 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368473 - 07/02/13 10:25 PM
Audya support...
|
Senior Member
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 1124
Loc: South Africa
|
Great!!!
My SSD is on it's way, UPS already contacted me. Tx once again AJ for the FANTASTIC service I became so accustomed to expect from you. I cannot recommend the Ajamsonic upgrade enough to all the rest of you out there. I am more than elated with mine & there are many things I now miss sorely whilst waiting for my new Ajamsonic SSD.
I find AJ to be exactly the opposite of the suggested "no care" attitude displayed by Ketron Italy, although I've never yet had direct dealings with them myself. Plus he is in a position to fix any software bugs himself & also fix many of the hardware issues inhouse. AJ has always been quick to respond to any of my queries/suggestions & yes, he did respond to ALL of them. I really feel like I am in safe hands with my Audya & I cannot complain about lack of support at all!!! In my world, AJ IS mr. Audya - period! From a support point of view, in my opinion he should have been the main Ketron distributor!
Should I ever have the need to purchase another Ketron product again, I'll do so direct through AJ. It's the likes of him, Frank & others that help to give these products the respect it deserve. For those of you who do not know, any Ketron product can be directly purchased through AJ himself & his prices are very, very good. He offered my friend a brand new Ajamsonic Audya 5 at less than I bought his non Ajamsonic Audya 76 2nd hand from him!! And I thought I got mine at a good price...
I have the absolute best arranger on this planet with all the absolute best updates available for it. I truly am in arranger heaven!
I guarantee that Ketron will follow suite soon and that the Audya will come out with a 120GB SSD as standard. And just maybe AJ will come out with repeatable intros & endings before Ketron Italy will...
Keep well all my friends,
Henni
_________________________
Make sure you'll fly forever!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368775 - 07/08/13 09:10 PM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 1124
Loc: South Africa
|
Hi all,
Yesterday I received my new Ajamsonic SSD with all the latest on it. I could never utilize all the new Ajamsionic sounds before as my Audya is one of the first models which do not accept more RAM without extensive electronic modifications.
To my utter AMAZEMENT!!! AJ included a brand new sound board with the new memory already installed with a note to say I can pay him later for it (the price for it is extremely reasonable!)
What service!!! Ajamsonic really rocks!!! Man, I only have GOOD things to say about my Audya experience. We had visitors yesterday, and only during the night could I start to play with all my newest goodies. I had very little sleep as a result...
I am once again blown away by what I have!!! For the first time, all new sounds required are loaded into memory & now all styles sound the way they were intended to & the way they were created. It's like having a new arranger & once again I'm in arranger heaven.
The new voices are beyond description. They make the existing & new styles shine. The default Ajamsonic voice selection for the different variations for the different styles is superb! The new styles (yes, already there are many new ones) are superb!!! The new super styles are just AMAZING!!!
The audio parts on the factory Audya stands out a little too much. You can hear them in just about every style as great emphasize have been put on these. It sounds nice eventually, but after a while it becomes boring. Well, AJ re-balanced everything and now all you hear is just real sounding, well balanced, fantastic real world like styles.
It came with many, many new onboard Ajamsonic demos. I'll post most here over time & I'm totally convinced you'll be as impressed as I am. I cannot see how anyone could have an Audya without the Ajamsonsic conversion. You are loosing out on a LOT all my good friends.
Oh yeah, one last thing: My Ajamsonic Audya makes ample provision for the younger generation. When I post some of the on-board the demos over here you'll hear many, many styles not found on any other arranger. I make you all this solemn promise. Hear for yourself soon...
My Ketron rocks!!! AJ's service rocks!!! AJ's upgrade rocks!!! What an arranger!!! What service!!! What happiness!!! Thank God for giving me the intellect to choose right!!! I am a happy chappy!!!
All the best my many good friends,
Henni
_________________________
Make sure you'll fly forever!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368926 - 07/11/13 09:10 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 04/25/05
Posts: 11736
Loc: NW Florida
|
That's not exactly a ringing endorsement of Ketron's after sales service. AJ seems to be doing a good job, but one man taking up the slack for an entire company that seems to care nothing about its customers doesn't inspire me.
