I decided to install a Tremolux transformer ... in my, er, Tremolux, where would I find one, and how much should I expect to spend on one?

Thanks, everybody.

[Sirloin]

http://www.beyondeleven.com/Fender-Tremolux-Transformers-s/294.htm

[riffmeister]

If it was advertised as "all original" and had a replacement OT, I would be REALLY skeptical about the seller. Either ignorant or a BS artist. And a DR reverb OT in a 2x6L6 amp? Well, that just doesn't seem to add up to anything good to me.

[Joshlespaul1952]

If it was advertised as "all original" and had a replacement OT, I would be REALLY skeptical about the seller. Either ignorant or a BS artist. And a DR reverb OT in a 2x6L6 amp? Well, that just doesn't seem to add up to anything good to me.
I was the seller (I had it for sale in the emporium) and I advertised it as all-original. That was what I was told by the company I bought it from (Fat Sound Guitars). I had no reason to believe anything different; I was not trying to BS anyone. Just trying to sell it. I know the two often coincide, but I promise to all involved, I was not aware of any of this ...

That's what I was thinking ... DR = 6V6, mine 6L6. I'm actually quite worried about it.

[Joshlespaul1952]

http://www.beyondeleven.com/Fender-Tremolux-Transformers-s/294.htm
Ah, thank you! :)

[smolder]

it'll probably sound a whole bunch better with the bigger OT... you may wanna keep it.

[StanG]

2 6L6's thru a 6v6 ot want a different speaker ohm load than 2 6v6's thru the same ot. It is either 1/2 or 2x the stock spec load, I can't remember.

If the speaker load had been adjusted accordingly, everything is fine. Also, fender ot's supposedly handle mismatches, to a certain extent (at least from what I learned from the internets) just fine.

That being said, a beefier ot should produce more head room before saturation.

You may be able to find a the fender part no. OT the tremolux uses, or you can find a suitable replacement from Mercury Magnetics, Allen Amps, or Weber. I'm sure there are others.

[michael.e]

Would love to hear from Stu on this matter. Mistakes do get made and all is cool as long as people strive to make them right. In this case, I would presume in compensation. Originals and non originals do have a difference in price. Especially if it is mis-spec'd.

[michael.e]

Who handbuilds Transformers for Fenders the same way Merren and Maristran do for Marshalls? If one was not interested in Mercury, that is.

[StanG]

Which Tremolux, with what tubes?

MIchael is right. You need to talk to your seller about this.

[smolder]

Dudes... Read the OP... He IS the seller.

[riffmeister]

I was the seller (I had it for sale in the emporium) and I advertised it as all-original. That was what I was told by the company I bought it from (Fat Sound Guitars). I had no reason to believe anything different; I was not trying to BS anyone. Just trying to sell it. I know the two often coincide, but I promise to all involved, I was not aware of any of this ...


Ah, sorry, I mis-understood. The fact that you are posting about it here means you are a stand up guy. :)

[michael.e]

Dudes... Read the OP... He IS the seller.

Right, and OP is talking about the seller to him. In this case, it is Stu/Fatsound Guitars. He [Stu] is a member here and a seller in high standing. HAD to have been a screwup. I could not imagine he would not want to make it right if a mistake has been made.
What do totally original Tremoluxes and non-original units go for?

[riffmeister]

He [Stu] is a member here and a seller in high standing.

I agree. Stu's business model includes excellent customer support and a desire to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.

[Jon Silberman]

Well then, we'll see how he handles this.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Ah, sorry, I mis-understood. The fact that you are posting about it here means you are a stand up guy. :)
Thanks! I still feel pretty bad about it; this was my first experience in the emporium and I botched it. To quote Top Gear: "Ambitious ... but rubbish."

And I am by no means trying to insinuate Stu and/or his business is in any way bad; they were very responsive and helpful. But, I maintain that I was told it was ALL ORIGINAL when I bought it.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Originals and non originals do have a difference in price. Especially if it is mis-spec'd.
I bought it for either $900 or $1,400. I can't remember which, because I bought the Tremolux and a Fender '62 HR Strat at around the same time. I believe the Tremolux was the former, $900.

[StanG]

I think I looked at your ad, but can't remember. Was it brown, white, or a blackface tremolux?

Did you buy the head and cab? or just the head?

[RussB]

Which Tremolux, with what tubes?

MIchael is right. You need to talk to your seller about this.

