Fulltone To Close After 30 Years!
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Fulltone To Close It's Doors After 30 Years In Business 💔
Statement from Michael Fuller of Fulltone:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that Fulltone will be closing its doors in CA after 30 years. The building, which I own, is up for sale.
Myself and my crew want to thank you for your support all these years and for putting up with my eccentricities as well. Do not feel sorry for me, I have made many mistakes and learned a lot in the past 30n years. The heavy heart is for my 10, 15, 20, and 26 year employees who are like family...I would have closed Fulltone years ago were it not for them.
I've done well financially thanks in part to you, and to the many large years in the roaring 2000s and beyond plus real estate and some good investments, so it's time to enjoy the fruits of all that labor. I'm closing the Fulltone CA Shop because I will not start pumping my person money into a business that no longer turns a profit...this 4 year climate makes 100% made in the USA impossible.
Fulltone will remain a valid Corporation, I'll continue to vigorously defend my $3M worth of worldwide Trademarks & Patent, and will build a few pedals here and there as I am vividly aware of what it takes to keep my brand from being stolen.
My plans? My wife and I bought a well-known artist's 17 acre property and world-class recording studio outside of Nashville last year, so I'm going back to what I'm good at, playing guitar and recording my mediocre 70's rock. And I'll do the occasional outside project, particularly for unknown talent who could never otherwise afford to record through tape machines and great digital, let alone have 99 finely-tuned vintage guitar, 65 vintage amps, and a tone of the finest vintage microphones at their disposal.
It's time for the old guy to move out of the way and make room for the geniuses of the next, more digital, generation. Thank you again, and feel free to reach out!
Michael Fuller/Fulltone"
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CREDITS:
Host/Co-Production: Mason Marangella
Video: Mason Marangella
Video Editing: Mason Marangella
Co-Production: Mason Mejia
#Fulltone #MikeFuller #FulltonePedals
Statement from Michael Fuller of Fulltone:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that Fulltone will be closing its doors in CA after 30 years. The building, which I own, is up for sale.
Myself and my crew want to thank you for your support all these years and for putting up with my eccentricities as well. Do not feel sorry for me, I have made many mistakes and learned a lot in the past 30n years. The heavy heart is for my 10, 15, 20, and 26 year employees who are like family...I would have closed Fulltone years ago were it not for them.
I've done well financially thanks in part to you, and to the many large years in the roaring 2000s and beyond plus real estate and some good investments, so it's time to enjoy the fruits of all that labor. I'm closing the Fulltone CA Shop because I will not start pumping my person money into a business that no longer turns a profit...this 4 year climate makes 100% made in the USA impossible.
Fulltone will remain a valid Corporation, I'll continue to vigorously defend my $3M worth of worldwide Trademarks & Patent, and will build a few pedals here and there as I am vividly aware of what it takes to keep my brand from being stolen.
My plans? My wife and I bought a well-known artist's 17 acre property and world-class recording studio outside of Nashville last year, so I'm going back to what I'm good at, playing guitar and recording my mediocre 70's rock. And I'll do the occasional outside project, particularly for unknown talent who could never otherwise afford to record through tape machines and great digital, let alone have 99 finely-tuned vintage guitar, 65 vintage amps, and a tone of the finest vintage microphones at their disposal.
It's time for the old guy to move out of the way and make room for the geniuses of the next, more digital, generation. Thank you again, and feel free to reach out!
Michael Fuller/Fulltone"
The statement kind of reads like that “i think you should leave” diner sketch with bob odinkirk.
@@Tony-Jabroni Wrong comedian but yeah. basically.
@@loganhall7776 Tim Tobinson and Bob Odenkirk were in the sketch.
TLDR; "I have tons of money/assets and I killed my own brand through racist social media posts, but make no mistake, I'm still the victim here, and it's Biden's fault."
His surprised employees will be comforted by the detailed accounting of his acreage and toys. Tone deaf through the end.
Great video Mason! Just a note about 23:56, Wampler (and most of those under the Boutique Amps Dist umbrella) were *not* absorbed by them. I work with them because it allows me to focus on the creative rather than worry about figuring out how to fix the CNC machine, or deal with where to find and out of stock part needed immediately. I still 100% own Wampler, and I detail exactly where and how I want them built. Everything is to my specification.
The dude made some really great tools and I've purchased many of his units over the years and have never once experienced failure or complications due to use. My main board is populated with (amongst Wamplers/JHS's/Lovepedal's) a Clyde Deluxe, Fulldrive 2, OCD, Deja-Vibe Mini and Supa-Trem 2...scooping a few more units tomorrow morning. Cheers to you for the tribute video and thanks to Mike for making such tough, industry standard equipment that will likely live on because they're tough as nails...man...those finishes and build quality! Top notch $#!÷...
