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Post by ledzep on Aug 3, 2013 17:51:55 GMT -5
I don't get what you are saying sj, but that price haha wtf. Like putting a 'go faster' exhaust on your Model T Ford, or... putting double glazing on your mud hut, or... buying a Ferrari to plough your field, or... er... Get my drift? That doesn't really equate. This new controller isn't enhancing the Vectrex itself, it's just an arcade quality (if true) controller for the Vectrex. Lots of consoles have options available for better-made/better-designed controllers. Some people want them or need them, others (like me) prefer to use the originals. Or, in the case of the 5200 paddle controller mod, an original controller that should have existed. Having said that, there's no way that controller is good enough or cool enough to cost $700. That's insane. The Vectrex controllers are actually really good and feel very much like arcade controls (Tailgunner had a near-identical analog stick). That thing on eBay is being priced due to rarity, not quality. I could use an extra Vectrex controller but what I'd like more is a trak-ball for it or a paddle or spinner, not some way way overpriced (looks to be) digital joystick. |
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Post by 50tbrd on Aug 4, 2013 3:57:12 GMT -5
I'm not sure overpriced is the right word. Materials and labor absolutely kill the cost of this item. Is the mould itself professionally made? How many hours are in finishing the fiberglass portion alone? Whats the unit cost on the 3D Spawn Ship itself? Even at cost, it might be priced out of the market.
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Post by gauze on Aug 4, 2013 4:35:46 GMT -5
what it comes down to is you are basically paying for a piece of art, because the actual joystick parts are what, $20-$30?
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Post by sj on Aug 4, 2013 5:04:22 GMT -5
Like putting a 'go faster' exhaust on your Model T Ford, or... putting double glazing on your mud hut, or... buying a Ferrari to plough your field, or... er... Get my drift? That doesn't really equate. Don't you think? A double glazed mud hut is still a mud hut, just with an unnecessary add on. As mentioned previously, if someone was producing brand new arcade quality Vectrex machines I could understand the need (or desire) for an item like this. Imagine if you bought the controller and a week later your Veccy went on the fritz.  |
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Post by hcmffm on Aug 4, 2013 8:37:35 GMT -5
First, I think that it's always a good thing if a new Vectrex item shows up. For various reasons I have mixed feelings with this Vectrex item: - Will it be a "one copy only" Vectrex item? If yes, some collectors might not consider it to be worth while collecting.
- Not sure, but as 50tbrd pointed out, on the photos the overall execution of the controller doesn't look that high quality as the original Vectorcade. More detailed photographs would be good.
- Does Brett Wallach know about this new project? What's his role?
- As written above, 120 USD for the original Vectorcade was a probably too low price considering the work. Nevertheless, only around 25 copies were sold. I doubt very much that many Vec2cade controllers will be sold if the price remains that high. Around 200 - 300 USD would be a possible price and I'm sure even with such a price various people will be still hesitant.
- Placing an ebay auction without previous announcement or notification is not the ideal way, I think. The ebay auction and high starting price has the taste of getting the maximum money out of a Vectrex item.
- Personally, I want a Vectorcade, not a new and different version of the Vectorcade.
That's just some thoughts from my side; meant as friendly hints for the seller. Perhaps the seller can provide more info and reveal his plans for the Vec2cade. |
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Post by hcmffm on Aug 4, 2013 9:01:23 GMT -5
The seller has added a photo of two blue glitter finish Vec2cades to his ebay auction. One with GCE and one with MB "Vectrex" logo.
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Post by 50tbrd on Aug 4, 2013 10:06:57 GMT -5
The vec2cade with the GCE logo tells me that these were probably not made from the originals. Either the base is smaller or the logo is much bigger because the logo fills up more space. Other than the 3D spawn ship, the buttons are also concave rather than convex as I've seen on at least most of the originals.
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Post by VectorX on Aug 4, 2013 10:38:20 GMT -5
[li]Does Brett Wallach know about this new project? What's his role? My guess is that he doesn't have one in this case. |
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Post by hcmffm on Aug 4, 2013 16:37:09 GMT -5
- Does Brett Wallach know about this new project? What's his role?