Now THAT's a funny post :Spank



Why would the OP advertise an amp as "all original" when he really didn't know the difference? Anyways, specifically, what Tremolux are we talking about?

[StanG]

Because he thought it was and his seller told him it was. What's unclear about that?

[Timmo]

Ahh, I'd be calling Stu right about now........:aok

[lang.murphy]

I was the seller (I had it for sale in the emporium) and I advertised it as all-original. That was what I was told by the company I bought it from (Fat Sound Guitars). I had no reason to believe anything different; I was not trying to BS anyone. Just trying to sell it. I know the two often coincide, but I promise to all involved, I was not aware of any of this ...

That's what I was thinking ... DR = 6V6, mine 6L6. I'm actually quite worried about it.

Well... geez... you bought it from a vendor that specializes in high end equipment. Were I to buy an amp from FSG and was told it was all original, then, hell, ya, I'd think it was all original too and wouldn't think for a moment that it was anything but all original.

If you haven't yet, were I in your shoes, I'd call Stu ASAP and ask him to make it right. Personally, I'd want a full refund. With no cost to me for shipping. Comin' or going.

Gotta ask... just to be sure... you didn't bring the amp in for service to any place other than FSG?

[Joshlespaul1952]

Well... geez... you bought it from a vendor that specializes in high end equipment. Were I to buy an amp from FSG and was told it was all original, then, hell, ya, I'd think it was all original too and wouldn't think for a moment that it was anything but all original.

If you haven't yet, were I in your shoes, I'd call Stu ASAP and ask him to make it right. Personally, I'd want a full refund. With no cost to me for shipping. Comin' or going.

Gotta ask... just to be sure... you didn't bring the amp in for service to any place other than FSG?
The amp has never had anything done to it at all. I only got a friend of mine who knows all of the technical stuff about amps to look at it before I sold it (I didn't want to sell a faulty amp). Nothing has been done to it. Again, to recap for all those who think I'm operating from some sort of deceptive angle - I bought the amp from Fat Sound in January of 2009. I was told it was an "all-original, 1963 Fender Tremolux." I paid approximately $900 for it. I have had nothing done to it. Nothing. No cap job, no three prong, nothing.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Why would the OP advertise an amp as "all original" when he really didn't know the difference? Anyways, specifically, what Tremolux are we talking about?
I had no reason to believe otherwise. I bought from Fat Sound because I continuously read on this very forum about how great it was.

[Joshlespaul1952]

I think I looked at your ad, but can't remember. Was it brown, white, or a blackface tremolux?

Did you buy the head and cab? or just the head?
It's a blonde head. No cab.

[jthomps123]

Is Stu trying to deny culpability or is Fat Sounds trying to make things right with you? As a customer of Fat Sounds i'd like to know how they are handling this.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Is Stu trying to deny culpability or is Fat Sounds trying to make things right with you? As a customer of Fat Sounds i'd like to know how they are handling this.
I have had no contact from them, but I have yet to call them, either. I'm going to try and talk to Stu about it tomorrow.

[lang.murphy]

The amp has never had anything done to it at all. I only got a friend of mine who knows all of the technical stuff about amps to look at it before I sold it (I didn't want to sell a faulty amp). Nothing has been done to it. Again, to recap for all those who think I'm operating from some sort of deceptive angle - I bought the amp from Fat Sound in January of 2009. I was told it was an "all-original, 1963 Fender Tremolux." I paid approximately $900 for it. I have had nothing done to it. Nothing. No cap job, no three prong, nothing.

Okay... just wanted to make sure... that would be the only other possibility... that someone else changed the tranny after you received it from FSG.

Since that's not the case... I would call Stu at FSG. You paid for an all original amp. You, apparently, didn't receive an all original amp. I've been following the threads about your amp... I believe you to be a straight up guy. Good luck getting this resolved with FSG.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Okay... just wanted to make sure... that would be the only other possibility... that someone else changed the tranny after you received it from FSG.

Since that's not the case... I would call Stu at FSG. You paid for an all original amp. You, apparently, didn't receive an all original amp. I've been following the threads about your amp... I believe you to be a straight up guy. Good luck getting this resolved with FSG.
Thank you. :) I'm not trying to start anything; I just want it resolved.

[jcs]

You can find the proper Schumacher OT for that amp, they made tons of trannys for Fender.....who cares if it is the 'right year' of tranny? I don't personally.