Thanks for the video Mason. Class move. As I look at my pedal board the Plim Soul is the anchor I have relied on for years. Good luck for whatever comes next Mr Fuller.
Love both my Fulltone Wah and Deja Vibe. Still had a Full Drive, and most likely will not be getting rid of it, ever though it's not on my pedalboard currently.
This statement makes me happy for Mr. Fuller. Sounds awesome.
I'm so sorry to hear this. I've got a bunch of Fulltones -- original 69 and 70s pedals, an old Soulbender, a V1 OCD, a Distortion Pro -- all just tremendous pedals. But in the past year or two I've bought maybe a dozen of these $30 - $40 mini-pedals, right off Amazon. Order dog food, pick up another pedal, order cleaning supplies, add a pedal... the thing is, most of these tiny made-in-China things sound fantastic. As good as a Fulltone? Maybe not. Quite. But can you hear the difference in a band context? I don't know how anybody who makes $200 pedals is going to survive, with functional equivalents so cheap.
But who is going to design the next generation of pedals? Not the guys making the $40 knock off. There is an OCD knock off pedal on amazon for $50 and I'm sure a lot of people buy it. Too bad it puts this guy out of business, the very guy that designed it.
@@Khyron9 It's the way of the world; creators create, then somebody comes along who can build the same (or similar) thing cheaper, by outsourcing components or labor, whatever, to bring down production costs. They sell more of the cheaper pedals, take over the market. If you do something innovative, you have to strike while the iron's hot.
The sound/tone may be there for the MIC pedals but the usual questions arise. Quality, reliability, noise.
@@kemnavarro212 Yep. But I've got plenty of broken, noisy, non-functional vintage pedals, too. I don't know if the mini-pedals will stand the test of time, but I know if they crap out I'll be able to replace them cheaply and easily. Which is more than you can say for an op amp Big Muff, or a Deluxe Memory Man (anybody wanna buy a busted DMM?)
And there it is.
I'm simple , a TS and Wah
And now , A Vertex SSCB
Thanx Man
Thanks for that,Unc.Great that you put this out,despite his troubles,you are correct about his contributions to the industry,and it needed to be emphasized,that the quality is almost unmatched.It was nice that he could keep his prices so low and I'm always amazed at the low used prices for his pedals.Ill be hanging on to mine,and probably picking up a few more,soon.Good on ya,Unc.
I’ve been looking for the ‘right’ Overdrive. I’ve tried a half dozen, or so including a Morning Glory, RAT, Tube Screamer, Soul Food + Mod, Catalinbread DLS. Some were really good, but not exactly what was looking for? I just picked up a used OCD 1.7. I’m really, really liking it!
Still interested in checking out the Clyde Wah, Soul Bender, Fuzz Pedals, and Deja Vibe?
M. Fuller made awesome pedals (I have a few and count myself lucky). I'm a fuzz aficionado and one of my personal favorites is the Fulltone Custom Shop Queen Bee.
The first pedal I bought when I decided to build my first board was a '69 fuzz then a T.S.808, oh the joy !
Man what I would give for the OCD pictured, it was made on my birthday .4/26/ and yes for me '69 like a Hemi ha.
Nice tribute. As expected, Fulltone pedals are selling out on most distributor sites. There's the rant controversy and alleged customer issues. I have a Clyde, Clyde Deluxe, and Mini DejaVibe. Never had an issue with Mike because I've never had a problem with the pedals. They're toneful and built to last. Good luck to Mike and the Fulltone employees.
Fulltone builds great pedals and not to mention the price! ❤
BEST BUILD QUALITY EVER HANDS DOWN.
Hard to defend that claim. Analogman.
@@joetoe9207 Not really.
Analogman uses pretry standard enclosures and there is nothing special about their physical construction. That's not to say that their circuits aren't amazing. But physical build quality? Full Tone.. Hands down.
The last Fulltone pedal I used was the 2B, and out of hundreds of pedals I have owned, bought and sold, I have never encountered a pedal with as satisfying pot to twist as that pedal. It's like one of those non-slam drawers. It has a crazy glide to it I've never experienced before. It's worth buying just to turn it. Lol 🤣
yah both my clyde deluxes feel great and the supa trem 2 stereo is perfect too.
They feel like tanks.
Sorry, both of you who replied to me. I considered “build quality” less literal to the physical enclosure. Appreciate your take on the enclosures. I do think that’s still a high claim but appreciate what you mean. Tx for the replies.
Thanks for all the coolness!!!
Man that's sad somehow. I've had several fulltone pedals over the years they were all incredible and so reliable, still have a 69 MKII Fuzz that is amazing...
