Midnight Amplification Devices experiences?

[Eivind August]

Also, preemptive "Etched?" reply: https://sites.google.com/site/droppinga ... g/portrait

[beef]

haha that's actually such a cool idea. One day I would love to do that

Or better yet, finally get round to learning about electronics and do it myself and get some sexy screen printed finish.

But yeah... I mean it is kind of about the drama though. I did state that I was aware of the shit he pulled but I wanted to hear about the goods themselves. I was actually kind hoping some people were going to comment that the pedals are just badly made garbage peds, avoid. That would have made it easy... Ultimately, whether he's a hack or not, if it's a good product, it's a good product and now I'm kind of keen to try some for myself. I've been messed around by a certain popular builder here and it really fucking sucks. It's stressful, disappointing, a waste of time and just plain shitty. That said, I found the pedal second hand after that was all over, and it was totally worth it. I wouldn't recommend anyone orders directly like I did, but I'd recommend the pedal... I feel like this is a similar thing for me.

I mean... there's a huge negative bias here, and I don't want to diminish any of your shitty experiences with this bloke, I really appreciate all the input... but it's not like Vertex level of scumbaggery (defo wouldn't order something from him, I have principles I swear) - the way he has treated some customers and handled his business is totally fucking unacceptable and plain shady but imo it's still not too late to redeem himself. And I hope he does...

Also after all that's been said, I 100% wouldn't buy from him directly... like I said I'm pretty keen on trying some second hand ones. I don't see how that is supporting a 'hack' like this, other than in principle. Which is petty af. Not into that.

Anyway these midnight amplification ones are just on an ever expanding list of noise toys that I hope to try one day...

[Jwar]

Vertex paid everyone back and came clean and apologized even though he douched out and ripped people off. That earned him not only old customers back but new customers and now he sells more than he ever has.

Nic tucked his tail and ran away when things got real and never apologized to anyone.

I've never bought from him, I'm simply reporting what I've seen personally on this site. Some bias is justifiable so that others do not get fucked over as well.

I mean do what you want. That's totally up to you! I use pedals that others don't and I'm happy with that.

I would still recommend second hand no matter what and buy from a dealer so you can send it back if it's broken.

[beef]

I pretty much exclusively buy second hand anyway when I can, because I'm an insufferable cheapskate

And of course, it makes sense. The bias was to be expected. And understandably it's hard to separate the product from the producer in most cases. I just wanted to hear how people had found their pedals, (if they were lucky enough to have actually received them...), because there's just not much in terms of actual reviews around, and I love hearing these things.

It's a fair point. That's pretty bloody weak not owning up to his actions and I'm not disputing in any way that it's a shitty thing to do - owning up to his tremendous fuckery would go a long way for sure. I can't imagine why he hasn't tbh... it's not nice and it's pretty suicidal from a business perspective. The internet holds grudges!

On an unrelated note though, I can't believe how well Vertex is doing... I'm positive that Mason was just sorry he got caught and it was just like damage control at that point. Props for the refunds and the candid replies, which is admirable, all things said and done.

[Chankgeez]

Nic tucked his tail and ran away when things got real and never apologized to anyone.

Well, he could've had a devoted customer base here. Not that it's even a very large one , but… still… he seems to be doing OK elsewhere.

[jrfox92]

Vertex paid everyone back and came clean and apologized even though he douched out and ripped people off.

That's not quite true, from what I've heard.
According to several builders and people supposedly in the industry (reference necessary, but I'm not gonna spend the next several hours to do the research again) he's still lying, he never came clean completely (for example, he claimed he was buying the BBE pedals legitimately but there are some who supposedly have talked to the president of BBE that claim BBE never knew and that Mason never had a "dedicated dealer" or any such bullshit) and he's still jerking people around with his old bullshit, so.

Of course, a lot of everything on the internet is hearsay and personal experiences are always different. But, as has been mentioned, it's really easy to find someone who isn't marred by controversy to do your stuff.
I'm sure someone out there is willing to build a pedal for you that's silk screened and everything for the right price.
(for the record, the only other company I can think of that I've seen with silk screened graphics as exciting/pwetty as Nic's was Sentimental Bob)

[Jwar]

Well that's entirely possible. From what I've heard/read he paid back everyone that he could get a hold of, but who knows. Have no clue on the BBE thing either. I was just comparing the two from what I know, which might be wrong.

Also that Sentimental Bob person's Beat Dictator looks strangely similar to the Dwarfcraft Paraloop. I guess they are different, yet similar. Kind of funny.


Here's some interesting stuff I finally found.

insubordination wrote:
I'll tell you what I have anti-GAS for: anything from Midnight Amplification Devices. Dude is deleting posts of dissatisfied buyers from his Shark Tank noting that:

- He takes about four months to send pedals with no communication, and makes excuses instead of just taking responsibility
- Pretty much only sends pedals once you have filed a Paypal dispute
- Lies about when he ships pedals

I guess the only good thing is that of the half dozen ILFers I've been in touch with, everyone gets their shit eventually, it's just like pulling teeth to even get a fucking response. So note that I'm not calling this dude a scam artist or ripoff, just stating he is not being transparent. And in the end who gives a shit, they're just pedals, right?

I don't know Nic personally, maybe he's a great guy in real life. But I think it's pretty disrespectful to take money from people then just leave them hanging, make excuses when called out, and offer them hollow gestures like a discount instead of just owning up to being overwhelmed with orders or whatever the case, while listing new pedals and promising a delivery time of two weeks when others have been waiting four months.

