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| The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance [message #63260] |
Tue, 17 January 2006 14:59  |
Mark McDermott
Messages: 204
Registered: February 2006
Location: Portland, OR
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Senior Member |
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Hi Folks,
My bandmate inquired about The Performer system and received quite a complete
response from the company president.
Thought you might all be interested, so here it is:
======================================================
Greg,
Thanks for the email. My name is Neil Skinn; I’m president of the company
and one of the co-inventors of our self-tuning guitar. I assume that you
have visited our Website at www.selftuning.com and are somewhat acquainted
with the Performer.
Greg, the remainder of this email is a canned response for first time inquiries
that answers your specific questions as well as other common questions.
It’s also loaded with information to help you understand the tuning system
and how we do business. Please do not interpret the canned response to mean
I’m not a friendly guy, I’ll give you all of the personal attention you need.
Please read on and write or call back with any other questions.
Currently we offer the Performer tuning system installation in a small number
of guitar styles. You can supply the guitar for the Performer installation
or we can purchase one for you at a great price. We have special arrangements
with guitar manufacturers and their distributors that allow us to pass incredible
savings to our customers. Let me know if you are interested in a new guitar.
The price for the Performer system and installation varies depending on the
guitar it’s going in. The prices and specifics are covered again in the
FAQ I’ve pasted in below. In summary, the full installation in a Les Paul
or Telecaster is $3,399, and in a Stratocaster is $3,899. The additional
$500 for the Strat covers a new body that is built and painted the color
of your choice. The purchase includes the system and installation, power
supply, power cable, footswitch, user's manual, 1 year limited warranty and
technical support. We also offer an accessory kit for battery operation
for an additional $250.00. The Accessory kit includes a rechargeable battery,
guitar strap battery carrier, cables and charging system.
We custom install every Performer system here at our shop. We use special
milling tools and a CNC machine to rout out the cavities and a complex computer
based platform during the testing. Due to the complexity of the system and
installation, we only install in Les Pauls, Teles, Strats and replicas.
From time to time we have fully assembled Les Pauls, Teles or Strats with
the Performer system installed and ready for purchase. The sales prices
vary depending on the guitar model. The average price in a Les Paul, including
the guitar, is around $5,200. We offer some discounts, which are mentioned
at the end of the FAQ below, so please keep reading, and contact me if you
would like specifics on the guitar or the system.
The Performer model is pricey, but well worth the investment. Most purchasers
simply shy away when they see the price tag without even exploring the possibilities.
I invite you to call me to discuss the product; I’d like the opportunity
to explain the system in detail.
The Performer was recently featured on Discovery Channel Canada on a program
called Shannon’s Gadgets. The piece is titled Science of a Rock Star. The
piece features Jeff Martin of the Tea Party, and Jeff explains how he uses
it live and for writing. I invite you to view the 6 minute presentation
at http://www.exn.ca/Stories/2004/04/20/51.asp?t=dp
I invite you to join our mailing list by clicking on the following link.
As a member of our mailing list you’ll get first hand information on guitars
for sale, new products, special event information and product updates.
http://transperformance.com/mailing/index1.php
We recently launched a public ftp site that is loaded with cool stuff. Videos,
songs, pictures, artist media, chord and scale programs, alternate tuning
libraries and manuals. I invite you to click the link and take a look.
www.selftuning.com/files You are welcome to download any or all of the material
at the ftp site.
NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE
C.Net.com
1-11-06
Two Pages, C Net News interviews Neil Skinn
Engadget.com
12-22-05
Paragraph, photo of Peter Frampton’s second Performer and blog
Gizmodo.com
12-22-05
Paragraph, photo of white Telecaster and blog
News.Yahoo.com
12-22-05
Paragraph, photo of white Telecaster and blog
Gizmag.com
12-24-05
One Page article, photo of white Stratocaster
Lenta.ru
12-27-05
Written in a foreign language, photo of Peter Frampton’s second Performer
DiscoveryChannel.ca
4-20-04
Article and video “Science of a Rock Star” featuring Canadian star Jeff
Martin
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
“I took the leap and bought a Strat with the Performer system without trying
one first, and trust me, I am totally satisfied. The tuning system does
what they claim, and of all the guitars I have held in my hands (getting
goose bumps here) my new TransPerformance Strat is by far the finest instrument
I have ever played.”
Mike Mahoney 11-17-2005
“The speed, accuracy and scope of this remarkable invention will not only
blow your mind, but open new uncharted landscapes of creativity. Thanks for
making a truly ingenious product. Guitar playing will never be the same again."
Gavin McGowen 11-29-05
I'm holed up in my studio and I refuse to come out! I haven't slept, eaten,
taken a shower or even brushed my teeth! My wife and kid are threatening
to leave, even the dog is concerned. And it’s all because of my new Performer.
This thing is nuts! Over the edge! Off the radar! Great Job guys!
