Are the drums being released in EU Refurbs ?

[Mettasutta]

I am very concerned that my drum set are refubished ones, all the signs say this box was used and opened before and the serial numbers have been added on over the old ones. There are also stick hit marks on a couple of the pads and to make matters even worse my yellow pad works intermittently. I am pretty p**sed off atm. I really would apreciate an official comment as to if my fears could be correct. Sending out America's returns to us for nearly 3x the price is just not acceptable. Shame really cos the actual game rocks.
Are us Europeans destined to the same fate sending back many sets of faulty refurbished drum kits ?
Surely there is a law against selling second hand items as new ?
I will be taking this up with my loacal traiding standards office. I really hope I am mistaken.
Shame on you if im not.

[Nuwidol]

Wow.

I hope this is not the case. I was considering selling my PS3 version & buying an Xbox with the PAL release. If this is the case then I think i'll hold off for a while to see what pans out...

[carlosftw]

This is not the case. My drum set is brand new...

[Evil_Dan]

I have the same suspicions as the original poster. My EL drum kit I received today had strike marks over all 4 pads, especially the red one which does not work properly. It has a very small central area you have to hit to register a strike, otherwise you need to use a hard strike. Most disappointing.

[carlosftw]

bump.............

[Idylla]

I got mine from HMV and they are brand spanking new.

Apart from the pedal, very pleased.

[dammen]

Thats pretty awfull.

[Bozman]

I agree with the OP also. I suspected the same thing after seeing strike marks on my pads and the blue one appears to not be seated right in the housing. No miss hits yet, but I am a novice and not sure whether it is my lack of skill. There was also an apparent re-sealing of the boxes.

I haven't had time to look at the UK returns procedure yet, I was expecting to see some literature in the box, but there was none. Only after looking on the outside of the box did I find the web address.

I'll sleep on it tonight and make a decision tomorrow. If this is what they have been doing it is incredibly poor service.

[Mettasutta]

I'm certainly not suggesting that all kits are refurbs but I am suggesting that some are. One question for our American friends. On the outside of your drum box was there a round sticker ? I don't know what the sticker would have looked like but I have the residue left on the carton where the sticker has been removed it's probably about 2- 2 1/2 inches across.
I am really hoping that someone from HMX is going to make a statement about this.

I would just like to add, just because we are stupid enough to pay out so much for items over here in Europe does not mean that we are stupid enough to not know when we are being sold second hand goods, please don't treat us that way.

[Bozman]

Looks like they have to go back to the retailer (in my case Play). According to the support site all official Rock Band retailers are participating in the warranty programme.

[Mettasutta]

Looks like they have to go back to the retailer (in my case Play). According to the support site all official Rock Band retailers are participating in the warranty programme.

Funny enough thats where I got mine too, hmm now I'm starting to wonder if thats why they were so much cheaper than other retailers.
Well mine will be going back to play then , via traiding standards.

[Bozman]

I've found another site under EA that takes me to a reference to a UK warranty returns address for drum pads.

I'm no idiot, but this appears to be unclear. Which is it? Return to retailer or try and return to UK warranty address somewhere in Guildford? Do I contact them through the EA support site or via Play?

If someone from Harmonix reads this, I would appreciate a little clarification.

[Evil_Dan]

I've found another site under EA that takes me to a reference to a UK warranty returns address for drum pads.

I'm no idiot, but this appears to be unclear. Which is it? Return to retailer or try and return to UK warranty address somewhere in Guildford? Do I contact them through the EA support site or via Play?

If someone from Harmonix reads this, I would appreciate a little clarification.

Mine were from Play too. Warranty is irrelevant here - it was faulty at the point of sale (and applies to the first 30 days) so you are entitled to a brand new replacement. Send it back to Play for a replacement (they will arrange collection which is what they are doing for me).

[Klopek]

I got my drums from Tesco and I'm pretty sure that they're new. I'm not overly happy with their performance though. I'm only playing easy/medium at the moment and keeping a multiplier through even simple patterns is proving a problem. My red pad seems particularly bad. On red+yellow notes/blocks it's often clear that the red one is not registering while the yellow one does - eliminating my inital assuption that I just sucked.

[Idylla]

I got my drums from Tesco and I'm pretty sure that they're new. I'm not overly happy with their performance though. I'm only playing easy/medium at the moment and keeping a multiplier through even simple patterns is proving a problem. My red pad seems particularly bad. On red+yellow notes/blocks it's often clear that the red one is not registering while the yellow one does - eliminating my inital assuption that I just sucked.
Hmm its not just me then, I've also noticed this with the red pad.

Plus, my pedal is so high it makes my ankle ache instantly (flat footed)

[lockload]

Mine also had marks on all the drums but the packaging looked ok, its the EL model )ie old US one) almost certainly refurb which is actually illegal in the uk unless maked as so:confused:

[CaptCastle]

Mine look new I suppose, didn't really pay that much attention. They dont seem all that sensitive, they need a fair whcak sometimes to get a beat.

They are ELs, although that means nothing to me really ;)

[Klopek]

Hmm its not just me then, I've also noticed this with the red pad.

Plus, my pedal is so high it makes my ankle ache instantly (flat footed)


I was having some trouble/aches with the pedal but after starting the medium career I found that holding the pedal down helped an awful lot. So, keep it pretty much flat and then raise it slightly and put it back down to trigger. Or is that what you've already said with the flat-footed comment? Sorry, I may have misunderstood.

I'd attempt a replacement if I didn't believe that this is more of a design fault than anything specific to my set. I'm bummed out. I figured they'd have taken all the community tips/mods and incorporated them into the new sets by now. Even worse, I read about the sock mod a while ago and how it was drastically improving sets and of course now I've found that it's for QM sets and I have EL! Gutted!

Perhaps I'll try the penny mod at a later date. It's not a huge issue just yet. I'm always finishing in the high 90s yet, as I said, can't keep a multiplier. Proper crap scores though.

[SilentCoyote]

Ordered my BIAB from Amazon, had the same issue with the box appearing to have been resealed, and when I removed the drum set there was a second sticker half stuck on the bottom covering up another one. The pads don't look like they have been used but the red pad does tend to play up a bit.

All in all love the game but a bit disappointed with the controllers given the price. The guitar rattles and I'm sure its gonna break in half every time I look at it - it's made out of such cheap plastic.

[Mettasutta]

Mine also had marks on all the drums but the packaging looked ok, its the EL model )ie old US one) almost certainly refurb which is actually illegal in the uk unless maked as so:confused:

Yup, It is an EL model. The UK Code is showing as EL as is the code that was "Hidden" underneath.
There is certainly no markings on it saying it is a refurbishment, and as HMX don't see fit to comment I will take that as an admission.
My next step is traiding standards like a mentioned earlier then I will be contacting a UK based consumer program called watchdog on the matter.
Shame, it's such a great game and like others have said HMX have put a lot of thought and effort into it, why then ruin it for people by continuing to give out less than top quality instruments ?

[Head For METAL]

my kit is QM and im unhappy with it i cant get past ballroom blitz on expert and i know im hitting it all my red pad is horrible im really unhappy with this

[Dauragon]

There is certainly no markings on it saying it is a refurbishment, and as HMX don't see fit to comment I will take that as an admission.
My next step is traiding standards like a mentioned earlier then I will be contacting a UK based consumer program called watchdog on the matter.
?

