I have a General Music ("GEM") Equinox synth. A repair guy replaced the 4.8v Ni-cd battery in it last year with a conventional, non-rechargeable type, citing a service bulletin from GEM indicating the possibility of acid leak from the rechargeable, factory installed battery. Now within a year, my data does not save after powering down. Anybody know about this issue and do you think it would be safe to reinstall the old battery as I NEVER had a problem with data saving in the 4 years that the battery and keyboard were in use. By the way: Anyone know where I can buy a new 4.8v Ni-cd barrel shaped battery for my keyboard? GEM is terrible about getting support.

Hello Paul,

Just to be fair, the first e-mail I received from you regarding this problem arrived today at 3:16pm and I answered that e-mail at 4:38pm. You stated in that e-mail that you had sent an e-mail to me yesterday but I did not receive any such e-mail. I believe our e-mail server is working correctly since I did receive many messages from other individuals.

I responded to your second e-mail from 5:38pm today at 6:46pm.

So to say that may not be quite accurate. Rest assured that everyone at Generalmusic USA is extremely interested in providing our customers with the best support in the industry and we will help you with your problem in a timely fashion.

Best Regards,

Dave


------------------
Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

My comment regarding the "terrible support" from General Music regarding their products had nothing to do with my recent email to you, Dave. As you know, you and I have probably never talked before today. That comment is derived from YEARS of a lack of support from General Music, beginning in 1999 with the purchase of my first Equinox, through my last efforts to garner resolution of a technical issue in 2004. I have never, up until your email today, had a response from General Music despite innumerable inquiries and dead end phone calls. Sorry for the confusion.

Hi Paul,

Well as long as you are not referring to me.....never mind.

By the way, the Equinox was distributed by Peavey and not by Generalmusic USA and therefore Peavey was responsible for the support of those products. The relationship between GEM and Peavey no longer exists. Generalmusic USA is handling US distribution and support of all current GEM products and also doing our best to help out those who purchased instruments from the past US distributor. We apologize for any past inconveniences in getting answers to your questions. What is past is past and cannot be changed. But what can be changed is how our customers are taken care of in the present and future. And we have made great strides if I do say so myself.

So let's get that Equinox back up and running, shall we? You are very lucky to have an Equinox. These keyboards were just killers. I have a 61 note version and would love to have the 76 note version like you. Unfortunately, during the Equinox’s lifetime at Peavey, it was just not represented properly and production was finally stopped due to poor sales. It is a real shame because it is still a very cool instrument.

Best Regards,

Dave


------------------
Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

Well Paul you will find that Dave is very good at doing his best to help all keyboard users GEM and non-GEM. We all know and respect his vast experience with electronic keyboards. Getting in contact with music electronics manufacturers is alway difficult at best. But Dave has been trying to change that in regard to Generalmusic USA and is very active on the forums here ( and where else can you communicate directly with the company's Nat'l Product and Support Manager ??? ). I can understand your past experience has been frustrating but by contacting Dave you have got in touch with the right person to try and get the info on how to best handle your Equinox problem.

Thanks Nigel. I appreciate that.

Best Regards,

Dave

------------------
Wm. David McMahan
Nat'l Product and Support Manager
Generalmusic USA
GEM Community Forums

Paul,
I have to second what Nigel had to say. I have never submitted a question or problem to Dave that hasn't been promptly and gladly taken care of. I assure you that if there is anyway possible for him to help you get your Equinox back up and running, he will get it done. You are now in contact with the right person to help you. Good Luck!!


Jerry M