O.K So I voted prior to reading the post. I think this would be a good idea at those kind of prices.
Would I have to drill them myself though? I have been wanting a very large MOTM style front panel for
a while now for my TR9090. I spoke to Larry about this a few times and he said it would cost about
$250. Pretty steep, but I would totally do it if it were quite a bit cheaper even if the finish was
different. To me the current finish is really nice but I don't mind sticking something else in there
if it will drop the cost. I mean I am sure that it is close enough for me. Also, I had spoken to
Larry a few times about doing another run of the SKB Backs, is this something you guys will be
thinking about?
Eric
----- Original Message -----
From: "mate_stubb" <mate_stubb@...>
To: <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 4:15 PM
Subject: [motm] Future panel options - everyone please read carefully (long)
> All,
>
> This is potentially a controversial topic, so please read carefully,
> and don't read anything into it other than what I actually say!
>
> I want to have a discussion about the MOTM standard panel finish.
>
> I have not talked to Paul about this, other than to hear from him the
> same complaints the Stooges have - it is a giant hassle to get panels
> painted in the polane finish, get silkscreens made, and get legends
> screen printed. The whole process is expensive, and paint vendors keep
> flaking out. You have to spend a lot of money stocking big batches of
> panels to make it economical. In Paul's case, he sits on a lot of
> expensive panels that may or may not sell. In the Stooges' case, we
> only manage to do a run once or twice a year. It happens so seldom,
> that everyone is frantic to get in on a run, resulting in things
> dragging on and on.
>
> A potential solution is to change the panel finish. The Stooges are
> considering investing in a laser printing system that would allow
> laser etched graphics, either on the current polane paint finish or on
> anodized panels. But since the painting is the biggest hassle anyway,
> suppose for the sake of discussion that we are talking about etched
> panels with an anodized finish, and that the price for a 2U undrilled
> panel can be kept at $25 or less.
>
> The big advantage is that we could potentially manufacture custom
> panels almost on demand. No more 10 month waits for your custom panel.
> Other advantages would be flexibility in design. How about blue or red
> anodized panels? A different style of layout that puts jacks near
> input knobs? Function block graphics ala Arp 2500/2600? Or just like
> the current design but with panel edge graphics? Suppose Stooge
> Enterprises supported two or three standard graphics styles for new
> module designs, in your choice of colors?
>
> The disadvantage is that it would not match the current MOTM standard
> 100%. Black anodizing is very close, much like a Schaeffer panel. I
> know people have a lot invested in their systems, and take pride in
> their instrument's appearance.
>
> Hence this discussion - what is your tolerence level for something new?
>
> Now just to complicate things, suppose Paul found the prospect of less
> expensive, just in time delivery attractive enough to consider
> changing the MOTM standard as well? How would that affect your opinion?
>
> Let me reiterate: I have not talked to Paul. He may have no interest
> in this. I have not talked to Paul. He may have no interest in this.
> Don't bombard him with any panic about changing the format, OK? I'm
> just thinking out loud about solutions to problems.
>
> I've set up a poll for you to indicate your level of interest or
> disgust. The choices range from "I'm not interested in custom panels
> anyway" to "I'd be interested if they matched closely" to "I'm a
> complete madman, and I would totally redo my 100 module monster in
> red". I certainly don't want the Stooges to invest in a bunch of
> equipment if everybody thinks the idea sucks. On the other hand, it
> could potentially work out to allow you to express your wildest panel
> desires.
>
> Please visit the poll!
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motm/surveys?id=2063312
>
> Stooge Moe
> http://www.hotrodmotm.com
> http://wiseguysynth.com
>
>
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>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
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>
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