MAJESTY V2 Board Install and EBMM Commercial approach complain on V1 replacement

[Max.maggiari]

This post is a few things together:

1. Information for users who needs to replace Majesty V1 with V2 electronics
2. Suggestion for improvement to the V2 board to allow user to install it without PAIN
3. Complain about EBMM commercial approach on the famous V1 board with issues

Information for users who needs to replace Majesty V1 with V2 electronics

Careful if you need to do it yourself, you are supposed to solder on PADS, whcih is not like soldering on traditional guitar electronics. Temperature control is key if you do not want to risk to damage the path and then be in the need to fix them (not an easy task which requires advanced skills). My soldering skills were definitely rusty and I probably underestimated the task also using a soldering iron which I have just thrown in the garbage can, so I partially damaged 2 PADS. Luckily a friend of mine is a pro in the space and he was able to fix them (3 hours work). However, he told me these pads are extremely sensible to temperature change (more than expected). Moreover, he neeed to use flux to make everything sticking nicely as it was a challenge. We are not all skilled soldering masters, and if you need to bring the guitar for repair, first it will add up to the cost, second, I am not sure how many guitar techs are out there experienced in soldering PADS.

Suggestion for improvement to the V2 board to allow user to install it without PAIN

There are a few simple improvements EBMM should do to the board if they expect users to install it themselves, some of those are similar to what EMG is succesfully doing since years (com'on EBMM... don't be silly)

1. Magnetic/Piezo & Magnetic Switches: it would be very good if you would pre-solder the cables into the board and let to the users the soldering of the cables on the switches
2. Battery and output jack: Install on the board connectors for the Battery holder and the output jacks. Even if the wood holes are small, there are connectors which would fit in them. EMG does it since a while and it is very convenient.
3. Install connector for pickups (you already have the connector at the bottom of the pickup, put one also for the board of a different size to allow it to be routed in the cavity holes)

Complain about EBMM commercial approach on the famous V1 board with issues

EBMM stated to a lot of users that the V1 board as issues. On one of my Majesty they changed it for free and they acknowledged that there are known issues with V1 board when they offered me to send the guitar for board replacement.
Now, if the instrument is out of warranty, yu need to pay 250USD + Shipping (not considering installation costs if you bring the gutar to a tech for board installation). Now, even if the guitar is out of warranty, given EBMM knows the V1 board has a faulty preamp, EBMM should upgrade to board V2 for FREE! On an instrument which costs more than 3K, I guess fixing your fault for something which has a cost of probably less than 100USD would be the minimum!

I own quite a few EBMM guitars, and while they are in my opinion the best instruments on the planet, I have to say I am largely disappointed with EBMM for their commercial approach on this matter. If you want to be the best, you need to be it in every aspect. If you do a mistake, you need to fix it at your own expenses, not at the expenses of your customers.

Max

 

[Iperfungus]

Me and Max know each other since a lifetime and I know he's a smart and polite guy and not one complaining without a good reason.
I totally agree with his evaluations about commercial approach: these are not low cost instruments, they are top instruments owned and played by pros.
If John Petrucci has an issue with the defective board of his Majesty, should he pay for a new board?
I assume no.
In the same way, anyone should have such kind of guitar fixed for free and under a lifetime warranty, if the defect comes not from bad usage but from factory desing.
When I have had issues with brand new expensive instruments, I always insisted to have them fixed under warranty.
This is what makes a brand a great brand.

 

[Vadauco]

Now, even if the guitar is out of warranty, given EBMM knows the V1 board has a faulty preamp, EBMM should upgrade to board V2 for FREE!

This is called a recall, an ordinary procedure with vehicles.

And yes, I do think you're right.

 

[Roxy]

My Majesty 6 Emerald Sky was purchased brand new in September 2023. I had recently been experiencing volume taper issues and contacted Customer Service. They mailed me a new volume pot/board and the installation instructions. Since I am unable to complete this repair, I asked Customer Service if they would recommend a tech in my area. No recommendations were offered. So, I did some research and found a luthier 25 miles away who said he could definitely complete the task. His website is: Home | Gullett Guitar Co After seeing his craftsmanship and meeting him, I feel confident in paying him to repair my guitar. He said this type of repair requires not only the skill, but patience.

I printed the repair instructions, control diagram, and the "How to remove Petrucci volume knobs" from the FAQ. I dropped everything off, and should receive the guitar back following the holidays. The labor for this repair will be at my expense. I just want the guitar to operate properly and hope that the electronics hold up.

I own several MusicMan guitars, and purchased my first JP7 in 2005 (Buttercream LTD). They are fantastic, and I am sure they will get this issue sorted. I noticed a few other forum members experience similar volume control issues. My Majesty 7 Wisteria Blossom works perfectly.

I will follow up with the outcome of my Majesty 6 repair in a few weeks. Happy holidays everyone.

 

[racerx]

To my knowledge, any new guitar purchases are covered by a warranty replacement (including NOS if they are still out there). I'm not aware of anyone that warranties used or resold products. As for difficulty, a PCB may be intimidating for someone that is not confident with a soldering iron but the color coding, package sorting, and instructions make the replacement easy for someone with the skills. (As an aside, consider an amp or electronics tech as this would be one of the easier jobs they'll face - less than an hour of labor).

