SaxOnTheWeb - Fact or Fraud?

Are you not entertained?

What happened to all the other SaxOnTheWeb response pages? They will be reintegrated into a saxontheweb fact or fraud analysis.

 

In the next weeks I'll be recounting my personal experience as a member/ex-member of Sax on the Web, going all the way back to the peculiarities of the initial registration process. Until then, input hungry readers will have to settle for the trickle of Blog entries below...

 

8/17/2012 - Gilson's (fraudulently abandoned by EricM) Mk6 Conversion System on the Nice King Zephyr

Video - Table Action

Video - Table Slides

 

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"Destroyed Saxophone" Grandstander Comments

 

6/4/2012 - Offer Expiration

The 5/24/2012 (10 Day) offer regarding the EricM (Eric Maldonado), fraudlulently owned and fraudulently work authorized saxophone has now been withdrawn.

 

5/24/2012 - 10 Pointers for Gilson Topfstedt/ConnHunter/SaxPlayer7

 

The next time you seek someone out and request they design and make for you an entirely new, one-of-a-kind original, hand-fabricated and complicated mechanism for your saxophone, consider these things:

1. Honor ALL the conditions of the contract agreement. If the compensation is payment + inclusion of other modifications + promotional services, failure to honor ANY of those conditions as specified is breach of contract.

2. No-one on Earth will make custom, hand-made parts for you without advance payment. Do not complain about it.

3. As instigator of an entirely new, experimental mechanism, you must realize that timeline estimates are just that - estimates.

4. Do not publish mid-process pictures intended for your eyes only, without permission.

5. Do not publicly lie about anything. Do not publish that the keywork was being sold on eBay as a routine item. Do not, through omission of other contractual conditions, publicly advocate that payment was the only compensation entitled the other party.

6. Do not request that the other party involve themselves in illegal activities.

7. If return packaging/shipping is your responsability, do not blame someone else if it doesn't get done.

8. Do not, fraudulently or otherwise, transfer the ownership of the instrument/contract to a 3rd party and then complain about contract alterations authorized by that 3rd party.

9. If your fraud/conspiracy to commit fraud is exposed, don't complain about anything. Your cousin is guilty of the same.

10. Never forget #1.

 

Rather than prosecute for breach of contract, fraud/conspriracy to commit fraud, libel, conspiracy to commit libel, for all individuals and organizations involved, I offer this solution:

1. Return the instrument/parts to me. I will complete it as per my last agreement with EricM. It is 1/2 way there now.

2. We offer the instrument for sale through an agreed-upon 3rd party.

3. After the 3rd party commission, the first $2500 is yours, anything over $2500 we split 50/50.

4. The idiot "Destroyed my Sax" thread will be deleted.

 

This offer will expire 10 days from today.

 

 

 

5/21/2012 - New SaxophoneOasis Alert

Warning to USA Mouthpiece Sellers! Gilson Topfstedt, alias ConnHunter on SaxOnTheWeb and Saxplayer7 on eBay, attempts to form international mouthpiece smuggling conspiracy.

In early 2010, Gilson Topfstedt, already a horn modification client of mine, engaged me to act as his agent, accepting his mouthpiece shipments from Germany to the USA, delivering them with instructions and paymnet to a renouned mouthpiece refacer in my area (Wolfe T.), and shipping them back to him in Germany. His rational for using me as agent was that his English was substandard.

Upon getting the first batch of 3 mouthpieces back from Wolfe, Gilson sent me the following email regarding shipping to Germany. The bold emphasis is mine.

2/1/2010 - "Concerning the MPC´s and the package...the value to declare must be of 41,99 U$.  It is what I paid for this almost new soprano piece with lig and box.

I´d like if you make a package and put the "2 Wolfe pieces" on the bottom of the package in a kind of "false bottom" covering it with tape so the 2 pieces stay under. After that putting the Link and his box above with some padding stuff around. I know the procedures at the custom here. They will require from me the eBay link and they will  check on the website for the picture of the auction and compare the end price with the declared value.

I also know how to open tha package since they ask me always to open the package myself. I will open from above grabbing only the Link sop piece and let the "wolfe pieces" hidden in the bottom, under the tape. Some padding stuff must cover the tape.

It is not dramatic when they see the 2 others. I will tell them exactly what I did, but they don´t believe in what you tell, they want "see" documents and I have any for the "Wolfe pieces". So it ís better to try hidding them discretely and decently."


I replied to him on 2/2/2010: "Mouthpieces:  I must provide accurate descriptions of the contents of the box, including values on the export/import customs form.   No false compartments.  No lying.  No smuggling." 

Falsifying USPS Customs form information, concealing package contents, and consipring with another party to do any of the former, are all federal offenses. As you can see, in order to save himself a few Euros, Mr Topfstedt will attempt to convince you to co-operate in these illegal activites, claiming they are, under his circumstances, discrete and decent. They are anything but. Be Forewarned.

