Beezer wrote:That is very disappointing for such an expensive and highly anticipated machine. I'd be upset if I saw that kind of build quality on a $500 machine, much less a $4,500 one.

+1

jesawdy wrote:I think the US market wait list members can be thankful that they have to wait as all these things get worked out.

Yes but it seems to be an overall QC issue, not just a list of post-release design improvements. I haven't seen such sloppy Italian workmanship ("fixes") performed by a factory since my '74 Moto Guzzi Eldorado.

Given these types of experiences, future buyers will need caveat emptor. Peek under the hood before laying down multiple layers of cash on the barrelhead.

Here's hoping LM makes this right for you!

k7qz wrote:Yes but it seems to be an overall QC issue, not just a list of post-release design improvements. I haven't seen such sloppy Italian workmanship ("fixes") performed by a factory since my '74 Moto Guzzi Eldorado.

Isn't this getting a bit out of proportion here?

I would keep in mind the fact that the only "major" issue being discussed here are the two holes that hold the drip tray in place, right? I agree that they are crude, especially in this unit, but you don't make coffee with these holes do you? The other couple of issues that I have heard of or experienced have been the grouphead cap (quickly fixed), the steam tip (quickly fixed), the wand attachments (quickly fixed) and the water reservoir (quickly fixed). I am extremely happy with my machine and have had no other issues in the 6 months of ownership - I am extremely happy with the machine.

With regards to these issues I think we also need to keep in mind the fact that these machines are hand built in small numbers (around 120 to date). As a result it is not surprising that one sees changes in some components over time.

With regards to bugs or QC issues - have you ever bought the first sample of a new car off the production line that has zero issues with it? Ok, some of the Japanese ones have been surprisingly trouble free, but even they have recalls. Or look at things this way - which car is built better and of better materials, a new Corvette or a new VW Golf? In my opinion the latter is vastly better built on both counts. How about a Ferrari F430 and an Audi A3? Again I think the latter wins. But which car in each of these pairs would you rather have?

Also, I again point out that I have had zero usability issues with my GS3 after I had it set-up and got the right steam tip. And the coffee is better than ever - at least for me...

Br,
Teme

I opted for two Vivaldi machines for the price of one GS3...not a bad deal.
I still would like to get a GS3 when they finally work out the kinks and the plumbing end of the machine. I know I read of a plumbing kit somewhere available (or soon to be), any of you GS3 owners have yours plumbed in yet?

How much does a GS3 weigh? I couldn't find any specs on the weight of the machine.
Nice machine, overpriced but you get what you pay for .

Niko wrote:I know I read of a plumbing kit somewhere available (or soon to be), any of you GS3 owners have yours plumbed in yet?

Mine and three others I have seen came with the plumbing in kit. I am still running from the reservoir, but as I am planning a move, in the new location (when it happens) the machine will be plumbed in&out.

Niko wrote:How much does a GS3 weigh? I couldn't find any specs on the weight of the machine.

37 kg dry weight. Around 41 kg with the boilers filled and the reservoir empty. around 44 kg with a full reservoir (more if you have water in the drip tray). Not a machine that is easy to haul around by a single person (at least not of my build).

HB wrote:I believe this is one of those "matter of principle" moments. The GS3 commands a premium price. I imagine myself unboxing my highly anticipated fresh from the factory La Marzocco, and then seeing this. What, you have got to be kidding!?! I would be livid. Not because it makes any functional difference, but because it shows utter disregard for craftsmanship, plain and simple.

Fair enough. The expectations towards a machine of this price range are high. You expect perfection. The lug holes on Rosemary's example are by far the worst I have seen on any of the GS3's and I understand her disappointment despite the fact that I still personally consider this a minor flaw. I hope (and trust) that Rosemary and her distributor / LM will find an amicable resolution.

Br,
Teme

Oh, I just wanted to add an image of the equivalent drilled "lug-hole" from my GS3 for comparative purposes...



Not perfect, but a lot better than Rosemary's.

Br,
Teme

The technician has just been and has straightened the bar so the drip tray will sit in. I wasn't prepared to do that in case it came off in my hand. He said they plumbed it in to bench test and hadn't noticed the holes. He will discuss them with Greg. This I can easily believe because I didn't notice them until I tried to work out why the tray was not fitting easily. We'll await the result of the discussion. It would be interesting know what the holes look like on the machine in Tokyo.

Rosemary

Randy G. wrote:$4500 USD for an espresso machine that doesn't work properly when new

Mine has worked perfectly from day 2 (a friend came over to help set the machine up properly and I could have waited for a few more days to have the retailer set it up for full operation from day 1 of receipt).

Randy G. wrote:arrives with missing parts

What parts were missing from yours? I do not recall any missing parts on mine. In fact I have not yet had use for the plumbing in kit or all of the 7 filter baskets that came with the machine (or was it 8?)...

Randy G. wrote:is assured to rust because someone poorly (amateurishly!) had ground holes in it and didn't bother to finish them or paint the bare metal?

I do not think I have had a single drop of water getting in touch with this area to date. But as I said, this is a point that could have been finished a lot better (especially in Rosemary's machine).

Randy G. wrote:Issues that you have had are not relevant here

I am just trying to be open about my personal experiences with the machine in question and share this. Is this irrelevant to other GS3 owners?

Randy G. wrote:"I got a beautiful Rolex, and except for the fact that they forgot to put the hands on, it is a beautiful watch. Hey! It NEARLY keeps time."

I don't think this analogy works. Not only does the GS3 keep time (perhaps more accurately than a Rolex), but does what it is intended to do exceptionally well - make coffee. No fault whatsoever here in my opinion and I have not heard anyone else dispute this so far, either. Do you?

Randy G. wrote:This machine has been in development for years, and numerous early units have been seen and tested iirc. It is, by all accounts, THE most expensive and highly developed espresso machine ever made for home use. It should be nearly perfect for that price.

In my opinion it is nearly perfect.

Randy G. wrote:I spoke with the LM folks at the Long Beach SCAA show and could have negotiated for an GS3 at a good price with little difficulty... After seeing those images I am now glad I didn't. The rep even went so far as saying something like, "We could work something out." Even at a "deal" price, if my machine had arrived looking like that I would have been one PO'd puppy!

Good for you.

It looks to me like this is getting ugly so I'll try and restrain myself from here on. I just think things should be kept in perspective. My personal opinion and others may disagree.

Br,
Teme