As I never received my BIAB today, I can't really add anything. But, jeez... I hope HMX/EA really aren't stupid enough to try and sell refurb equipment as new. :mad:I don't know about the rest of the Europe, but that's a hell of a big taboo in the UK. Most stuff marked as refurb over here has around a 30% reduction in price in my experience, sometimes more.

Ooh, I can hear the Watchdog theme now...;)

[SWBIgG4life]

Im not from the UK, so I can't really offer much more than my assumtions. It seems like a lot of the people with this problem purchased it from one retailer. I'm curious if they bought used/referb models and sold them as new themselfs, without Harmonix knowing. I obviously don't know, but as a sort of fanboy would like to five Harmonix the benefit of the doubt. And with the price "jack" in EU, if I was a retailer, I'd want to get the cheapest price at whatever cost, just personally.

[SWBIgG4life]

my kit is QM and im unhappy with it i cant get past ballroom blitz on expert and i know im hitting it all my red pad is horrible im really unhappy with this

I don't beleive that's your set.

If I remember correctly from (was it ChainGang?)'s overview of the two models, QM's had more give and bounce and registered one hit better than the EL, but ELs where less bouncey and where able to register drum rolls better. My bud has QM's and can't do drum rolls, but loves mine for them with are ELs. I like his drums because they bounce more and feel better and I suck at rolls anyway.

[Head For METAL]

I don't beleive that's your set.

If I remember correctly from (was it ChainGang?)'s overview of the two models, QM's had more give and bounce and registered one hit better than the EL, but ELs where less bouncey and where able to register drum rolls better. My bud has QM's and can't do drum rolls, but loves mine for them with are ELs. I like his drums because they bounce more and feel better and I suck at rolls anyway.

yep QM it is my set crappy rolls, not really very good single hits either it missed alot i actually hit

[Evil_Dan]

Im not from the UK, so I can't really offer much more than my assumtions. It seems like a lot of the people with this problem purchased it from one retailer. I'm curious if they bought used/referb models and sold them as new themselfs, without Harmonix knowing. I obviously don't know, but as a sort of fanboy would like to five Harmonix the benefit of the doubt. And with the price "jack" in EU, if I was a retailer, I'd want to get the cheapest price at whatever cost, just personally.

It came in an EU outer packaging (multiple European languages and the CE mark). Play were offering the best price in the UK so a large proportion of people bought from them and where would they get EU refurb models from? The game hadn't even been released.

Also this isn't Harmonix as developers fault it is the publisher - MTV Games. EA as far as I know are the distributors so will likely only be distributing what they are given.

[Mettasutta]

Still no comment from HMX then I see.

[GoldenElite0]

What drums exactly are you reffering to? Is it the band in the box or the single set?

I missed my band in the box yesterday so I'm going to the depot to get it. I'm nervous I'm going to get the same crap as you guys. I bought from Play as well. Also of note is that Amazon is offering for the same price as Play. So i don't think Play is in some kind of conspiracy here lol.


At least the game came yesterday (fits through letter box of course). I was able to play with my GHIII guitar...my god it is 100 times better than guitar hero.

[RockBandRocker]

One question for our American friends. On the outside of your drum box was there a round sticker ? I don't know what the sticker would have looked like but I have the residue left on the carton where the sticker has been removed it's probably about 2- 2 1/2 inches across.

That sucks really hard!

To answer your question, No. There wasn't a round sticker on the box for my Rock Band SE (Special Edition) box for the XBOX 360.


You guys might actually be getting sold over-stocks or open box returns or something of that nature.

I hope someone at HMX or EA responds to this. This is bulls**t to go through months of waitng, only to get inferior instruments.


On the lighter side, I hope you are enjoying the game on either a guitar or vocals. The game is too good to NOT be played :)

[lockload]

Yup, It is an EL model. The UK Code is showing as EL as is the code that was "Hidden" underneath.
There is certainly no markings on it saying it is a refurbishment, and as HMX don't see fit to comment I will take that as an admission.
My next step is traiding standards like a mentioned earlier then I will be contacting a UK based consumer program called watchdog on the matter.
Shame, it's such a great game and like others have said HMX have put a lot of thought and effort into it, why then ruin it for people by continuing to give out less than top quality instruments ?

Send me a pm if you get anywhere as ill probably do the same

I got mine from gamestation

[Ryder35]

Well, if you are seeing hit marks they must be used sets. Send em back. Missed hits etc are kind of common on new or used sets. I have been really happy with my launch day imported EL set (apart from the snapped pedal!). Guess I just got one of the good ones

[Mettasutta]

What drums exactly are you reffering to? Is it the band in the box or the single set?

I missed my band in the box yesterday so I'm going to the depot to get it. I'm nervous I'm going to get the same crap as you guys. I bought from Play as well. Also of note is that Amazon is offering for the same price as Play. So i don't think Play is in some kind of conspiracy here lol.


At least the game came yesterday (fits through letter box of course). I was able to play with my GHIII guitar...my god it is 100 times better than guitar hero.
Hi there, I am talking about the drums that were packed as part of the BIAB.

That sucks really hard!

To answer your question, No. There wasn't a round sticker on the box for my Rock Band SE (Special Edition) box for the XBOX 360.


You guys might actually be getting sold over-stocks or open box returns or something of that nature.

I hope someone at HMX or EA responds to this. This is bulls**t to go through months of waitng, only to get inferior instruments.


On the lighter side, I hope you are enjoying the game on either a guitar or vocals. The game is too good to NOT be played :)

I absolutely love the actual game, it's just the whole are they new or not issue that is leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
Thanks for the show of support though.


Send me a pm if you get anywhere as ill probably do the same

I got mine from gamestation

I will let you know what happens.



I am also going to post some pictures of what I mean with the box.

[Mettasutta]

Ok so here is the picture (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Nasty_dow/RockBanddrums001.jpg) of the box that held my drums.



You will see that clearly the old serial number of 1591199-201EL has been covered up by a new UK specific serial number MSX0HW05865-XBDRM1ELUK

Also if you look in at the top right of the box by the glass icon , you will see the residue of an old sticker that was there in the boxes prior life.


This whole saga has left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I will be returning the whole Band in a box and will play the game with my Les Paul.

[Idylla]

Hang on, did you not even get the multicoloured blue box with europe writing all over it ?

[Mettasutta]

Yes we get the pretty looking outer box, there is then 2 more boxes inside one with the drums and one with the guitar.

[Evil_Dan]

Ok so here is the picture (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Nasty_dow/RockBanddrums001.jpg) of the box that held my drums.



You will see that clearly the old serial number of 1591199-201EL has been covered up by a new UK specific serial number MSX0HW05865-XBDRM1ELUK

Also if you look in at the top right of the box by the glass icon , you will see the residue of an old sticker that was there in the boxes prior life.


This whole saga has left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I will be returning the whole Band in a box and will play the game with my Les Paul.

That is exactly what mine looks like (with a different serial number under the sticker than on it). Given that the serial number appears to be a removable piece of plastic on the drums it woulddn't be hard to put a sticker on a box and replace the serial number on a used set, repackage it and send it back out.

[ciabb64]

That seriously sucks for you guys, my set was new afaik, so atleast they arent all refurbs. However selling refurbs as new is not acceptable. Especially after all the controversy over the launch, this isnt really helping.

I think to get a better answer you should maybe contact EA as they are in charge of distribution here in the EU as its possible HMX knows not much about this and therefore wont be able to give an answer.

