#1750259 - 05/12/07 06:17 PM
This month's Keyboard issue
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magic8ball
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I truly enjoy reading keyboard magazine each and every month and this month featured 10 hot tips on the Alesis Fusion. As a former owner of the Fusion, I find it interesting you would choose to highlight this keyboard. My journey with the Fusion began in September of 2006. I received my Fusion keyboard and after a few weeks of playing and getting to know it, I was shocked at the number of errors and bugs I was running into. I was told that I needed to upgrade to the latest operating system and my problems would be solved. I did upgrade but while some of the errors were corrected, I still had several issues with the keyboard. By this time I was frustrated and went to return my keyboard only to find out the 45 days had lapsed and the music store I purchased the Fusion at was no longer carrying them. In speaking with the store manager I was able to find out that a lack of sales, a large number of returns and people like myself with issues were the primary reasons for this decision. Within the next month my Fusion locked up during the start up screen and would never move past it, in essence it died. Alesis did not back up their product and the $1400 that I spent was waisted on a keyboard that wouldn't get past the basic start up screen. As I went onto the internet to see if I had other ways to try and deal with my situation, I was shocked to find out how many people had issues with the Fusion. I was shocked at the sheer numbers to say the least. What was interesting to me was how many people are still experiencing problems after the latest operating system update. I find it somewhat offensive that your magazine didn't include a section for people like myself who have or have had serious issues with the Fusion. I think it's very unfair to lure people into what I feel is the Fusion deathtrap as even now and with Alesis even admitting to other owners, that all the issues still are not resolved. Why Keyboard Magazine did not at least mention this as a side note to warn people of the potential issues they could face with this keyboard is a mystery to me. My novel/sermon is over, but please consider sharing both sides of the coin in this matter.
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#1750591 - 05/13/07 07:11 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: magic8ball]
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shadowcompany
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Magic - I think you bring up a great point as I am also a former Fusion owner who returned it for a refund due to the numerous issues. I completely understand and agree with your statement.
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#1753542 - 05/18/07 01:26 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: shadowcompany]
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Ernie Rideout
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Hey guys,
Thanks for the input. I think you're right, and we will put your perspective into print; it'll be a good chance for Alesis to give us all an update on where all the bug fixes stand.
Best,
Ernie
_________________________
Ernie Rideout, Editor in Chief
Keyboard Magazine
More people pay for Keyboard magazine than any other music-tech magazine. Period.
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#1788504 - 07/29/07 03:08 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Ernie Rideout]
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shadowcompany
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First off let me say thank you to Ernie for your follow through and discussing this matter with Alesis.
Maybe its me but it seemed like Jim Norman, the rep from Alesis kinda of dismissed the fact that people are still having issues with the Fusion. I was disappointed that he didn't mention the fact that Alesis has been unable to help people through their technical support line. I presented my problems to Alesis and they were unable to successfully troubleshoot some of my issues. Two of my issues regarding sampling and an ADAT issue were crucial to me and these issues were explained in the manual and the Fusion was supposed to be able to do what I wanted. While I did have one confirmed bug OS that was never addressed by Alesis in any of the updates, the issues I presented to tech support were things the Fusion was supposed to do according to Alesis own technical support staff. When I posted on the Alesis forum, no one wad able to solve my issues and even the users agreed what I was doing was a function of the Fusion's ability.
I understand that Alesis has a certain spin they need to put on the Fusion, but posts continue to pop up all over the internet with either bug or functionality issues with the Fusion even after the most current OS update. The Second largest number of threads in the suggested forum have to do with bugs and technical issues falling only behind the general questions section. Some of these posts are from me and were never resolved. I was lucky as I was able to return my Fusion within a return window. There are several users who were not as fortunate and some had issues of the Fusion literally dying on them. There has been mention in the keyboard forums here about people's experiences with the Fusion. I just don't see how Alesis can write this off when people are still suffering bug and functionality issues with the Fusion.
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#1789782 - 08/01/07 10:09 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: shadowcompany]
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synthasizer
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I've been burned bad by an Alesis Fusion. I've actually owned two. The first one got the blue screen of death (frozen in the boot up screen) Since this happened in the warranty period it was replaced. The second one had similar issues to what is described above. I had issue with the sampler and sequencer not working correctly. I also had an issue with the files I saved on the Fusion being corrupted and unreadable. I was told to upgrade to the latest operating system which I did to correct the issues I was having. The issues still existed and I posted a request in the Alesis Fusion Zone which received one very basic response that was to upgrade to the latest OS. When I explained this didn't fix my issues, I received no more responses. The tech support people I contacted at Alesis sounded like they were reading off a script and they were unable to solve my problems. I sold my Fusion as the time to return it had expired and I was told by local GC they were not going to carry the Fusion anymore. Shadowcompany I read your response and I agree that it seems like the Alesis rep. did dismiss the issues. The suggestions he offered I had already tried. In another forum which I also visit, they are several people who either own or have owned Fusions and experienced the same issues and some different ones. I feel like Alesis ignored the people who either have or have had issues with the Fusion and especially when so many of them still have issues after the lastest OS update. I'm glad I sold my Fusion (for a pretty big loss) and got into a workstation that works properly and does what its supposed to.
