In the previous post, we talked about the difficulties we’d faced during our research phase - before we even started selling custom cables.
But like we’ve said, those weren’t the only difficulties we faced. There were also lessons we only learnt after we made our cable available to the public.
Version 3.0
For instance, we’re at Version 3.0 of our cable making process now, and the cables that leave our workbench are incredibly solid in every aspect.
However, back when we first started selling the DreamVibes Ion and DreamVibes Nex cables, Version 1.0 had some quality control issues. Some users reported that while they were very pleased with the purity of tone they got from the cable, the Techflex braided protective plastic shielding kept sliding out from within the plugs.
We had to find a way to secure the Techflex within the plugs more securely, and Version 2.0 achieved that. We took back the cables that our customers had issues with and re-did them so that they were more secure.
But then again, if Version 2.0 was satisfactory, why is there Version 3.0?
Well, simply because we don’t want to rest on our laurels (or is it yannys? =P) in the pursuit of perfection. So one day, during a discussion about how we can make our cables even more solid, Yohanes suggested a crazy idea. While it would make the manufacturing process exceedingly difficult, our cables would transcend the realm of mere solidity and become ROCK SOLID.
So after much trial and error, we decided to go ahead with Version 3.0. Ironically, though we needed to use much more strength in making the cable, the process became less time-consuming. We think it’s a pretty worthwhile tradeoff in the pursuit of the ideal rock solid custom cable.
G&H Quiet Plug
There was also the time we had to refund a customer because of the G&H Quiet Plug. You may know that we specify having the straight or angled Quiet Plugs for our cables.
What we didn’t know then was that very few muting plugs work on active basses, because for some reason, the Quiet Plugs worked well on Yohanes and my active basses (A Nats bass and a Carvin XB75 with a Mike Pope preamp respectively).
Also, the Quiet Plugs weren’t compatible with some jacks, especially if the fastening mechanism inside the guitar was weak.
So while that was a slightly painful learning experience, we’ve since put an advisory on our website that states that the “Quiet Plug anti-pop mechanism does not work with active guitars/basses”.
Fortunately, we rarely get orders for Quiet Plugs, and when we get local orders from Singapore, we usually advise customers to come by and try the plugs out on their instruments to see if the plug works properly with their instruments.
Learning & Adapting
It’s taken a while to learn about and iron out all these kinks, but Yohanes and I are proud of how far we’ve come and the cables we’re making right now.
Naturally, the learning and growing never stops, especially since we have plans on expanding into overseas markets within the region, but because we believe in our product (and you will too once you’ve tried them!), we’ll continue evolving and giving you the best cables we can possibly make.
To all our customers, thank you so much for your support and belief in our cables and services. We would never have made it to today if not for you guys! =D