Question:
I am about to make the jump and would really like to know how current Bose PAS owners made their purchase. What was your experience like?

Thanks!



Choices:
Direct from Bose
Music Store
Online Retailer
Bought it used
Other

 

Hi ntimid8,

Not the same question but you might be interestd in a poll about first introductions to the system

Hi InTim,

If you have already tried the system out and don't need a demonstration, I see no reason not to buy right from Bose. (Even without the demo, you can demo it yourself for 45days.)

The 12 month same as cash is an amazing deal. I'm on my second go-round.

As service goes, I'm sure direct from Bose will be better than GC as well, GC would probably just send it in to Bose anyway.

Last but not least...the people at Bose will know who you are. They always make follow-up courtesy calls after the sale to see how it's going. A nice added touch.

P

Thanks Drumr,

I have actually tried the system, so I see your point about buying direct. Besides, Bose doesn't offer price breaks and the price would be the same no matter where you buy it. I usually try to buy online to avoid tax, but the financing option does sound attractive.

Since we are on the financing subject, what are the FAQ's about the credit company ? If I pay $300 dollars one month is a payment due the next? If you're a day late with your payment do they rack you $30 and then take away the 0% interest for 12 months ?

If I feel someone has made a significant and positive contribution to my decision to purchase (e.g. a salesperson) I always try to buy it from the outlet where he/she will be given credit, unless there are huge differences in the deal I can make.

quote:

Originally posted by tonefight:
Since we are on the financing subject, what are the FAQ's about the credit company ? If I pay $300 dollars one month is a payment due the next? YES If you're a day late with your payment do they rack you $30 YES - might not be $30, but there is a late feeand then take away the 0% interest for 12 months ? NO - that's still good to go

Yes, Yes, No

quote:

I usually try to buy online to avoid tax, but the financing option does sound attractive.

nTim,
Unfortunately you will have to pay tax if you buy from Bose, since there are Guitar centers everywhere. If there is a Bose retailer in your state, you pay tax.

Tonefight:
If I remember corrrectly, The Bose credit card (HSBC actually) asks for a minimum payment each month, like $20, or maybe $80 to avoid the late/no payment. But that amount should be pretty easy to meet, especially since you can make it online

I paid $200/month on mine.

P

ntim,
We are in Northern California, and we bought ours at GC in Oregon (No Sales Tax). But that would be a long road trip for you.

Jeff
www.theunmentionables.com

I purchased my two double bass systems directly through BOSE.I've spoken with a few techs directly and asked MANY questions!I am VERY satisfied with my systems.I had all my questions answered and any problems remedied by BOSE.If only more musicians would be more open minded to this idea..It is VERY difficult for many musicians to understand that one CAN perform well without having to be uncomfortably loud offstage as well as onstage.Also, the "spacial imaging" of the PAS system is not easily accepted by many musicians.My system is a pleasure to own and operate and I'm still finding different functions I didn't realize before!Price?Take into account: each system is a four input mixer, three amplifiers, and full range speaker system...Makes you think...

I'm with Ken at Bose if you can establish a good relationship with a store [or person within]its best for all concerned. With 45 day trial 12 month no interest and a state of the art product it is almost to good to be true. To add to dougs info; it is a mixer with 2 channels remote, the system is also Active[not just powered]its your amp,monitors,and PA. WITH PRESET EQ FOR SYSTEM AND MICS AND INSTRUMENTS, Its expandable,easy to setup and teardown,lightweight, attractive then of course all the live performance benefits.
What did I forget?

My really simple view of things:

If someone
- invests in you and
- earns your business,
then you give it to him/her.

If you can get whatever you're buying elsewhere for a little less, you can give that first person the oppportunity to meet the price.

Even if that person cannot meet or beat someone else's price, I have never been disappointed for showing a little loyalty.

The mutual investment has always been well worth it.

Buying the Bose PAS is not the same as many other musicians needs, we are severely limited in places where we can purchase it. Like most other Bose products this adds value that is good for Bose and in a way good for us too. (we don't have to worry about a half price sale next week!)

That being said......In 1968 I traded guitars at Carl's music in Lexington Ky, and in the years since at least 90% of my musical dollars have been spent there. I do not buy as much now as I used to but am quite sure if I showed up today and said I need 6 mics and stands and a snake that can handle 16 channels, and 2 12" monitors, all would be loaned to me , no charge, no questions.

My last major purchases there were my Yamaha AW2816 and my Bose 402 system. I paid a little more on $5000 worth of gear than if I had purchased from Musicians Friend, but.... someone whose name and face I know put food on the table or made part of a car payment with that money.