 

5/20/2012

Gilson Topfstedt, alias ConnHunter on SaxOnTheWeb (The only client I have ever had that requested I assist him in smuggling mouthpieces into Germany) posted this on 5/16/2012:

"Here is what the technician in California told me about this horn after an examination, ..."

"Gilson,

I'm sorry are path couldn't have met earlier. And I'm sorry for your loss. I would take this project on but, don't think you would want to spend that much money on refurbishing this tenor back into a tenor saxophone. You could go out an purchase a new one for what it will take too strip off all the solder this butcher did, not to mention Removing the F# tone hole and thumb rest.
Is this person a auto body repair tech???

Take on this horn would be like building a saxophone. I don't have the time and I'm sure you don't want to spend the money to do it.

Sorry,

DT"

 

This tech doesn't know LB and was not informed about the saga.

I kept contacting and his last eMail was this one on 5/13th


"The horn is a real reck and you are missing keys, thumb rest and F# key, tone hole stack.

Wish I could help you out more,

All The Best,"

 

My Commentary: First, the horn was received by EricM on April 24. The above mentioned as "missing" (on May 13) octave key, thumb rest, F# key, and tone hole stack were shipped on May 7, 2012, and received by EricM on May 9. USPS tracking info:

You entered: 9101785091401701873617

Your Item's Status Your item was delivered at 11:23 am on May 09, 2012 in HAWTHORNE, CA 90250.

Whatever EricM did with the parts after receiving and this 5/16/2012 post by Gilson (The only client I have ever had that requested I assist him in smuggling mouthpieces into Germany), one week later, is between those two conspirators and has nothing to do with me.

On Tech "Don"'s Comments:

I'm not surprised. The fact is, Don and other sax techs normally don't do this type of work, at this level of de-construction. I see this every day however. More than half the instruments here are completely stripped of everything - posts and tone holes, for complete remanufacturing from the tube up. What is telling is, as Don says, you would not want to have to pay him for the time it would take to do the work, yet.........., you expect me to do it for a fraction of that cost and in a strict time frame that such payment can not compensate for unless it is supported by other short-term activities, and then you object to that support - right out of Dostoyevsky.

more on this later.

 

5/19/2012 - EricM/MartinMods Emails

3/21/2011

Eric,

At Gilson's insistence and for him, I would have finished it up as is.  For you, since it is not apparently a pressing issue, and you plan to show it around/turn it over in LA, I hate to finish it up in this condition.  There are lots of little things that bug me.

I would recommend gently stripping the rest of the body/bell lacquer (it has been relaquered at least 3 times experts have told me) and giving it this patina. 

What I’m interested in still is a showcase, but, as I intend to offer this mod (Ultimate) as a complete, DIY package, I would like to have all the final designs and production processes completely set up and in gear, before it gets revealed. 

If you are interested, I’m offering the changes and improvements at no cost.  Just a responsible but flexible timeline is required.  Lemme know.

regards,

Lance Burton
MartinMods.

 

3/25/2011

Hello Lance,

By all means, stay the course. I am a Union member and I hate chineese s@*t. If this project can help you get a patent and build your products in the U.S., go for it. I'll help you showcase it after it is done. I only gig on the weekends but I have a few connections that can get you good publicity and exposure.

Keep up the good work,

Eric Maldonado Sr.

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3/25/2011

Eric,

How do you feel about MOP inlay on ALL spatulas (like the rt08 G# - without screws or pins), including the contoured Bb?  That would also apply to the RH C/Eb, RH palm keys, LH palm keys, thumb hook and thumb rest.

Lance

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3/29/2011

Hello Lance,

That's a good idea. Go ahead. talk to you later.

EricM

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6/7/2011

Eric,

I'm prepping the Chu body for the patina and should have some picts of that, and the new spatula design in the next couple of weeks. 

I heard from Gilson.  He told me that the horn now belonged to his cousin.  I told him I would have to hear about it from you to believe it.  Any truth in this?  I'd hate to make this masterpiece for someone who will make a lamp out of it:-)

regards

Lance

 

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6/7/2011

Hello Lance,

Glad to hear that the horn is coming around. Gilson is talking about me. I am his cousin. I hope everything goes well with you and your endeavors.

Thanks for keeping me informed.

Eric Maldonado Sr.

---------------------------------

7/21/2011

HI Eric,

If I might, I would like to ask for your assistance in clarifying just what the status on this horn is, for the benefit of the SOTW crowd.  Gilson is still posting that he is trying to get it back unsuccessfully, that it is stolen, kidnapped, and even that he wants it for his son to play - whatever he can to stir up trouble.  I am unable to reply there, no longer being a member. 

