I did a google search of your name and came up with just the Fractal stuff. There's a website I found, but doesn't load (at least not here in EU. For an internationally touring musician I would think I could find something on you...not questioning what you said, but just the facts that came up. 50 gigs during a pandemic (because the FM3 seems to have been out through this entire pandemic thing), is quite a feat and more than most on this forum. I have many friends in the US (and most actually own Fractal gear) and haven't played that many gigs since 2019, and a few tour throughout the US and EU, even now...even they say they would be concerned with using the FM3 live, and would use their Axe III's instead.
No worries. I never take offense when asked to verify my credentials.
I understand your skepticism. My online presence (
http://www.johnhendow.com) is focused on technology and management, more so than on music. I teach and record using my business name rather than my own personal name. For the first several years on this forum, I used "Sleestak" as my alias, and only decided to add my actual name for transparency because I am also a Fractal Audio Systems facebook page admin.
I play in three bands:
http://bowievision.com
http://1uppers.com
http://www.dudleymanlove.com
Before the pandemic shut us down, I was playing about ten shows a month with these bands. Like everyone else, I've been quarantined at home for a year. I use the AxeFX III for BowieVision, and the FM3 for the other two bands. I also did a number of (sometimes international) fly dates as a solo musician, and those were FM3 gigs. But we can leave those out.
Just looking at the pre-pandemic year: 10 shows a month x 1 year = 120 shows. Let's assume 1/3 of those were AxeFX III gigs, which leaves us with 80. Even if my math is off by 50%, that still over 50 shows.
I'm not famous, but I play regularly. I haven't had problems with any of the Fractal gear. That isn't to say that it's impossible for that to occur. My assertion is that I've taken my equipment for some adventures and it hasn't ever failed me
I would be interested in hearing from people who have experienced reliability concerns; not to dispute those reports, I really want to know and understand. I have obviously had the AxeFX III for a longer time than the FM3. My assumption is that the same level of rigor and testing is applicable to all Fractal products, but again, it's certainly possible for any piece of equipment to fail. One of my guitars is positively cursed, and seems to find new ways to fail almost every week. I leave it at home now. Great guitar, but apparently gremlin-infested.
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