I waited and waited and waited for the iron to show. There was a distinct lack of communication, it seems the Atlantic ocean and the continent of North America makes for a good buffer. I don't know maybe the internet was broken and the satellites were down over San Diego...
As I understand it there was a problem with the acquisition of the steel used to make the transformers. I could probably guess what was happening but I won't speculate about it as I cant say for sure so that wouldn't be fair, what I can say for sure Is that a little honest communication would have gone a long, long way to ease my worried mind. I'm a pretty understanding guy and I know the steel doesn't come cheap.
Although it came good in the end at the time I have to admit I was becoming a nervous wreck since I had paid up front in full for 3, 100w and 1, 50w full sets P.T, O.T and Choke.
To be fair some of the communication I had was good and I came away with some comfort but on other occasions I felt like I was a huge inconvenience and I need to tip toe around on egg shells if I ever want to see these transformers. It wasn't like I was complaining or bothering him every week I'd just ask for an update every two or three months just to say hey how are we doing? Any closer? The strange thing is I've read other reviews where people had nothing but good things to say about the customer service and advice.
More than anything it was the fact that I wanted to use this iron because I've used it before and It sounded great but at more than one point I had nothing to reassure me I would ever see it at all.
Funny thing is the West Coast modded 1987 I built has a Classic Tone P.T, a Marstran O.T and a ****** Choke and the amp sounds every bit as good as any other I have except for the fact the Classic Tone and Marstran were packed really, really well and both arrived in very reasonable time with great communication and service when needed along the way.
As a result I wouldn't put myself through this experience again. I always give credit when I have a good experience but unfortunately this is the very first time I have something negative to say about a purchase experience. Anyway enough of that.
I had been notified to expect the shipment so I was quite excited about it. Finally the day came and part of the order showed. The box looked like it had been mauled by a Bob Cat and looked as though it had been opened by customs. When I opened it the scene was carnage, the units had been rolling around in the box like a bunch of coconuts smashing each other up. Customs didn't even wrap anything back up but to be honest there wasn't a whole lot to wrap it all back up in since the only thing in the box was a few random lumps of foam that looked like they were torn from a couch cushion and a scrap of bubble wrap. Some of the laminates were smashed in on the corners and some had come away and were bent on the P.T. Some of the insulation on the leads was stripped to the copper and some just crushed along with dented bell covers Scratches and mangled brackets.
Gotta say I've had better days....
To be honest I had to let it go for a couple of weeks till I could look at it and think about it with a clear head.
So eventually I came round and thought really there's no point ordering another set from this guy, it took long enough to get my hands on this set.
I thought realistically I've got nothing to loose, I can try salvage it and if it blow's up I'd order a new set from Mr Wallace.
I removed the bell cover, inspected it all and tapped out the dents, I'd have to live with the scratches. I straightened out the feet on the O.T and laminates on the P.T and when I mounted it the laminates pulled flush and things were starting to look like it would be alright.
I jointed all the damaged leads and insulated with heat shrink, I then tested for any continuity between winding's and to the chassis/Bell Covers and Laminates and thank the Lord it all seemed good enough to take a chance and fire it up.
Finally It was time to crack on....
On a positive side note I should say on the next two sets of transformers I received they were fitted with special bell covers that only go on transformers for his amp builds and for that I am very appreciative because they really do look very impressive.
oh no!