For whatever reason, illness, a falling out with the company, whatever, if AJ is not your contact, once again, you are screwed. Holding its customers over a barrel and saying that, unless you buy AJ's upgrade, you might as well talk to a brick wall if you want after sales service is appalling.
I should get the same level of service from Ketron whether I purchase additional upgrades or not. No other manufacturer ignores its customers until they have purchased expensive additional upgrades. This is extortion, not customer service.
A $5000 arranger should come with the highest standards of service out of the box. Not after you have been forced to pay even MORE!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368930 - 07/11/13 11:23 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 06/24/08
Posts: 2805
|
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368942 - 07/12/13 06:00 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Member
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 258
Loc: Ontario Canada
|
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368952 - 07/12/13 11:55 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Fran Carango]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 4988
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
|
In Henni's post, he talked about the fantastic price AJ gave a friend of his for a NEW KETRON. Universally, approved dealers ONLY can sell the contracted product. As an employee/consultant for Ketron, that's a major conflict of interest; something not tolerated by any manufacturer I know of.
Typically, when asked, a manufacturer will direct a sales lead to a dealer in the appropriate sales area.
At a summer NAMM, I was hustled to buy Ketron direct but never tell any dealer(s). I was even asked to meet away from the show for delivery. Later, I was called and offered deals direct, without a distributor invoice.
Two guesses who did that. It doesn't matter whether this was done without the knowledge of the distributor (major blame goes to the individual) or with the distributor's OK (if that were the case, in any industry I am associated with, EVERY DEALER WOLD DROP THE LINE)!
Several good dealers have dropped the line.Good for them.
I would upgrade my SD-5 and Midjay in a heartbeat if it weren't for this major ethical "no-no".
If AJ weren't affiliated with the distributor, and was granted a dealership, it would be a different story. He probably has the OK to sell his upgrade. But, that doesn't make direct sales, bypassing distribution OK at ALL!
It's a damn shame!
Russ
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368962 - 07/12/13 05:13 PM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Fran Carango]
|
Member
Registered: 11/12/11
Posts: 402
Loc: NJ
|
I've said this before but I believe the US is a small market for Ketron (IT) as opposed to Europe and the UK. So they dedicate their resources, customer service and otherwise, accordingly. Then we get disgruntled, and don't buy Ketron, and the cycle continues. Not the dealer's fault- it starts at the beginning of the chain. The European mentality of shutting down production for the summer doesn't fly here, but if you want something not in stock in late June don't even think about it until things gear up in September. They do not think, nor act , globally on all levels. Puzzling since the world economy has taken such a hit and most companies are scrambling for sales. I have talked to the western US distributor and a midwestern US dealer who are always anxious to help and to sell. I think the New York distributor needs to work harder at responding to customers and supporting dealers in the northeast at least. You can't be draggin' your feet the NYC area (a center of world commerce) and be successful. But again, the Italian home office doesn't care much about how the markets and buying habits are here, even to the point of losing sales for a long summer vacation.
Of course some, including me , would say we should do that here, for the sake of life and families. Ah, but greed rules in this country, so summer closures are few and far between here. Hell, even some schools are going all year 'round. Eases the burden of daycare so people don't have to be home from work..$$$$$$..
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368969 - 07/13/13 05:00 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Diki]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 1124
Loc: South Africa
|
Hi everyone,
Here's the way I understand things:
1. AJ purchases Ketron products from the distributor at the SAME COST (no employee discount what so ever) as any dealer. 2. AJ offers more direct support than any dealer to date (at no extra charge to the end user). 3. The current distributors (CMC distributors) contracts his company (Ajam Inc.) to provide Product support services to Ketron USA customers 1 day a week (Mondays only) and these services include (but are not limited to):- phone calls/emails/text ...etc from customers and them, repairs for the entire country ...etc. So when he helps out outside of those days, isn't it fair to do so to his customers only? 4. The new Audya offered to my friend was a fully Ajamsonic converted Audya, including the new RAM & SSD. 5. As I understand, most manufacturers have what they call a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). The distributor sets this and all their dealers adhere to it. Now this means e.g. AJ cannot 'advertise' anywhere (internet, in store .. etc.) say an Audya to be less than it's MAP of $4798.00. HOWEVER ... if a customer walks into the store, calls AJ or communicates with him (text or facebook) and wants to negotiate the price, it is his right to sell him an Audya for $1000.00 and take a loss. The store owner knows what margin they can live with and when they can let a product go. Once you begin negotiating with a dealer, they can sell at whatever price they want - they just cannot advertise it at a price lower than MAP (in order to be fair to all). This is something people need to know. Guitar Center (one of the biggest chain stores over there) has always sold Yamaha products below MAP to many customers (AJ included) ... if you get in and start to bargain.
