If I knew then what I know now
LAG THV10DCE Tramontane Hyvibe 10 If, like me, you were persuaded by the online videos to purchase a Hyvibe guitar from LAG, no doubt you are now regretting the purchase. The Hyvibe system is incredible with tones that can be edited or replaced, a tuner, a looper and layering of tracks, so what’s not to like? This is where we have a massive issue. The battery that powers this system also includes all of the controls and replacing the battery also replaces those. I had expected an easy swap something along the lines of a PP3 but not so. When my first battery needed replaced, LAG were kind enough to send another for free. It’s not the easiest job but I managed in the end. I don’t play that much and the battery is still good but when this one dies all I have is a run of the mill acoustic guitar. I have been in touch with LAG re this built in obsolescence and they told me that a different system has been designed but is out of stock. This does not address the elephant in the room that the guitar I was sold is not fit for purpose. No instrument should become redundant when a battery dies. Even if I stick with this unconventional guitar I have searched online for the battery and am unable to track them down. I don’t know about you but I feel that I have been used as a guinea pig by a company that only wanted to line their own pockets at my expense. I don’t think they even have a uk contact centre, they ignored me when I emailed and asked. Stick to brands you know and always beware of scams and cons. Today 8 February, one day after posting my review I received an email from LAG offering me a £200 upgrade to H2 system. This was my reply - “Once more the main issue with Hyvibe has been ignored. I own Martin, Fender, Taylor, Epiphone and PRS guitars and when the purchase was complete my commitment to those companies was finished. Because you have a unique, dedicated battery system, owners have no option but to have a lifetime relationship with Lag if they want their instrument to continue to survive. They have no way of knowing whether batteries will always be available or what they will cost. Count me out.”
By Brian M.