Fulltone made some great pedals and it's sad for his employees that he's closing shop. I like this tribute and generally don't disagree with anything you said, but I think we can both appreciate what Fuller accomplished in the pedal world, and acknowledge he's a problematic guy who brought a lot of trouble on himself (which he glosses over as his "eccentricities"). I personally suspect Mike has himself to blame much more than the "4 year climate" (plenty of pedal makers are doing great right now)... but nonetheless, I hope he finds some peace in retirement
No, the mob that tried to cancel Fuller and his business for daring to express his opinion is much more to blame than Mike himself.
I'm not aware of the "problematic" issue or the "eccentricities". I do know about the toxic cancel culture that kicked him out of Guitar Center and other outlets. Is anybody entitled to their opinions, political, cultural or whatever they happen to be without being punished by the "enlightened ones". I, particularly I bought more pedals after he went direct than before. And every time I go online to Guitar Center I search for Fulltone. And to the current state of the economy if anybody thinks it is OK they must have their heads examined, and soon.
@@straycat7247 I tried to trade in an OCD the other day at GC. They told me they no longer take any pedals from Fulltone. Probably not going to see anything used from them online at GC anymore.
@@straycat7247 There are plenty of stories out there of Fuller being a dick to deal with, going back long before his controversial comments in 2020. So from one perspective it felt like a lot of bad behavior was just catching up with him at that point. But overall, hey, it's a free market system... the "enlightened ones" are just a whole bunch of consumers and businesses responding to what they found to be unacceptable behavior. It's just capitalism, for good and ill
@@straycat7247 Calling out the government for allowing criminals to burn down businesses with impunity was the right thing to do. The snowflakes tried to cancel him. I supported Fulltone as much as I could. He was and is right in what he said.
I think it can be retired in style... My first "boutique" pedal was a fulldrive 2 mosfet, followed by an OCD. Bomb-proof construction and audiophile-grade sound. A round of applause for Fulltone.
Dang. I drive by their building in LA every few weeks and always wanted to go in and tell them I love their stuff. I've got a Clyde Deluxe wah that I love. I hope the employees all find new jobs quickly and Michael can ride off in the sunset the way he's earned after such an impactful career.
...and this has nothing to do with his crazy breakdown on social media two years ago. He brought all this down on himself. This is not about the Chinese. This is all about a guy who can't keep his personal opinions separate from his company. Enjoy the rest of your life in obscurity...
What is this about?
@@hammill444 he said looting, rioting, arson and supporters of these things are lame. So crazy.
@@johnsmith7140 And again you missed the point. As did he. Which literally is the point.
@@hammill444 lol
I've got an OCD, Plimsoul, Fulldrive 2 and big clunky Deja Vibe - pedal style. Looks like I'll be holding onto them as collectors items.
this sucks, BUT my OCD v2 seems to have over doubled in value since this news, hopefully I'm holding on to a future treasure!
i have your orange full drive 3 and it is amazing. good luck to you!!
I really loved his pedals, I wish him well. Maybe he’ll reconsider. I have a lot of respect for Mike
Make products with high standards, quality and consistency is not easy. And if you want to do in USA, double that. The pressure to cheap out in any manufacturing business is very high, you can really only do in a small privately owned business. If you go public or bought, the next day the suits come in and immediately start looking cut costs.
Seen it from the inside.
Bad news! Fulltone made in USA is great! I have the the fulltone 69 mk2, 70's, soul bender sb-2 and the mini déjàvibe new. Good vintage tones ✌️.i love m'y fulltone pedals . So sad.
I wonder who will sell/service the replacement tapes for TTE?
If I cut off purchasing products and services from people I disagreed with politically or socially or just didn't like something they said, I wouldn't listen to 90% of the musical artists I have listened to over the years and continue to listen to. If they make good products that serve the purpose I need them to, then I don't really care what their personal views are. Fulltone will be missed and I wish Mike well - he built the business, he took the risk with his own funds, and he made the investments that prepared him for his future. Good for him - that is the American dream.
Well...its a bit sad for us musicians who want the best Bang for the Buck. They are not the most affordable, but surely they are the most sturdy, sonically rich and durable pedals i have tried. I have One OF MK1 that never leaves my pedalboard. Also i have seen Doyle uses One too.
You forgot the Fulltone Tremolo :((
it's an amazing tremolo pedal for it's price
so the prices on Full-Tone are going up I would expect.
thanks fulltone!
Sad, but the collectors will keep the Brand Alive 💔
Great job.
Omg he was mad because he saw how people behave that used the opportunity to destroy and steal. I get him he was right while he was also wrong.
They'll have to pry my OCD from my cold dead hands.
The comments here, and the sentiment in this video, are wildly different from any other place I've seen talking about this online. Ya'll are out of touch.
yeah i mean people should read that douchey "we're closing" letter again and maybe look at all the other shitty things he says.
Fuller was a massive douche bag.
"Let me parrot what everyone else says online and claim moral high ground." You aren't a hero for not buying a specific brand of pedal.