My guess is that he doesn't have one in this case. Probably you're right, VectorX. I've just sent a Brett an email. It's unlikely that Brett will respond but let's see. |
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Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com)
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Post by Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com) on Aug 4, 2013 17:56:56 GMT -5
Hi All! Brett Walach here... I would like to just chime in and say I have nothing to do with this European reproduction of my original Vectorcade design. I have no intention of making more Vectorcades (thereby diluting the value of the first 27 or so Vectorcades that were painstakingly hand-crafted). I did sell the prototype unit #0 and mold on ebay, but keep in mind that unit has a flaw that makes it different from all production Vectorcades. I still have the original prototype and production mold. Looking at the pictures, it looks possible that this person has used the proto mold to aid in making these. The proto unit #0 was blue flake just like the one in their pictures. And it is hard to see the flaw in pictures. A couple people have said this reproduction looks good.. but honestly while I'm flattered someone has decided to reproduce an original piece of art I made, I don't approve of the quality. You can see from the pictures the orange peel finish, and it doesn't appear to be clear-coated. The original Vectorcades were designed and prototyped by hand by me, and produced by a master craftsman (my father). I also did all of the finish work to them. That is what I believe makes them so special. The care, originality and professional expertise that went into all details to provide a long lasting very sturdy and beautiful product. I'm sure there will be people that buy these reproductions... and even if the finish is improved, they will always be a copy. From the auction: "made to the same specs as the original with one difference it's at last paying tribute to the European market!" Hah... not even close to the same specs from what I see. This person also never contacted me to ask me what I thought about reproducing my original design. I would have told them to come up with their own design. If any of the original owners of Vectorcades think that these reproductions take away from the value of the Vectorcade, and would like to shut this reproduction down, please send me an email emailbrett@gmail.com Hope you guys are all doing well! Best Regards, Brett Walach www.PlayVectrex.com |
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Post by TrekMD on Aug 4, 2013 18:33:39 GMT -5
Hi Brett! You could notify EBay that this item is being sold without your permission and they can pull it from auction before someone buys it.
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odd77
Vector Runner
As Basil would say- " Dont mention the war ! "
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Post by odd77 on Aug 4, 2013 19:13:36 GMT -5
I feel it has come to the stage that I have to clarify a few things on this one, Firstly it is not a vectorcade its a vec2cade As for coming up with my own design - I fail to see how a box with a joystick and 4 buttons and a open source logo is an "original design"more of a blank canvas. Not only have I added my own artwork,but did I miss something or were there vectorcades with a European logo-I can confidently confirm there never was,this is my design! redesigned the contours but most importantly amended something which always bugged me about the vectorcade - the poor interpretation of the font as the spacing was completely out. also the finish of the black units are quite a deliberate in that the semi matte finish is much more in keeping with the original vectrex casing not to mention the problems of finger prints on something your hands are all over. The glitter units featured that arnt for sale here were previously commissioned units and believe me although it may not come across in the image have the wet gloss finish. These units are in no way manufactured using any pre existing moulds models plans ect of Bretts - in fact I have never seen a vectorcade in the flesh let alone take a mould from one It is clear to see this from the moulding of the lettering on the vec2cade is way superior than that of the vectorcade. All of this was designed and built from the ground up by my own hands - the only thing that was taken was the inspiration and demand for an arcade controller for the vectrex As for the pricing there are a few here that have grasped the idea that this isn't a two a penny controller it is of course a tribute peice of art which is to compliment the glorious Vectrex. And remember there is always room for improvement and competition is healthy gamers of all people should understand that  |
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Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com)
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Post by Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com) on Aug 4, 2013 19:13:37 GMT -5
In addition, I'm pretty sure it is the proto unit and mold because the buttons are concave instead of convex like the production Vectorcades. The proto unit #0 had those concave style buttons. I decided against the standard concave arcade buttons for looks and feel of the convex button style.
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odd77
Vector Runner
As Basil would say- " Dont mention the war ! "
Posts: 22
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Post by odd77 on Aug 4, 2013 19:24:09 GMT -5
This gets better so now concave buttons are owned now too!
Just post a pic of each and let the guys here be the judge no contest just look at the depth and refinement of the logo and the spacing width on the control table - trust me I would have been disadvantaging my self if I was using that as a starting point:)
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Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com)
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Post by Brett W. (PlayVectrex.com) on Aug 4, 2013 19:35:55 GMT -5
I'm not saying concave buttons are owned... just that I thought that helped me identify the proto unit #0. After looking at my files, I can say it's not the original prototype. Good luck with justifying your copies to the Vectrex community, they know the real story. There's a lot I could say... but I'll take the high road. You've said enough for me ;-)
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