It needs to be clarified, once and for all, that:

1. the horn is yours

2. you and I have come to a new agreement on the scope of the modifications (improved keywork version, patina finish, engraving, inlay on spatulas, etc..).

3. that we are not having difficulties that require Gilson's involvement.

Here's a link to a thread where clarification is needed: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?147145-TRADE-OFF-Chu-Berry-tenor-Customized-by-MartinMods-TRADE-OFF.  (note – this SOTW thread has now been deleted)

If you can help me clear up this SOTW issue, I'd appreciate it. 
thanks

Lance Burton

 

--------------------------------

 

7/25/2011

Hello Lance,

I know Gilson can get worked up some times.  Anyway, let's do this. I just want to close this out. If it is not finished, that's fine. I don't want to be part of the drama on sotw.

Take care,

Eric Maldonado Sr. 

All work on the horn comes to a mid-process shreaking halt as I am dealing with fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, libel, and conspiracy to commit libel.

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5/19/2012 - EricM's SOTW Post #37

"Time to chime in. Gilson, who is my relative needed my help to recover his horn. My cousin and his wife were busy doing the Lord's work in Africa. He could not do much to recover his horn from the mission fields in Uganda. I contacted Lance right away and he told me that the horn was not finished and needed more time. A year and half later along with a ton of excuses, I told Lance that I would just drive up to Washington state from my home in California to pick up the horn as is. That is when Lance finally decided to send the horn to me. It arrived wrapped in plastic trash bags. The peanuts in the box was all that kept the horn from banging around in the box. We are just getting started with what to do about Lance.

EricM

 

Eric's emails above and below, tell quite a different story don't they?:

 

Hello Lance,

I will be visiting my daughter who is a student at San Francisco State. I'm taking my vacation in late August. I'll just swing by your place and pick up the horn.

Eric Maldonado Sr.

Note (This is the very first initiative taken by Eric to arrange for any method (shipping or pick-up) of the horn's return. Return shipping/packaging is 100% the owner's responsibility.)

--------------------

Eric,

It might be much easier/cheaper if I put it in a box and ship it to you.  $25.00 packaging + actual USPS (insured).  Just give me your address.

Lance

---------------------------------------

Hello Lance,

That is a good idea.

Eric Maldonado Sr.

Note (Yes, it is Eric. Why didn't you think of that sooner? I know. Just like Gilson, you were waiting for me to do everything at my expense.)

---------------------------------------

Hello Lance,

The Conn arrived today. Thanks for packing it so good.  Thanks for letting me know about the neck's octave key and thumb hook. I'll wait for these to arrive so I can take everything to my friend the Tech.

Thanks again,

Eric Maldonado Sr. 

-----------------------------------

 

5/18/2012 - Give Thanks to Gilson Topfstedt Alias ConnHunter

 

......

The existance of this Mk6 LH table key adaptation on this very nice, vintage King Zephyr alto, is directly attributed to Gilson. He instigated it in 2009 when he requested I make a modern mechanizm for his Conn Chu tenor. I told him I had never made one before, but I had an idea of what could be done. He liked the idea, so we agreed upon a price of $400 + ongoing promotion of my products/services for the experimental mechanism and other MM modifications.

Here's a video of the action - Video

This is the exact same spatula assembly (with exception of the G# linkage, and rods/arms have been resized) that was on Gilson's Conn in 2010 - the original MM Contemporary Mechanism.

 

........

 

How did it come to be on the Zephyr alto then?

Gilson allegedly sold the horn to EricM in late 2010. Early 2011, Eric and I decided to step-up the MM promotion, showing the horn in Los Angeles (where he planned to sell it) with delacquered/patinaed body, gold lacquered (modified) keywork, pearl inlay on all spatulas, custom engraving, etc., and the new MM Ultimate LH Mechanism. There was no charge for these changes.

An example of the Ultimate LH Mod that Eric dropped the previous keys for. These are on a Martin Medalist. The installation of Eric's set was in preparation.

.......

 

So, in 2011, the Conn Chu tenor that the old owner, Gilson knew, was completely stripped, chemically delacquered, and underwent extensive modifications, and ALL on the authorization of the owner, EricM. The Mk6 adaptation went to the Zephyr - a very, very nice mechanism, and it would not have existed, except for Gilson's craving for slick working keys. Thanks Gilson.

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5/18/2012 - And Some More On Gilson - Is Gilson Topfsted Honest?

On 2/1/2010, Gilson, who had previously sent 3 mouthpieces for me to take to Wolfe T for refacing, sent me this email regarding their shipment back to him in Germany:

"Concerning the MPC´s and the package...the value to declare must be of 41,99 U$.  It is what I paid for this almost new soprano piece with lig and box.