Let's be fair. AJ is my door to Ketron & I have nothing but praises for the way he's treated & helped me to date. And I like to make things like these known to all so they can experience same...
Also, I see very little effort from dealers over here defending Ketron Italy. I am a private individual, but if you look at my posts, you'll get the impression that I work for Ketron. I do everything in my power to give the Audya the reputation it deserves. Where are all the legal dealers to back me up whenever I do so?
Ketron makes a FANTASTIC product. They need all the support they can get. Yes, their outlook on life & marketing is way different than those of the rest of us, but never the less they are the designers & manufacturers of this stunning product. They can't be all that bad after all...
Henni
_________________________
Make sure you'll fly forever!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368988 - 07/13/13 12:37 PM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 2769
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
When I bought the Ajamsonic upgrade. AJ was right on the phone to me to help with a problem that turned out to be user error. Now, I must say he appeared to be too busy to answer my general questions until a week or two after,but,that is understandable.
Once you are a customer, the level of service is great. This is because he agreed to spend X number of hours servicing Ketron customers in general, and the bulk of his time to his own business. I do know,however, that he spent much more time on non customers than he agreed to.
I am not passing judgement on his agreement with Ketron, just defending him otherwise. Bernie
_________________________
Audya76, Yamaha S910, Technics KN7000, vArranger
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#368997 - 07/13/13 02:38 PM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Diki]
|
Member
Registered: 11/18/12
Posts: 54
Loc: Australia
|
Hello All, I wonder whether Ketron are statistically content with their product sales figures or initiating a marketing campaign for their products at all... I discovered the Audya on this exact Forum and like most purchases i make now are self searched with emphasis on negative feedbacks on the particular product. And yes, this very topic about Ketron was brought to mind and i was very much aware. Back then, I've only managed to locate one dealer in Australia. Asking the rest of Pro Music dealers in my local area, surprising most haven't even heard of Ketron nor Audya less alone stocking the product. So I ended making the purchase on Ketrons attitude of take it or leave as the sales manager could only gave me a certainty of a price and not much about the product. Because of this initial engagement, I can't say nor recommend pre and after service sales. Today, and everyday prior since, turning on the Audya well... Henni please ... And all products released by either Robert Messier, AJ and any other suggested/related ketron products, I have no second thoughts but to have my "little" contribution to the overwhelming costs of producing this fine piece of gear. As a day to day user and not much concern for its technical numbers thus leaving such to either professionals like Robert or AJ to deliver the goods, I can only emphasize to those around me about the end result of this Magnificent arranger. All I can sum up is.. No matter what product purchases you make, keyboard, computer, car.. You are more likely to be pleased and content with what the product actually IS rather than what you would like it to do... As for Audya support, this Forum and AJ is my reference manual. With AJs personalised service and the Ajamsonic upgrade it is indeed his pursuit of perfecting perfection. And with his video tutorials well.. That's all I ever need to fulfill my Audya purchase.. Kindest regards to all...
Edited by Kytrinh (07/13/13 02:54 PM)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#369040 - Yesterday at 11:23 PM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 12/01/08
Posts: 1124
Loc: South Africa
|
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#369062 - Today at 09:06 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 04/25/05
Posts: 11736
Loc: NW Florida
|
Henni... don't take it so personal. Verbal abuse? Doom prophets? What a bunch of drama queens!
I have reservations about the concept of audio loops for arrangers. I spend a fair amount of time customizing styles, moving a beat here, a bass line there, changing the sounds the factory uses. I am one of those kinds of players that rarely wants to sound EXACTLY like everyone else with the same gear, and who wants to put my own stamp on a style. Ketron's audio features don't really allow this.