@@AmiliaCaraMia good point…? Lol
@@AmiliaCaraMia i just said his closing letter was douchey and you’re upset with me? Why dont u say what you’re actually upset about
I am so bummed in so many ways. I own Goodrich Sound, we have been making volume pedals and electronics for 50 years, all made in the USA and it's killing us. We are a small company and struggle every month. I''ve talked with Mike a few times through the years and am happy for him but I am quietly freaking out. Love your descriptions of the difficulty of sourcing and manufacturing, huge issues and so much time involved. Great video!!
I do my best to by from small shops and as much made in the USA gear as possible. I don’t need boutique gear…but I really hate the Donner/Mooer type pedals. It was always inevitable that small companies would be crushed under the weight of Amazon and Chinese clones. Good luck and Godspeed to you!
Very sad times to see this happen to people like you guys who all Love and care for and cherish the music products you make. Yet it’s no longer fee’s able to create. That’s heartbreaking. Wishing you guys all the best and will be keeping you all in my prayers. Thank you for all you do. Cheers Mate.
I'm in your corner too. Let's keep the conversation going, music is one of the foundations as our society, critical to our ability to express ourselves. Unite with others and create a co-operative, under a united pursuit of tone perhaps. A USA-Mexico-Canada tone alliance. We could make Tone an official religion, tax free status! ...i kid. as if it's not already. Keep on rocking, anchor down. MaxLove!
Wow legendary volume pedal company!!! I had no idea yall were still a made in USA company. People need to learn. Quick to appreciate (with their wallets) the few companies that have the integrity & ethics to make that substantial sacrifice it's quite frankly at this point 1 of the most patriotic things that any person or company can do). I wish you all the luck, and anyone asks me who makes the best volume pedal ill send them your way
Best volume pedal out there! My best wishes
Great tribute to a giant of a pedal making talent, Mason.
In the 90s, when my only pedal, an Ibanez TS died, our mutual friend, an amp guy at a store on Gardner next to Guitar Center, told me about this thing called a Fulldrive and how it would solve my problems like never before. This was before the website. I went and got one in North Hollywood and it was true.. it was so much more than I ever expected and I relied on it. I still have it. One of his former employees replaced a tired switch, but it's still like new in many ways. That opened the flood gates. I got the Distortion PRO, traded that for the Plimsoul v1 and still have that. Next the Fat Boost 1. I use that most of the time for my British Amps... still works perfectly. Next I got an OCD. Still great. Next I got a Clyde as a gift for a friend and borrowed it a lot... still do. I had a Supa-Trem... I regret selling that. I almost bought the Choralflange... I regret not doing that. And that Ultimate Octave was the best fuzz I ever toured with. It wasn't mine, I borrowed it for the tour.. and man, that was awesome. I played a TTE on a session.. and was blown away. His ABY is way under appreciated... way overbuilt and quiet. Yeah.. no other pedal company got as much love from my bank account as Mike's did over 30 years. He's one of the reasons I feel like buying anything from Line 6 would be surrender. Never Surrender. ... did you know that Don Felder (writer, guitar solos for "Hotel California") refuses to do any shows without his OCD? There are a ton of players who absolutely rely on Fulltone. Things are about to change, and probably not for the better. Fingers crossed. I called him once about a mutual friend of ours... as soon as you are not talking pedals, Mike is a sweet guy. Very loyal to his friends and he is a great guitar player... seriously great. - He deserves to hear our thanks loud and often.
Never Surrender ~ Cory Heart ...and Churchill 😅
Proof that being a racist ass can kill a business. The music business just became better.
Give me one proof that he was racist? You liberals are a bunch of a holes.
This is a huge bummer. I really love his pedals!!! Very nice tribute to a true pedal visionary.
I met Mike Fuller back in 2004, and interviewed with him to work in his shop assembling the Tube Tape Echo. He seemed nice, but, he only wanted to pay $9 an hour for the job. Living in Los Angeles, it just wasn't going to work out. I would later purchase my own TTE, and LOVED it!!! I can say that the "100% made in USA" isn't true when it comes to the TTE. He had the circuit boards made elsewhere (overseas, I believe he told me), then the assembly happened in his shop. Not dissing Mike, because those units were VERY expensive to make. I really wish I still had my TTE, but, it was stolen, along with my band's entire trailer in 2007 in Austin, Tx.
Yea but he probably paid himself a nice handsome salary. Figures. A lot of companies and owners of companies are like that. They just use people. Sad! Not saying he is or was, but kind of sounds that way for the area. That's not even a livable wage back then.
He probably just decided to call it a day given the current world climate. I recently did the same after 21 years and 40000 pedals, most of which I made completely myself. The quality and availability of parts is totally different than when I started in 2000.
your stuff was great. Loved the Kollmanation
i have a fair amount of pedals (50+) but I don't' know who you are. What was your company's name?
