Attention Brad

[Kapo_Polenton]

Bottom line is every one of Mark's amps are tweaked by Mark per each amp. No one of them will be exactly the same. Thats a major part of what makes them so good. At least to me. You cannot reverse engineer that. No way. Not possible. Just ask Danny at Standel amps. He found out there was no way to cost effectively put a true Cameron amp into production. People who understand what a Cameron amp really is know this. Obviously you do not.

I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing. That also is key.. transformers and parts probably never sound exactly the same so this little extra attention to detail can go a long way. Also noted is that you are correct, you can't get a feel for an amp through clips. Stiffness or sag or how it feels when you crank on the strings.

 

[johnpace2]

Also, I think that people vent to Brad because there is no one else to vent to. What can you do to Mark? He's basically homeless and broke. We could try suing him, but what will that gain us since he has nothing? We could try pressing criminal charges against him, but that might be a tough sell since this is a business transaction. Mark's basically getting away with theft and I have no idea what to do about it.

 

[Motorpud]

To Brad King
I'm using an alternate name since I like being a part of this forum and am afraid,like others, of being banned. 

I am one of the 12 or 14 people that are owed a CCV from "Cameron Amps".  You said that you would make it right by getting us our owed amps. You went into business with a shady character (which has shady undertones in itself)  knowing that he ripped me and a bunch of others off for thousands. You threw yourself up on a pedestal claiming to be the savior of Cameron amps and were going to get our owed amps out of Mark Cameron's paid compensation  I've read all of the bullshit about it being after the 4th run...but here you are having problems building AND selling the second run. ALSO...you claim that you have no idea where Mark is or lives...so obviously you are keeping Marks share of profits from Cameron Amps. Why can't you put 100% of that money toward the 12-14 owed amps. I've been talking to a bunch of people and I know it only costs $1,800-$2,000 to build a CCV, so based on the profits you made you clearly have enough of Mark's money to build us our amps since you made us pay additional money (almost enough to cover 100% of the build cost) to you...like a ransom.  I had to pay $1,000 additional. 

It's bad enough that you keep pushing off the second run of CCV's, and based on one of George M's post, he seems to be having problems building it as well. There is a lack of communication between the builder and owner since the 2nd run ahold be shipping this month. I bet the delivery will be pushed off again. 

Also, you claim to be the stand up guy... I want you to PUBLICALLY announce that you personally, Brad King, King Guitars, et al will get us our amps as you promised...even if you sell your share of Cameron Amp to a new buyer. I want to see you say that you will be personally involved until the last owed amp is received!!!

I don't want to hear some cry baby story about how hard it is/was to work with Mark Cameron or how hard it is/was to bring an amp to market...you've made a ton of profit off of this project and it's time to live up to your end of the deal. GET US OUR AMPS!!!

I eagerly await your response. 

I would like to nominate this past as the biggest douchebag post of 2012.

Clearly, the individual who posted this is a %$#@! moron.

This was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the OP yesterday and I almost posted it

Everyone who knew about Cameron amps at the time knew about the problems he was having, for most people the risk was far too great to take a chance on getting screwed. A few sent their money to Mark anyway because they thought it would be worth the risk, got burned and only have themselves to blame. The guy is more famous for scamming than he is for his amps.

Trying to bust Brad's balls about it in the forum is weak, especially when he has no real obligation to do anything for you and was just trying to be a good guy. Unfortunately, when people try to be a nice guy in today's society there's usually a douchebag that's going to act out with some kind of sense of entitlement like this.

Any man with half a sack would've just sent a PM or called the shop and done this personally instead of starting a thread to sling shit at a good guy because of a poor decision you made.

 

[Gearhog]

Then why have so many of these respectable builders went to great lenghts to get their hands on Mark's amps. Have to disagree with you on this one at least based on my experience. Steve's experience don't mean shit either. He's only had one amp for the last six years.

By now would they not have already reverse engineered that? These amps are out there.. all I am saying is that whether they ripped off his take on it or not, the knowledge has got to be out there already and I bet in a blind test you'd be hard pressed to single out the Cameron. Pretty strong Cameron following here and I get that, but not delivering on amps is pretty lame. (talking Cameron here, not Brad in any way)

Anyway, i'd love a blind shoot out of 5 Jose takes with one of them being a Cameron. That'll shut me up if it is that obvious I can admit when I am wrong.