[Magnet]

From what I can tell, if there were refurbs being sold as new, I'm not sure which party would be at fault exactly. Remember that MTV Games is acting as the publisher and EA is acting as the distributor. All of the warranties have gone through EA's processing; so if refurbs were intentionally being sold as new, it seems to me like something EA would most likely be directly responsible for. I really have no idea though, I'm just speculating.

I somewhat doubt the Harmonix regulars that browse the forums would have any idea about the issue at the moment. Perhaps it's something they could try looking into, but more than likely EA is the company of choice to get in contact with.

This business about refurbs is all brand new info to me. Mettasutta, your picture presents quite a convincing case for the refurb assumption. Thanks for bringing this apparent issue to light.

I hope that anyone who believes they may have a broken refurb ends up getting a working set with litte-to-no hassle. Good luck.

[lollujo]

Ok so here is the picture (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Nasty_dow/RockBanddrums001.jpg) of the box that held my drums.



You will see that clearly the old serial number of 1591199-201EL has been covered up by a new UK specific serial number MSX0HW05865-XBDRM1ELUK

Also if you look in at the top right of the box by the glass icon , you will see the residue of an old sticker that was there in the boxes prior life.


This whole saga has left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I will be returning the whole Band in a box and will play the game with my Les Paul.

I got mine from play also - exactly the same packaging - the sticker over the serial number, and the sticky circle in the top right hand corner.

I'm pretty sure mine was new though, no marks on it, and it works fine.

[Mettasutta]

From what I can tell, if there were refurbs being sold as new, I'm not sure which party would be at fault exactly. Remember that MTV Games is acting as the publisher and EA is acting as the distributor. All of the warranties have gone through EA's processing; so if refurbs were intentionally being sold as new, it seems to me like something EA would most likely be directly responsible for. I really have no idea though, I'm just speculating.

I somewhat doubt the Harmonix regulars that browse the forums would have any idea about the issue at the moment. Perhaps it's something they could try looking into, but more than likely EA is the company of choice to get in contact with.

This business about refurbs is all brand new info to me. Mettasutta, your picture presents quite a convincing case for the refurb assumption. Thanks for bringing this apparent issue to light.

I hope that anyone who believes they may have a broken refurb ends up getting a working set with litte-to-no hassle. Good luck.

Thank-you for your comments, as you say it's difficult to know who is responsible for this matter. The only place I can come for some clarification is here as these are the "Rock band" forums. I also post here because there are many other people in the EU that have just brought their BIAB and maybe will be wondering the same thing.

I'm not totally up with the law , but I suspect that selling old as new is, at the very least highly frowned apon by British law.
I really hope that this is a very uncommon thing, but I suspect this will be an ongoing saga for us EU residents.
If, as you say it's down to EA , then the little man like me has no chance in taking any form of action againt their multi million pound lawyers.
:(

[GoldenElite0]

Ok so here is the picture of the box that held my drums.

I picked up my instruments from the depot. You're right! I peeled back the sticker and sure enough theres another serial number. Also right out of the box I found many marks on my drums. Theres a line as if someone used the stick as a pencil and there are even light yellow stains that the drumsticks must have left. I tried to take a photo but it's impossible to see the marks.

My set appears to work however, or on easy in any case. The drums only sound when hit in the centre right? The edges do nothing on mine.

[PrivateParts286]

i think mine is a "QM" set, no problems at all, all instruments fine, guitar rattles but only after my friend dropped it.

i got it from an independant game shop. this problem must be with online stuff.

what a big ass **** this is.

[BigTastyBurger]

Same here, an EL set. I did think the drums were broken because of the way the the pads seems to 'float' above the bottom half of the pad.

Pads themselves have some dimples on it, not many, but the unit appears clean and unmarked, so I just put those dimples down to factory testing, and I'm a lefty so haven't experienced any missed notes yet.

Interesting that the guitar pack has the same covered over serials as well.

As for UK law, yes, it's all down to Trades Description Act, if they are refurbs, then the goods must be labelled as such, as in trades terms they're second hand and not new. If the equipment then becomes not suitable for the use it was purchased for there could be grounds for legal action.

Shame, and I was so close to opening a thread praising Harmonix for the game, as it really is sublime to play.

But I'll keep an open mind, and hope they're actually these 'upgraded' peripherals that were spoken about as being a reason for the Euro delay.

[carlosftw]

hey people

have gone and looked at my outer packaging again and mine has a sticker placed on all the serial number places too..

[GreenGrassAndy]

I actually feel bad for you guys in EU if you are getting the sets that the people in the US sent in because they didn't work...

That just seems really shady to me. To open up a box and find a bunch of stick-marks on the drums? COME ON! You can't sell used gear when the customer is expecting it to be new. That is, pretty much, fraud. I would expect somebody from HMX would have to say something about this, otherwise they are going to get screwed by the time GHIV comes out...

That being said, there are a few things that you might try to get your drums to work better. There are plenty of different mods listed throughout the forums, so I will let you look through those as you wish. I will, however, recommend that if you are having issues with your red pad that you open it up and look at the condition of the peizo inside. If there are any cracks or if it looks bad, I would suggest buying a replacement. They are available via ebay and through a few different places now. I had issues with my red pad and replacing the peizo and putting struts on the sides of my drums has made it so I can finally get a FC on expert.

[tommey91]

This (http://rockband.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9000) post on scorehero pretty much confirms this...

[Evil_Dan]

Thank-you for your comments, as you say it's difficult to know who is responsible for this matter. The only place I can come for some clarification is here as these are the "Rock band" forums. I also post here because there are many other people in the EU that have just brought their BIAB and maybe will be wondering the same thing.

I'm not totally up with the law , but I suspect that selling old as new is, at the very least highly frowned apon by British law.
I really hope that this is a very uncommon thing, but I suspect this will be an ongoing saga for us EU residents.
If, as you say it's down to EA , then the little man like me has no chance in taking any form of action againt their multi million pound lawyers.
:(

Legally you or I would only have a case against Play as the retailer, however Play would have a case against the distributor (EA) if they were being supplied with refurb units when they were under the impression they were new.

[stevecassidy]

mine looks new but who knows.
When I bought my 360 it looked like a refurb, it had a black sticker mark under the face plate. which I rubbed off when I got red rings. and when it came back from MS a sticker was i that same spot.

[Ollie1990]

Mine are a qm set, seem fine, look new to me. Really sucks if they are sending out old ones.

[carlosftw]

Answer from HMX please.

[Bozman]

Well after 24 hours of playing, mine 'appear' to be working fine although the heads had stick marks on them right out of the box. I have done the mouse pad mod on them this morning to dampen the sound with no apparent drawback so I'll stick with them for the time being. I am still unclear and can find very little information on the actual warranty for the instruments. How long can I have my instruments before I can no longer return them for new ones for instance?

I doubt whether this thread will ever get an 'official' response as anything they comment on will spell doom for them.

[Chriswok]

You know, it wouldn't surprise me if it was EA. They're going through so much crap with retailers at the moment. They're artificially putting their buy in price high so retailers HAVE to sell the games at £45-£50 to make any profit. GAME have a semi boycott going on where all EA titles are removed from high profile spaces in the store.

This happened a few years ago too, I remember the retailer I was working in at the time, took all the EA games off the shelf and we'd only sell them if people asked for them.
EA just want money for nothing.