I would find a nice used Schumacher 125a6a OT (like in my 63 Tremolux) have it installed and call it a day OR you can install a bigger OT from many sources but the Tremolux has really low plate volts (under 400) so it will never have much clean headroom like a Super Reverb or Bassman.

[RussB]

I had no reason to believe otherwise. I bought from Fat Sound because I continuously read on this very forum about how great it was.


Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying and I apologize for any grief

[Joshlespaul1952]

Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying and I apologize for any grief
No problem.

[Gtowngearhead]

I was thinking about building a Fender amp for a while.. The circuits between a DR, Tremolux, Vibrolux, SR, and TR are fairly close, the biggest difference being the transformers.. I think a Tremolux and Vibrolux are around the same output, just the vibrolux was reverb.. Maybe a vibrolux OT would fix you up? That's just what I think from the small amount of research I did into the topic..

[Strat]

uhm, aren't you going about this whole thread kinda backwards then ? I much would have preferred you start the post AFTER you had talked with STU and then be bale to tell us what an outstanding gentleman he once again was and we all nod and say yes indeed and save 4 or 5 pages of bandwidth let alone the drama queens prancing about eh ?



I have had no contact from them, but I have yet to call them, either. I'm going to try and talk to Stu about it tomorrow.

[Champ]

uhm, aren't you going about this whole thread kinda backwards then ? I much would have preferred you start the post AFTER you had talked with STU and then be bale to tell us what an outstanding gentleman he once again was and we all nod and say yes indeed and save 4 or 5 pages of bandwidth let alone the drama queens prancing about eh ?

I agree. Why did you feel you had to make a public apology anyway?

[Jon Silberman]

... because, apparently - one of the transformers (the smaller of the two) is from a 1969 Deluxe Reverb. :cool: Didn't seem right to sell an amp advertised as being "all-original," which I believed it to be, when it, in fact, wasn't. Again, I apologize to the potential buyer(s). I feel quite bad about it.

Anyway, there is a question out of all this - how has this impacted the tone of the amp? I presume the transformer from a Deluxe is smaller than one from a Tremolux, so would I get a bolder, bigger sound if I got everything back to original spec? And if I decided to install a Tremolux transformer ... in my, er, Tremolux, where would I find one, and how much should I expect to spend on one?

Thanks, everybody.
There is absolutely nothing inappropriate about this thread. Nothing.

I think it's an interesting scenario. I've been following the thread, it's got me thinking. Being interesting and getting people thinking is what a thread should be about.

The OP could wrong on his facts from the outset. But if X sold him a vintage amp without having disclosed in advance a transformer replacement, that statement alone doesn't require him to speak with anyone beforehand before relating a simple statement of fact as to what happened.

A personal relationship with a seller can certainly drive how someone else would handle a situation like this one. But in that case, be aware that your personal preference as to what and when the OP "should" have posted is only that.

I don't know this Stu guy from Adam. I do read about him and the feedback is quite positive so I'm betting he'll respond extremely positively to the OP. I'm also betting, when that occurs, the OP will return and share the follow-up.

As a TGP member and gear buyer with no relationship of his own to FS, if one of this thread's outcomes is to influence stores and sellers generally, in the future, to go over the vintage gear they're selling, when they're not the original owners of it, more carefully than they've done in the past, excellent - that benefits EVERYONE.

[Joshlespaul1952]

I agree. Why did you feel you had to make a public apology anyway?
Because, apparently, I wrongly felt it was bad of me to get the hopes up of a potential buyer when I had to cancel the sale because I had unwittingly advertised the head incorrectly. Why is it such a big deal, anyway?

[Joshlespaul1952]

uhm, aren't you going about this whole thread kinda backwards then ? I much would have preferred you start the post AFTER you had talked with STU and then be bale to tell us what an outstanding gentleman he once again was and we all nod and say yes indeed and save 4 or 5 pages of bandwidth let alone the drama queens prancing about eh ?
I only intended to start the thread as an apology to those who expressed interest in the amp. I was, and am, new to the emporium, and I didn't want whatever credit I had ruined by this mistake. Obviously, the thread has taken a bit of a detour.

:facepalm

[Champ]

Because, apparently, I wrongly felt it was bad of me to get the hopes up of a potential buyer when I had to cancel the sale because I had unwittingly advertised the head incorrectly. Why is it such a big deal, anyway?