 

[Max.maggiari]

To my knowledge, any new guitar purchases are covered by a warranty replacement (including NOS if they are still out there). I'm not aware of anyone that warranties used or resold products. As for difficulty, a PCB may be intimidating for someone that is not confident with a soldering iron but the color coding, package sorting, and instructions make the replacement easy for someone with the skills. (As an aside, consider an amp or electronics tech as this would be one of the easier jobs they'll face - less than an hour of labor).

The point is a bit different, if as a manufacturer you know that you manufactured a faulty board (by your own admission), then you should perform a recall, no matter if you are under warranty or if you are not the original owner.

 

[tbonesullivan]

The point is a bit different, if as a manufacturer you know that you manufactured a faulty board (by your own admission), then you should perform a recall, no matter if you are under warranty or if you are not the original owner.

Where have they stated that the V1 board is faulty by design? There are plenty of Majesty owners out there who have not experienced issues, and for electronics manufactures different board revisions over the years are a standard thing, and don't indicate design flaws with the original design.

If they no longer manufacture the V1 electronics, it makes sense to replace them with the V2, as they are no longer making the V1, and no longer have components. It's also probably more cost effective than trying to repair the V1.

 

[Lax]

The v1 preamp board is the reason I fear to use my majesty on stage, which is stupid.
When people complain here they usually get the "there is no faulty line of product only a few unlucky people."

I agree that for an instrument I paid 3000€ second hand, though never played before... I have no guarantee it will last and I have to prepare to eventually pay hundreds for repairs for an issue I won't even be responsible for. That sucks

 

[Max.maggiari]

Where have they stated that the V1 board is faulty by design? There are plenty of Majesty owners out there who have not experienced issues, and for electronics manufactures different board revisions over the years are a standard thing, and don't indicate design flaws with the original design.

If they no longer manufacture the V1 electronics, it makes sense to replace them with the V2, as they are no longer making the V1, and no longer have components. It's also probably more cost effective than trying to repair the V1.

I have been told so over the phone with CS back when they changed it for free on my BFR ('V1 board has known problems solved by V2').

 

[Max.maggiari]

The v1 preamp board is the reason I fear to use my majesty on stage, which is stupid.
When people complain here they usually get the "there is no faulty line of product only a few unlucky people."

I agree that for an instrument I paid 3000€ second hand, though never played before... I have no guarantee it will last and I have to prepare to eventually pay hundreds for repairs for an issue I won't even be responsible for. That sucks

exactly

 

[A.J.]

Hi everybody

It is no secret that there is a 2nd version of the Majesty preamp. We strive to deliver the best product possible and are always looking to make continuous improvements. We've done this with piezo saddles, preamps on the basses, tremolos, etc. We're always looking to make our products better.

That being said, when there is an improvement made to the design of a product it does not mean that the original version automatically qualifies for that improvement. We built and shipped far more Majesties with V1 preamps than we have with the V2. The bulk of those preamps are still functioning fine. Did some have problems? Yes. Is the V2 more consistent? We believe so. The intention of the design was not necessarily to make it more robust but to make it easier to install by integrating most of the connections to a circuit board. The original design had a ton of wires and solder connections. If something went wrong via a cold solder joint etc it was difficult to chase down due to the complexity of the wiring. There was more opportunity for things to go wrong. The fact that we had another look at the design presented us with an opportunity to make an auxiliary improvement so we did. If you are an original owner and are having any kind of issue outside of the warranty period let us know. At the end of the day, we're all players here and we want to make sure your guitar is performing the way it should so that you can perform at your best.

 

[beej]

Thanks AJ

 

[Max.maggiari]

Hi everybody

It is no secret that there is a 2nd version of the Majesty preamp. We strive to deliver the best product possible and are always looking to make continuous improvements. We've done this with piezo saddles, preamps on the basses, tremolos, etc. We're always looking to make our products better.

That being said, when there is an improvement made to the design of a product it does not mean that the original version automatically qualifies for that improvement. We built and shipped far more Majesties with V1 preamps than we have with the V2. The bulk of those preamps are still functioning fine. Did some have problems? Yes. Is the V2 more consistent? We believe so. The intention of the design was not necessarily to make it more robust but to make it easier to install by integrating most of the connections to a circuit board. The original design had a ton of wires and solder connections. If something went wrong via a cold solder joint etc it was difficult to chase down due to the complexity of the wiring. There was more opportunity for things to go wrong. The fact that we had another look at the design presented us with an opportunity to make an auxiliary improvement so we did. If you are an original owner and are having any kind of issue outside of the warranty period let us know. At the end of the day, we're all players here and we want to make sure your guitar is performing the way it should so that you can perform at your best.