[dante666]

BiaB from Amazon.co.uk

Drums:
I've got a EL set. The pads work fine and the pedal does too, but i've just found a scratch on the left side of the green pad. It could have NOT happend here at my hause, and neither by the DHL transport service... cause it's so deep that it looks like it was made with a knife!

Guitar:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/dante_333/100_1028.jpg
(It feels cheap and im afraid of breaking it, just by holding and playing it, also there is something loose inside of it)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/dante_333/100_1029.jpg
(WTF is that?! Strap holder on both sides? I dont think so)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/dante_333/100_1030.jpg
(The buttons feel really loose and cheap, just like a controller of a crappy chinese Commandore fake, also called as "The Pegasus" - LOL)

Thats the worst one i've got. Something rattles inside, sounds like a loose spring. The feel of the guitar is just awefull... plastic, plastic and plastic. It also has a hole on the right top part of the body, looks like it was made for the strap holder :S ?!
Must say that i have tryied the game at my friends hause few hours before i got mine and his guitar (imported from US for PS3) felt a LOT better!!! Mine is like a frankenstein, made from different parts -_-

Mic:
Haven't expirianced any probs with it, looked brand new out of the box.

p.s: Oh, yeah, my box had also stickers all over it.

ONE more thing. Try to look under your RED pad and read the sticker. Mine says on the bottom: "Model#(numbers): First avaliable after 13 August 2005" WTF is that?!

I'm really mad now, cause the game is great, its superb, but the **** i've got with it is unbelivable!

[Weeksy77]

This is what I was afraid might be the case - I posted this back in the original UK thread in Mid-February:

"Consider this a strong rumour for now, but let me pose a question to you all:

How would you feel if when you eventually do receive your "Rock Band" special edition, that the Guitar & Drum peripheral were slightly used..... repaired.... but still used?"

It came from a forum post at IGN that was deleted (not closed, deleted) about an hour after it appeared.

[stevecassidy]

[QUOTE=dante666;663403]
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/dante_333/100_1029.jpg
(WTF is that?! Strap holder on both sides? I dont think so)

Yes you can change strap from either side

[Mkm73]

Hey,
Registered now that Rock Band has finally come out in the UK.
The stickers on my drum set box were slightly less obvious in that they were the same brown colour as the box itself. The serial number makes it clear that it's a QM set and it has a big green circular sticker with an "F" on it.

As for the QM set itself, it seems to be new, but I didn't think to inspect it very closely on arrival. I've been waiting for Rock Band since it was announced so very long ago, and I was a bit keen to set it up :D

Performance wise, it seems ok. Judging by the lengths people go to on this board to modify, augment, or otherwise tweak the standard kit to bring it up to spec, my newb drumming skills (I never persevered with Drumania because of the sorry excuse of a foot pedal), and the challenge of getting everything calibrated because of projector and AV amp combo, I'd say it's way too early for me to comment objectively on the kit's quality.

I've got the metal foot plate and flexi hinge mod ready to go, though I was surprised by how solid the standard foot pedal feels (given how many people's foot pedals have broken, I was expecting it to feel far more fragile in use).

Next on my list of things is to do something about the noise levels of the drum kit.

The stratocaster is cool (I, personally, really like the silent strummer). However, it's not the sturdiest of items. The whole thing has a bit of squeaky plastic nature and flexes all too easily. Oh, and that d-pad is terrible. It's worse than the one on the normal 360 pad, and that's saying something...

Mkm

[ROBIN50N]

guys, regarding the circle sticker mark in the rite corner of box. look at yanks unboxing on youtube and sure enough, big round yellow sticker there.

[HMXJohnlok]

I am very concerned that my drum set are refubished ones, all the signs say this box was used and opened before and the serial numbers have been added on over the old ones. There are also stick hit marks on a couple of the pads and to make matters even worse my yellow pad works intermittently. I am pretty p**sed off atm. I really would apreciate an official comment as to if my fears could be correct. Sending out America's returns to us for nearly 3x the price is just not acceptable. Shame really cos the actual game rocks.
Are us Europeans destined to the same fate sending back many sets of faulty refurbished drum kits ?
Surely there is a law against selling second hand items as new ?
I will be taking this up with my loacal traiding standards office. I really hope I am mistaken.
Shame on you if im not.

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

[Mettasutta]

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

It is very good to see an offical comment on this and I really hope that what you say is true to the best of your knowledge.
I still am very confused as to why stickers have been changed on the box and the drum set its self. While it's the product that we need to function well and last, the packaging is of great importance to give the right impression in the first place. I honestly feel that we have been supplied with are sets that were destined for NA,but for whatever reason have been modified and sent to us instead.
For me personally, I love this game and great kudos goes out to the people resonsible for making it. This site also is a friendly place to be, and that is in no small part due to people like yourself. However all these positives still do not stop me having a bad taste in my mouth and the feeling of being sent inferior items.

[Bozman]

Firstly, I would like to agree with Mettasutta entirely in his praise of this game and it's forum users. I am relatively new to these boards myself (since the UK announcement) and have found it's users a refreshing change to the usual game boards.

Johnlok,

thank you for taking the time to put these comments here. I'm sure there will be a great deal of us who have our minds at ease knowing that there are no refurbished kits in circulation. As you can see, though, there are quite a few of us that have had marked pads and obviously resealed boxes and packaging, some more than others. By your comments relating to pad markings, I can only assume that some of the factory testers may have been a little more 'thorough' than others, resulting in marked pads. It still doesn't explain away the resealing though, the only explanaition I can come up with was that a portion of the boxes were opened and inspected by customs, but again I thought that these had to be indicated on the box if that was the case. Maybe this one will remain unsolved.

As for the UK warranty procedure, it still appears unclear regarding specifics. I am aware that we have to follow the procedure laid out by our retailer to return faulty instruments, but what time scale do we have to return them? For example, if 6 months down the line, my drum kit becomes faulty, can I still return it and expect a replacement? Can I do it again another 6 months later too?

Once again, many thanks for responding.

[GreenGrassAndy]

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

I hope that post about somebody getting a set with pennies in it is a joke, then :p

[espher]

(It feels cheap and im afraid of breaking it, just by holding and playing it, also there is something loose inside of it)

(WTF is that?! Strap holder on both sides? I dont think so)

The "loose" object iirc relates to OD deployment. One of my initial two guitars and both of my replacements guitars have it -- the first guitar I had that had dodging OD activation did not.

The hole is for the strap holder in case you want to lefty flip.

[face777]

Mine is an EL set wit no new sticker covering an original code - looked new, and bought from Play, if that helps?

Although - I too am rather concerned with the rattling guitar, like a ball bearig or two is loose and rolling around in there. That, and an awful sound or two whenever I hold the guitar at certain angles (playing through on Hard). Keep thining it is about to snap as well, but the rattling sound in d*mned annoying and SHOULDN'T be happening given the price paid.

EDIT - Have just seen an official reply... But I still think it's another episode in the HMX vs. Europe dispute they seem to feel the need to battle on with...

[rylin]

EDIT - Have just seen an official reply... But I still think it's another episode in the HMX vs. Europe dispute they seem to feel the need to battle on with...

Ah, visions of grandeur.
On the other hand, MS keep getting slapped over dodgy business in the EU over and over (and over) again, so HMX might want to tread carefully here.