It's between you and the buyer. It's between you and Stu. I still don't get the reason for the post?

[Tone Meister]

There is absolutely nothing inappropriate about this thread. Nothing.

I think it's an interesting scenario. I've been following the thread, it's got me thinking. Being interesting and getting people thinking is what a thread should be about.

The OP could wrong on his facts from the outset. But if X sold him a vintage amp without having disclosed in advance a transformer replacement, that statement alone doesn't require him to speak with anyone beforehand before relating a simple statement of fact as to what happened.

A personal relationship with a seller can certainly drive how someone else would handle a situation like this one. But in that case, be aware that your personal preference as to what and when the OP "should" have posted is only that.

I don't know this Stu guy from Adam. I do read about him and the feedback is quite positive so I'm betting he'll respond extremely positively to the OP. I'm also betting, when that occurs, the OP will return and share the follow-up.

As a TGP member and gear buyer with no relationship of his own to FS, if one of this thread's outcomes is to influence stores and sellers generally, in the future, to go over the vintage gear they're selling, when they're not the original owners of it, more carefully than they've done in the past, excellent - that benefits EVERYONE.

+1

Nothing to add to this ^^

[Joshlespaul1952]

I still don't get the reason for the post?
Well, I'm sorry; I can't make it any simpler. Have a good day.

[Gas-man]

Since I have been dinged previously for bringing up a similar story of a even more well known vintage dealer, I won't, but suffice it to say these things "happen".

PM if you are interested.

[lang.murphy]

There is absolutely nothing inappropriate about this thread. Nothing.

...

As a TGP member and gear buyer with no relationship of his own to FS, if one of this thread's outcomes is to influence stores and sellers generally, in the future, to go over the vintage gear they're selling, when they're not the original owners of it, more carefully than they've done in the past, excellent - that benefits EVERYONE.

Fully concur.

[Brown Rug]

Hope you get it resolved, that sucks.

[lang.murphy]

Because, apparently, I wrongly felt it was bad of me to get the hopes up of a potential buyer when I had to cancel the sale because I had unwittingly advertised the head incorrectly. Why is it such a big deal, anyway?

Not a big deal, at all. I, for one, appreciate you posting your concern about possibly misleading potential buyers for the amp, and so ceasing the for sale post in the emporium.

I don't recall you casting aspersions on the vendor... not once. You stated the facts as you know them. You've not called anyone names or questioned their honesty.

I say: Bravo, bro!

[Joshlespaul1952]

Not a big deal, at all. I, for one, appreciate you posting your concern about possibly misleading potential buyers for the amp, and so ceasing the for sale post in the emporium.

I don't recall you casting aspersions on the vendor... not once. You stated the facts as you know them. You've not called anyone names or questioned their honesty.

I say: Bravo, bro!
Thank you. :)

Update, everyone - emailed Fat Sound. No response, but it is Sunday, so I wonder - is there a better way I can get in touch?

[DGTCrazy]

Wow....an OP shows integrity ASAP, regarding an amp he had listed on the board....makes NO accusations regrading the company who sold it to him, yet the criticism & speculation comes from every direction. (I so get why Shakespeare's plays work).

We live in a society where we expect those in government or business who make a mistake to "apologize" right up front and immediately.........yet when it comes to a vintage amp or amp dealer... panties get all twisted.


The OP showed class, and I'm sure based on FS's history, they will follow suit. Until then, take the ASSUMPTION out of the response, as we all know what assumption stands for:nono This thread will now self destruct in 10...9....8....7...............

[riffmeister]

Obviously, the thread has taken a bit of a detour.

Welcome to teh interwebz. :)

[Joshlespaul1952]

Welcome to teh interwebz. :)
.... indeed.

[Blasted Coyote]

Not a big deal, at all. I, for one, appreciate you posting your concern about possibly misleading potential buyers for the amp, and so ceasing the for sale post in the emporium.

I don't recall you casting aspersions on the vendor... not once. You stated the facts as you know them. You've not called anyone names or questioned their honesty.

I say: Bravo, bro!


+++ Couldn't have said it better

[Stu/Fat Sound]

Honestly, the OP should have brought this to my attention before posting in order to allow us to figure out how the error was made and to resolve it for him, but......I have responded to his email and asked him to call me so that we can help him get this resolved 100% to his satisfaction.....same as we would have done if he had just emailed me initially or called me during business hours.