The credit system there was a ledger with your name at the top, and a running list of charges or credits, and maybe occasionally you would see 1% added if you didn't make regular payments.

Carl passed away a couple of years back, but his family is still working the business. I'm sure it gets harder everyday to make a dollar there, when they have to compete against the Big Box retailers and all the .com's

The Times They Are A'changing but I would encourage all musicians to support local independent retailers when they can, keeping your money close to home pays dividends that are hard to measure until you see that familiar old building with the windows painted white with the words, Gone Out of Business.

Oldghm

ntimid8:

quote:

I am about to make the jump and would really like to know how current Bose PAS owners made their purchase. What was your experience like?

I am an original product specialist for this Bose technology in southern and central California, with 18 months of experience using this gear in all types of situations and musical genre's. I am happy to help you get a PERSONAL demonstration of this technology, IN YOUR MUSICAL SETTING, so you can truly try before you buy. I believe this experience is invaluable in helping you determine the potential worth of the Bose system to your applications.

Such a demonstration is at no cost to you. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me directly - I'll be glad to help if i can

Sincerely,
Ken

Ken is one of the most knowledgable folks in our whole family.

Oh, and by the way, (Ken shield your eyes now) he's a monster horn player too.

Use him.

Ken

<blush>

BTW - I consider Ken-at-Bose the MONSTER behind the Bose Personalized Amplification System (of course, after all praise to the inventor, Cliff-at-Bose ) He's truly unique in the world, in my opinion - a brilliant mind tempered with true human skills.

<soapbox stroking session completed - returning you now to your normally scheduled programming>

LOL
Ken

The two Ken's are both "monsters" in their own right!

I too am a product specialist for the PAS in the Phoenix, AZ, area and would be more then happy to help you with a personal demo of this technology in your personal setting. I have been using the PAS (actually 5 of them) since it's inception back in October of '03 with a 10 piece high energy horn bad called "The Groove Merchants." We have been using the systems exclusively for groups of 100 to 1200 people both indoors and outdoors with great results.

There is somewhat of a learning curve involved with the PAS so having someone with hands-on experience assist you with a demo of the system in your own familiar setting will give you a much better idea of the true potential of this technology.

Feel free to contact me directly and I'll be glad to help answer any questions you might have or give you a personal demo.

Also, keep your eyes on the "Live Performances" section of the Bose website and the "See and Hear It Live" section of the forum for the Groove Merchants as we have some public performances coming up this summer using the PAS.

Dean Randall
appmusic@mindspring.com

quote:

The Times They Are A'changing but I would encourage all musicians to support local independent retailers when they can, keeping your money close to home pays dividends that are hard to measure until you see that familiar old building with the windows painted white with the words, Gone Out of Business.

Oldghm

Man, I couldn't agree with you more - I've done a lot of business with a couple such stores I'd like to mention here: Al Depaulis Music in Las Vegas and Maytan Music in Reno, Nevada. These stores know professionals like nobody I have ever dealt with, but like Oldghm says they just can't compete anymore - a darn shame.

Unfortunately I also feel the world is changing and this business (and those in it) have got to change with it. Hopefully the sons and daughters of these old hats will mix a bit of the old with a bit of the new...

I always try to keep the money at home but sometimes it just breaks down to dollars and sense

Speaking of local dealers. What opinions are out there on BOSE allowing only Guitar Center to sell the PAS? The Guitar Center in my area is not a friendly place to audition equipment[products not set up properly, displays not working, loud and noisy throughout the whole store]. The privately owned stores in my area have much better conditions more knowledgeble and helpfull employees and are willing to HELP you[not just sell you] through your purchase. I understand that BOSE is trying to assure that end users pay equally and their buying experience is similar as with service.[and Guitar Center can make an honest profit and not worry about the guy down the block dumping price] Fortunately BOSE has this site and the Best and most attentive service I have experienced. But something dosen't fell right about it to me and I don't know what it is.

Dear Sweet Nabadon2000,

Ahem, you are not doubt referring to trying to audition that new Variax Bass Guitar through the PAS located in the middle of CHAOS at our local Guitar Center?

I whole heartedly agree with your latest assesment. However, did you forget that we did get the chance to audition the 1st PAS in their sound room, and were able to bring all of our instruments in and got at least an hour of hands on time? You did have a birthday since then...

Still, I do not like their set up for any who are trying out a new Variax bass through the Bose PAS. It is right in the middle of the store! In the middle of Chaos...

Actually, the best set up there is their Acoustic room! Their drum room is good too, and keyboards have their own section, it is just that the bassists and electric guitar players are not given any space of their own!

As to the smaller privatly owned stores in our area... Definately used to be the way that you spoke of .....