Funny Little Boxes Support

stegboy

Hi, newbie here 

Just wanted to check if anyone else has had problems with support from Funny Little Boxes?  Ordered a 1991 pedal which was listed as in stock on the website.  A week later, I sent an email checking if my order has been received as no despatch emails or contact - no response to the email.  Randomly, it suddenly gets despatched.  It arrived and it didn't work!  No sound whatsoever when switched on.  

I immediately emailed support but no reply for 2 days.  Sent over a video of it not working and was advised it should be an easy fix (needing to return for a capacitor to be reflowed - no idea what that means).  Pointed out I want a brand new pedal ideally as a repair to a brand new item isn't particularly on or encouraging.  Now awaiting a returns label and all has gone quiet again (this was Friday lunchtime)......

Anyone else had a bad experience or am I just unlucky?

AntonHunter

I've not bought from them, but I think it's a one man company, so I wouldn't worry about slow emails (Friday lunchtime to today is only just over one business day don't forget).

Bad form for it to turn up faulty though, and you're definitely right to ask for a brand new one. You'd think quality control should spot that before it goes out really.

Cols

It’s essentially a one person operation, and keeping the cost per pedal under £100 for a UK build is damned impressive.  

Given that it’s one guy doing manufacturing, shipping, customer support and repairs I’m not surprised he’s not getting back to you as swiftly as you might expect.  

soma1975

I found their 1991 pedal, for whom I am 10000% the target audience, to be dogshit and their support to be rude and I will never buy another thing of theirs ever again. 

When talking about a bad earthing noise, pots making horrible noises they aren't meant to and it passing a signal even when turned fully down the message came back via a third party that had sold me it 'people don't usually buy a pedal to turn it down. If you want it to not pass a signal there's a big switch on it'. 

Hope this helps. 

viz

Flowing (or in this case, reflowing) is when you put a PCB through the flow solder machine (or just resolder by hand probably, if it’s a guy on his own). The PCB passes over a wave of molten solder and the solder melts onto the tags on the underside of the board and the legs of the component. 

if PCBs aren’t 100% clean or the bath of solder isn’t hot enough, or the component isn’t properly seated with its legs in the holes, you can get dry joints during the flow.

You can easily see whether a board’s been flow soldered because every joint looks lovely. You can tell which components have been done by hand afterwards (the larger components, and the ones with wires attached), as the joints are a little less even and clean. 

stegboy

soma1975 said:

I found their 1991 pedal, for whom I am 10000% the target audience, to be dogshit and their support to be rude and I will never buy another thing of theirs ever again. 

When talking about a bad earthing noise, pots making horrible noises they aren't meant to and it passing a signal even when turned fully down the message came back via a third party that had sold me it 'people don't usually buy a pedal to turn it down. If you want it to not pass a signal there's a big switch on it'. 

Hope this helps. 

Very helpful!

I'm exactly the target audience as well.  The Dirt pedal would of been my next purchase so this is a real disappointment.  But, I've requested a refund now but postage won't be refunded which is ironic as that's the only thing that actually worked!

soma1975

Sorry mate. Ultimately it's a MIAB with another gain stage simulating the Tubescreamer into a Marshall found on 10. 

Much easier and much more control getting that same sound with a pair of pedals that aren't shit and also have more versatility.

stegboy

viz said:

Flowing (or in this case, reflowing) is when you put a PCB through the flow solder machine (or just resolder by hand probably, if it’s a guy on his own). The PCB passes over a wave of molten solder and the solder melts onto the tags on the underside of the board and the legs of the component. 

if PCBs aren’t 100% clean or the bath of solder isn’t hot enough, or the component isn’t properly seated with its legs in the holes, you can get dry joints during the flow.

You can easily see whether a board’s been flow soldered because every joint looks lovely. You can tell which components have been done by hand afterwards (the larger components, and the ones with wires attached), as the joints are a little less even and clean. 

Thank you - I hope they manage to do that and give it to someone else (definitely not me!).

MagicPigDetective

I like my 1991! Bought it on here so not dealt with the firm. 

skunkwerx

stegboy said:

soma1975 said:

I found their 1991 pedal, for whom I am 10000% the target audience, to be dogshit and their support to be rude and I will never buy another thing of theirs ever again. 

When talking about a bad earthing noise, pots making horrible noises they aren't meant to and it passing a signal even when turned fully down the message came back via a third party that had sold me it 'people don't usually buy a pedal to turn it down. If you want it to not pass a signal there's a big switch on it'. 

Hope this helps. 

Very helpful!

I'm exactly the target audience as well.  The Dirt pedal would of been my next purchase so this is a real disappointment.  But, I've requested a refund now but postage won't be refunded which is ironic as that's the only thing that actually worked!

Contact them and state you have rejected the goods on the basis they have been received as faulty and thus not fit for purpose. The seller must cover postage for the return. 

Cite point 8 here under Consumer Rights Act which apply for distance sales. 

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/20

guitargeek62

Sorry about your experience, but in counter-point I preordered a Skeleton Key ahead of its launch and received it on time with great comms. I’ve had no issues with the pedal and it does exactly what I expected it to, and all for <£100 new.

Nikc

My son ordered a Dirt pedal from them - it took a while to turn up and they are slow to respond to emails. The pedal is however a winner he loves it and I'd say it was well worth the wait. 

chrisj1602

How did you pay? Any protection or support you can get there?

stegboy

chrisj1602 said:

How did you pay? Any protection or support you can get there?

I paid with Paypal so could of pursued via them.  To be fair, he refunded the pedal, not the postage, very quickly.  I couldn't be bothered to push for the postage refund as it was clear it wasn't going to happen (I would of refunded it personally as it's not my fault it arrived faulty).  And also the offer to repair a brand new item instead of replacing it, didn't exactly fill me with joy.  That's life!

It's a shame as I would of bought the Dirt pedal next had it worked out well.