Penny-modded drums are a pretty safe sign that the drums are refurbs.
The whole "testing process" creates wear and tear is also a pretty safe sign, as I'm at around 40+ hours on my imported with <i>minimal</i> pad wear & tear.
Putting a sticker with a new serial number on top of the old one is yet another safe sign.
The distributor being EA means we're creeping closer towards certainty.

Of course, HMX have to state in these very forums that such is not the case (CYA (http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Cover+Your+Ass)).

Also, I'd like everyone to remember that's it's "Activision who doesn't want a good solution to the PS3 guitar issue".

Ho humm.

[carlosftw]

bump for justice

[nicksingh101]

this is illegal.why should you be geting second hand goods when you paid for new.totally stupid

[carlosftw]

And we paid alot more.

[Kabha]

Hi,
me from germany also having sticker with serial number,
on both packages guitar and drum.
HMX guy just said no refurbs, but why "old" EL models in EU????

Why EL?, not all QM or QL or wtf... sry language...

this game is so great but this is not custumer friendly.

hate EA for doing such crap.

[legoyoda]

Hi all,

I got my BIAB from gamestation on the highstreet (so not internet). My drum set is EL and seems to work fine. It looks news (as does all the other kit in the box) and I'm very happy with it.

One note with all the "serial number sticker" stuff. AFAIK this is quite common procedure. I've bought plenty of Camera lenses and such like that are manufactured and initially sold in Asia but have serial numbers changed (stickers on box, nothing scratched off or anything like that) for when they hit the UK. I can only assume they use it to differentiate between countries for warrenty information... As to why we're getting EL sets and not the, seemingly higher regarded, QM. I can assume lots were manufactured and we're getting the overstock... :-(

Still fingers crossed they keep working. Loving the game though :-)

[Evil_Dan]

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

So my drum set that's going back to Play because the red pad doesn't work properly will be binned and never come back out of the factory, except to be melted down and recycled?

[Chthonic]

Maybe we should set up a poll thread. Ask EU customers whether or not their drums are "refurbs", and also what drum controller type they got.

[SmellyIrishMan]

So my drum set that's going back to Play because the red pad doesn't work properly will be binned and never come back out of the factory, except to be melted down and recycled?

Yeah, that's my question with regards to all this. If there is no refurbishment what do you do with the masses of controllers and stuff that is being sent back?

I'd also say it's possible that the box used to box the instruments was one used to return a broken set so they just put the new drums serial number sticker across the old one.

[NathanRandom]

I don't think mine is a refurb, but i'm sure the red pad is broken. Maybe it's just that i'm using my weaker hand to hit it, but when doing the yellow, yellow, yellow/pedal, yellow, yellow, red/yellow parts, the red always appears to miss when i know i've hit it. Also, it appears to be raised higher from the sensor than the others, and i cant stick it lower.

[Espano]

I don't have the game, but i don't think my drum set is a refurb. It didn't have any stickers on, there were no signs of hits. But help me out here, does every drum set have som rubber at the top of the drum pads? My one is made out of rubber, and the sounds from the drums are low, so i would love to know.

[NathanRandom]

Yeah they are either rubber or have a rubber topping. I didn't expect it either, and for some reason my kit seems quieter than my mates (same EL model though.)

[nickncs]

mine had sticker marks on the box and the cover up sticker, and the pads had slight marks but it all works so im happy

[nickncs]

anyone thought they may have tested them to see if they work (and broke some peoples pads when testing)
that would explain the marks, and maybe they are recycleing the boxs you know save the trees and everything

[GoldenElite0]

Although it's nice to see an official statement, how do we know it's not a lie/innocent false information?

Personally I'm going to trust Harmonix on this, but I think it's still worth an investigation. If at least to set our minds at ease.

[munkynutz84]

my drums look brand new. but whats this EL and EQ stuff all about ?i would be pissed off if im getting a sub standard kit that was sitting in storage for months rather than a higher standard kit that has just been made.

[bradjfowler]

Mine look brand new, QM set.

One thing I did notice is that the rims seem to sit up off the base of each pad. Has everyone got this, or do I need to try and 'click' mine back into place?

[bradjfowler]

my drums look brand new. but whats this EL and EQ stuff all about ?i would be pissed off if im getting a sub standard kit that was sitting in storage for months rather than a higher standard kit that has just been made.

Sorry for the dbl post.

Munky, there are different types of drums, each with their own personality.

EL
Serial number between 2 pads (blue/yellow I think) and ends in 'EL'
These handle rolls really well, but by all reports have some sensitivity issues (i.e. sometimes you have to bash them to get them to trigger). A lot of feedback seems to indicate that these have issues and are returned to the manufacturer on a regular basis

QM
Serial number directly underneath the gamepad on the drums and ends in 'QM'
These can sometimes be a little 'too sensitive' and apparently aren't as good as the EL's with rolls. However, by all accounts these are the more reliable sets and can take the quietening mods (socks, mouse pads etc) without affecting playability.

SL
These are the latest version. Not sure on specifics as I haven't really heard any feedback on them yet. Supposed to be the best parts of QM and EL with a sturdier design.

Cheers.

[GoldenElite0]

I looked at mine, it's an EL.

[Nobak]

QM
Serial number directly underneath the gamepad on the drums and ends in 'QM'
These can sometimes be a little 'too sensitive' and apparently aren't as good as the EL's with rolls. However, by all accounts these are the more reliable sets and can take the quietening mods (socks, mouse pads etc) without affecting playability.


The sock mod (http://rockband.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3807) is not meant to diminish the noise, it's meant to allow QM sets to register rolls properly. The Premium Drum Covers (http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47272), although meant to reduce noise, also do an effective job of helping QMs with rolls.

I've only ever had one set, it's a QM, and although it required modding now it plays like a charm.

[Varsps]

why the hell arnt we getting SL's as standard

[d-lee-83]

ok, i got my BIAB from play, and seem to be experiencing similar problems to others. when i unpacked my instruments the green had a reasonably sized mark on the right hand side, and the drums themselves were covered in like drumstick prints. i didn't think too much of it, and thought they'd maybe got a bit bashed about in transit. but then i developed suspicions that the red drum pad was not registering all the notes as accurately as the other pads were, and having read this post and then checked out the condition of some of the drum sets my local independant retailer is selling, the differences are blatant! i am now quite convinced that i have been sent a refurbished unit as others are suggesting.

[Subway]

Thank-you for your comments, as you say it's difficult to know who is responsible for this matter. The only place I can come for some clarification is here as these are the "Rock band" forums. I also post here because there are many other people in the EU that have just brought their BIAB and maybe will be wondering the same thing.

I'm not totally up with the law , but I suspect that selling old as new is, at the very least highly frowned apon by British law.
I really hope that this is a very uncommon thing, but I suspect this will be an ongoing saga for us EU residents.
If, as you say it's down to EA , then the little man like me has no chance in taking any form of action againt their multi million pound lawyers.
:(

Trading Standards would be interested that's for sure. Talk to them. Probably best to talk to Surrey Trading Standards as EA is based in Guildford.

They will then decide who's fault it is and act accordingly.

Also, just checked and I have an EL set. They do need a whack sometimes, especially on the Blue pad for me. I thought it was me trying to hit too lightly (I worry about my neighbours as I live in a council built cardboard box), as sometimes it takes the slightest touch to activate it, or maybe my timing was out ever so slightly. It can be semi-random as to your score though, it it seems nigh on impossible to 100&#37; anything, even on easy as it's almost certain that some hits won't register.

