when you recognize you

So I was emailing my band about my process (re our latest release):

one of the tracks has all new vocs

the rest are all original w/ edits

sometimes I’ll fly a vocal part to creat a backing vocal, or to replace a word or syllable

I autotuned one two vocal notes (I think one, but then I replaced it, anyways)

I added one of your guitar notes to one solo where you clinked a nice lead phrase to keep it in

I cut parts of our leads where we got a little too “out”

I did boost some of Al’s fils, but that’s all there

and I boosted to level off TomH’s bass where needed

I added some percussion, too

there’s EQ work, some limiting, compression on one bass track, reverb and compression on the snare, vocals and percussion

and the afore-mentioned pasted on chorus at the end of one track

per song, I’ll spend a hour each song making the raw mix sound 100% better, then the next hour making it 10% better, than the next hour or so making it 2% better

as another stat, l’ll do a cocktail and 2-3 hits per mix

I mix as I record, and I master as I mix

when the songs are done I spend a half hour or so “mastering” them, then mebbe 15 minutes on the fartwork and a half hour getting it all uploaded and set to release

often I’ll then hafta re-do 1 or 2 songs when heard in context

==============================================================

then I came across this article and the below quote:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/25/us/rick-beato-youtube-everything-music-cec/index.html

After years of interviewing so many musical greats, Beato says he’s noticed a pattern: Almost all of them have an obsessive component to their character.

JAMC: *Sunset 666*

great-sounding live recording, Isobell Campbell guesting, kinda a greatest hits with stuff from the last studio record (new one out in March)

this rocks, and is as long as a traditional concert (vs. JAMC’s famous 3-songs and fight concerts)

a very tight band, too, notably cool lead guitars, vocals are spot-on, the brothers are under-rated as musos, and great riders inna genre they , for me, created – ask BRMC

Brittany Howard: *What Now*

cutting edge hip hop with gospel-influenced vocals and some Radiohead aesthetics

and a BIG kick drum

love it

Future Islands: *People Who Aren’t There Anymore*

most of the choons are mid-tempo, with a power trio sound of synth-bass-drums, really well-done

a cuppla of last songs have synth solos like lead guitar – love ’em

but the “main attraction” are the vocals

besides being entertaining to watch, the singer has a really unique vocal style, reminiscent at times of Bowie, but not always – he’s readily identifiable, a bit exaggerated but also very expressive

this is being played frequently around here, as was their first

Almictomx2: *Fo’*

https://vlayman.bandcamp.com/album/fo

Why originals?

posted at talkbass:

I’ve been playing in bands since about ’83. A kinda rule of mine was no more than 1 cover song per set – mostly as encore.

Got to the point of OK opening gigs during the grunge years, one record company interested as we broke … up.

In the time since I played in one cover band for a cuppla months – I hated it, and they hated me.

I stopped gigging regularly when I married in ’96 – that was her dowry or whatever; in retrospect wasn’t worth it, other than getting my kids. 

And I got ’em and raised ’em myself and just kept writing and recording to date.

Put together a cuppla -5 bands in the last 10 years, joined one original band (mostly cops!).

I’ve been working with a guitarist for about 8 years now, and we finally have a solid 2 guitar (I’m now one of ’em), bass and drums. I’m lead singer, and I write everything, and it’s a lot of fun, but mostly just a jam on idears I bring in, record and mix down with some edits and overdubs.

The other players are in cover projects (one is inna blues/zydeco band), and we meet every 2-3 weekends for 2-4 hours late Saturday or Sunday morning, eat, drink, smoke and have a blast. Last Sunday was 4 hours, we recorded 19 songs, of which 4 were covers. I’ll probably publish mebbe 12 of ’em, re-record the others, or bin ’em. I’ll say here are the lyrics, the changes, the arrangement, make it sound like … Or, what do you wanna make this sound like? A cuppla weeks ago we went for The Who, Humble Pie, Dream Syndicate, Neil Young, Sex Pistols, and the Stones. I always give the others a chance for input, always try it, usually keep it. We often try the same song in different styles, e.g. country, or garage rock, punk or Deadish, etc. We can pretty much play anything except math rock, and we don’t ever play death metal or boy band or synth pop or rap … (we do try Soundgarden, 60’s pop, Joy Division and hip-hop stuff.)