AJ, thank you so much for chiming in. Maybe I am not the luckiest guy in the world, but out of 4 Majesty with V1 board, I got 2 with the board having problems. While the first was under warranty and replaced for free, the second was not.
When you write 'Did some have problems? Yes. Is the V2 more consistent? We believe so. ' that is where I would like to see a better approach towards his customers from the company building the most amazing guitars and basses in the world. On instruments of 3K~4K value, I believe it should be manageable.
While I am the original owner of the guitars which had the issues, I am not sure what different it would make (and it didn't make as I needed tu purchase the new board).
Thank you again.

 

[beej]

Last time I checked, my car dealer wasn't replacing out of warranty parts for free ... I wish that were the case.

AJ has been very clear that there isn't a design issue with the V1 boards. However if you have a particular issue, you're always best to contact MM directly and let them help you out.

 

[Dbruce17]

Of course it’s a design issue. There are thousands of cases of these boards failing. It’s widespread. My guitar is less than 5 years old. The electronics should not be subject to wear and tear at this point. That’s a manufacturing/design issue. We’re not talking about a nut or fret worn after 20 years of play we’re talking about the electronics after only a short time. Am I really being unreasonable to expect the electronics on my £4k guitar to last more than 4-5 years? I don’t think I am.

I’m not saying they are or should be legally obliged to fix it. It’s up to them. I will probably stump up to have it fixed at some point otherwise I have a very expensive of firewood doing nothing, but it will be the last of my money that goes to EB, which is sad because it’s a great guitar.

 

[beej]

I'm not able to debate this as I really don't know the numbers, but imo "thousands of cases" sounds quite exaggerated. (I've read a few online complaints but, then again, you don't often hear about things not breaking ...)

Where you need to make your case is to Music Man. It sounds like you're already in touch with them, but if not, you should contact them directly and let them know how you feel. This just isn't something that can be resolved on this forum.

 

[Musikron]

EBMM is the worst musical equipment manufacturer to deal with in regards to servicing their products. They take zero responsibility for any issues, and are down right predatory in regards to obtaining replacement parts.
I've restrained myself from purchasing a new Kaizen because of this. The company has damaged my trust in them too much at this point.

 

[smfelton]

I reported the problem with my V1 board to the UK support, it took nearly 2 months for them to reply, unfortunately it was not good news as even though it cost me £3k I’m not the original owner. I get it sort of, and if they said I could send the old board and get a replacement for £200 I would happily do it , but unfortunately that has not been option offered to me.
I have to do everything via email as I have a problem with phones due to ptsd and social anxiety, which means things take much longer, but unfortunately it makes it a lot easier for people to say no to me.
I hope this issue with the boards gets sorted for everyone eventually, no matter what my Majesty is my favourite guitar ever, I’m still convinced that it’s actually my original Majesty from 2014 but I can’t find my original serial number, but of course I bought it (possibly again) used this time

 

[PBGas]

EBMM is the worst musical equipment manufacturer to deal with in regards to servicing their products. They take zero responsibility for any issues, and are down right predatory in regards to obtaining replacement parts.
I've restrained myself from purchasing a new Kaizen because of this. The company has damaged my trust in them too much at this point.

Try working as a tech and repairing these things. You think EBMM is bad?
I won't even get into the other big manufacturers and getting warranty help from them. LOL. It is a 100% joke!
At least I get a response from EBMM and a solution.

I can't even tell you how many V4 volume knobs I have replaced on the JP15s. It is an absolute pain to pin solder these and you need to know what you are doing or you can destroy the entire board. There appears to be some type of manufacturing issue with these. They are not fun to replace. I will say that Kris has been amazing to deal with and has helped out a lot of my customers including myself who had to replace them. I have no qualms with EBMM supplying parts in quick order. Example....we had a postal strike north of the border back in Nov/Dec. I emailed Kris and he realized this after sending it through the regular mail to me. He had a replacement UPS'd to me within a couple of days. Try getting that from some of the other large manufacturers....not a chance.

Lots of things break from any manufacturer these days. So many parts get outsourced and you are at the mercy of whoever is making them and hope that they are building you what you spec'd and not cutting corners for more profit.

 

[Musikron]

Try working as a tech and repairing these things. You think EBMM is bad?
I won't even get into the other big manufacturers and getting warranty help from them. LOL. It is a 100% joke!
At least I get a response from EBMM and a solution.

I can't even tell you how many V4 volume knobs I have replaced on the JP15s. It is an absolute pain to pin solder these and you need to know what you are doing or you can destroy the entire board. There appears to be some type of manufacturing issue with these. They are not fun to replace. I will say that Kris has been amazing to deal with and has helped out a lot of my customers including myself who had to replace them. I have no qualms with EBMM supplying parts in quick order. Example....we had a postal strike north of the border back in Nov/Dec. I emailed Kris and he realized this after sending it through the regular mail to me. He had a replacement UPS'd to me within a couple of days. Try getting that from some of the other large manufacturers....not a chance.

Lots of things break from any manufacturer these days. So many parts get outsourced and you are at the mercy of whoever is making them and hope that they are building you what you spec'd and not cutting corners for more profit.

25 years in the guitar repair business. I stand by my statement. I've never once had EBMM stand up and take care if a customer if they could at all weasle out if it.
The absolute other end of the spectrum is Emerald guitars. Those guys know how to treat a customer!