Ceriatone Forum

Tomorrow marks 4 weeks since I ordered a 5X3, and not one word on the status of my order. The only confirmation that an order was placed is my PayPal receipt. I don't see any point in pinging Nik which just adds to his workload. I'll never understand why he doesn't improve his process with some sort of automated status report and other processes that could conceivably lessen the load. I was cautiously optimistic that the simpler 5X3 build might expedite the turn around, but I suppose orders are FIFO. Guess my order is stacked up behind the Dumbbells (I couldn't resist).

With 45 amps offered, imagine how the email etc. load could be reduced with clear, detailed and explicit FAQs, objective controlled environment sound clips, an "official" moderated forum, amp specs ... so many possibilities.

How many zillion redundant inquiries do you think he responds to? Like, "what distinguishes the OD from the HRM from the HRM Blues from the 50 watt from the 100 watt ..." Or, what's the wattage on a ... If Nik responded to pre-sale inquiries on an "official" forum instead of email, users could "at a glance" see their question had already been asked and answered. For the lazy folks that would raise their hand anyway, Nik, forum moderators and users could point them to the existing forum post.

I am impressed that he added a voltages spreadsheet, but it's not fully populated and without annotation it's less useful than it could be. In fact, it probably results in more emails!

Since this turned into a (reasonable, in my view) vent: Apart from ODS, ceriatoneforum.com is completely useless, and actually belies the whole Ceriatone phenomenon. Ceriatone amp users exist in numbers significant enough to merit/deserve a community. This site, apart from ODS, is not that community. I'd suggest that Kitarist reboot the whole thing to ODS only.

BTW, any questions in this post are rhetorical.

Hey Nik ... WHERE"S MY AMP!!!!!

I do agree with you that whole forum is really focused mostly on dumble style amps but there are still people that like to talk about something else also :). I will contact Nik and we will do something about the FAQ :)

Thanks!!!

I have to say I agree with some of your statements... Niks site really needs a pro touch. In other words, a complete redesign if you ask me. Amps like that definitely deserve something better.
... but in Niks defence.
Ceriatone is really just a few guys and their focus is amps, thanks god  ;D. Most of the amps are clones of the amps,... which are around for a long long time. Do you really need another description how 5E3 sounds like... or JCM800... or...
I also think that if only Nik would have some more time, his input here would be more than welcome.

...and don't worrie about your amp, I'm sure it will show up.
 ;)

What is ODS?

Dumble Overdrive Special. I should have written OTS, as Nik calls his Overtone Special. I was referring to the Dumble (Dumbbell) area.

I think one thing many small builders can use is the simple order queue system used by MAD (Mapletree Audio).  He's a small, one-man hi-fi operation, so it's generally one amp at a time, but he lists when he's waiting on parts to finish on, when one has shipped and where each order stands in his queue. 

http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/queue.htm

Perhaps this could work with 20 orders in the queue...

I think Nik said he ships 200 amps per month... now that's a challenge I would say.

But I agree, it would be nice to see what's going on with your order... but if he stays true to the delivery date he provides... I'm fine with that as well, ... even it that's more than a month sometimes.   :(

 ;)

I was not provided a delivery date. Today marks 5 weeks (35 days) since I placed my order. I've received no info at all. Not a "thanks for your patience", or "we expect completion soon", "kiss my a$$" ... not a word. Of course, I've bought from Ceriatone before so I know not to expect any communication unless I raise my hand, but it still seems odd.

I really really hoped that a build as simple as the 5X3 might turn around quicker.

I'm sure Nik would give you some info about your amp.... I remember when I was waiting for my OTS.... Nik said I had to wait 4 weeks for delivery and like he said, the fourth week amp was delivered.

The easiest solution is to use some tracking software, as used in the software industry
use this for free:
http://www.bugzilla.org/

you can configure it to send emails out etc

tbh though, I don't mind the personal touch if Nik can handle his workload

Cheers
T

We need to remember that each of of is dealing with Nik and Ceriatone on a one-to-one basis, and they are dealing with us on a one-to-many basis.
When I placed my order I was advised the time-line was 5 to 6 weeks and I'd be advised when it shipped.
If it were 7 or 8 weeks and I hadn't heard a thing, then I might seek some info but not before.
Could the "communication" be improved ? Sure, but would you pay maybe 10 to 20 dollars more for your amp for that? That's likely what adding a person and providing answers would cost.

My amp took 5 weeks and a little more to get to COSTA RICA. That is, Central America my friend. I, just like you are right now, was eating my fingers after my nails. But it came.  It will get there. don't worry. It was late 2006 when I bought my amp. I am sure distribution channels work a lot better nowdays for Nik.
Where in the world are you?
now if you tell me that you are Nik's neighboor, I'll worry thou....

Can't say enough good things about Nik - patience grasshopper - your amp will arrive and you'll be so impressed with what you receive that you'll end up forgetting about the wait.

I understand that in today's "I can track my package from the moment it's ordered til the moment it arrives on my doorstep" environment you would like to know where your amp is considering the money you've invested but have some faith - I doubt you'll be disappointed.