We never practice, we just jam and record – we are in our 60’s and almost good enuff to be listenable.

Return of the Reverb issue: “return!”

Thu, Feb 8 at 9:52 AM

When do you plan to ship my amp back? Have you …
Reply Icon Reply to this email to respond to Doug. Conversations remain open for 90 days.

Reverb
New Message
New Message

Hi mike ,
You have a new message on Reverb regarding your Vox Night Train Classic NT15C1-CL Limited Edition 15W 1×12 Combo 2010s – Black.

When do you plan to ship my amp back? Have you not received the shipping label. Please respond at your earliest convenience. I included a copy in my last message on Feb 6.Thanks

   Doug Curtis
=================
Thu, Feb 8 at 11:29 AM

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hey Mike,

I hope you are doing well. This is Arianne at Reverb Support. This is in regard to your purchase on Order # 19538970.

Your seller reached out to us because they are asking for the status of the return package. Upon checking the order, it shows here that the seller has already processed the refund and we already send the email with the return label. Can you please confirm if you received the email?

If not, I will attach the return label here for your reference.

Looking forward to your response!

Best,

Arianne A. | Support Specialist

Attachment:

return_shipping_label.png
====================
On Friday, February 9, 2024 at 11:29:53 AM CST, Arianne A. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hey Mike,

I hope you are doing well. I just want to make a follow-up for order #19538970 – Vox Night Train Classic NT15C1-CL Limited Edition 15W 1×12 Combo 2010s – Black.

Your seller reached out to us because they are asking for the status of the return package. Upon checking the order, it shows here that the seller has already processed the refund and we already send the email with the return label. Can you please confirm if you received the email?

Looking forward to your response!

Best,

Arianne A. | Support Specialist

============================================================

Fri, Feb 9 at 11:49 AM

You (Reverb) are unbelievable, and a complete waste of my time – terrible and untrustworthy business practices you have – read your file for my prior responses.

The seller ended up stalling my refund – I have no desire to communicate with him about BS “shipping” claim again.

I also have no desire to communicate with Reverb again, nor do business with you based upon this experience  – close my account.

Finally, see the copy of the email I received from Reverb, bolded italics mine.

The amp is gone:

On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 06:43:35 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hi Mike,

….

I apologize for the trouble. Since we covered this refund as an accommodation, you may keep this Vox to do with as you wish.

At this time–this case has been closed.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

Reverb issue

Ended!
Vox Night Train Classic NT15C1-CL Limited Edition 15W 1×12 Combo 2010s – Black
Seller: Doug’s Gear Outlet
Condition: Mint
Asking Price: $335
Shipping: $60
Order #: 19538970   Ordered: 01-26-2024   Shipped: 01-26-2024
UPS: 1ZF6Y8414299085963
Total: $398.56

Michael,
thanks for your purchase. I am preparing the amp for shipment. I will be dropping it off at the shipper tomorrow morning. Thanks Doug

Doug’s Gear Outlet Jan 26, 2024 01:29 PM

Report message

Michael
Just letting you know I dropped off the amp at the UPS Access Point closest to my home this morning.