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#1789990 - 08/01/07 04:58 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: synthasizer]
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SilverDragonSoun
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Guys you are not alone. I have some past clients who are former and one a current Fusion user. All had issues of some sort with the Fusion and all had the latest OS at the time. I've read the same thing too many times, heard the same thing to many times and experienced the same thing to many times to be fooled into thinking the issues with the Fusion are over. I think Alesis just wants to sweep this mess under the rug and be done with it. I think Jim Norman's response to the post was a politically correct one considering the current state of things with the Fusion. You didn't expect him to come out and openly admit the problems did you? He's in marketing and their trying to sell a product. Its his job to sell it to us and provide some form of crowd control for the Fusion mess. Numark sure has created a disaster at Alesis with their keyboards.
_________________________
Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
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#1790474 - 08/02/07 04:43 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: SilverDragonSoun]
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GaryL
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I can relate to your anger as my fusion died on me recently. I only had it for about 8 months and when I went to turn it on the last time, it began to boot up and froze. It never got passed that point and now all I get is a blank screen. I had the lastest operating system installed per the intructions provided by Alesis. I also had some things not working on it and tried a some proposed solutions but nothing worked for me. I was able to get around the deficits with the Fusion by using other things. I should have listened to the people who told me to get rid of it. Now I'm in the market for something else.
Silverdragonsound- I understand what your saying about Alesis needing to create a politically correct situation. I think Alesis's response was disrespectful and an insult to the people who need their support. On this forum and others, I've seen similar responses by people who have problems with their fusion. Alesis and their forums were not able to fix my problems when I contacted them. I would advise everyone to get rid of their fusion before its too late. I would want anyone to go through what I went through with the fusion.
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#1792424 - 08/07/07 10:08 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: GaryL]
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Ernie Rideout
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I really appreciate your input, everyone. I sure didn't intend for this Fusion feature to put salt in any wounds. Basically I think Daniel Fisher is brilliant when it comes to getting seriously deep on any machine, and I think he did a good job.
But it sure doesn't help when your problems are as severe as the ones you've been having.
Best,
Ernie
_________________________
Ernie Rideout, Editor in Chief
Keyboard Magazine
More people pay for Keyboard magazine than any other music-tech magazine. Period.
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#1793604 - 08/09/07 05:27 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Ernie Rideout]
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magic8ball
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Ernie,
Thank you for your response. I do agree that Daniel Fisher did a very nice job with the Fusion article and the information he presented was valuable to Fusion owners. I'm sorry I didn't state that in my first response. I was so upset that my Fusion had so many issues and the problems that it had. I was so upset that I was unable to get my money back for a nonworking keyboard and that came out in my response. What further pisses me off is the response by Jim Norman from Alesis. I've contacted so many people at Alesis regarding my issues and I know I can't be the only one as numerous names and different extensions were passed on to me by other Fusion owners in the same boat. I also clearly understand the difference between a bug and a problem I'm having with a keyboard. My understanding in talking to Alesis tech support was that I had a bug among other issues as that is what they referred to at least one of my issues. Like the others who posted in this thread, I couldn't believe the response to my post in the magazine. I can only assume that silverdagoundsoun's post or something like that must be correct because every forum I've visited has threads with current Fusion owners with the latest OS that still have problems/bugs/or whatever Alesis wishes to call them. Financially I'm still recovering from this debacle and hopefully I will be able to get into something else by years end.
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#1799522 - 08/23/07 10:45 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: magic8ball]
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Tom T.
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I'm glad but not surprised to see this thread. I posted this in the other forum. Let me know if anyone has experienced any of these issues and if you have any solutions for them.
Hi I've been lurking around here for some time and noticed these forums are generally quite helpful, much more friendly and just seem to have a better group of people. Alright I am doing some ass kissing but what I said I do believe. I do have a problem with my Fusion. I read last months issue of the magazine and couldn't believe the response by Alesis when several users on their own site still have problems and bugs with the keyboard. I have two specific bugs, not problems or make believe issues which I have been able to successfully reproduce as have others. They are: The filter modulations incorrectly work on all Oscillators at the same time in Drum program and the big one for me, the audio and midi tracks are still badly synchronized. I also have trouble with the my Fusion working correctly with my adat. Has anyone else experience these problems and has anyone found any solutions they would be willing to share?