If the transformer was replaced before we obtained the amp and we unintentionally misrepresented it we will certainly own up to it and take care of the buyer.

We are not a vintage dealer, but do get the occasional vintage piece in on consignment. Our policy for the past couple of years has been to send any vintage amp to Tim Ristau who worked for Carr Amplifiers for many years and now handles their warranty work for a complete stem to stern evaluation in order to prevent exactly this kind of error. We implemented this policy the minute Tim opened his doors for repair work.

Thanks.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Honestly, the OP should have brought this to my attention before posting in order to allow us to figure out how the error was made and to resolve it for him, but......I have responded to his email and asked him to call me so that we can help him get this resolved 100% to his satisfaction.....same as we would have done if he had just emailed me initially or called me during business hours.

:facepalm
I had no intention of slandering you or your company. I merely wanted to assure the people of TGP that I was not trying to misrepresent the amp when I was trying to sell it in the emporium; I was merely relaying what I was told when I bought it. Your reputation is fine, I'm sure; it seems to be an honest mistake and I don't see why anyone would perceive it as anything different.
FWIW, when I bought the amp, the service and helpfulness of the shop and its employees were top-notch. I have nothing against them ...

[Stu/Fat Sound]

:facepalm
I had no intention of slandering you or your company. I merely wanted to assure the people of TGP that I was not trying to misrepresent the amp when I was trying to sell it in the emporium; I was merely relaying what I was told when I bought it. Your reputation is fine, I'm sure; it seems to be an honest mistake and I don't see why anyone would perceive it as anything different.
FWIW, when I bought the amp, the service and helpfulness of the shop and its employees were top-notch. I have nothing against them ...

Thank you Josh. I'm sure once we have a chance to speak tomorrow and get this resolved for you you'll be posting a follow up with a happy dance smiley!:o

[Joshlespaul1952]

Thank you Josh. I'm sure once we have a chance to speak tomorrow and get this resolved for you you'll be posting a follow up with a happy dance smiley!:o
Haha, I have no doubt. Thank you! :) Again, I am sorry for the grief I caused you. I did not mean to cause it.

[jcs]

I hope this gets resolved quickly, its not a big issue imo as i stated before (as a Tremolux owner) as period correct Schumacher OT's can be found....its not like its a 59 Bassman and you need an original Triad OT which is much harder to source.

[Champ]

Honestly, the OP should have brought this to my attention before posting in order to allow us to figure out how the error was made and to resolve it for him

Could not agree with you more.

[buddyboy]

This amp was bought in January 2009? Now, two years later, in January 2011, the purchaser wants to return it due to an incorrect transformer? Hmmm? That would be a tough return in my neck of the woods.

[mbargav]

This amp was bought in January 2009? Now, two years later, in January 2011, the purchaser wants to return it due to an incorrect transformer? Hmmm? That would be a tough return in my neck of the woods.

OP never said that.

[Atmospheric]

$900 for a Tremolux head is very spendy and only worth it if the head is all original. Heck, Bassman heads (much more desirable) still sell for ~$700 in VG condition.

So (IMHO), the OP paid top dollar for the head because it was all original. Any changed parts whatsoever, probably knock a good $300 of the market price for this item. Just saying.

So to answer you question, that's why someone might care if it's the correct year part. Just saying.

You can find the proper Schumacher OT for that amp, they made tons of trannys for Fender.....who cares if it is the 'right year' of tranny? I don't personally.

I would find a nice used Schumacher 125a6a OT (like in my 63 Tremolux) have it installed and call it a day OR you can install a bigger OT from many sources but the Tremolux has really low plate volts (under 400) so it will never have much clean headroom like a Super Reverb or Bassman.

[Champ]

Why doesn't TGP allow discussion of "deals gone bad"? (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/announcement.php?f=6&a=70)

[sector9]

Why doesn't TGP allow discussion of "deals gone bad"? (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/announcement.php?f=6&a=70)

Ok champ we all know how you feel, mr. :stir

[slider313]

$900 for a Tremolux head is very spendy and only worth it if the head is all original. Heck, Bassman heads (much more desirable) still sell for ~$700 in VG condition.

So (IMHO), the OP paid top dollar for the head because it was all original. Any changed parts whatsoever, probably knock a good $300 of the market price for this item. Just saying.