I´d like if you make a package and put the "2 Wolfe pieces" on the bottom of the package in a kind of "false bottom" covering it with tape so the 2 pieces stay under. After that putting the Link and his box above with some padding stuff around. I know the procedures at the custom here. They will require from me the eBay link and they will  check on the website for the picture of the auction and compare the end price with the declared value.

I also know how to open tha package since they ask me always to open the package myself. I will open from above grabbing only the Link sop piece and let the "wolfe pieces" hidden in the bottom, under the tape. Some padding stuff must cover the tape.

It is not dramatic when they see the 2 others. I will tell them exactly what I did, but they don´t believe in what you tell, they want "see" documents and I have any for the "Wolfe pieces". So it ís better to try hidding them discretely and decently."



I replied to him on 2/2/2010: "Mouthpieces:  I must provide accurate descriptions of the contents of the box, including values on the export/import customs form.   No false compartments.  No lying.  No smuggling." 

 

------------------------

5/16/2012 - "Destroyed My Sax" Response

Who was introduced to me (by ConnHunter himself) as the new owner of ConnHunter's Conn tenor in late 2010? - EricM (Eric Maldonado Sr.)

Who represented themself as the owner of ConnHunter's Conn tenor throughout 2011? - EricM (Eric Maldonado Sr.) LINK

Who, in the beginning of 2011, authorized tossing out all completed Mk6 keywork mods (originally commissioned by ConnHunter) in favor of the latest MM Ultimate version, delacquering/patinia treating, extensive other keywork mods, spatula inserts, and engraving, essentially starting over from scratch, all at no additional cost to themselves, all on an new, flexible and relaxed completion schedule, and a release date in Los Angeles as the MM showcase instrument dependent upon MM patent filing completion? - EricM (Eric Maldonado Sr.)

Who, when it was requested of him in July, 2011 as a response to ConnHunter's incessant complaining about his "lost" horn, refused to make a public statement on SOTW clarifying for all that:

1. He was the owner of the instrument as ConnHunter had stated back in 2010.

2. He had authorized all the new modification changes and new completion schedule, as per above.

EricM (Eric Maldonado Sr.)

Eric stated, "I don't want to get involved." As a result of EricM's/ConnHunter's now obvious deceptive scheming, all work on the instrument ceased, in mid process of the major modification.

Refusing to "own up", EricM requested that the instrument be sent to him in it's current state. I tried to explain to him the that all brazing modifications on any horn, have basically two stages:

1. the frightfully ugly cutting/brazing/fitting stage

Stage 2

2. the pretty cleaned/finished stage

Stage 1

If you interrupt stage #1, you will be shocked at what you receive and no other tech will be interested in taking over the work. I offered to put the horn in nice, playing condition, omiting the planned modifications that were not already under way, but he insisted upon it's being shipped.

. It is complete with octave key, F# key, and thumb hook (sent in second shipment. Gilson omitted offering info on the second shipment.). He now claims (SOTW posting) that he was just trying to get the instrument back for ConnHunter (which was never an issue anyway - ConnHunter merly had to arrange return packaging/shipping.). Having intentionally misrepresented himself as the horn's owner and having authorized the extensive, new, and now interrupted (because of that misrepresentation) work being done on it, he is responisble for all changes to the instrument and it's current state.

The offer to return the instrument to nice, playing condition (at no cost to them other than shipping/packaging costs) still stands, provided Gilson and ErikM come clean, and tell some truth for once.

I accept no responsability for the "interrupted" condition of the instrument. I feel no need to justify my choice of mod design, materials, keywork used, or anything else pertaining to the interrupted process.......but, to those tech geniuses who consider the aux F# patch to be "Clumsy and barbaric."...

What you see is obviously not a patch. It is a reinforcing brace. The F# hole is neatly patched (brazed) with a form-fitted disk, resulting in no alteration to the instrument's bore. Brazing temperature anneals the work-hardened brass in that area, making it very soft and plyable. Sarge (rip), of WorldWideSax examined picts of the horn, as sent by ConnHunter, and told me the horn had been relacquered at least 3 times in it's life. (I removed the lacquer chemically. No buffing was done). Since the metal was already considerably thinner than normal, and the thumb hook mount can exert considerable stress on the body tube during normal use and handling, I empoyed the use of a not unattractive, work-hardened reinforcing brace soldered to the tube over the patched area. A small price to pay for optimal thumb position on a Conn and tube stability.

 

A complete transcript of all emails between ConnHunter, EricM, and myself, and all related SOTW postings is being presented to my legal representation.

 

 

Lots more to come. Check back and be entertained.

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*What is "Equivalent Justice"? What they say about you doesn't have to be true as long as it punishes you, at the very least, to the extent they feel you deserve punishment = Lynching.

The only way to make any intelligible sense out of any of this mess, going back to the beginning, is to objectively examine the facts of each instance, one at a time, something tht the SOTW administration seems unwilling to do.