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#1801406 - 08/27/07 08:40 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Tom T.]
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shadowcompany
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Tom,
Honestly if these issues hinder you or they are things you need, you should probably explore the idea of selling the Fusion. There are alot better things out there and as you can see by the posts above, you run the risk of it dying on you. I know the issue of working properly with the ADAT machine is one a few others have had. I've seen it posted before and never a solution for it. Most people accept the issue of bad synchronization between audio and midi as something that will never be corrected on the Fusion. It sounds like you got the same run around from Alesis that everyone else got. Like I said, sell it while you can. I know they don't sell for much used but I can only imagine the price getting worse over the course of time.
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#1804727 - 09/03/07 08:40 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: shadowcompany]
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jook
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Just wanted to voice that there are some of us who appreciated this article on the Alesis Fusion. While there are clearly some outstanding issues and some users who are understandably upset; there are those of us who enjoy the keyboard for what it is and it works fine for our own purposes (I didn't buy the Fusion for arranging, and alot of the features are extraneous for me). I do sympathize those who are needing technical support and are being given the run-around and I hope Alesis will do something about it. I do fear that the keyboard will inevitably have some hardware issue, and that Alesis would not be providing much help when that day comes. It would be nice if Alesis can address this and allow their users to have some faith in their product.
But just so you know, some of us actually enjoyed the article and would like more Fusion material. It is too often the case that the most vocal users are those who have problems, and both sides of the coin do need to be made evident.
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#1807639 - 09/09/07 08:20 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: jook]
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Tom T.
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Thanks for the response Shadowcompany. I've really been thinking alot about selling it. I was surprised how many people are parting ways with their Fusions. They're are a lot for sale on Ebay and the the Fusion forum I visit has a lot of users looking to sell their Fusions. I took my Fusion to a retailer who sells used gear and he wouldn't take it in. I spoke with the owner who also works there and he told me too many of the Fusions they sold came back with problems and they also come in with problems as well. He said he's simply steering away from the Alesis Fusion. He also told me this all happened within the last six months. With all this stuff going on I'm not sure right now is the best time for me to sell my Fusion.
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#1811181 - 09/15/07 11:16 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Tom T.]
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SilverDragonSoun
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I can understand your reluctance to sell it. I checked ebay and there were a lot of fusions for sale. It looks like you can sell a used 61 key for about $500 although some recently sold under $500 and an 88 key goes for low end $675 to high end about $800.
With all this stuff going on I'm not sure right now is the best time for me to sell my Fusion.
There may never be a good time to sell a fusion. They are going out the door new for $1000 for 88 key models and many stores are blowing them out of their inventory. The big chain music stores out here don't have them in stock anymore. Maybe you could try listing it on craigslist since they don't charge anything for listing fees. You could test the market and see what price you could get. Maybe you can get lucky and sell it for more. Good Luck!
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Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
- Rush
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#1835285 - 11/04/07 07:57 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: SilverDragonSoun]
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Tom T.
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An update on the Fusion. I tried to sell it on Ebay and Craigs list. On both, people were trying to constantly low ball me. I had set a reserve price of $750 for the 88 key model thinking that it was a fair price. After two weeks it didn't sell on Ebay and I haven't received a call from the ad on craigs list in over a week and a half. I was surprised how many people are also trying to sell their Fusions. While I'm relieved to see others who are experiencing issues, I am also concerned that I can't sell this for a decent price. Has anyone else sold a Fusion and if so what did you get for it?
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#1837744 - 11/08/07 09:49 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Tom T.]
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magic8ball
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Tom sorry to hear about your issues selling the Fusion. I've heard this has been as issue for some other people as well. They are selling the Fusion now for $699 new which may be part of the problem. They are hard to find but when you find one new or order one that's the price they are getting. Unfortunately you may have lower your price or consider keeping it and find some use for it. I had a colleague who works with me and is starting a class to teach piano. He purchased a new Fusion 3 weeks ago and he already has sent it in for repairs. He was victim of the freeze during boot up with the blue screen. The sad thing was that he had the latest OS installed. I wish I would have known he was in the market for a keyboard, I could have steered him in a different direction.
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#1841142 - 11/14/07 05:51 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: magic8ball]
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SilverDragonSoun
Laker Hater
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I ran into an old keyboardist I used to jam with years ago. He is currently going through hell with his Fusion. The issues he described to me sounded like the blue screen of death boot up issue that has been discussed here previously. He had his Fusion for about 5 1/2 months and has the latest OS. His descriptions of what he's gone through sound what like others have experienced according to this thread and the Alesis Forums. I sure hope you guys get some resolution.