Doug’s Gear Outlet Jan 27, 2024 09:37 AM

Report message

Thanks.

mike ‘s Gear Garage Jan 27, 2024 10:16 AM

Amp has problems. It appears that the jack and bright channel gain pot are the issue, possibly loose on the board. There may or may not be a bad or loose pre-amp tube as well.

mike ‘s Gear Garage Jan 30, 2024 05:23 PM

Mike I was not aware of any issues with the amp. Honestly I don’t know much about the inner workings of the amp. Are these issues resulting from being shipped. Let me know how we may be able to resolve this problem.
Thanks Doug

Doug’s Gear Outlet Jan 30, 2024 05:34 PM

Report message

I don’t believe it is a shipping issue. It is likely from use, plugging and un-plugging the guitar cord resulting in cracked traces on the circuit board.

The amp is un-reliable and needs repair.

This is all I could find on youtube:

It may or may not be an easy repair – sometimes bad traces can be heated up and “re-flowed” to repair them, but there is risk in that as the PCB can get damaged, etc.

The video is a head; disassembly of the combo may or may not be difficult.

$400 is too much for a broken amp, so I want to return it.

mike ‘s Gear Garage Jan 30, 2024 05:58 PM

Mike sorry for this problem. This amp has probably only be used less than a dozen times. I understand your disappointment as I am disappointed also. I will contact Reverb support tomorrow and see what is required to resolve the issue and meet your return request.

Doug’s Gear Outlet Jan 30, 2024 06:22 PM

Report message

OK.

One alternative is, I can open it up to see if it’s repairable, but I do not want to do that without your permission.

It may be possible to just see the issue, and I could send pictures if so.

Bench repair time here in Chi is around $100/hr.+, so it would not be worthwhile to bring it in, besides the fact that the nearest repair place appears to be about 1-1.5 or more hours round trip.

If it has only been used less than a dozen times, as said, it may be that it got dropped, or more likely, something got dropped on it when the cord was plugged in, or the cord got yanked. Because the bright gain knob is also messed up, I think the second or third possibilities are greater.

I own a few amps, and I had a similar issue (switch, not jack) with a Fender HRDX that I was able to fix (still have it, nice pedal platform, but these Vox sound good without pedals).

mike ‘s Gear Garage Jan 30, 2024 07:13 PM

Michael
Contacted Reverb support. Chatted with a rep described your reported issues with amp and told them you want to return the amp. They started a claim for amp since it was insured. You can initiate a refund/return from your purchases page. We will both be receiving an email in a few days. Thanks

Doug’s Gear Outlet Jan 31, 2024 12:48 PM

Report message

Ok.

mike ‘s Gear Garage Jan 31, 2024 02:29 PM
===============================================

On Friday, February 2, 2024 at 12:49:20 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hi Mike,

I am reaching out to you in regard to Order # 19538970 for the Vox Night Train Classic NT15C1-CL Limited Edition 15W 1×12 Combo. I am sorry to hear that this amp arrived damaged.

Thankfully, your seller did purchase Reverb Safe Shipping and we will be happy to process a claim. I attempted to view the video you shared so I can understand the damages reported. However, I see that this video was removed. Can you please add this video back so I can best understand the damage reported?

Lastly, would you be open to a partial refund to cover repair costs? Thank you, I am sorry for the trouble, but I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

On Friday, February 2, 2024 at 01:52:50 PM CST, Michael E Vlahakis PC <mevvv@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

no video was posted

the issue involves the input jack and adjacent gain pot

no offer of partial refund was previously made

I bought another of the same amp – on Reverb – on the 31st

Order #: 19538970

I want this one gone – waste of my time and money and effort

To:
Phil C. (Reverb Support)

Sat, Feb 3 at 10:02 AM

Hello?

On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 04:32:53 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hi Mike,

Thank you for the information. I apologize, I thought the video you shared from YouTube was a video demonstrating the damage you are reporting. Please provide documentation verifying the damage so we can review here.

Moving forward, we can either pursue a partial refund to cover repair costs. Or, we can pursue a return for a full refund. Based on your previous email, you wish to pursue a return, correct?

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

To:
Phil C. (Reverb Support)

Mon, Feb 5 at 4:38 PM

Yes, I WANT MY $400.

There is no video.