[xebian]

I seem to have a refurb guitar as from what i can see there are 3 stickers on the back 2 coving over the orignal one and the guitar has been used and very used indeed everything seems to rattle on it im not impressed at all after spending £175 on the hole lot i myself am seeking legal advice about this there is no way they sould be selling second user stuff as new im not happy at all enyone els seeking legal advice? this is just plain wrong.:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[fantomxr]

I personally do not believe that we are receiving refurbished equipment. It seems a large risk to take, particularly on an already... 'volatile' bunch of customers. My drums look pretty new, and although the box has been restickered this is not unusual. The guitar came a little scratched up and feels generally cheaper than the GH3 guitar, but this does not necessarily mean it's second-hand.


Trading Standards would be interested that's for sure. Talk to them. Probably best to talk to Surrey Trading Standards as EA is based in Guildford.

They will then decide who's fault it is and act accordingly.

Also, just checked and I have an EL set. They do need a whack sometimes, especially on the Blue pad for me. I thought it was me trying to hit too lightly (I worry about my neighbours as I live in a council built cardboard box), as sometimes it takes the slightest touch to activate it, or maybe my timing was out ever so slightly. It can be semi-random as to your score though, it it seems nigh on impossible to 100% anything, even on easy as it's almost certain that some hits won't register.

Your description of your problems matches mine. I have an EL set. All the pads require a fair whack sometimes, particularly if hitting off-centre. I too am reluctant to let rip on them due to the neighbours downstairs. I'm trying all sorts of damping methods with not much success. But, as you say, there's no real way of guaranteeing it's not our playing at fault. Unless you find a friend with a noticeably better or worse set.

[XeWoN]

My drum kit is brand new and i have a stick on the box of the drum kit.

[XeWoN]

EA is based in Guildford.

EA is based in Chertsey. I think your getting mixed up with Criterion Games which is own by EA.

[ProphetStryder]

Am i the only one who sees the irony in the fact that they're messing things up every step of the way for international releases? haha.

First they delay the release for almost a whole year, overprice it, then dish out dodgy intrument packs... tbh though for a £100 controller pack (which tbh ive seen real guitars and basic drumkits go for) you should EXPECT qualitycause that price for a controller is a joke.

I'm going to get my drumkit from Game or Gamestation in about a months time though, i certainly hope i dont end up with a naffed kit, as for now, i have my rather sturdy GH2 Xplorer guitar to maul songs with.

[chili]

I received an EL set from Play. There were some slight marks on them as if they'd been drummed on before but they seem to be working ok at the moment. From what I've read about the reliability of ELs I certainly don't expect them to be working a few months down the line.

This begs the question why are Europeans receiving an 'old' version of the set that will almost certainly lose its sensitivity after a while?

Quite possibly what may be worse is what the OP, Mettasutta said after:


Looks like they have to go back to the retailer (in my case Play). According to the support site all official Rock Band retailers are participating in the warranty programme.

If this is true, then that is really a major kick in the teeth for Europeans. Online retailers are unlikely to take back single instruments - they'll need the entire Band in a Box back before they'll send out a replacement. The hassle of doing this without a direct EA replacement for the individual instrument in question is obviously going to be very very annoying and not something I look forward to doing.

[Nobak]

First they delay the release for almost a whole year

If you can say it was almost a whole year, then I can say your estimation is almost a whole year off.

[Lazerus101]

I wonder if anyone has told EA that selling refurbished goods as new in the United Kingdom IS ILLEGAL!
This is actually grounds for a class action lawsuit.

[appleb]

Ok so here is the picture (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Nasty_dow/RockBanddrums001.jpg) of the box that held my drums.



You will see that clearly the old serial number of 1591199-201EL has been covered up by a new UK specific serial number MSX0HW05865-XBDRM1ELUK

Also if you look in at the top right of the box by the glass icon , you will see the residue of an old sticker that was there in the boxes prior life.

I believe that circular sticker that is missing from the top-right was the sticker that stated the original manufacter date. My NA version came with that on the bottom of the special edition box, but I'm not sure if it was on the guitar box as well.

[Mettasutta]

It seems so far, that most people with the older EL drums have ordered from play or amazon etc and the ones getting the later models of drums have brought theirs from high street shops. I really don't know exactly what this means but it is looking mighty suspect to me.
My faith in EA, HMX and MTV is pretty much gone, I doubt it will return.

[Bozman]

I wish I could dismiss this game as easily, but I can't and won't. In my house it has been deemed 'a bloody good purchase' by she who must be obeyed, my kids love it too and I have 'invested' &#163;140.00 in it myself. I am unfortunately in a position that means I need to straighten this whole thing out at some point. I 'think' my kit, which is an EL with pads marks, plays ok, but being new to the game and new to drumming (last time was nearly 20 years ago) it is difficult for me to be objective about whether I need to jump through the whole return 'fiery hoops' process.

As I have stated in another post, in my humble opinion this game is excellent. I have been playing GH3 for 6 months and it doesn't even come close to touching RB. It has one thing in it's favour though; good quality guitars, which most people who have it, still use with RB over the Strat, which looks way better. RB has a cloud hanging over it which is wholly due to poor instrument quality and really very unfortunate.

[Konador]

I have ELs, also from Play.com. The only time I've noticed pad misses is on red/blue double hits where the red misses but I thought maybe that was my timing. I only play on medium. I have noticed that sometimes I have to hit quite hard but I didn't know if that was design or what...

I also have the ELUK sticker with the old text printed underneath, and some sticky stuff where it looks like a sticker was removed. It all seemed packed up well enough inside, like new, but I did notice a couple of marks on the drums which I rubbed off, and marks on the rattly guitar. Also my bass pedal wobbles sideways from its base when I press it. I'm going to keep checking on this thread and contact Play next week.

[Masterblast]

I have a QM set from the BiAB I bought from Play. I could see no evidence of pad strikes upon opening them but I did notice what look like replacement model number stickers on the actual cardboard packing. They are holding up ok though. (For now)

[woodsey1982]

I've also got EL's - bought as BIAB from a local store. The pads do seem to have signs of previous use, and the box had a sticker covering the old serial number with a new one.

I have noticed the red pad not responding to hits, but as other people have said, I'm not sure if its my timing or defective sensors at the moment.

Fingers crossed it doesnt turn out to be a refurb or HMX / EA could have a big problem on their hands...

[fantomxr]

It seems so far, that most people with the older EL drums have ordered from play or amazon etc and the ones getting the later models of drums have brought theirs from high street shops. I really don't know exactly what this means but it is looking mighty suspect to me.
My faith in EA, HMX and MTV is pretty much gone, I doubt it will return.

I don't know that there's necessarily any link. My BIAB EL set was bought (in-store) from HMV.

[Subway]

EA is based in Chertsey. I think your getting mixed up with Criterion Games which is own by EA.


No mate. Trust me. I live in Guildford and used to work for Criterion.

EA have a big shiny new Office, in Guildford.


Electronic Arts Limited

Onslow House,
Onslow Street,
Guildford,
Surrey,
GU1 4TN,
UK.

Registered in England & Wales
Registered Number: 2057591

[Kazuya_UK]

I got mine from Play.com and it is an EL. I must admit I opened everything up very quickly in a total rush to start playing it, but everything seemed fine, nothing looked like it had been opened before, and the drums looked brand new, as did the guitar.