I had the same HG Jose mod in six different Super leads and they all sounded different, some incredible some not so much. Im sure Mark could have tweeked all of them to sound there best. Brads amps will be consistant and sound the the way they were intended to sound. Worth the money for me. Maybe not for others. Besides the time for buying cheap super leads to drill holes in is over.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I don't have a stake in any of this but I'd be for a name change to separate you from him, just too much negativity and vibes. Why associate a product with a somebody like MC? Sorry all the Cameron fanbois, the dude is a duchebage and I don't care what he's going through in his life, we all go through bullshit times but we all don't turn grade A douchebags do we?

Do we really believe that new VHT amps are made by Steve Fryette? No but his new Fryettes are.

 

[ejecta]

I am one of the 12 or 14 people that are owed a CCV from "Cameron Amps"....

Ultimately though your beef is with Mark. Contact Psychodave..... he seems to be able to find Mark and has the magic "touch" to get him to do his bidding.


Yeah I said it.

 

[Gearhog]

We could call it something else but the truth is its a Cameron, his designs are the "Cameron Tone" we separate the man from the product. Calling it something else would be easier for us but people know and love the Cameron tone even if they don't love him. I totally get what you guys are saying but we will stick with the name.

As far as the suggestions toward a name change +1. I was under the impression the CCV was designed after the original Atomica, Which was Jose's design. The high and low gain Jose's are Jose's designs. I've only known of Mark for a few years because he was doing Jose mods, and because of his infamous business dealings. I've known who Jose was for thirty years. To me the Cameron tone is Jose Modified Marshall tone, the Jose crunch. Some of the players who's tone Jose had a hand in were, Reb Beach, Mick Mars, EVH, Steve Stevens, George Lynch, Joe Holmes, John Sykes, loudness, keel, Peter Frampton, Steve Farris, Richie Sambora, Metallica, Warren Demartini, Neal Schon, Jake E Lee, Steve Vai, and little old me. If Mark was in charge of getting all these people there Jose modified Marshalls, the 80s would have sounded like the 70s. In my opinion a lot more people might be interested in amps knowingly based on Jose Arrendondos designs, who was probably the most famous amp tech of all time. Also there are a lot more killer Jose designs to expand upon in the future. With your consistant parts and build quality you can make all of his designs sound great, instead of the hit and miss that comes with modding old heads. I totally support your company and want one of each. And it would be cool if more credit was given where credit is due. Jose was a really good old dude, he was also not a flake. Anyway, my red head when I get it will be referred to as my KING Atomica JA100.

keep in mind,just as Mark Cameron and Cameron amps are not to be confused with each other.

neither are gearhog and gorehog.

thank you.

Nobody will ever confuse us, I'm from the 80s

 

[jcj]

@ bonedarrell


Well, I actually DO know the terms of the arrangement with Mark, and Mark was never being paid to assemble amps, he was being paid (a percentage) for his designs. Barrang (sp?) was being paid for the builds, and now George is being paid for the builds.

Assembly was always factored in, only the assembler has changed. Does that affect the cost of the build? Probably, I don't have any first hand knowledge of that, hence my statement about profit/sales.

Brad has always said he would take care of thoise people, and knowing Brad, he will; as soon as the money that WOULD have gone to Mark is enough to cover that expense.

Again, Mark was being paid a percentage for his past and continued design work, nothing more.

Josh....that being the business arrangement does not clarify how much Mark's percentage was going to be. Bringing in George and all of the logistics surrounding that could have very easily changed the numbers. So it is your understanding that Brad should take on the financial responsibility of Mark's debts?? Makes no sense to me. I can see the logic pertaining to "if Mark stayed around that Brad would have his finger on the pulse of encouraging Mark to complete his transactions with victims". That makes sense and supports Brad's good character. But this is all speculation on my part. I just see it as poor taste to attempt to hold Brad's feet to the fire now that Mark has disappeared. All I know is I, fortunately, had no business dispute with Mark that I am now trying to pin on Brad and that I now have an Atomica on the way thank to a good business transaction with Brad. He went above and beyond making sure I was a happy customer.