I also, if I get behind the idea of audio loops for guitars, I want audio loops for FAR more than the basic maj/min/7th chords. I've heard all the demos of the guitar loops, and so far, I haven't heard ONE go from a maj to a diminished chord without a fairly radical change in sound and performance. Which is exactly what one would expect, as one is a recording of a real guitarist, and the other is a 100% MIDI guitar performance (no different to what we all already have). As I have said before, IF the transition were so smooth you couldn't hear this, why bother with audio chords in the first place? And if you CAN, the feature is incomplete.
Then there's the price, versus the appalling after sales service. Few arguments there. The only people happy with Ketron's repair service are those that haven't yet used it!
If bringing up pretty obvious shortcomings is 'verbal abuse', you need to grow a thicker skin! This entire forum is full of 'verbal abuse'... in fact, your touting your opinion of Ketron's superiority is 'verbal abuse' to the rest of us, viewed in that light!
This is a forum to discuss the pros and cons of different arrangers (amongst other things), and if you can't handle warranted criticism without becoming paranoid, it might be better to not comment about how great YOUR arranger is!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#369076 - Today at 10:54 AM
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 04/25/05
Posts: 11736
Loc: NW Florida
|
For starters, bringing up MUCH older posts and then going "with all problems solved by now" is a bit invalid, isn't it..? My posts at that time were a response to issues they had AT THAT TIME.
That they have solved them at a much later date (been out 5 years now, right?) doesn't address the FACT that they shipped it with those issues at the time. Which is what I posted about.
You have also seem to have completely forgotten about the many times I have said that the Audya, IF it fits what you want it to do, is a spectacularly good arranger. Apparently, only perceived slights are the only thing you can be bothered to remember. I don't see how that's MY problem, do you?
And my reservations about the Audya are based on FACTS that the Audya cannot address. There is no way to move beats around in a drum part, or have a different guitar or bass play the audio loop parts. I don't play much in the way of unedited, factory ROM styles. I like to change them to my taste. Audio loops don't allow you to do this, and there it is in a nutshell.
If you can play an arranger out of the box and be happy, well, if you've got $5000 to spare on something with email support one day a week, you are good to go... The Audya is a superb arranger.
My needs are very different.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#369090 - 38 minutes 44 seconds ago
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 4988
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
|
Henni, we're not talking apples and apples. You're talking about a great machine and a great upgrade. You're right. I'm talking about a major business ethics violation. I'm right on that one, too.
You have chosen to buy the machine of your choice...GOOD FOR YOU!
I have chosen NOT to buy the machine of my choice.
Worst ethics violation(s) I've ever seen in the music business and I've been in it over 50 years.
Yamaha, Roland, Korg...ANY other manufacturer would have either fired the person involved on the spot, or NEVER entered an agreement where selling direct, against established dealers (and telling the customer...ME...not to tell a dealer)was allowed.
Either way, I'd NEVER have anything to do with EITHER the company, OR the individual.
You are giving a vested interest group valuable information about what you think is a great product. That's what a good "Zone" participant does.
I'm telling about a terrible business practice, thinking that prospective customers have the right to know, before making decisions. I feel it's my obligation to tell my associates here. That's also what a conscientious "zone" member should do.
Good luck with your Ketron product.
Wish me good luck with mine, because, when/if they break, guess who I "ain't" going to count on for repair?
Russ
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#369091 - 18 minutes 5 seconds ago
Re: Audya support...
[Re: Henni]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 04/25/05
Posts: 11736
Loc: NW Florida
|
If I want to change the drum track on my Roland from a rock kit to a brush kit, it takes a few button presses. If I want to do the same on a Ketron, I have to search for EXACTLY the same beat, played on a different kit? Get real, for Pete's sake..!
Plus, let's be real here... most loop libraries are not based around the needs of an arranger player. And, pray tell me, how do I deal with the intros and outros. I bet you've got a good suggestion for how I replace those rock intros with brushes, don't you? No?
This is a VERY common scenario... you turn up to a low volume/energy gig, someone wants to hear some Springsteen, or a Clapton tune, you have the perfect style for it IF you were at high energy levels. With an Audya, you say 'sorry'. With a MIDI arranger, you change the kit to brushes, the bass and guitars to acoustic, and everyone is happy.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|