@@frankfrank7921 T. Jauernig Electronics. I did the Luxury Drive, DGTM, Gristle King, Triple Gristle, Kollmanation, F-Bomb, F-Up and a bunch more. I had licensed sever designs to different companies as well. (T Rex, Rockett, Wampler, SD)
@@djpgreek thanks , much appreciated
@@TJauernigElectronics Hi never glad to hear of someone in this field closing up shop .There are so many that could follow ,and I wouldn't want any of them to .I was wondering if you could ,would you elaborate on what pedals have your designs in them ? That part of this business fascinates me ,and I'm some what thinking of trying the licensing rout .Best of luck in your future endeavors .Hope it all works out.
Michael had the reputation of being “curt”, however, WAY back in the day, he had the patience to answer all of my stupid wah wah questions.
Props brotha!
🇨🇦❤️🙏🏻
Likewise! I talked to him via phone back in the 1990's about the Fulldrive 2 I had just ordered (blue, push- pull comp cut). I was wet behind the ears and asked some stupid questions. He was friendly, patient ,and very helpful to me. Still have that pedal, It's a favorite!
Nashville will eventually give him “the reason” to successfully open up again…
Amazing how no income tax will do that.
Still don’t feel sorry for him, there are many makers that did his “original” ideas way better than him.
At least we have earthquaker..
Jamie is far better anyway.. and more creative..
That was a great tribute Mason. I was totally bummed when I read this on another page this morning. I've owned a lot of Mike's pedals over the years and still have a Plimsoul and Clyde Deluxe wah . Even though I never use them because I went to playing solo guitar I'm glad now that I didn't sell them. His Coral/Flange was probably the best modulation pedal I ever heard. I had a T.C. Electronics one and I thought the Fulltone was much warmer. I've talked to Mike a few times over the phone and he was always very nice to me. This was in the very beginning before you could buy them in stores or online. It kind of reminded me of when I bought my first Mesa Boogie and they were only selling direct and each one was custom made and you filled out this sheet of all the stuff you wanted on them. Back then even the GEQ and reverb were options. So sad to see another great company go under. I wish Mike the best and thanks for all the great tones over the years.
It's sad, he was cancelled and it doesn't matter what he said(which for me wasn't a big deal) he was cancelled for speak his mind, stupid people like Mark Hoppus who publicly shamed Mike and didn't care about the employees and family's of fulltone are to blame for. In a free society you should be able to speak freely... And no, that was not a peaceful protest
100%
Imagine siding with scumbag looters and arsonists
“For me it wasn’t a big deal” lol and that’s the problem.. you guys lack the awareness to understand other people get affected by things that may not seem like a big deal to you, some things offend people that others laugh at.
@@隠れた I find burning, looting, and murdering offensive
@@隠れた yeah but lets be careful here. You’re condoning cancel culture because you don’t like what Mike said. Its not like he called for violence… unlike the philosophy of those Mike was criticizing.
I am lucky-enough to have purchased a 2009 Clyde Deluxe and a 2014 OCD - They will "Go to the Grave with me" - Congratulations. Enjoy your next chapter brother. Great, classy & articulate Tribute to a Legend Mason. Awesome job. oNe LovE from NYC
Only commenting to get the comment count off of 666 🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻🤓
This is a great loss to us. As a Black Man I believe his comments were taken out of context and the actions of all the music vanguards was wrong. I am the proud owner of the 70's silicon fuzz that'll never leave my board. Before this news I was considering the 60's germ fuzz. He will be missed.
I have two 70’s. A 2006 blue and 1999 purple. They are both great. And up until a year and a half ago they could be bought for around $100. The big box version. Like everything else they doubled recently.
This…
Also as a Black Man, I feel the same way.
I even sent him a message of support back then.
People who’ve never built and owned a business will never understand what it means to watch someone literally destroy a life’s work.
Peaceful protest is fine, but trashing someone’s place of business (or disturbing diners in a restaurant) is not.
End of story…
@@drippinglass Congrats on acquiring the 70's purple, I didn't know they existed, Rock on.
@@gotguitar I don't. Won't be sad to see him go. Human life takes precedence over material stuff, can't bring someone back from the dead, you can however, recoup your losses through insurance (which all businessowners have anyway, if not you're an idiot.) Sometimes radical measures will have to be taken into effect to get the desired results, that's coming from a black man who's parents were freedom fighters against apartheid. If you're not willing to kill for your freedom, you don't deserve it at all.
@RockyboyH - Where did I say or imply much less say that material things are more valuable than human life?
And as for fighting or bleeding for my rights, I’m a former member of the a well established British anti-fascist group. I have literally had to defend my life against neo-nazi skinheads.
You know nothing of my life experience, or my “black experience.
But hey, you keep on looking for things to be offended by around everyone corner.
Me? Although, I am definitely not “oppressed” on a daily basis, but I will continue my personal quest for equality for everyone.