I do know the percentage, but won't be posting the details.

I think you completely misunderstood my post; I was simply stating that Mark being there has no bearing on whether or not Brad chooses to make those people whole. My bet (assuming the sales justify it) is that he will.

What Mark did sucked, and his signing this deal was his attempt to make sure those people received their amps.

They have the designs, and are producing them; if they sell, I'm sure Brad will be more than happy to help those who got screwed.

 

[Tone Zone]

I disagree with everyone in this thread that have suggested to Brad to change the name. It's his right to call them whatever he wants. If he wants to keep the original name, more power to him. He has already stated his reasons for wanting to keep the name, .......yet there are still those out there weighing in on the subject as if they have some say in the matter? It's his decision and the decision has already been made. Give it a rest, people.

 

[Mudder]

I think part of the issue is confusion about the business construct. If Brad has simply acquired Mark Cameron's business then it would be similar to Exxon buying BP. Exxon would be responsible for all BPs actions prior to acquisition, including the gulf cleanup and payout. However if Exxon simply licenses the BP name for use in the US BP is still held responsible for the gulf fiasco. That's what this seems like to me, and Mark Cameron is still responsible for the people who have not received their gear.

It's a bummer for those folks, but how can you really hold anyone else responsible? I would suggest this to be an expensive lesson, one you'll never forget.

 

[johnpace2]

I am one of the 12 or 14 people that are owed a CCV from "Cameron Amps"....

Ultimately though your beef is with Mark. Contact Psychodave..... he seems to be able to find Mark and has the magic "touch" to get him to do his bidding.


Yeah I said it.

You are correct, but Brad did say he would do his best to cleanse the Cameron Karma and get us our amps. I'm still hopefull that it will happen and Brad hasn't said anything to the contrary.

 

[jerrydyer]

Even when Mark had the ideal situation, that he had been hoping for for 5 or 6 years, he still shined it and everyone involved. The fact that George is involved is a pro not a con. My offer still stands, I cant put out what George does but I can help build. The way my boss keeps talking I may have a lot of time here in the future.

 

[glip22]

Even when Mark had the ideal situation, that he had been hoping for for 5 or 6 years, he still shined it and everyone involved. The fact that George is involved is a pro not a con. My offer still stands, I cant put out what George does but I can help build. The way my boss keeps talking I may have a lot of time here in the future.

Jerry, didn't the guys send their money to you first for a CCV? Didn't you get Mark to go into business with you on those CCV's even after he was very reluctant about it and fought you on it. Might be bad idea for you to chime in here. Didn't Mark hand you an amazing amp and say " Here Jerry blueprint and copy this" I don't want a dime for it." Why would you say he shined it? You handed him the polish and the rag my friend. Or are you referring to the recent situation with Brad and Co?

 

[ejecta]

Even when Mark had the ideal situation, that he had been hoping for for 5 or 6 years, he still shined it and everyone involved. The fact that George is involved is a pro not a con. My offer still stands, I cant put out what George does but I can help build. The way my boss keeps talking I may have a lot of time here in the future.

Jerry, didn't the guys send their money to you first for a CCV? Didn't you get Mark to go into business with you on those CCV's even after he was very reluctant about it and fought you on it. Might be bad idea for you to chime in here. Didn't Mark hand you an amazing amp and say " Here Jerry blueprint and copy this" I don't want a dime for it." Why would you say he shined it? You handed him the polish and the rag my friend. Or are you referring to the recent situation with Brad and Co?

To be honest that can go both ways. I think you might want to rethink your jumping in as well and saying you know about percentages of a deal that had nothing to you. Just sayin.

 

[glip22]

Even when Mark had the ideal situation, that he had been hoping for for 5 or 6 years, he still shined it and everyone involved. The fact that George is involved is a pro not a con. My offer still stands, I cant put out what George does but I can help build. The way my boss keeps talking I may have a lot of time here in the future.