So to answer you question, that's why someone might care if it's the correct year part. Just saying.

Actually it was a white tolex/brownface 6G9-B Tremolux head, so $900 is a fair price for an original in decent cosmetic condition. I was one of the interested parties looking to buy it.

[Strat]

Showed class ? I don't think so but Fair enough and no one thinks he's a bad guy - or anyone, quite the opposite But why bring the original seller into it BEFORE speaking to him. The story would have been much better and served just as well without the mention of the dealer. Simply Too Much Information that has needlessly opened a can of worms and for those of us who know Stu and do business there AND have been around the block buying and selling: things do indeed happen as Stu has now stated. I would have preferred to see the whole post made after the seller had taken 10 minutes out of his day to make that call. It's not hard to talk to Stu and Stu's response here points out exactly what bothered me about the whole thing. Again, I don't see that the post was ever necessary at all - who cares other than he and the potential buyer - the lookers ? Just painful.

Wow....an OP shows integrity ASAP, regarding an amp he had listed on the board....makes NO accusations regrading the company who sold it to him, yet the criticism & speculation comes from every direction. (I so get why Shakespeare's plays work).

We live in a society where we expect those in government or business who make a mistake to "apologize" right up front and immediately.........yet when it comes to a vintage amp or amp dealer... panties get all twisted.


The OP showed class, and I'm sure based on FS's history, they will follow suit. Until then, take the ASSUMPTION out of the response, as we all know what assumption stands for:nono This thread will now self destruct in 10...9....8....7...............

[Stu/Fat Sound]

To hopefully just put this thread to rest, Josh and I have yet to connect via telephone so I sent him this email first thing this morning. He responded very agreeably and we are now looking, based on his choice of the best options I could come up with, to give him store credit over and above the $799.00 that he paid for the Tremolux 2 years ago so that he can find an amp that better suits his current needs.
The $200.00 overage in store credit that is presented to Josh in Option #2 below is my way of apologizing and trying to make reasonable and necessary amends for making an error in representing the amp......an error that simply should not have occurred and for which I take full responsibility:

"Josh,

Here are my suggestions as to how we might best handle this problem for you:

You paid $799.00 total for the amp 2 years ago.

Option 1: You can send the amp back for a full refund of your purchase price.

Option 2: I'll gladly give you $1K in store credit. This option might work if you are wanting to sell the Tremolux in order to fund the purchase of a new/different amp.

Option 3: Alternatively, they've gone up a bit in value since you purchased it and if you prefer, I'll see what I can do to source an original and proper date stamped transformer (accurate reproductions are readily available, but I'm not sure about actual units from '63) and I'll pay Tim Ristau to install it as well as to give the amp a thorough going over and cleaning/re-biasing.

Completely your call so just let me know what you'd like for me to do. If I've missed an option that you feel should be considered please let me know

I'm extremely sorry as well as embarrassed that the amplifier was misrepresented.

Best Regards,
Stu Carter – owner, Fat Sound Guitars"

The above is how Fat Sound takes care of our mistakes (which I freely admit we make from time to time) and fortunately it seems several people posting in this thread had faith that we would handle this in an ethical manner and to the satisfaction of the OP.

Reputations such as the one my shop enjoys are actually very easily earned via correct and ethical behavior. We appreciate our customers and would like to have them become loyal, repeat clientele.

Simply put, any business whose owner wants to sleep well at night and who would like to actually stay in, and hopefully grow, their business will have this philosophy ingrained in their entrepreneurial DNA.

Thanks all.

[Jon Silberman]

All's well that ends well so lay off both the OP and the seller - they're both cool folks I'd cut a deal with, in the future, in a heartbeat!

[ianb]

All's well that ends well so lay off both the OP and the seller - they're both cool folks I'd cut a deal with, in the future, in a heartbeat!

Amen I say.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Yep - Stu is a great guy, and I hope none of my posts ever suggested otherwise! :) Snow be damned, I'll be heading up to his store in a couple of days. Thanks again!

[riffmeister]

Stu's business model includes excellent customer support and a desire to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.

See? No smoke and mirrors. No BS. Able to admit mistakes (which happen to all human beings) and a desire to make things right.

A breath of fresh air, actually. Makes good business sense, too. People recognize and reward honesty by becoming repeat customers and also by 'spreading the good word'.

I like it. :)

[michael.e]

See? No smoke and mirrors. No BS. Able to admit mistakes (which happen to all human beings) and a desire to make things right.

