First Experience with Fostex: Not Good

  • Thread starter Thread starter donovan1968
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donovan1968

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I bought a Fostex VF80CDR digital multitrack last month. I used it to record some material over the course of a few days, then went to make a CD using the built in drive, only to find out that the drive did not work. I called Fostex and was advised that the fastest way to get it repaired would be to ship it to the service department (as opposed to bringing it to an authorized service center.) I was told that the turnaround would be about five days.

So not only have I NOT been able to use the BRAND NEW unit (which THEY allowed to be shipped out in a non-functional state), but I have had to PAY for shipping to the service department (in Norwalk, California), and wait for them to get around to fixing it. On top of this, I called back today to check the status, and NO ONE answers the phone in the service department (however, pressing "1" for "sales" puts you immediately through to a representative). The only option for service is voice mail, and the recording (which is difficult to understand) states that turnaround is actually one to two weeks, except in the case of back order parts (and something else which I can't understand), which may take four to eight weeks.

So at this point, it doesn't matter how useful the multitrack may ultimately be. I've had nothing but grief up to this point, and want nothing else to do with Fostex or their products. I know this is all probably standard practice for the music gear industry, but in my opinion it's just not right. Any others had similar experiences? I would like to write to them and tell them what people think. Thanks...
 
I bought my VF 16 a little over a year ago and channels 1 ans 2 fried on it the first day I had it.I called up American Musical Supply(thats where I bought it)and told them what the deal was.They had another unit sitting on my porch Next Day Air at no cost to me.Included with the new recorder was a return authorization label that I stuck on the box that the damaged VF went back in.Dropped it off at the UPS drop box(no cost to me) at Staples and that was it.Best service in the land.

If you bought it from American Musical or Musicians Friend ,they have a 45 day return policy and they'll exchange your unit the way the did mine within a day...2 tops.

I never deal with the maker of a product until the 45 day return period has ran out.It doesnt make any sense to deal with them if if you still have time left to return it to the dealer.

Where did you buy yours from?
 
Fostex customer support down right sucks. I've been trying to give them my damn money and they won't take it! idiots....
 
I bought my VF-160 CDR from a dealer on Ebay. About a week later, I got an email from him wanting to comfirm my Serial Number. It seems that Fostex received a bunch of janxed Plextor CDRs that go in the VF-160 and VF-80. Mine wasn't one of them, thank God.

Whoever you bought your's from should have been informed by Fostex of the prob...

CR ><>
 
Thanks...

Folks: thanks for the replies. I did purchase this VF80CDR from Musician's Friend. I knew the option of returning the unit was there, but unfortunately I had several days' worth of work sitting on the hard drive, and a five-day turnaround seemed worth it to be able to keep the hard drive intact. Of course I should have tested everything thoroughly from the start, but I was naive enough to assume that it would work (and to assume that Fostex actually would accept responsibility and communicate with me, and repair the thing and send it back in a timely manner).

I guess Musician's Friend also bears some guilt if indeed they were notified as to which units had faulty CDR drives, but shipped them anyway.

It's just saddening all around...
 
:cool: Dude;

You are going to love that VF-80 when ya get it back!

Blessings to ya!

CR ><>
 
can you say more?

Axe4Yahweh said:
I bought my VF-160 CDR from a dealer on Ebay. About a week later, I got an email from him wanting to comfirm my Serial Number. It seems that Fostex received a bunch of janxed Plextor CDRs that go in the VF-160 and VF-80. Mine wasn't one of them, thank God.

Whoever you bought your's from should have been informed by Fostex of the prob...

CR ><>
Click to expand...


I have a VF80, and though my CDR seems fine, I'd like to confirm I have a good one... Any more info on the affected serial number range?
 
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