Jerry, didn't the guys send their money to you first for a CCV? Didn't you get Mark to go into business with you on those CCV's even after he was very reluctant about it and fought you on it. Might be bad idea for you to chime in here. Didn't Mark hand you an amazing amp and say " Here Jerry blueprint and copy this" I don't want a dime for it." Why would you say he shined it? You handed him the polish and the rag my friend. Or are you referring to the recent situation with Brad and Co?

To be honest that can go both ways. I think you might want to rethink your jumping in as well and saying you know about percentages of a deal that had nothing to you. Just sayin.

Agreed. I was one minute away from pulling the trigger for a CCV back then but something stopped me. Just as easily could have been me or you. I went to sleep on it for several days so it took up real estate in my head. Does that account for anything? The OP went about this all wrong which is why he got slammed. Doesn't mean he did not get ripped off.

 

[bonedarrell]

@ bonedarrell


Well, I actually DO know the terms of the arrangement with Mark, and Mark was never being paid to assemble amps, he was being paid (a percentage) for his designs. Barrang (sp?) was being paid for the builds, and now George is being paid for the builds.

Assembly was always factored in, only the assembler has changed. Does that affect the cost of the build? Probably, I don't have any first hand knowledge of that, hence my statement about profit/sales.

Brad has always said he would take care of thoise people, and knowing Brad, he will; as soon as the money that WOULD have gone to Mark is enough to cover that expense.

Again, Mark was being paid a percentage for his past and continued design work, nothing more.

Josh....that being the business arrangement does not clarify how much Mark's percentage was going to be. Bringing in George and all of the logistics surrounding that could have very easily changed the numbers. So it is your understanding that Brad should take on the financial responsibility of Mark's debts?? Makes no sense to me. I can see the logic pertaining to "if Mark stayed around that Brad would have his finger on the pulse of encouraging Mark to complete his transactions with victims". That makes sense and supports Brad's good character. But this is all speculation on my part. I just see it as poor taste to attempt to hold Brad's feet to the fire now that Mark has disappeared. All I know is I, fortunately, had no business dispute with Mark that I am now trying to pin on Brad and that I now have an Atomica on the way thank to a good business transaction with Brad. He went above and beyond making sure I was a happy customer.

I do know the percentage, but won't be posting the details.

I think you completely misunderstood my post; I was simply stating that Mark being there has no bearing on whether or not Brad chooses to make those people whole. My bet (assuming the sales justify it) is that he will.

What Mark did sucked, and his signing this deal was his attempt to make sure those people received their amps.

They have the designs, and are producing them; if they sell, I'm sure Brad will be more than happy to help those who got screwed.

Josh....I didn't misunderstand. I just happen to disagree with the concept of Brad being obligated to help those who got screwed and am kind of surprised that concept seems to make sense to you and others. Brad can make his own "choices", I understand that. I just see this as a dead horse and a completely unrealistic expectation of Brad. That being said, I am happy to help those who got screwed.....Here it goes...."Don't ever do business with those who have questionable business practices"........ Time to flush!

 

[jcj]

@ bonedarrell


Well, I actually DO know the terms of the arrangement with Mark, and Mark was never being paid to assemble amps, he was being paid (a percentage) for his designs. Barrang (sp?) was being paid for the builds, and now George is being paid for the builds.

Assembly was always factored in, only the assembler has changed. Does that affect the cost of the build? Probably, I don't have any first hand knowledge of that, hence my statement about profit/sales.

Brad has always said he would take care of thoise people, and knowing Brad, he will; as soon as the money that WOULD have gone to Mark is enough to cover that expense.

Again, Mark was being paid a percentage for his past and continued design work, nothing more.

Josh....that being the business arrangement does not clarify how much Mark's percentage was going to be. Bringing in George and all of the logistics surrounding that could have very easily changed the numbers. So it is your understanding that Brad should take on the financial responsibility of Mark's debts?? Makes no sense to me. I can see the logic pertaining to "if Mark stayed around that Brad would have his finger on the pulse of encouraging Mark to complete his transactions with victims". That makes sense and supports Brad's good character. But this is all speculation on my part. I just see it as poor taste to attempt to hold Brad's feet to the fire now that Mark has disappeared. All I know is I, fortunately, had no business dispute with Mark that I am now trying to pin on Brad and that I now have an Atomica on the way thank to a good business transaction with Brad. He went above and beyond making sure I was a happy customer.