A breath of fresh air, actually. Makes good business sense, too. People recognize and reward honesty by becoming repeat customers and also by 'spreading the good word'.

I like it. :)


Great post Riff, you said it all!

Hey, all....
I am the one that brought up Stu/Fatsound in the first place. I TOTALLY got that OP was not venting about him in the least. You should be that aware as well. It was in passing and on another subject that OP brought up Fatsound. I know for sure that this was not his intent and if I had the scratch, I would buy from him or Stu in a hot second if I could afford to.

Lay off.

[Joshlespaul1952]

Thanks, Michael. Regardless - I still feel bad about bringing Stu up; I didn't realize the adverse effects it could potentially have on his business.

[Trebor Renkluaf]

Before replying read the thread.


http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/files/2010/02/double-facepalm.jpg

[Joshlespaul1952]

Before replying read the thread.


http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/files/2010/02/double-facepalm.jpg
I'm not quite sure what you mean. There are various reasons why you might post that, but if Stu and I are both pleased, I don't see why you wouldn't be. Good day.

Josh

[VintageKnob]

If I were the OP - "the delete button is your friend"

- just sayin'

- D

[Joshlespaul1952]

If I were the OP - "the delete button is your friend"

- just sayin'

- D
I thought about it ... but this thread goes to show just how helpful and conscientious Stu is. Don't see a reason in deleting something that showcases that.

[Blindspot]

Awesome thread.

OP feels awkward that he offered an amp as all original, then found out it wasn't. New to the Emporium, he makes a (arguably unnecessary) public apology. The crowd goes wild. Accusations fly. OP trys to understand, but is caught up in the whirlwind of TGP gladiators, lead by...hmm...Champ, perhaps...? Original seller of the amp is disclosed, making things even more complicated.

Meanwhile, all that really happened is that a few people (amp store seller, OP perhaps, some guy named Tim?) didn't look as closely at the amp than perhaps they should have in 2009, and now someone looked and whoops! Accident. Resolved. Everyone is happy.

I love TGP.

[VintageKnob]

I thought about it ... but this thread goes to show just how helpful and conscientious Stu is. Don't see a reason in deleting something that showcases that.

Yea, I guess now that the cat's out of the bag, or ...

"What's the difference between a pregnant lady and a light bulb?
You can un-screw a light bulb!"

I guess you can't "un-screw" this thread? :dunno

- D

[Trebor Renkluaf]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. There are various reasons why you might post that, but if Stu and I are both pleased, I don't see why you wouldn't be. Good day.

Josh

That's the problem with the interweb - meaning gets lost. I was attempting to refer to all the posters who misinterpreted your original post and jumped down your throat. I'm glad you and Stu are pleased. I've bought from Stu several times and he stands behind what he sells 100%.

[Joshlespaul1952]

That's the problem with the interweb - meaning gets lost. I was attempting to refer to all the posters who misinterpreted your original post and jumped down your throat. I'm glad you and Stu are pleased. I've bought from Stu several times and he stands behind what he sells 100%.
Ah, I see. You make a valid point ...
Thank you.

[AllmanFan]

I would go back to Fat Sound or email them and talk to them about the situation. I know the guys at Fat Sound personally and I'm pretty sure if they advertised it as all original they assumed it was all original also. They might pay the cost to make the amp original as posted. They're a great place and awesome guys to talk to about any genre of music. I'm sure they'd help you out.


Eat a Peach!

[ianb]

I kinda assumed this thread was done?

[pfrischmann]

To hopefully just put this thread to rest, Josh and I have yet to connect via telephone so I sent him this email first thing this morning. He responded very agreeably and we are now looking, based on his choice of the best options I could come up with, to give him store credit over and above the $799.00 that he paid for the Tremolux 2 years ago so that he can find an amp that better suits his current needs.
The $200.00 overage in store credit that is presented to Josh in Option #2 below is my way of apologizing and trying to make reasonable and necessary amends for making an error in representing the amp......an error that simply should not have occurred and for which I take full responsibility:

"Josh,

Here are my suggestions as to how we might best handle this problem for you:

You paid $799.00 total for the amp 2 years ago.

Option 1: You can send the amp back for a full refund of your purchase price.

Option 2: I'll gladly give you $1K in store credit. This option might work if you are wanting to sell the Tremolux in order to fund the purchase of a new/different amp.