No problems so far I don't think - I think any problems at the moment that I have are to do with my own lack of skill on drums. Kinda concerned that they drum set is gonna get worse though and that I'll end up sending it back. Would be nice to hear some official word from HMX at some point soon.

Kaz

[PrivateParts286]

I got mine from Play.com and it is an EL. I must admit I opened everything up very quickly in a total rush to start playing it, but everything seemed fine, nothing looked like it had been opened before, and the drums looked brand new, as did the guitar.

No problems so far I don't think - I think any problems at the moment that I have are to do with my own lack of skill on drums. Kinda concerned that they drum set is gonna get worse though and that I'll end up sending it back. Would be nice to hear some official word from HMX at some point soon.

Kaz

i 100% agree.

I think the time i have spent on these forums have just made me sceptical about the longevity of my instruments. It kind of hampers my fun when I spend most of the time thinking when is it going to break.

[curtlikesmeat]

Guitar has just gone after a few days of play - I wasn't hammering it or anything was only on hard so hadn't got to the tough songs on expert, yellow button (high and low) is permanently stuck down....

Got it from play, it's tempting to just ask for a full refund when this kind of stuff seems common. Sigh!

Edit: And also just to say (not really the right thread I know) the instrument doesn't seem dodgy, this only happened after I plugged the headset into it, if anything it feels like some sort of weird bug.

[onormalt]

why the hell doesnt anyone from hmx comment on this?

This is completley outrageous. ffs!

[chazdogs]

I got my DRUM set and game on friday.. I opened the box quickly with excite and played as normal.
I noticed immediatley how tough the pedal was to press down with my foot and how the red drum i always had to WHACK to get a sound or reponse from it.
I have an "EL" model.. whatevet that means.

how can I find out if mine is a refurb from looking at the serial numbers/whatever.

thanks ^_^

[onormalt]

start by reading the whole thread

[Tubelious]

I noticed the same thing: stickers covering the original serial numbers.
My drums seem brand new, but the guitar makes this rattling sound (something loose inside??), and when I hold it my hands, it feels like I might brake it.

[ewave14]

Haha you guys got our sloppy seconds. HMX is to cheap to even get new hardware. Just like DLC, to cheap to get real music.

[Rack]

I got the QM from the BiaB from Play and they seem to be brand new. There's nothing on the drums themselves that would suggest a problem, and I suspect the yellow pad was having problems till it was "worn in" which to me suggests it was new.

[appleb]

Well here's a question... if people doing advance RMA's are not getting refurbs, and EU buyers are not getting refurbs, then where do all these expensive and faulty guitars/drums go?

[Roflcopterrr]

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

WHAT THE ****?????????? I live in the USA, and I HOPE that we get that same thing here too. Do your ******ed chinese workers just tap a drum once and call it "working"???????????????

[Muffster]

There's no refurbishing program set up so it is impossible to have received a refurbished set.

Each instrument undergoes some form of testing in the factory, so it's possible that any markings on the set were incurred during normal manufacturing processes.

Again, there is no program in place on our end to refurbish anything, so lay those fears to rest.

Hopefully this is true of new instruments, although after reading this thread I have my doubts there as well.

Either my last RMA'd guitar was refurbished, or the assembly line has a boatload of people who could care less about leaving scratches and fingerprints all over the final product before actually sticking it into a plastic bag.

In the end, I was just thankful that everything (strum, OD, effects switch etc.) actually worked. Thanks &deity; for small miracles.

[darkrei9n]

The reason for the sticker changes are probably to make them more recognizable as the European versions.

[nosferatu]

I have old model numbers under new stickers too. Guitar frets are awfully loud but drums look like new... But green isn't working properly. And pedal is horrible. Whole peripherals suck and game has same hopeless engine as Guitar Hero 1 & 2. Well of course because maker is Harmonix...


I'm sooooo waiting GH4. Neversofts GH games are real music games. Rock Band is lame arcade game which cannot play seriously.

[Perezco]

I have old model numbers under new stickers too. Guitar frets are awfully loud but drums look like new... But green isn't working properly. And pedal is horrible. Whole peripherals suck and game has same hopeless engine as Guitar Hero 1 & 2. Well of course because maker is Harmonix...


I'm sooooo waiting GH4. Neversofts GH games are real music games. Rock Band is lame arcade game which cannot play seriously.

A really good music game created by real musician dedicated to get people enjoying music more = Rock Band

A franchise of music games that have become poor in quality created at first by real musicians, taken over by non-musicians who normally make a living by creating skateboard games and just making a game to build on the name of the franchise and turning it into just a copy of "the other" company = Guitar Hero 3 & 4


Seriously, GH4 might be really epic or it might fail as epicly, but one thing will remain: It is a total ripoff from Harmonix idea.
Let's see how things develop.

Now, please HMX, friggin give us a real answer to our problems here. So you might not have any refurbishing programme but maybe there is some break in the chain? Can you at least explain all of these things that we are worried about, instead of dismissing it as simple rumors and not telling us WHY they have a sticker on top of the old serial number OR why the drums look worn?

[Fleshwound]

Well here's a question... if people doing advance RMA's are not getting refurbs, and EU buyers are not getting refurbs, then where do all these expensive and faulty guitars/drums go?


I have to agree with this comment. I'm on my 5 guitar. The latest one will not strum down. The one before that, the whoa whoa bar broke. Just to let you know, Im very easy on these toys/controllers. Sometimes too easy and I missed a note.

[miche.cs]

I fear I may be in the same boat Mettasutta. It's my green pad that seems to be causing most the problems and I also had strike marks on my pad. At the moment it's not dropping enough hits to be totally worthy of posting back, but it is a lil frustrating.

[ADiiDAS]

I've got a EL set... Hoping I'll get the game later today so I can test em out.

[dammen]

I have old model numbers under new stickers too. Guitar frets are awfully loud but drums look like new... But green isn't working properly. And pedal is horrible. Whole peripherals suck and game has same hopeless engine as Guitar Hero 1 & 2. Well of course because maker is Harmonix...


I'm sooooo waiting GH4. Neversofts GH games are real music games. Rock Band is lame arcade game which cannot play seriously.

Hopeless engine are you kidding me?

[Booker]

Whole peripherals suck and game has same hopeless engine as Guitar Hero 1 & 2. Well of course because maker is Harmonix...

I'm sooooo waiting GH4. Neversofts GH games are real music games. Rock Band is lame arcade game which cannot play seriously.

Makes you wonder why he bought the game in the first place :confused:

[legoyoda]

Well, after a weekend of playing My EL set is still fine. No missing notes, no need to whack the heck out of it.... I really DON'T think these are refurbishments. Guitar is holding up well (although the GHIII controller is better).

As I said before the stickers over the serial numbers thing is quite common. It's just for regional differentiation. One factory, many regions to sell in...

Regardless... GREAT GAME!

[Booker]

Mines seems to be ok, my only problem is I tend to get carried away while playing and get a bit 'over enthusiastic' :D

Here's hoping the kit lasts.

[Jim_Bob]

I got my BIAB and game from Play.com on friday, my drums are QM and no signs of use what so ever.

I'm sorry to hear that you guys seem to have got refurb'd drums.

That really does suck. :(

Just to confirm, I didn't have any stickers over old model numbers etc like in the picture posted. Mine looked brand new.

