(MPC3000 Repair) Forat, or VST (Virtaul Sound Technology)

Id like to get some feedback from anyone who dealt with these companies on a service, and repair level.

Ive heard a lot of good things about VST service, and repair. Ive only heard about Forat due to their custom MPC paint/wood trim jobs. Also heard Forat may charge more than VST for equal services.

The reason Im asking is because I just purchased the MPC3000 via eBay. I want to get a full inspection, and make sure everything is as should be. So far I have two loose knobs (data wheel, and stereo volume). Hopefully an easy fix (just needing to be tightened). Also may, or may not have a dim LCD (bad backlight, or Foil?).
I need an Akai Service Center to look it over to keep my eBay transaction legit. If things are not as should be I can send it back to the seller for a refund. If it is minor repairs I'll get them to reimburse me. Will the above mentioned companies charge for an assessment?

Anyone like to comment?

Probably around $60.

I'd use VST, Forat is good, but can be pricey.

"Probably around $60."

I heard they may charge, but man ... $60 is ridiculous..

Ive took in several pieces of gear (non Akai) to other shops, and was never charged for an assement.

Well, you ought to ask them, they will give you the best answer.

Or just check it out yourself, if the knobs are the only issue, you're doing well and you may be able to tighten them yourself with a little poking around.

Just work with the machine and see what the issue is, if you can't fix it yourself, pay the piper.

"Well, you ought to ask them, they will give you the best answer."

I tried VST yesterday(closed Sat, and Sun), I just got stuck with their automated phone system.
I would have run over to them, but It was the middle of rush hour traffic. They are 13 miles (20 minutes) from me, but during rush hour 45 minutes one way...forget about it.

"Or just check it out yourself, if the knobs are the only issue, you're doing well and you may be able to tighten them yourself with a little poking around."

"Just work with the machine and see what the issue is, if you can't fix it yourself, pay the piper."

This I know, but I still believe the LCD is not 100%. In order for me to get reimbursed I need to go to an Akai Service Center... This will keep our eBay transaction legit, and allow me to have my MPC functioning 100% at no cost to me...

Thanks for your help

I have a suspicion that VST might leave early sometimes.

I usually call early, like 9:30 LA time, they are very helpful on the horn.

The backlight is easy to replace, but the backlight itself is like $40, plus service.

$60 is what a good tech charges for an hour of labor, some charge more, few less.

"$60 is what a good tech charges for an hour of labor, some charge more, few less."

Ive delt with several different companies none charge for an assessment...

You bring it in, and drop it off.. They look it over, and call with their results.. If something needs to be done they give you an estimate.

If you were charged maybe it was due to sending it in via a mailing service..? Charged for handling, maybe..?

I didn't say assessment, I said labor.

Assesment varies.

I tend to do my own repairs, so I don;t deal with these cats except for parts or schems.

my bad, thanks for the feedback.

Hello,

I would Go with Forat, because of quick turnaroun. My homeboy sent his 60 off to Forat for a repair, and had it back in less than 8 days. When he called VST for same repair, they said about 3 weeks. Both places cost about the same.


Peace & Love, Lord Toranaga.

VoxBeatz wrote:The reason Im asking is because I just purchased the MPC3000 via eBay. I want to get a full inspection, and make sure everything is as should be. So far I have two loose knobs (data wheel, and stereo volume).
Anyone like to comment?

my old 3000 had a loose data knob, get a piece of scotch tape, open it up and tape it hood. thats a temporary fix.