Grateful Dead

it is really discouraging to hear of all of these issues with the discs. I have had a few issues like this in past, but this current situation really raises concerns. I have been fortunate that with my HCS box as I have had no issues. However that does not mean I am safe from future problems. I think it is totally reasonable for us to make a case due to the current situation. I know all of us who are in the comments have been supporters of these releases from the band over the years. I can't speak for Dave L and the crew but I feel fairly confident that none of them want defective products going out. They did not put in all of this work only to not have the music be listenable.

Now there are many detractors that I encounter when these shows come out. The detractors often cite the numerous ways to acquire shows for free. They also frequently argue that the quality of any given soundboard show being remastered by one of the many gurus out there is better than the official release. The latter can be debated, but the detractors are not wrong in terms of freedom of choice. I think the powers that be maybe need to be reminded of that, especially because so many of us are loyal paying customers.

I know in reality there will always be a chance of some defect, but these current issues seem to be too much. The first remedy is the packaging. Get rid of cardboard and come up with something safer and more secure as that can hopefully eliminate the scratching of discs. Yes the box might lose some style points but it is really the music that matters, right? As for non scratched, yet non playable/unable to rip issues, well I don't have the technical knowledge to know the solution for that, but they should. Hell there have even been issues with the downloads...

See, everybody who's bought it should be able to say that. That's what I'll be doing, later today, too. And tomorrow, obviously.

....yummy.

There speaks the truth, unfortunately. It doesn't look as though there is going to be any official acknowledgement that the production and presentation of this box is sub par. I guess they are going to try and deal with those who have bought damaged goods on an individual basis. Which isn't good enough. Doesn't bode well for when they release next years box. It's not exactly going to be case of "buy with confidence"!

Has anyone received their replacement discs yet? I am interested to know if the replacements are able to be read on CD players that were previously not able to read,or if Rhino are still working out exactly why there are playback issues.

The only way to get true attention is to boycott future releases. No buying until they get their CS figured out.

I know that has as much chance as pigs flying out my nose, but still.

Vote with your wallet.

Very sad to read all the shitty stories of people having problems.

Like others, I have cds with skips, (along with many, if not all, scratched and even one with a spot I had to wipe off). Like others, I have experienced terrible customer service. On 7-18 I emailed asking for 3 new cds to replace the 3 with skips and got a response on 7-21 offering me some answers to "FAQS", which of course didn't solve my problem. At one point the useless response said "If your inquiry has already been resolved, you can disregard this message." Naturally, I had to respond to "update" my "request" to keep the issue open, which was acknowledged with a response by them saying it was updated. Next, on 7-26 at 402PM CT I got a response referencing a different 7-21 response by them (this one of which I never saw) asking for photographs, which obviously is not going to show skips on cds as not all of my scratched cds had skips. It also said "This is an email to remind you that your request (#254106) has been pending for 5 days and awaits your feedback." I looked through my emails and could not find a 7-21 email from them asking for photographs. Maybe I accidently deleted it. Anyway, immediately after the 1st 7-26 402PM email they sent a 2nd 7-26 402PM email saying "Your ticket will be closed since no response has been received from our last correspondence. Please reply to this email to re-submit your request." So, I responded and updated it again. Overall, the whole process is probably the worst customer service I've experienced anywhere. Customer service involving Grateful Dead purchases has always been iffy, but it's gotten worse. How many hoops do I have to jump through?

On to the 6/10 show.......I've never heard any of these shows in this box, so it's been a treat. It's also my first boxset purchase. No issues at all........and FINALLY, I figured out the best way to remove the discs from the sleeves. I have been doing the "lift & remove" system, removing the disc from the holder by picking up the exposed edge of it and pulling it out. In a brilliant way, similar to what Dr. Hofmann experienced, I began using my fingernail in the center hole and it removes easily. Maybe that's the way everyone has been doing it, but it was a revelation.........looking forward to '79 soon.

Totally agree on the June 76 Box, what a gem. Love those Beacon Theater shows.

Hey OB, loving the HCS box. Only made it through the first two shows so far. Sound quality on those are A+. Shows are great. Kezar planned for this Thursday. I have listened to this one on relisten, so it will be interesting to hear the polished up official version. Not sure what they were doing with these folios, but I have these going in Jewel cases. Agree on the liners, a little skimpy.

Anytime we get a release from 79-81, I will be excited. And your first year on the rode! I haven't heard this show yet, which is great because I spent a lot of time with the October through December shows.
Hope the Nassau shows get out at some point. Talk about smoke.

Love the June 76 Box.

Time for 6-29-76 to be released.