You want to be an ally? A real one? Try having an open, nuanced, balanced mindset, so you can learn something new every now and then. ✌🏽🤣
Fuller will go down in history like Roger Mayer and others
I have an OCD and Fat Boost on my main board. The OCD is the one pedal that’s been consistent on my rig for almost 10 years. Thankful to Fulltone for the great products!
Hearing your reverence for M. Fuller and Fulltone makes me want to check everything Vertex. Game on.
I have Fulldrive 2 Mosfet front and centre on one of my boards, an incredible pedal. I also have a Soul Bender and loved the warning in the manual not to use crap power supplies. A pretty unique company who set the bar high.
You're a good man, Mason! Thank you for this!
What a fine tribute... rock on, bud!
Hey young Fella, let me just tell you that this was an OUTSTANDING commentary! You pointed out in great pedal detail the quality of his work in the pedal world. I also appreciate you accentuating the positive. Much respect Dogg. House-Out...
I've dealt with him. He was a lousy prick to deal with. He didn't care about customer care all he cared about was selling his pedals. Threatening and derogatory comments from him all the time. Glad to see him gone.
Steve Jobs was a prick as well. Apple products sold well when he was alive and continue to sell well. I don't care if he was a prick...there are a lot of pricks in business. They make good products - it is all that matters in the market.
@@DanielBobke lmao you can care if someone is a prick and not buy their products.
@@fernank017 No one said you CAN'T...I just think it is stupid.
@@DanielBobke that’s your own opinion. I vote with my money, and lets be honest - guitar pedals are a dime a dozen. I can find a similar drive pedal in the sea of drive pedals.
@@fernank017 Of course it is my opinion... that's all any one is expressing here. Pretty much what a comment section is about.
It's really nice to see and hear you talk so highly of a "competitor" in the pedal world, and you've gone way up in my estimation - (I always thought highly of you Mason!) - and I'm happy to have a couple of "custom" Fulltone pedals alongside my Vertex pedals. Keep up the great work you do.
I hope he can do something in TN again... it must be very expensive to operate in california..
he bought Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch
saw this on reddit. Crazy.
I've dealt with Mike Fuller three times over the last 18 years. I loved a lot of this effects. The man himself? He was a world-class asshole all three times. There's a good argument to be made that if Mike worked on his attitude, or at least had someone else deal with the public, he might not be in the situation he's in. Having guitar center decide to go longer carry your products certainly can't be good for the bottom line.
To be fair, I've been a luthier for twenty years, and have been building and servicing amps for over fifteen. In the guitar gear manufacturing and servicing world, they mostly come down to being either some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, or some of the biggest pricks. There aren't a lot of them that I've known where "you're not sure where you, and they stand." Though i have seen some of the latter make an honest effort to move to the former. I'm thinking of a particular luthier who used to have a pretty high profile RUclips channel that had porn stars in his openings. His assholery was on such a level that he lost his channel. He's since come back with a much lower profile channel, and it's pretty clear that put in a herculean effort to chill out a bit. His channel is VASTLY different from what it was, in a positive way. It didn't help that one of his most toxic video was a 45 minute long one to "debunk" that long scale necks sound brighter than short ones. Unfortunately there were a few people who watched it that pointed out that his entire presentation was all about pitch, when the long vs short thing is referring timber (far fewer people than should have picked up on it). There's a good lesson in there: if you're going to start calling people "fcking idiots,"in a RUclips video, you should probably make sure your argument is actually true.
Thanks for this clarification regarding Fulltone. You were very diplomatic while addressing your interaction with him. Respect begets respect. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and it took me a minute to realize that you are Vertex Effects. The company and the person. I appreciate that you never promoted your own products while talking about various effects. You have a new fan.
Have loved my OCD and Deja Vibe. Both are simply "off-white" but colorful pedals. Thank you for my toys Michael. Vertex...beautifully done.
They were rude to me so I cut them off. I am a dealer so no doubt other dealers felt Michael fullers bad attitude and refusal to admit his mistakes (plastic input jack?!), Contributed to this.
All the best to MIke the team at Fulltone. A nice studio on a large piece of land is a great way to ride off into the sunset.
R.I.P Dejavibe I love so much :(
Unfortunately, Mike's retirement was inevitable, 30 years is a long run and it's time for him to enjoy retirement.
Mike has lots of expensive toys to play with before the time comes when he can no longer play anymore.😔
I met Mike in the early years a few times at his home/factory in the late 80's and early 90's to purchase a few of his pedals. He even did some upgrades to my older Fulltone pedals.
He shared valuable insightful knowledge of Guitar and Vintage effects, High End Audio, Vinyl LP records, Vintage Tubes etc.
I remember having conversations about our mutual love of Hi Fi gear and he showed me his Vintage McIntosh Tube hifi amps and turntable setup.
