A-Designs Audio...

[gabemcg]

Normally I don't go out of my way to post things like this, but I called the number listed on the A-Designs Audio website a little bit ago and did not get an answer or a machine. It was Friday at around 4:30, so I didn't really expect anyone to pick up... no biggie.

About 2 minutes later, I got a call back from the number I had just dialed. I am not sure if I remember his name correctly, but I think it was Peter? He wanted to apologize for not getting to the phone and wanted to know how he could help me out.

He spent about 10 minutes on the phone with me discussing some things about the REDDI Tube Direct Box that I own. I bought it to primarily be used for recording bass, based on it's description, reviews, and a shoot out with sound clips I found somewhere on the interweb... it does sound great! Never once did he bash any of his competitors, in fact he only had good things to say about them. My quick question about the signal chain in the REDDI only warranted a 30 second response... he went well above that to make sure I was happy.

He wanted to know more about what I was doing with it, what other gear I was using, where I was located, etc... he spent another 10 minutes discussing ways I could get closer to the sound I wanted out of the DI... recording/mixing techniques, signal chain, gain, etc...

After that we spent a few more minutes bullshitting about gear. Super nice guy, and very helpful! It's nice to see some customer service out there... Thanks!

[Jack Ruston]

Peter Montessi is one of the true customer service legends of the audio industry. He ALWAYS has time for EVERYONE.

[RawBeanZen]

Well, you've just had a chat with Peter Montessi.

May it be the first of many!

[AMIEL]

Peter is one of the nicest guys in the Audio Industry ! and his company and products are just soooo good!

[BLueROom]

A class act for sure.

[sahiaman]

Right on! I spoke with Peter a while ago for a quick question I had regarding one of the a-designs products I own. I think we ended up chit chatting on the phone for around 30 mins. Purely said, the man loves his customers.

[bexarametric]

Been there. Done that. If all gear companies were as good as he, we would all be in better moods.

[Brad McGowan]

A few more conversations like that and he'll be offering to take you out for Italian food.

Peter is great. He really cares about people and helping them create the best music possible.

Brad

[Inca]

When you have passion for what you do, it really shows. Peter is a great guy. I have a few of his pres racked in my lunchbox.

They are a great crew over there at A Designs. I have spoken with Peter too, and he is a great guy.

Now, go buy some A Designs gear. ha

[Snatchman]

Yep.. With Peter and Lisa, it just make things so much easier "IF" you ever need to send something back for repair, etc. You don't mind because you know they really care...

[AB3]

Absolutely top notch people at A Designs. It is important to buy gear from good people IMHO. How we spend our money is a form of "voting."

And the good news, is that you do not have to compromise the quality of gear by supporting these great people.

For instance, the A Designs MP-2a is an oustanding pre. I know everyone loves the Reddi DI. But for a little more money - you can get TWO DIS and TWO killer pres.
The Hammer is a killer must have eq.
The EM-PEQ eqs are killer.
And the "Nail" - well I know just enough about to know that it will be selling like hotcakes.
Oh - and the Pete's Place Compressor - I have not tried it - but just read the posts from those that have.

Then you put all that (and more equipment I did not mention) with great people who actually care to talk to you and help you out - it is an unbelievable combination.

[James Lugo]

The customer service by those guys is flawless!

[CapnMarvel]

Wow, I just put him on my short list of excellent gear company founders with Paul Cochrane (of 'Timmy' overdrive fame), the Vintage Vibe pickup guy, Mark of Skreddy Pedals, and David Smith of Dabeck amps.

I'm sure there's tons more of these kinds of people out there, but these are the real deal.

[dpianomn]

Peter is amazing. Very friendly, helpful and accommodating! Can't sing his praises enough.

[mixerguy]

Peter is super cool!!!

[RCM - Ronan]

and people wonder why the fans of A Designs gear are so verbose about it......

I have sent A Designs emails at 3am and gotten fast responses. Its scary.

[Jack Ruston]

Ha, yes. I'm in London and I've often emailed Peter in the morning, expecting him to respond that evening, once he'd had a chance to wake up at a reasonably human hour and get to work. Five minutes later...Ping.

J

[macr0w]

I don't own a single piece of A-Designs gear (although I'd love to) but I have talked to Mr. Montessi on the phone.

I can't believe how nice and helpful he was to me.

Just talking to him made me want to buy his gear even more than I did before I talked to him.

[Marlowe]

I've also had an 'above-and-beyond' experience with Peter. It sure does add to the attraction to a piece of gear when you know you won't be left hanging if anything goes wrong.

[RWagner]

I don't want to be a buzz-kill, but I found him to be very unhelpful and uncooperative...

I was trying to find a free Pacifica preamp and he simply would NOT help.

Just some food for thought, guys...

[Jonathan Starr]

Originally Posted by RWagner

I don't want to be a buzz-kill, but I found him to be very unhelpful and uncooperative...

I was trying to find a free Pacifica preamp and he simply would NOT help.

Just some food for thought, guys...

Suck it up, Brah. Maybe you have halitosis or bad hair

These are the nicest folks in audio, and the Pacifica is just the sweetest pre out there.

Their new Blast Pad filter is a fantastic tool for plosive singers. We are fortunate to be supported by folks like Peter and Lisa Montessi.

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by gabemcg

Never once did he bash any of his competitors, in fact he only had good things to say about them.

Peter is funny that way. When his schedule has permitted, he has come by to visit the students in some of my Home Recording Boot Camps in LA (I try and bring in guest that can talk about various aspects of the recording world), and he often seems to spends half the time talking about how great a lot of his competitors are and how you might find the competitions stuff to fit your needs better than A Designs.

[Dean Landon]

Peter and Lisa are extremely wonderful. The nicest folks I know. Peter has been very helpful in answering any questions I've had. I've been at their residence a couple of times and they have made me feel very welcome. You can't buy that. Either you iz or you ain't!

[JoaT]

You didn't hear it from me, but here's how they do it....

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by JoaT

You didn't hear it from me, but here's how they do it....

Now its starting to make sense!!

[RWagner]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Starr

Suck it up, Brah. Maybe you have halitosis or bad hair

These are the nicest folks in audio, and the Pacifica is just the sweetest pre out there.

Their new Blast Pad filter is a fantastic tool for plosive singers. We are fortunate to be supported by folks like Peter and Lisa Montessi.

Wait a sec... Was that a sincere comment? I was just playin' around...
One of us is dense...

[Jonathan Starr]

Nah... Actually loved your post. All is good !

[wagz]

Originally Posted by JoaT

You didn't hear it from me, but here's how they do it....

UH...based on your picture, it looks like they do it through CLONING! I mean, Peter sure seems very giving with his time. Think about it. That's the only thing that makes sense. Every time i called and talked to somebody at ADESIGNS i got Peter in person. well, except for the time i got Lisa. he seemed genuinely interested in how i used the gear and what applications it would be good for.

maybe the a-designs contact number is to their cell-phones? that doesn't explain why they were so helpful and giving with their time and advice, though.

yeah, i'm going with my gut here. Peter and Lisa are clones(well, maybe not Lisa.
but, she probably is.) that build awesome gear and use clone-service and clone-ingenuity to keep their customers satisfied.

mystery solved. case closed.

btw, Peter i like my new Blast Pad.

[robot gigante]

Clones! Of course!

[dandeurloo]

I love these post. I find most of these smaller companies who actually design and build their products to be extremely nice people. I think they actually like each other as well. Ulysses from Roll Music has often suggest other companies to me as well. A Designs is one of those companies he has suggested. Good to know these folks stand behind their products and are interested in how to improve and make things we need.