Akai US - my hands-on dilemma/lowdown

Okay, I figured it would be useful to share my info on dealing with the Akai Co. / authorized service center for the past 6 months, especially since there is NO info on the net.

All the way back in November 2002, I had 2 mpc2000xl units that were acting up - one with a broken slider, the other with a scrambled screen. I was happy to easily find a PDF of authorized service centers on the akaipro site. I located the closest MD rep and off I was, anxious to get the units fixed.

I still don't have them.

I dropped them at a small mom & pop with a super small selection of overpriced wind instruments they give lessons on. The shop owner knew nothing of samplers or electronics in general, adding, "a guy just picks up the stuff and works on it at home."

Long story short, one would think there would be some place in the US which has parts to these units stockpiled, or a way to easily order them. Evidentally, there is not, because countless internet searches and requests of store owners have turned up nothing.

My rep told me parts were ordered in Dec 02, then came February where I called him to find out what was up...

He said he just spoke to people he's worked with for years who were saying "goodbye, nice working with you, we just lost our jobs." The Akai HQ in Ft. Worth TX was going out of business. I called all around to find out something...anything...and I actually got a voicemail of the corporate service/repair manager.

This guy called me back 3 weeks ago after I had forgotten all about him + gave me the most recent info. The website was then updated with the same info. The company's called VST and is the new Akai National Service Facility. He said parts were in stock & everything was up and running.

Now my service guy's telling me all parts still have to come from Japan and we're looking at another 1-2 months!

I don't know if any of you guys have had similar scenarios but this is one of my most frustrating ordeals! Hopefully VST will straighten out the problems and we can enjoy timely service in the future.

-perennial

Thank goodness it happened to you and not us. At least we all know now what to expect!....j/k

Damn that does suck, and to be without something that you use to get away from every day life. Well I hope it all works out for you. Let us know how it goes.

I ordered the digital 8 output expander for the mpc 4000 from akai and it came within 2 days. Most of the stores received units and parts for all akai units as of april 14th. Everyone i had on alert for the 8 outputs called me in the past couple of days telling me the part had come in.

I have complete faith that things are straightened out again. There is also a new os due for the 4000 the end of the month; another sign that things are back on track. Even though this is an mpc 2000xl topic; just thought I'd post as far as my experience dealing with them.

Peace