Decades before the vinyl comeback Mike inspired me to get back into Vinyl LPs again, Mike said "You have to listen to Hendrix on an original vintage 'Track Record' British Vinyl LP pressing!"
In a time (80's-90's) when the world was evolving to all things "Digital" Mike was a connoisseur of analog gear and sound.
I could see that he was a very special person with the drive to be the best at his craft and business.
He lived and breathed his passion and dedication to excellence in everything he did as a hobby and work, Mike never did anything "half ass".
Mike is responsible for reawakening the growth and popularity of pedal effects that occurred in the 80's & 90's when "Rack Gear" type effects units were still the industry standard.
IMO, the pedal board implementation and acquisition of today has to give credit to Mike Fuller for its popularity.
Kudos to Michael Fuller for all his achievements and future endeavors!! 👍👍🙏
They have had so many cool devices as you have said. I thought the fulltone secret freq overdrive was unique when it came out. Cheers Mike!
"It is with a heavy heart, I'm asking for 2.5 million dollars for my Fulltone factory, without alerting my employees to the sale, that I will retire to my 17 acre property I bought with my additional millions of dollars, because I don't believe in my products, which are all clones of existing pedals, enough to sink my money into my own business. I do not understand how a business works, and despite the fact I'm retiring a very rich man, I am aware people don't like me, and for that I will blame Joe Biden. I will make a pedal a year from my red state home to ensure sole possession of my company instead of selling the company for a profit and allowing my employees to keep their jobs. "
He didn't release this statement, btw. It was leaked. Fuller legit is trying to pull the rug out from under his own employees, of who were for some reason continuously loyal to his company. Mike Fuller is a massive, massive POS. Do whatcha want with those used Fulltone pedals. The money isn't going in his pocket anymore, at least.
thank you! Mike will get no sympathy from me here. this statement makes him look even worse.
💯 This statement form Mike is pitiful, full of straw men arguments and ultimately makes this whole situation worse. The 'digital' comment was especially petty and condescending. Plenty of young, talented builders making all sorts of nice analog gear.
I like how he takes time to note how much property he owns upon shutting down his work place.
Good riddance lol most of his statement is spent flaunting his wealth
Mike is kind of a loser for rug pulling his employees like this…
Hopefully the employees can ban together and purchase the building and re-brand. Kinda like Austrian Audio. When AKG put up their building for sale, the employees came together, bought it, and created Austrian Audio.
I own a few Fulltone pedals currently and have owned several over the years. Some favorites are Fulll-Drive 2, Full-Drive 3, 2B, OCD (owned several versions), Ranger, Clyde Wah, and Mini Deja Vibe 2. I couldn’t try them all obviously, but the ones I had consistently sounded great and were built like tanks. He was always coming up with some great designs. If this is the end, then thanks for all of your contributions Mr Fuller!
I will wait as web searches suggest this as of yet rumors. This video could very well be jumping the gun as Mr Fuller has not commented publicly himself other than this leaked letter. But as the letter suggests, 29 years is a long time in a business. Who wouldn’t want to just go play music after a successful run like this?
This is one of the greatest tributes. Very well done!
Mason, appreciate the heart-felt message. Being a manufacturer, I can relate.
JHS making a FULLTONE Pack Pedal in 3...2...1... LOL
Owned the TERC and a number of their pedals, liked and respected their products but... I always wondered why they had about zero social media presence over the last 10 years. If they had hired someone to do some marketing, PR and not let the owner be the face of this business... but I guess it worked out, as he said he has his 17 acre estate, studio and 99 guitars. Tripping!
The Fulltone Tube Echo isn't just the best effect I've ever heard. It's the best musical sound I've ever heard. Yes Michael Fuller was a bit crazy, but for some reason a lot of times it takes someone like that to make something special.
Agreed. Best tape echo ever made. There are a bunch of their pedals that are actually incredible.
I had almost saved enough to get the ss version and am completely bummed, that was going to be my 2022 Christmas present.
U recon the price will go up or down?
@@smoochie3331 this is such a stupid question
why was he crazy?
🎩Tip of the hat to the awesome Supa-Trem as well, gang; that and the Fulldrive 2 have survived years of pedalboard rebuilds just because they're the best👍🏽
As much as what he said may cloud some things for me personally and the latter for some. But you can not deny this is undoubtedly a monumental loss to the industry as much as I’ve liked his stuff and the contributions to music he’s made. I’m glad he’s continuing to assist in the business outside of it all.
Hold on to all of your "Fulltone" gear .. I imagine the price for their stuff will skyrocket over the next few years !
Damn, the Ultimate Octave going to cost even more now, not that he made them any more.
I've owned two Clyde Deluxe's, on my second now and I use and love his supra-trem 2 stereo tremolo pedal. That shit rips in my rocker 32.
