Spark App Issue (Not Working)
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Hi. Is anybody else having an issue with the Spark app chord analyzer? I use it with iTunes (Apple Music) and for the last week or so, I’ve been getting the same prompt for every song I try to use the app with: “No matching song found on YouTube.” This happens with even the most common songs; when I try searching YouTube directly, the app will not let me select the video.
I emailed PG Support- no answer to date. Are they having some kind of licensing issue? Do I need to update or maybe delete and reinstall the app?
It’s really strange. I also preordered the Spark Amp back in October and have not received it or any real update as to what’s going on. Thank you for reading all this.
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I don’t think the final version of the app is even available yet. When did you download?
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@jhk3rd
I want to say maybe in October or November- I can’t remember exactly when I pre-ordered the Spark Amp. I downloaded the app a couple days after I placed my order for the amplifier; it worked ok until a couple of weeks ago.I got an email from Felix at PG support basically saying what you said- that I don’t have the final version. But he didn’t answer my question as to whether the version I have is a beta test version that expired or if I should reinstall it.
I’ve never dealt with PG before but between their sketchy customer service and the lack of information about the delays on delivering the Spark amp, I’m beginning to think this is a Ponzi scheme and I may cancel my order and put in a merchant dispute with my credit card company.
For anyone reading this, the Spark app is ok. It’s not always totally accurate and it doesn’t really interface with your music library. I tried it on some obscure B.B. King material and it wouldn’t recognize the sound files. It’s basically a glorified Chordify.
I hope somebody at PG reviews these forums. So far, I’m not impressed
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@danlamarca Here is a link to the Spark Users Manual. The manual has a version # for the Spark App...since I have never seen the app or know where to get it, I don't know if the version referenced is a beta or not. Just something to compare your app against....https://help.positivegrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038311791-Spark-40-User-Manual
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@cottero
Thank you so much. I’ll check it out. The version I have was downloaded right from the Apple App Store. This whole situation with this Spark amp is really strange.
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@danlamarca The only Spark app from Positive Grid that I can find in the Apple App Store today is:
"Guitar Lessons | Spark EDU"
Is that what you've been using?
If not, then I believe that what you have been using might have been taken down from the store.
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@loudunham Guitar Lessons | Spark EDU is not the Spark amp app but a separate product.
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@av-konten
Thanks, guys. You’re right- the EDU app is not what we’ll be able to use with the amp (if they ever deliver them). PG support finally told me the same thing after numerous emails back and forth. I have to say that, as of now, I don’t have a lot of confidence in PG; if this is how their company operates, they won’t be in business for long. Their answers to customer questions are sketchy and vague, at best. I’ve gleaned more information in these forums than I have from PG support. It’s like some 1st year business school kid is running the show there
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@danlamarca Agreed,they keep pushing delivery dates out further and further while at the same time they keep taking more orders on...I'm thinking they promised us something that they can't come through on...
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Not only taking more orders but very aggressively advertising online and through social media.
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@jhk3rd
It’s borderline fraud. I’m giving it to the end of February and if I don’t have the items I ordered or a reasonable explanation and a timeline for delivery, I’m canceling my order.
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@danlamarca It's a brand new product, and in my experience it almost always takes considerably longer than originally estimated, especially when it requires software as well as hardware development. That's one of the main reasons why such products are often heavily discounted prior to their release (I.E. the BeatBuddy drum "machine" pedal). Once the Spark Amp is actually available, you probably won't see prices much lower than $299 anywhere.
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@loudunham
Are you kidding me? Do you work for PG or have some sort of vested interest in it? We all get it- it’s a new product and there can be slight delays in the supply chain. We’re not dumb. I don’t recall PG stating that the pre-orders were some sort of public beta test or that we’d have to wait for them to finishing developing a product that they’re openly advertising like it’s readily available and are still accepting orders. I think the people on this forum who are pissed and disappointed with PG have every right to be- and the “low cost” isn’t a mitigating factor here- PG’s customer support and transparency on this matter have completely sucked. Guaranteed: another real musical instrument company will develop a similar product in the next few months and will actually be able to fill their orders.
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@danlamarca said in Spark App Issue (Not Working):
Are you kidding me? Do you work for PG or have some sort of vested interest in it?
No, I don't work for PG, but my "vested interest" is the money I gave them for my Spark Amp. I'm eager to get my hands on it.
Based on my experiences "buying in" for several products under development, I'm used to waiting several months past the manufacturers' original planned dates for delivery. I cited the very popular BeatBuddy as a prime example. Waiting months for new model Fender guitars is another well-known one. Consider the angst folks can suffer over getting the latest smartphone or electric car. It never makes the product arrive any sooner. I understand the anger, but it does no good and it's a waste of energy.
At least PG support has been very good about handling technical questions. I've made 6 or 7 requests, and they have all been answered very quickly and completely..
@danlamarca said in Spark App Issue (Not Working):
Guaranteed: another real musical instrument company will develop a similar product in the next few months and will actually be able to fill their orders.
If you're right, then buy it and cancel your Spark Amp order. I'll get mine all the sooner.
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@loudunham
I just might. For anybody old enough to remember, this was John De Lorean’s business model too (create a consumer buzz with a good idea before having your i’s dotted and t’s crossed in terms of supply and production). Look it up. How did it go for him?
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@danlamarca said in Spark App Issue (Not Working):
@loudunham
I just might. For anybody old enough to remember, this was John De Lorean’s business model too (create a consumer buzz with a good idea before having your i’s dotted and t’s crossed in terms of supply and production). Look it up. How did it go for him?I repaired DeLoreans. They were junk, and about as dependable as Yugos. That Professor Brown chose one to modify for "Back to the Future" was hilarious.
Tesla seems to be very successful with similar business tactics, though.
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@loudunham you have a good attitude about this,I wish I could say the same for myself.Have you noticed that all the demo videos of the spark ,and I've watched them all,talk about the feature that picks up on your style and beat and then gives you your own backing track but none of them give a demo of that feature? I believe that's because it's an idea not a reality.I think their in over their heads.
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@mbgreiner sorry that was supposed to be for danlamarca..
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@mbgreiner
Duly noted, Sir. Ok, guys- no sense whipsawing each other- we’re in the same boat here. I got an update last night stating that my order will ship this week, arriving between 01/31 and 02/07. We shall see. And, yes, Sir: I did notice the demo videos gloss over quite a bit. I agree: the Spark is a great idea and I hope it works well. I’ll certainly let you guys know if/when I receive it. My fear is that PG will ultimately fail and we’ll all be left with a neat speaker to play along to your music library with. I hope I’m wrong. I’ll check in if I get my order this week. P.S: also agreed on the choice of a De Lorean. They were neat looking cars, though! Have a good day, guys. Dan
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@danlamarca Peace my friend,let us know..thanks