Option 3: Alternatively, they've gone up a bit in value since you purchased it and if you prefer, I'll see what I can do to source an original and proper date stamped transformer (accurate reproductions are readily available, but I'm not sure about actual units from '63) and I'll pay Tim Ristau to install it as well as to give the amp a thorough going over and cleaning/re-biasing.

Completely your call so just let me know what you'd like for me to do. If I've missed an option that you feel should be considered please let me know

I'm extremely sorry as well as embarrassed that the amplifier was misrepresented.

Best Regards,
Stu Carter – owner, Fat Sound Guitars"

The above is how Fat Sound takes care of our mistakes (which I freely admit we make from time to time) and fortunately it seems several people posting in this thread had faith that we would handle this in an ethical manner and to the satisfaction of the OP.

Reputations such as the one my shop enjoys are actually very easily earned via correct and ethical behavior. We appreciate our customers and would like to have them become loyal, repeat clientele.

Simply put, any business whose owner wants to sleep well at night and who would like to actually stay in, and hopefully grow, their business will have this philosophy ingrained in their entrepreneurial DNA.

Thanks all.

Stu you are a class act. People make mistakes, it's how you handle them that separates the heroes from the rest. As a consumer, I would have never expected a merchant to go to such great lengths for me. Usually, I've come to expect the worst. I'm usually right....

Very nice indeed.

[Jon Silberman]

Please, under no circumstances delete this thread. It's got too much excellent content in it. If you want to ensure no misunderstandings on the part of newbies who may click on it, edit your OP and put the punchline at the beginning - end of issue.

[belair]

I have a hard time believing that this thread shot off in so many directions before anyone was able to hear "the end of the story". Perhaps the OP may have jumped the gun a bit, but evidently he wasn't fully aware of Stu's reputation at the time of the post. Like many of you, I've dealt with Stu many times and would have bet my house against a doughnut that his response would have been along the lines of what it was.

Here's the thing: any number of retailers might have responded similarly once an issue had been "outed" on a big internet forum, but this is classic Stu vernacular whether outed or not.

It seems to me to be a real simple deal. Why is it still going on?

[VintageKnob]

If the OP stays as is, the fun part will be to watch how many people read the first couple of posts and decide to reply as it appears AllmanFan has done - awesome!
Better than reality TV.

- D

[tcforec]

X2!

I bought a brand new Grosh there years ago, took it home, played it and found a ding on the bottom where someone had knocked it against something. I didn't find until after hours on Saturday which means I couldn't take it back until Monday. Stu took it right back no questions asked. Granted, we've known each other a long time but every person I've sent up there through the years always calls to thank me.

The level of professionalism, knowledge and customer service they exhibit is second to none IMO. If they have what I need I buy from them...period.



"I've dealt with Stu many times and would have bet my house against a doughnut that his response would have been along the lines of what it was.

Here's the thing: any number of retailers might have responded similarly once an issue had been "outed" on a big internet forum, but this is classic Stu vernacular whether outed or not."

[dbeeman]

Good on Stu .... 3 options of resolution after 2 YEARS

[Tone Meister]

I can't see how anyone could possibly think the OP was off base by starting this thread. Unless I completely missed the boat, his intent was to be up front as a seller; it had nothing whatsoever to do with bashing the entity who sold him the amp.

For clarity's sake, here is the original post:

"Cancelled the sale of my Tremolux ...
... because, apparently - one of the transformers (the smaller of the two) is from a 1969 Deluxe Reverb. :cool: Didn't seem right to sell an amp advertised as being "all-original," which I believed it to be, when it, in fact, wasn't. Again, I apologize to the potential buyer(s). I feel quite bad about it.

Anyway, there is a question out of all this - how has this impacted the tone of the amp? I presume the transformer from a Deluxe is smaller than one from a Tremolux, so would I get a bolder, bigger sound if I got everything back to original spec? And if I decided to install a Tremolux transformer ... in my, er, Tremolux, where would I find one, and how much should I expect to spend on one?

Thanks, everybody."


Some of you should enroll in Reading Comprehension 101 before posting some of these baseless accusations. Like many others here, I too have done loads of business with Fat Sound and Stu's reputation has never been question. Furthermore, nothing in this thread ever threatened that reputation, IMHO. Personally, I think the OP did the stand up thing by posting what he did. My hat's off to you!

...