Rules for TGP Bedroom Amp Sharing?

What is the "secret amp forum?"

 

I guess

 

I'd better

 

get my post count up!!

 

I have 20+ TGP refs, am a contributing member, and have 1500 posts, you can trust me

 

unfortunately, i think its hard to enforce any of those things. best bet would probably be limit it to approx 20 people or so. ask for everyone that requests send an email to you. the first 20 names you recognize and dont see an issue with get in. the rest, maybe can get onboard the 2nd time.

 

I wouldn't really be a suitable candidate for testing but I've been interested in the project so I'll humbly offer these suggestions to address each issue:

1. That the amps won't vanish without a trace.
Have each participant submit a credit card based "security deposit". Since you own a company I suspect you could easily process that. The fee could simply be refunded once the participant has returned the amp or be applied to the purchase if the participant decides to order one.

For distribution, you could use the "FedEx" model and serve as the "hub" for the unit. All shipments go from your shop to a participant. The participant then returns the unit to you (they pay return shipping) after an agreed upon period of "review" time. This serves several purposes:

a) Shipping costs are more equitable as you are paying the same as they are for the shipment inbound and out. Eliminates the possibility of one participant paying for shipping coast to coast whereas another may only have to pay for a local delivery if the unit was moving from participant to participant. I imagine this might not sit well with some.

b) Establishes a "chain of custody" so that if it does disappear you know where it actually was last. Also addresses concern Number 3 in that you can check the unit for damage when it is returned before sending it out again.

2. That the schematics won't end up on the internet
Lock the chassis or cabinet in such a way that attempting to open it or remove it will only be possible by destroying or heavily damaging the unit. May be ugly but who cares, it's a demo unit. Maybe using those "tamper proof" (ha ha) torx screws or even better yet just using some sort of real locking mechanism like a hasp and lock to prevent the back of the cabinet from being opened or the chassis from being removed. Put a piece of black plexi or something over the open portion of the chassis if it is visible by other means (sticking a mirror or digital camera into the unit). How about that tamper proof tape that is used on some products?

3. That they won't be damaged
Build a reusable shipping crate that must be used for each shipment. If the participant doesn't use the shipping crate when it is returned to you they lose their deposit. As previously mentioned, if the unit always returns to you it can be checked before being sent back out.

Finally, to cover all of the above, a clearly written and legally binding "Terms of Use" contract a participant must agree to and sign stating the terms as outlined above e.g. the "must use the shipping container" thing, the deposit, won't copy or distribute the circuit, etc.

This all may seem excessive to some but even among friends disagreements can turn ugly. If everybody knows and agrees to the rules there is really not much room for argument.

I, as I suspect many members do, really appreciate the time and money you have put into this project and wouldn't want to see that squashed by some problem that could be avoided. You are willing to send several pieces of equipment conservatively worth over $1000.00 each to people's doorsteps so they can try it for FREE (okay, cost of shipping). I would hope that any participants would appreciate this and not quibble over rules intended to protect against someone taking advantage of your work and generosity.

My 3 cents (2008 rate increase).

 

I won't need to test the Wreck...I just want sound and video clips of the amp being played. I want to hear the clean to mean with touch dynamics and volume knob control, bloom, feedback, etc.

 

What pat said.

 

I would like to hear it in person. I would like to test drive the Wrecktified amp and see how it does in the bedroom. I am very interested in this amp from the beginning.

S2amps, if you decide not to send out the amp for test drives, let me know if it is OK to come see you in Tx on a Saturday..

Thanks!

Rik

 

I would like to test it as well but well conceived video clips would suffice for me.The guy who does the TW videos{geetarplayer} would be a great test since he knows the real thing and is a solid player!I'm gettin more excited!

 

I agree...send it to Glen for his opinion (Geetarpicker).

 

i would like to hear these amps, but listen too your concerns...that i agree with whole heartedly, see if you can limit it in the state your in.
You can get valid address, and even meet in person perhaps.
maybe you can swap amps, and then they'll know the condition of their own amp...hahahhaa.....

i would consider some local tests first............it also eliminates nation wide shipping error and cost. i think the duty to come into Canada would be like me paying for a quarter of the amp....i might as well just buy it by then...hahhaa.......
best hopes with this.

 

Making the Amp Available to Members who have made a donation to TGP. Not enough people do. In fact only 3 people on this thread have. And your not one of them.

Joe Tee
President of the How to win Friends and Influence People School of Thought

 

Given that the amp is worth in excess of 1K, I think some assurances are reasonable. Why not have members send you a fax with some piece of id with their address (cable bill, etc), agree to pay for any damage while in their possession or if shipping rules are not followed and sign a simple non-disclosure to cover the circuit?

'Course preference should be given to your old customers. :AOK