It is an electronics problem that cannot be seen, only heard.

Please stop stalling and send the return documentation. so that I CAN GET MY MONEY BACK.
On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 04:43:10 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hi Mike,

Thank you for the information. I have no intention of stalling your resolution. We are happy to explore the option of a $400 partial refund if this is the resolution you are seeking. However, we need to be able to verify the damage you are reporting.

The damage you are reporting can be demonstrated via video. We just need you to show the issue you are reporting. I recommend using a file sharing service such as Drop-Box or YouTube.

Thank you–once we can verify the damage you are reporting, we can move forward with this case.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

To:
Phil C. (Reverb Support)

Mon, Feb 5 at 4:53 PM

NO DAMAGE IS VISIBLE.

The seller, and now you, ARE stalling me – I requested a refund last week and now you make irrelevant demands.

I do not want a discount – too late for that.

The item is defective – I ama aware of no obligation verify anything –  I want to return it for a refund.

Please EXPEDITE.

On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 05:09:07 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Mike,

I understand the nature of the damage. Please provide documentation verifying your concerns. I recommend a video Demonstrating the issues you are reporting. To reiterate, I know that this damage is not visible. I see that you say that jack is loose as well as the bright channel pot. Please provide documentation demonstrating this. I also understand that there may be a loose pre-amp tube. What symptoms are leading you to believe this? Is a tube not glowing? If so, can you please provide documentation verifying this.

I am not against you and I am trying to best assist you. I have no intention of delaying a resolution. However, we cannot process a damage claim without being able to verify the damages that are being reported. Like when you are in a fender bender, you insurance provider will need to verify the damages that were assumed to the car before offering any compensation.

If you are unable to provide video documentation demonstrating your concerns, a statement from an amplifier technician will work as well. However, I recommend recording a short video as it should only take a few minutes to accomplish.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

To:
Phil C. (Reverb Support)

Mon, Feb 5 at 5:17 PM

That is unacceptable.

It is an internal electronics problem.

Who are YOU to deny my refund?

Who are YOU to demand I document the seller’s problem?

This is not shipping damage – it is an electronically defective item – the seller sold ME a broken amp.

NO DAMAGE IS VISIBLE.

You ARE stalling – I requested a refund on 1-31-24

You and the seller have had my $400 and the use of my money for 5 days.

I WANT MY MONEY BACK.

On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 05:09:07 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Mike,

I understand the nature of the damage. Please provide documentation verifying your concerns. I recommend a video Demonstrating the issues you are reporting. To reiterate, I know that this damage is not visible. I see that you say that jack is loose as well as the bright channel pot. Please provide documentation demonstrating this. I also understand that there may be a loose pre-amp tube. What symptoms are leading you to believe this? Is a tube not glowing? If so, can you please provide documentation verifying this.

I am not against you and I am trying to best assist you. I have no intention of delaying a resolution. However, we cannot process a damage claim without being able to verify the damages that are being reported. Like when you are in a fender bender, you insurance provider will need to verify the damages that were assumed to the car before offering any compensation.

If you are unable to provide video documentation demonstrating your concerns, a statement from an amplifier technician will work as well. However, I recommend recording a short video as it should only take a few minutes to accomplish.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

To:
Phil C. (Reverb Support)

Mon, Feb 5 at 5:19 PM

The item is re-packed as sent and ready to go.

Please send a shipping label and refund my money.

I am rapidly losing faith in Reverb, where I have spent no little money – including another $450-some to REPLACE this defective amp – I gave you that info.

On Monday, February 5, 2024 at 06:43:35 PM CST, Phil C. (Reverb Support) <support@reverb.com> wrote:

##- Please type your reply above this line -##
Reverb
Hi Mike,

I apologize for the trouble.