Maybe this is bad form and I am usually pretty drama-averse, but deleting posts of dissatisfied buyers is pretty weak.

[larsbars]

FWIW, I kinda had the opposite experience with him. I ordered a Holy Mountain during a black friday sale, maybe 2 years ago? Got it in January which isn't too bad of a turn around time. However I was supremely disappointed with the end product. I kept hearing that it was ungodly loud, but mine had to be turned up fairly high to get any sort of above unity volume. Tone was relatively uninspiring too, and didn't play super well with other dirt pedals. My EQD Monarch which I was comparing it to is way louder, the drive sounds better (to my ears) and takes other dirt pedals like a champ, especially run at 18v. So I sold it, then all the drama happened, and I moved on without a second thought.

[odontophobia]

I think that, in a see of companies who make some awesome dirt boxes that outside of the aesthetic of some of these pedals there's plenty out there doing the same shit. Order from whomever you want, you know, first hand or second hand or found in the dumpster at a salvation army..

use whatever so long as it makes the noises you want it to -- i happen to be of the opinion that he's not doing anything so unique as to merit consideration over something more reputable.

[beef]

I agree. But to be fair, I don't think many builders who specialise in fuzz and all things heavy are doing anything truly unique or ground breaking and it just comes down to personal preference as you say. He may be a sketchman, but I like the demos I've heard so far and I like the aesthetics. There's no shortage of other reputable builders though thats for sure. My 3 favourite fuzz artists over here (David Main, Stu Castledine and Steve Williams) are all some of the most affable and talented builders I've ever dealt with. All of whom make some of the best fuzz pedals I've ever played... but curiosity always gets the best of me and I go through dirt boxes like there's no tomorrow. To me there's no point in writing these pedals off because the creator is a bellend, I'd still like to give them a spin. Fuck it. I'll buy from sketchy rats and honourable builders alike. They're not mutually exclusive! Gassing for a Dunwich Riff Filled Land just as much now.

Anyway, someone's actually shot me a PM behind the scenes with some really good value offers on a couple of Midnight Audio boxes... after all this deliberating, I'm just gonna take the plunge and try some for myself. Either they're wicked, or they're not for me and you'll be seeing them on the classifieds sooner or later.

Also had no idea about the EQD Monarch. That is an interesting revelation... EQD you sly dogs.

[D.o.S.]

You should make demos.

[goroth]

I don't get this thread.

If you are that keen on buying them regardless of what folks say, go and buy them regardless of what folks say.
Dude can obviously solder, though interestingly some reported problems on that front, designs are rad, though some definite plagiarism on that front, circuits are pretty legit, though wtf it's füzz not rocket science...
I'd hit one of the rad alternatives mentioned by folks, or what the hell, buy his stuff and hope for the best. A Paypal dispute later and you've got plenty of legit alternatives here. Go nuts, füzz out and report back!

[beef]

I don't get this thread.

If you are that keen on buying them regardless of what folks say, go and buy them regardless of what folks say.
Dude can obviously solder, though interestingly some reported problems on that front, designs are rad, though some definite plagiarism on that front, circuits are pretty legit, though wtf it's füzz not rocket science...
I'd hit one of the rad alternatives mentioned by folks, or what the hell, buy his stuff and hope for the best. A Paypal dispute later and you've got plenty of legit alternatives here. Go nuts, füzz out and report back!

What's not to get man? I wanted to start a discussion. What's unreasonable about asking for some feedback from those with experiences with his pedals? The drama wasn't news to me, I wanted to hear about the pedals, and correct me I'm wrong but enough people said they rocked for me to want to hear some for myself. Sure I could buy something from an alternative builder, I will... don't get me wrong... but they're not mutually exclusive, so why not both. Just trying to be reasonable and unbiased mate. It's not like I'm just disregarding what everyone has said and buying one regardless of all your opinions, it's just that a lot of what's been said has mainly been about the character of the creator and this isn't news to me and personally doesn't sway my opinion on whether or not I should buy something second hand. The overwhelming consensus not to buy directly is invaluable, everyones input has 100% made sure that I won't be buying directly off this guy. You might find it baffling, but I appreciate the thread, so thanks all.

Sure I was curious and I started the discussion with the agenda of wanting some input to help inform me on whether I should risk buying one, but as this is a forum of pedalheads, I value your opinions and if most people had come out and said they're just rubbish then I'd give em a miss. Why you gotta hate

Also for sure man, I will make some demos when they get here. One's an Old Black, which sounds intriguing as a massive Neil Young fan, and the other is a Host Moon, don't know much about that one, but a new fuzz is always fun and i'm still keen to give it a spin. I will report back!

[Jwar]

He's hating because despite the caution given you were like "meh fuck it". Which whatever, that's your prerogative. Some of us have integrity though and don't want to support asshats.

[beef]

Sure, I can absolutely understand and respect that, but dude... I'm trying to be open minded and there's a serious us vs them mentality here, were just going round in circles... The caution about buying directly was taken on board and much appreciated... Where was I like 'meh fuck it' - I just don't see how buying second hand is supporting said asshat other than in principle. Which is just too needlessly self righteous for me to get down with. I outlined in the first post that I was aware of this guys dodgy communication/orders and wasn't fussed about drama and I'd say the majority of people who actually tried them said the pedals were cool, which is worth a shot. I'm wary but I don't want to just hop on the hate train having had no experience with this guy or his pedals, and the few actual testimonials that cropped up here from people with real first hand experiences were positive enough to make me want to go ahead and try some. The opportunity presented itself, I'd be a total mug to say no.