[oOBulletToothOo]

I have an EL set and they seem fine, i did suffer from missed hits at first but after I calibrated the lag the are a lot better, mising hits is now a human error :)

[Wayneski]

I got my instrument bundle from play.com, the drumset is QM and was brand new out of the box. The box does have the stickers covering up the serial numbers as well as having the small yellow circular sticker at the top right of the box.

I couldn't be happier with the drum kit, however the guitar is a different story. It feels VERY cheap and creeks when its touched and the strum bar was dead on arrival. It certainly didn't look refurbished but it feels so terrible, like I'm going to break it if I apply any pressure gripping the neck. Not that I can use the broken piece of crap anyway.

Has anyone had any experience with play.com yet as far as replacing individual instruments? This is a massive pain in the arse, I do not like the idea of shelling out £140 for a game I've been looking forward to since it was first announced only to have to return the whole damn thing because of a faulty guitar. What makes it worse is if I have to go through the inconvenience of sending the whole thing back I could end up with a potentially used EL model Drum Kit.

If this is the case then the EU returns policy needs to be looked at, with the failure rate of these instruments have had in the US and soon to be Europe sending back an entire box or carrying it into a city centre shop to replace one faulty part seems ridiculous.

[dante666]

I've read in a interview, that europeans are getting the same drums, which are sold seperatly in US.

[Mettasutta]

I've read in a interview, that europeans are getting the same drums, which are sold seperatly in US.

Please provide the source, the same drums would indicate all the same model but this is clearly not true.

BTW to the people commenting on if they like rock band or not, please, this thread was started for one sole reason, to find out if we are being shipped USED instruments, not to debate GH4 etc. Please keep those comments to the correct thread as it is important for me and many others that this thread remains open.

I am glad to hear that some people have new drums and are very happy, but this does NOT mean for one second that all of us have been that lucky.

For my part I have E-Mailed over 25 seperate companies regarding this now, including some of the EU's major gaming web sites, traiding standards and news papers.

[Subway]

Please provide the source, the same drums would indicate all the same model but this is clearly not true.

BTW to the people commenting on if they like rock band or not, please, this thread was started for one sole reason, to find out if we are being shipped USED instruments, not to debate GH4 etc. Please keep those comments to the correct thread as it is important for me and many others that this thread remains open.

I am glad to hear that some people have new drums and are very happy, but this does NOT mean for one second that all of us have been that lucky.

For my part I have E-Mailed over 25 seperate companies regarding this now, including some of the EU's major gaming web sites, traiding standards and news papers.

Good stuff mate.

Watchdog may be interested too. www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog

I would do it too, but my instruments were fine, so can't really.

[Evil_Dan]

Received my 2nd set of drums from Play today. Another EL set and another one that has clearly been used, though less so than the 1st one. Also several knife marks and scratches over 2 of the rubber pads. So Play will be collecting these tomorrow and I'll have to place another order.

Well done EA - keep up the good work!!

[Kilted Ninja]

I just got my drums delivered to my house today. I am at work just now but will update you when I get in. I ordered my ones from Play (drumkit only not BIAB)

[MD333]

I got mine from BIAB and they work perfectally. It's currantly half term so I'm playing drums from about 7am till at least midnight and I've had no problems

[burko]

I have an EL set, and at first i thought they were dropping notes, but i've worked out i just needed to be a bit more accurate with my drumming, hitting more centrally on the pads and they are all good now.

1098 Note Streak on Dani California = Drums working fine. :)

[Mushroom]

It sounds like if there is a problem it's only affecting ELs, and not all ELs at that.

I'm still waiting on EA to deliver mine, so I can't check. One would have thought competition winners would be given some sort of attention, I guess not when it comes to EA.

[Wayneski]

I want to scream I honestly do. I do NOT want to send my entire bundle back to play.com just to replace the guitar.

I emailed EA's customer services and they just sent me back a copy and paste response that I've already read on their Rock Band services site.

This is terrible customer support. I don't want to send everything back only to be greeted with an EL drum kit with worn pads and losing my great condition QM set because they can't build a decent strum bar...

[bazbot]

I have an EL set and they seem fine, i did suffer from missed hits at first but after I calibrated the lag the are a lot better, mising hits is now a human error :)

I had exactly the same thing..
I thought my blue pad wasn't working initially, but I noticed when I switched to guitar that the Audio/Video sync was wa-a-a-a-y out.. even though I had selected the LCD setting. Took about five minutes to calibrate, but since then things have been much better (you can now strum to the music without having to watch when the "notes" hit the bottom bar).. think this will improve my ride cymbal performance significantly as I am finding it hard to NOT drum to the soundtrack..

[Kilted Ninja]

think this will improve my ride cymbal performance significantly as I am finding it hard to NOT drum to the soundtrack..


Yeah, I played Beetlebum in GAME on easy and it was too simple for me. I was playing to what the drums actually are and kept screwing the drums up. Playing 8th/16th notes instead of 4th notes lol

[dante666]

To Mettasutta

It's a interview from a polish Xbox360 site and the link is: http://www.onlinecenter.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2763

Little translation. Not perfect, but gives you a idea.



Onlinecenter.pl - "Did you improve the drums since the american release?"

Dan Teasdale - "Drum sets dedicated for the european market are the same, as the ones sold seperatly in the US - a solid and sturdy piece of equipment."

The original text.
[Usprawniliście może działanie perkusji od czasu premiery w USA?

Dan T: Perkusja przeznaczona na rynki europejskie jest taka sama jak ta sprzedawana osobno w USA – solidny, porządny sprzęt.]

[iapetus]

"Drum sets dedicated for the european market are the same, as the ones sold seperatly in the US - a solid and sturdy piece of equipment."

They can't have it both ways. Is it a solid and sturdy piece of equipment, or is it the same as the ones sold in the US?

[Evil_Dan]

Received my 2nd set of drums from Play today. Another EL set and another one that has clearly been used, though less so than the 1st one. Also several knife marks and scratches over 2 of the rubber pads. So Play will be collecting these tomorrow and I'll have to place another order.

Well done EA - keep up the good work!!

UPDATE: Tried these pads and they actually work well. Decided as the rubber pads will be hidden by neoprene anyway to stick with these despite the cosmetic blemishes. The lesser of two evils.

[360Dust]

I've had mine (BIAB) for little under a week now and all seems fine. It was bought from a GAME store in UK.
I noticed the drums had a few signs of being hit previously but looks minimal. I don't think I got a refurb, my thinking is they are "test hits".
The guitar takes some getting used to but I found it got better as I played more...it does rattle a bit, sounds like something has fallen loose inside but it works perfectly. I'd say the Microphone is pretty good to. Certainly a well made one anyway.
Overall...great game...(would never of paid £180 for it though)...hope the DL content gets better to...and Fast!

[Deadcowboy]

Had my kit since friday got it in a BIAB kit and its an EL set. The pedal just snapped today and i havent even really got stuck into this game yet (im maybe 15 hours of play in.). The red pad seems to need a good wack to register and im starting to think some of the other pads are a little dodgy too. Also the drum sticks really are useless as mine are already starting to break and make this horrible noise when they hit the pads. The kit didnt look used out of the box but a sticker is over the original serial number on the box.

[HMXJohnlok]

Hey, discussion has shifted a bit, and the title is a little misleading.

Going to lock, as there are no refurbished instruments in circulation. In fact, there is no refurbishing process in place, so it straight up does not happen.