Bill
Prichard 1-10-06
I’ve taken the liberty of pasting in our FAQ list below which answers the
most common questions on the Performer pro model. It also provides information
that our website has not adequately covered, and reinforces certain issues
that will help you understand the system.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Best regards,
Neil
Neil Skinn, President
TransPerformance LLC
2513 Pinecone Circle
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-6619
PH: (970) 482-9132
1-866-826-2402
neil@transperformance.com
www.selftuning.com
Performer Pro Model - FAQ
Where & what we Build
We manufacture and install the self-tuning system into electric guitars in
Fort Collins, Colorado. Currently, we support any guitar body that closely
resembles the Les Paul, Les Paul Special, Telecaster and Stratocaster body
shapes. Telecaster models generally require a small shim at the neck joint
and a rear cover plate that is over the back face of the body instead of
recessed. This is due to the thin body thickness.
How Long does it Take
Installation normally takes 3-4 weeks. Times can be longer depending on
the number of current orders.
Pricing
The system and installation for a Les Paul, Les Paul Special or Telecaster
is $3,399.00. The system and installation for a Stratocaster is $3,899.00.
The purchase includes system and installation, power supply, power cable,
footswitch, user's manual, 1 year limited warranty and technical support.
The additional $500 price for the Strat covers a new body that is built
and painted the color of your choice. We also offer an accessory kit for
battery operation for an additional $250.00. The Accessory kit includes
a rechargeable battery, guitar strap battery carrier, cables and charging
system.
Supplying the Guitar
You can supply the guitar or we can purchase one for you at a great price.
We have special arrangements with guitar manufacturers and their distributors
that allow us to pass incredible savings to our customers. Let me know if
you are interested in a new guitar.
Warranty, Direct Sales, Credibility
The system comes with a one year limited warranty, and we also offer a two
year extension for an additional $300. Currently we sell only direct to
the customer to keep the retail price as low as possible. We heavily rely
on our extremely rich list of customers and endorsers to give the product
the credibility it needs to convince interested customers that the product
does what we claim and is worthy of their investment.
Mechanics & String Gage Choice
The Performer is a electro-mechanical tuning system that actually adjusts
the tensions of the strings. This is accomplished by balancing each string
with a spring to allow the tiny motors to make the tension adjustments.
As a result, the customer chooses the string gauge set and manufacturer of
string from the company’s available options list when placing an order.
The mechanical device is then set-up at the factory and delivered according
to those choices. The choice of string gauge is important because the mechanical
device will only run the string gauge it is set up with. The string gauges
can be changed, but this requires that the system be returned to the factory
for mechanical and software upgrades.
Lock Nut & Roller Bridge
In order to achieve tuning reproducibility, the system uses a String Lock
behind the nut and a Roller Bridge. These are integral parts of the system
and cannot be removed.
Touch Up & String Replacement
The Touch Up mode has a built-in multi-mode feature. Touch Up is used for
“touching up” your tuning, replacing broken strings, and replacing full sets.
Touch Up asks for a strum of the strings and secretly checks to ensure
the strings are in their proper tension ranges. If they are, the system
quickly brings each string into tune. If the system determines your strings
need adjustment, the system invokes the Tension Adjust mode and the LCD prompts
you to adjust the tension(s) using the machine heads before it brings the
strings into tune. The Tension Adjust mode ensures your system is properly
maintained and is made quick and easy with the LCD prompts and On-Screen-Tuner.
Audio Considerations
The installation does not interfere with the existing guitar audio circuits.
The additional mass of the bridge and tailpiece produce greater sustain and
have been acclaimed by several of our major endorsers as making it sound
better.
The Installation
The installation adds about a half pound of weight to the guitar after the
installation. This is unavoidable given the weight of the mechanical device
and sub-assemblies.
Motor Noise
There is a very low level of motor noise that comes through the audio pickup.
The level of noise has been reduced to a low enough level that the system
is acceptable for use in major recording studios. This problem may be avoided
by using the rhythm pickup or tuning down the guitar volume while the motors
are moving. Either option will suppress motor noise entirely.
Payment
We accept Visa, Master Card and American Express, certified checks, money
orders and personal checks. We accept 50% down when orders are placed with
the balance paid in full prior to shipping the guitar. The customer is responsible
for payment of all items purchased as well as fees for custom work, applicable
taxes, shipping and handling, insurance, imposts and extended limited warranty
charges. Other arrangements may be acceptable.
Discounts
We offer a $50 discount if payment is made by certified check, money order
or direct deposit.
Thank you!
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The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: justcron on Tue, 17 January 2006 14:24 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: Jamie K on Tue, 17 January 2006 16:10 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: excelav on Tue, 17 January 2006 17:13 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: Jamie K on Tue, 17 January 2006 16:25 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: Jamie K on Tue, 17 January 2006 20:20 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: Jamie K on Thu, 19 January 2006 09:44 |
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
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Re: The WHOLE truth about The Performer, Self-tuning Guitar by TransPerformance
By: EK Sound on Mon, 23 January 2006 10:37 |
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