Dealing with gear repairs can often be a necessary part of being a guitarist. Unfortunately, not all experiences are positive, and it’s important to share these to help fellow musicians make informed decisions. This is a firsthand account regarding a repair experience with Fulltone Guitar Pedals, specifically owned by Michael Fuller, a brand widely recognized and sold at major retailers like Guitar Center. This experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering Fulltone products or repairs.
The issue began when I sent my wah pedal to Fulltone for what was, surprisingly, the third repair since its purchase. Upon receiving a repair estimate of $40, I questioned the lack of warranty on previous repairs. Considering the relatively simple mechanics of a wah pedal, repeated failures were unexpected. When I inquired whether the repair had commenced and was informed it hadn’t, I decided to decline the service and requested the pedal be returned.
This is where the situation took a turn for the worse. Michael Fuller, the owner of Fulltone, refused to return my wah pedal unless the repair fee was paid upfront – even though the repair hadn’t been done. Despite clearly stating that I no longer wanted the repair service, the demand for payment persisted. When I offered to cover the return shipping costs for my un-repaired pedal, the refusal was reiterated.
Escalating the matter, I pointed out that withholding property is essentially theft. The response from Michael Fuller was a dismissive “Sue me.” This unprofessional conduct was further punctuated by email exchanges filled with abusive language and childish remarks, which was frankly shocking coming from the owner of a prominent guitar pedal company.
While initially taken aback by this treatment, a quick online search revealed a pattern of similar complaints regarding Michael Fuller and Fulltone Pedals’ customer service. It appears that unprofessional behavior and poor customer treatment are not isolated incidents but rather a recurring theme associated with the brand.
This experience has led me to completely move away from Fulltone products. Over recent months, every Fulltone pedal on my pedalboard has been replaced. Sharing this experience is intended as a warning to the guitar community. While Fulltone Guitar Pedals might offer appealing products, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential customer service pitfalls and consider whether the risk of such experiences is worth it. It’s always wise to research not just product quality but also the company’s reputation for customer care before making a purchase or seeking repairs.