Very nice tribute. I have a Clyde Wha from way back, the best wha i've tried, great quality and sound. Also an OCD and Deja Vibe as well, all great products. Sadly 1 by 1 America is out of the manufacturing business that keeps a lot of families alive and together. Fulltone will be missed.
Thanks for the video to honor Mike's contributions. I've loved his pedals and the original 90s FullDrive 2 was my first serious overdrive. I feel it was an industry changing device
Yes. I still have mine!
I have some of its pedals. Love it. For years its been my top # 1 pedal. You will be missed Fulltone.
If any “customer” has ever had the unique experience of talking with Mike Fuller, they already know how unpleasant and caustic he was. It would seem it caught up with him.
Thanks. I hate buying items from known assholes so this solves that.
How so?
His legacy will be that of a total douchebag that happened to make some good pedals. He dug his own grave with the free market and I just feel bad for his employees that are actually affected by it.
I love these guys, have owned many OCDs, a few Fat-Boosts and still use the amazing Plim Soul on my board
I worked at a vintage guitar shop here in Seattle in the mid-90s into the 2000s and we were one of the first Full Tone dealers in the state.
Which meant that we got a couple of prototype pedals from Mike that were just amazing, one of which was the first Full Tone Full Drive 2 in a brushed aluminum enclosure!
The thing sounded unreal and as soon as they were available to us I bought one of the first orange Full Drive's that came to town and have had that box since around 1996 or so!
Sorry to see and hear that Mike is closing the doors but his contributions to this part of the industry are legendary and monumental. He changed the whole soundscape of the so-called Boutique pedals at an affordable price.
Thanks for the memories Mike and best wishes to you! And Mason, to you, what a wonderful tribute to Mike that you've done here. Very heartfelt and very appreciated by all of us! You're a class act dude!
I have bought 4 Fulltone pedals. All which are over 20 years old and still use them today. My hats off to Mike Fuller.
Fuuuuuuujuuuhhhhhjllkkkk. This sucks. No other way to say it.
The Supatrem is the best sounding mod pedal I’ve ever played. Just pure quality all the way through. Optics (literal optics) are sensational.
Thanks for this Mason, cool tribute/hats off vid to Mike. Got a couple of Fulltone pedals and besides the obvious of how great they sound, they really are bulletproof!! Excellent channel you got going and will definitely check out your stuff👍
Great commentary on Mike’s catalog of work! If anyone has ever owned a business and had a hands-on role, then that should provide ample empathy on the stresses at play. That guy stayed on top and chose his own exit point. Nuts!
Just bought the Fulltone MDV-3 UniVibe, the Clyde Deluxe Wah, the Supa-Trem Jr. (#00079 signed by MF!), AND the Octafuzz pedals, based on this news! I have wanted the univibe and wah for some time now. The other two I bought specifically because Fulltone is closing up shop. They were flying off of Reverb within three hours of this video. Get 'em while the gettin' is still good!
damn, well played sir
Mike admits he made mistakes in his letter, including some really inflammatory racist stuff that got Fulltone banned from selling new product on Reverb and lost his Guitar Center contract. It also got a lot of high-profile artists to boycott Fulltone. Not to take away from the global supply issues he points to, but he made a long practice of pissing off folks, which had to have an impact on sales...
What did he say that was racist?
Crickets
All my support goes to the employees of Fulltone, but damn! That statement is just telling on a lot of things. Who ends a business and brags about the ranch they bought? 🤔
This is terrible.
New day and age. If you can't keep up with the times, you will fade with time.
Tbh they were poorly made, I’ve not had one that’s passed through my hands in 20 yrs that didn’t need resoldered.
Well, I've got 5 different Fulltone pedal that are the best sounding, and most reliable pedals I've ever had in 30 years playing professionally, so....
Are you sure? I'm of the opinion that that is bs.
I bought a Soul Bender that was crap. Fuller fixed it but within a year it was crap again. I debated taking it back again but to get them to take a repair you had to make a video and get approved. Was there a moat filled with alligators around the shop?
The 90s was a time of great explosion in boutique pedals but Fulltone did survive, and he did not sell out.
I almost bought a Deja Vibe recently but I thought about that video I might have to make...
I listen to tons of pedals and his don't particularly do it for me, but they sound fine. I did really like the Clyde Wah and I'd have to say I wish I'd bought it. Now, it will cost 750 bucks by tomorrow. Oh well...
@@harveycan5820 The Deja Vibe is fantastic - I've had it against the Original Shin-ei and it sounds every bit as good, but runs on 9-18 volts and is small. I've never had to deal with customer service, but I've heard he could be a jerk. Second hand Clydes are still cheap and are fantastic. I have a tech guy who can fix most analog pedals so I never worry about warranty. The one I wish I'd gotten is the ChoralFlange - it sounds amazing.
He could charge more money for his gear, his pedals are modesty priced for the most
Got to say, your videos are really informative and down to earth.