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write your own review of the Begali Simplex Mono.
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AE1Z
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 15, 2007 08:36
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Superb, unmatched quality and service!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own a few of Begali's keys - Mono, Professional and a Signature. The quality of the Simplex Mono is no different from than the quality on the "big brothers" - Signature and Professional. Every aspect of the key is superb - from the finish to the adjustments! The action is silky smooth - not as good as on the magnetic return paddles but as good as it gets with springs!! I love the aluminum finger pieces!!!
Dealing with Pietro and his daughter Bruna has been excellent! I met Pietro at Dayton and he is a really nice down-to-earth guy! He even offered me as a gift a whole stack of Begali Keys QSL cards! This is an A+ company! I have invested over a $1k in Begali keys and I would buy other models when possible! Next on my shopping list is the Sculpture and Traveler!
I can’t believe that people assume that they are entitled to a "freebie" because of a defective item. Most manufacturers won’t even pay for the return shipping! It's up to Pietro to decide where his keys should be returned and how a problem should be solved!!! It is just plain rude to expect/demand a "freebie" and an expensive one too and to tell mfr how he should handle his problems, after he already offered a perfectly reasonable solution!! Pietro's quality control is excellent from what I've seen but no quality control system is perfect!!! A defect in the plating on the underside could slip, but assuming that the defect would extend with time is a pure speculation!
I see no problems with the palladium and gold on my keys and it is not coming off!
Simply put - Pietro's keys are the best out there!
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VK6CP
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Rating: 2/5
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Aug 14, 2007 22:36
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customer service viz product quality control needs help
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After reading other reviews of Begali Simplex mono keys, my story is a little different.
1) Begali Simplex mono key palladium coating with gold contacts ordered 15 June 2007.
2) Key received 25 days later on 10 July 2007.
Upon inspection, I immediately noticed the Palladium coating had broken away in 2 places on the underneath of the base, I reasoned that if the coating is coming off now, given time, it would also detach on more visible places. I informed Begali and sent a photo. I was offered a replacement which was accepted. I was advised to send the faulty key back to Italy and my shipping costs would be refunded but when I informed them of the intended costs before shipping, they told me to send it to a local distributor.
I made these comments to Begali.
1) I remarked that after receiving the alternative mailing address, I would have thought that Begali would have returned the palladium base to the coating processing factory for replacement but they insisted I pass my key on to the distributor, saying: I don't believe that you have thought that we have could sell to somebody your defected key.
Odd, how come they sold it to me?
2) I asked how this key passed quality inspection prior to shipping but this point was not answered.
These keys are priced at the high end of the market and I should not expect to be inconvenienced by receiving a damaged seconds item when paying $270. Whilst waiting for my replacement key, I pondered that it seemed inconceivable that a manufacturing trade does not have a quality inspection process in place after product assembly to avoid customer
dis-satisfaction and the high expenditure in returning defective goods. Customer service seems to be lacking.
Replacement key eventually received 9 August 2007, some 55 days after original order.
G3UCQ review on page 2 of this forum seemed to have had a great deal from Begali after 9 months of owning his key when G3UCQ forum post with an identical defect was mentioned to Begali, the same concession was not extended to myself.
Rating 2/5 customer service viz lack of product quality inspection outweighed my pleasure of using the key.
Larry VK6CP
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W2RRT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2007 12:37
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A great key
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The key adjustments are very easy to make. The action is fluid, very smooth. the weight of the key is just right. key does not move when in use. A great key.
And it looks like a painting. Great job Mr. Begsli
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W1KRT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 26, 2007 18:03
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Outstanding product!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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My cw activity level goes in cycles. I have not been very active for the past few months, but decided to finally do a QRP Field Day operation. The Begali very much impressed me right when I got it, but I did not want to write a review until I had put it through its paces. Well, in addition to my normal activity, the Simplex Mono held up perfectly to Field Day excitement and fatique. Not a bit of chasing it around the table, not one instance of having to reset the spacing or tension adjustments. It stayed put and worked.And it looks great, too. Thank you Piero and Bruna for the great product and fantastic service on ordering.It has been a true pleasure to deal with you and use your product.
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N6NKN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 31, 2007 13:33
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Thank You Piero and Bruna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I placed my order for a Simplex Mono a week before Dayton. Silly me. Immediately I got an email from Bruna that they were headed out the door to Dayton. They would send me my Mono just as soon as they returned.
Well the happy day has arrived and I am now the proud owner of S/N 232.
The precision and workmanship of the Begali keys boarders on legend, and for good reason. It appears to be flawless both in execution and operation. Back that up with superb customer service, and you have a combination that is very hard to fault.
I think I have been fortunate enough to purchase a collectors item. Now, I'll have to go out and buy some driving gloves to properly put the "Ferrari" of keys thru its paces.
Thanks Piero and Bruna
N6NKN
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N3ZJ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 17, 2007 14:31
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Classy product and classy company
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have used the Simplex Mono for about 3 months now and I'm very pleased with its performance. It is an elegant and well thought-out design, and the Begali people (Piero and Bruna) are most gracious and attentive - which adds a further sense of quality to the product. Highly recommended.
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W4ABN
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 23, 2007 18:48
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Outstanding!!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This key is great and the service was wonderful.
SN: 212
I ordered my key 2 Jan 07 as a Christmas gift for myself. Unfortunately, it wasn't in stock at that time. Due to work obligations, I went out of town and would not have been around when it came, so a few emails and a phone call were exchanged. Bruna is very helpful. She told me about the delay and was understanding about me being out of town. I sent her an address of a couple of friends who were watching my house while I was gone and when I got back (today) it was here waiting. I made a cable right away and tested it out.
The Key: The key was packed in a way that there ws no possible way it could move during shipment. It took a few minutes to even open the box and I was happy to see my new key. I ordered the palladium version and I love it.
I've been planning on getting more active in CW and now that I have a "real" key, that planning is going to become a reality.
This key is worth every cent and the wait, no matter how long or short it may be. I look forward to ordering another Begali key in the future.
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K4VVX
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 21, 2007 23:18
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Excellent
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This is a follow up on my post of Jan 1, 2007. I have been fondling, playing with and using my Simplex Mono for about 3 months now, and my opinion has not changed. It is the most comfortable piece of CW sending equipment that I have ever wrapped my left, non-iambic fist around. I would do it again. I love it.
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KC7KZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 6, 2007 23:00
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Bello !!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just Beautiful! Outstanding Italian craftsmanship! Premier customer service! Thank you Piero & Bruna !!!!
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K2MK
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 22, 2007 14:55
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A great gift idea
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just treated myself to the Begali Simplex Mono for my birthday. This might be a great gift idea for you XYLs to give the ham in your life.
After years of using a Bencher I decided that my brain was just not cut out for an Iambic paddle. So I went back to my trusty old Vibroplex paddle and all was well with the world again. But have you ever noticed how the Vibroplex just seems to lose its adjustment occasionally.
I like to look at the new e-Ham reviews and I could not believe the non-stop 5's for the various Begali models. So why not. I took the plunge and couldn't be happier. It is a work of art and it really stays put on the desk.
Ordering was easy and e-mail communication was perfect. Delivery was quick and packaging was also perfect.
You'll have to add your own cable of course and the Mono has 3 solder lugs and a clamp on the bottom for that purpose.
If you don't care for Iambic paddles, the Simplex Mono is for you. I'm sure your experience will be as positive as mine.
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