Beolab 4500 Heartbreak

15 replies

Hi everyone :(

After years of searching, I finally found a great pair of Beolab 4500 and they just arrived via FedEx minutes ago. However, whoever boxes them up, took a razor to the polished and brushed metal of one of the speakers. My heart is aching...so sad since these were bought from the original owner who took great care of them. There are a few electronic issues (which I knew about in advance).

I think the seller used a shipping company to box them and I'm waiting to hear back from him. So sad and I'm not sure what to do.

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Especially sad since they were double boxed:

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I had the same with spareparts coming from Germany, a costums agent had to open the box for inspection, same kind of damage from a sharp knife, in this case the insurance paid and I got new ones.

For you its another matter, new ones from where, such a pitty, feeling very sorry for you, tell us how it goes.

Location: Mexico city

Retired
Printing machine technician
Restored various 1960-70 items
Rock and Roll music
Collecting Vinyl
Restored Jukebox Wurlitzer 1050

I'm working with the seller and he is being very helpful. Seems the company that packed it did in fact do the damage and not the seller. This is tough because even if I get some monetary compensation (partial refund), it's not the same as having an all original piece cosmetically. I'll know more tomorrow and I'll keep you guys posted.

I have no luck. I'm going to set the record for most number of damaged Beolab 3000/4500s. Look what FedEx just delivered/destroyed.

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Ugh, such a shame.  I think your best bet for the mirrored panels may be to have a machine shop use a sheet metal press to crease some thin gauge aluminum panel and then polish them to a mirror shine, though you'll be left without the b&o etching.  Then again beovox 3500's aren't 'that' rare, and you could likely just wait to get your hands on a pair of those.

Terrible!

 

I would have cried if my Beolab 5000's would have arrived like that.

Awful. This reminds me of a table I ordered from Denmark, it also was damaged quite badly when it was delivered. 😡 Clearly the transport company was to blame. On the plus side, I could order a new table as it is still in production. You can't say the same with a Beolab 4500. I feel really sorry for you. 🙁

Thanks everyone for the sympathy. I was really hoping for an original pair. The seller forgot to purchase insurance so he asked if a discount was acceptable. I took the deal since it would have cost almost $100 USD to ship them back anyway. I'll do my best restoring them, but still it's not the same. 

My advice - 

I know what it is like when you really want something for a long time and decide to treat yourself. Then something unfortunate happens such as the above which prevents you from "loving" your prized purchase. I think even if you sorted them out you will never feel the same about them.

I sometimes have it with cars - Accident damage drives me mad... If my car ever has to have paint it is usually sold within a few months because it bugs me so much!

If I were you, I would clean them up as best you can, sell them and buy a mint pair which are perfect from the start. I realise it will cost you more but you will definitely enjoy them alot more!

 

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