I do know the percentage, but won't be posting the details.

I think you completely misunderstood my post; I was simply stating that Mark being there has no bearing on whether or not Brad chooses to make those people whole. My bet (assuming the sales justify it) is that he will.

What Mark did sucked, and his signing this deal was his attempt to make sure those people received their amps.

They have the designs, and are producing them; if they sell, I'm sure Brad will be more than happy to help those who got screwed.

Josh....I didn't misunderstand. I just happen to disagree with concept of Brad being obligated to help those who got screwed and am kind of surprised that concept seems to make sense to you and others. Brad can make his own "choices", I understand that. I just see this as a dead horse and a completely unrealistic expectation of Brad. That being said, I am happy to help those who got screwed.....Here it goes...."Don't ever do business with those who have questionable business practices"........ Time to flush!

I'm not saying obligated, and never did...I'm saying knowing Brad, he will, if he's able.

 

[jerrydyer]

Even when Mark had the ideal situation, that he had been hoping for for 5 or 6 years, he still shined it and everyone involved. The fact that George is involved is a pro not a con. My offer still stands, I cant put out what George does but I can help build. The way my boss keeps talking I may have a lot of time here in the future.

Jerry, didn't the guys send their money to you first for a CCV? Didn't you get Mark to go into business with you on those CCV's even after he was very reluctant about it and fought you on it. Might be bad idea for you to chime in here. Didn't Mark hand you an amazing amp and say " Here Jerry blueprint and copy this" I don't want a dime for it." Why would you say he shined it? You handed him the polish and the rag my friend. Or are you referring to the recent situation with Brad and Co?

draw what you want from it man. Youre off in outer space on so many points here its impossible to really respond. Im just backing up what Brad said. Even when Mark is handed the ideal situation, he flakes. I presented a simple plan, 1 amp a month, and I took orders on his behalf. The, guess what? he couldnt and or didnt want to build even one amp a month. My boss was ready to write checks but after i told him we arent making progress, we agreed he would not be involved. I even offered small claims help to anyone who ordered while I was involved. I went above and beyond the call of duty. Jump ahead a year. i beleive Brad will do exactly what he said and make it right even though Mark bailed. As far as the other comment on the amp circuit, it was my payment so to speak since I was left owed on my time as well. It was the Hybrid, which by the way, Im not even building anymore. so basically youre clueless and I dont understand your beef with me.

 

[rlord1974]

Brad did say in another thread that 2 of the lost CCV's had been provided. I just hope they were in the order of those who had been waiting the longest, otherwise, that would be pretty frustrating. Assuming that the two who were provided amps were #1 and #2 on the list, I should be next.

I feel bad you're in this position, John, because you seem like a good dude. However, the bottom line is that Brad doesn't owe anybody anything. This includes the fact that he has no obligation to "make good" in the order of the list of guys that got screwed.....

 

[rlord1974]

Also, I think that people vent to Brad because there is no one else to vent to. What can you do to Mark? He's basically homeless and broke. We could try suing him, but what will that gain us since he has nothing? We could try pressing criminal charges against him, but that might be a tough sell since this is a business transaction. Mark's basically getting away with theft and I have no idea what to do about it.

Yes, but if you truly respect Brad and his intentions around this whole mess, venting publicly is a tremendous disservice to him. The guy is trying to launch and establish a brand here, and all of these negative posts on the Web are not helping. I guarantee you that Brad would prefer it if everyone that is owed something simply deal with him directly and stop posting threads on the forum about it. I know you are not trying to, but you are basically tarnishing the reputation of his new Cameron Amplifiers company by publicly posting this stuff. Anybody Googling Cameron is going to be directed to this nonsense, and for someone that doesn't know all of the sordid history, they are likely to quickly form an opinion that they do not want to get involved with a Cameron amp - even though Brad is delivering on the new lines and this crap pre-dates his Company's involvement with the Cameron name.....

As for the other option of suing......what would you gain? You would gain the satisfaction of knowing that he has been brought to justice and has a criminal record to carry around with him for the rest of his life. Yeah, maybe no one would get any money out of him, but at least you would have your day in court with the dirt bag......