I attempted to best assist by not requiring documentation of the box and packing materials as well as this is usually required to process a damage claim. However, at a minimum, we need to at least be able to verify and understand how the item purchased did not arrive as described. We simply cannot process a damage claim or compel action from your seller if we cannot understand/verify the damage you are reporting.

I see that your seller has processed a full refund. Since we were not able to verify the damage reported, this would normally void their claim. However, I want to be sure we best assist you as well as your seller. So, we covered this refund for your seller. Since we covered this refund as an accommodation, you may keep this Vox to do with as you wish.

I understand that this has been frustrating, and I am glad we were able to assist in this case. However, this is a one-time accommodation and this has been denoted on your Reverb account. In the future, if we are unable to verify any claims of an item arriving damaged or not as described by your seller, we will be unable to offer any compensation or compel any action from your seller.

At this time–this case has been closed.

Best,

Phil C. | Resolutions Specialist

Please note: Your support request has been marked as ‘closed’ by a Reverb Support agent. You may re-open the request by replying to this email within 7 days. After that time period, you will be required to create a new support request with our team.

Mon, Feb 5 at 9:01 PM

Thank you.

    Note it is not MY ” Safe Shipping Claim”; I made no complaint about “shipping”, it is a defective amplifier for which I claimed a refund.

    Since you state that this is, “a one-time accommodation and this has been denoted on your Reverb account”, please “denote” in your Gestapo file that this was a defective amp without visible damage (the tubes on the amp are not even visible without disassembly, had you done minimal homework), re-packed 4 days after the initial claim because of every one else stalling their response – and you did – for which you today first made demands not otherwise advised nor previously requested.

    You also state, “In the future, if we are unable to verify any claims of an item arriving damaged or not as described by your seller, we will be unable to offer any compensation or compel any action from your seller.”

    Do you really want my response?

    You shall have it:

    There will be no chance of a “in the future” issue because in the future, I shall not purchase such an expensive item on Reverb (and maybe not any items at all because I’ll now start shopping first with your competitors who don’t pull this garbage) because you did not handle this claim correctly, causing me to waste time and effort, passively-aggressively and offensively implied that this is an issue caused by me (the victim, if there is any here) to whom you are granting a favor by doing your bloody job, and I no longer trust your ability or good faith – since you say this is the only time you will ever do it – to properly rectify issues not created by me.

    Not that you properly rectified it. – what am I supposed to do with a broken amp? Take it to be re-cycled? Who pays gas, labor, cartage, time for me doing you that favor? Not to mention holding my money back …

    Why would I again buy anything valuable on Reverb, since you have now indicated you will not honor my rights as a consumer, and condescended toward, and insulted, and aggravated me?

    IOW, you have as a result of the above lost a potentially significant amount of future business from me – as well as good will – when after years I first make a claim (and check your Gestapo file – I’m confident I spent at least a couple thousand, including the same model amp I bought on Reverb right after claiming the subject refund –  and don’t think I don’t regret giving you that sale)  – and you imply I did something wrong.

    Need I say the seller’s “Safe Shipping Claim “is not my problem?

    My claim was for a REFUND.

    Need I say again you have chilled my desire to do business with Reverb?

    I will also no longer relate my past good experiences when fellow musicians make their ever-increasing complaints about you.

    Please put this in your Gestapo file.

    “Best” to you, too, pal.

Wayne Kramer, RIP

https://apnews.com/article/wayne-kramer-died-mc5-kick-out-jams-90d2858255bf18ae7758ccb9e453a3ca

:(

I was a big fan.

So I’ll tell my Kramer story.

I was in my 2nd or third band before I even heard any more than the 1st line of “Kick out the jams” (which song we tried but failed to cover adequately and do never did do on stage).

I really got interested in the MC5 because of Patti Smith marrying Fred, and that led me to Kramer.

I eventually became a fan, have 3-4 of his solo records and always laugh at his paen to Christine Amanpour, which actually inspired me to write a song.

My fave Bob

Disc 2 of the box set of Time Out of Mind.