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Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
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#1853119 - 12/07/07 06:58 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: SilverDragonSoun]
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SilverDragonSoun
Laker Hater
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Hey just an FYI, I have a friend who is looking to buy a Fusion on a lower end price line because he needs some of the parts. He isn't willing to pay a whole lot but he will pay a decent, lower side price. PM me if any of you are interested.
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Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
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#1862251 - 12/26/07 12:18 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: SilverDragonSoun]
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shadowcompany
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Tom,
Last time I checked there were a plethora of Fusions on Ebay and some of them weren't selling or hitting the reserve asking price. Have you considered donating to charity or to a school for tax credit? It may be a decent way to get decent value for it, especially with the year ending soon.
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#1865290 - 01/02/08 07:23 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: shadowcompany]
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SilverDragonSoun
Laker Hater
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Registered: 04/08/05
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Tom,
Last time I checked there were a plethora of Fusions on Ebay and some of them weren't selling or hitting the reserve asking price. Have you considered donating to charity or to a school for tax credit? It may be a decent way to get decent value for it, especially with the year ending soon.
Tom if you chose this route, I'm curious about the amount you were able to deduct. Let us know or PM me.
_________________________
Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
- Rush
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#1873833 - 01/16/08 08:43 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: SilverDragonSoun]
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halfcack
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Registered: 01/16/08
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To be fair: Within 3 minutes of the receipt of this email, I had total eveness in velocity, timbre and volume.
Answer from Alesis:
Hi Charlie,
I would recommend going into the Fusion's Global menu under Settings>
General. Then select 'Set Velocity and change the parameters from Lin, EXP,
Fixed, Log, until the best option is found.
A setting of 50 is usually best for playing the internal Programs.
For even more velocity control I would recommend investing in a MIDI
velocity converter box or a free software program such as Midi Velocity
Curve Changer from http://www.trombettworks.com/velocity.php. This is more
flexible since you can adjust the velocity per key (midi note).
Best Regards,
Justin Baro
Alesis Technical Support
200 Scenic View Drive
Ste.201
Cumberland, RI 02864
401-658-5760
I have had the use of a 61hd for a period of time, 1 problem. I bought an 8hd, defective, returned, replaced, 1 problem. The replacement was pristine, 1 problem.
There is 1 problem that similar in the three units and probably all units.
All black keys require playing the black keys either lighter, slower or less hard to prevent a "twang" or a noticeable tone, volume response depending on how you interpret the problem.
This requires adjusting playing style. When will this problem be fixed and is it software, hardware or not fixable.
My return warranty is coming up soon so any advice or where the problem lies that is user adjustable would be appreciated.
Edited by halfcack (01/16/08 02:42 PM)
Edit Reason: answer
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#1875623 - 01/18/08 06:23 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: halfcack]
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SilverDragonSoun
Laker Hater
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Your problems will never be fixed because according to Alesis it doesn't exist. Welcome to the club. Unfortunately your problem is never going to be fixed or solved by Alesis. The other people on this thread tried to report their issues but Alesis says they don't exist.
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Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive
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#1877132 - 01/21/08 05:11 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: halfcack]
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halfcack
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Registered: 01/16/08
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Well, got up this morning and turned on my Fusion 8hd, and it was stuck on some guitar preset. The only connection is a midi out cable to my computer. I boot T3, hit the record button on the Presonus fire box midi icon and Fusion starts operating normally.
I feel like Sweetwater.
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#1882150 - 01/30/08 09:27 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: halfcack]
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halfcack
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Registered: 01/16/08
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Well, the hung guitar sound did it for me. I really liked the sound of the Fusion and it's non obsolescence but even at a grand every where I looked it was just a matter of time until the keyboard had some major issues like the first one.
Sweetwater Sound, Doug and Mark made it all good. Picked up the second one and since I still wanted to stick with my first offer of getting some different equipment, made it happen. The Fusion in on its way back and Sweetwater will be sending out the new gear at that time.
Very happy with the way Sweetwater handled this.
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#1883693 - 02/02/08 05:53 AM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: halfcack]
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Tom T.
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Thanks to all the people who supported me. I sold my Fusion finally and can move on and away from the nightmare and headaches this keyboard caused me.
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#1962039 - 06/23/08 09:45 PM
Re: This month's Keyboard issue
[Re: Tom T.]
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torn_tronM4
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Registered: 06/23/08
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Awhile back i was considering getting one, boy i'm glad i got a good deal on a Triton.
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Moderator: Ernie Rideout, Stephen Fortner, Michael Gallant
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I can't say that I'm surprised. The Fusion has officially been discontinued.
