Toy Review - JP Masterpiece Soundwave

[griffin]

(Please post comments, photos or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details to start you off)

Soundwave with Condor (Laserbeak)
Series - Masterpiece
Sub-line - none
Size/class - n/a
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - MP-13
Released here - not here (released in Japan January 2013 - delayed a month)
Approximate Retail Price - 16,000yen (about AU$200)
Approximate Size - 23cm
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - Portable Cassette Player (Soundwave), Cassette/Condor (Laserbeak)
Main Features/Gimmicks - Holds Cassettes, Ejects Cassettes, Megatron gun, Energon Cube, Wrist gun.
Main Colours - Dark blue, silver, black
Main Accessories - Laserbeak, gun, missile, shoulder cannon, Megatron, wrist gun, Energon Cube (plus two extra Energon Cubes if bought from Amazon.jp)

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/jp2012a40a.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/jp2012a40b.jpg

[seespotrun]

Overall, a great figure of an iconic character. The accessories go well with other MP figures, too.

Things to watch out for:

My Laserbeak was very tight initially. It was scary flipping some of the smaller bit.
The tips of the forefingers are just held in place via friction (and not very much of it), so keep an eye out.


The hip articulation could have been better, but it's like with MP Grimlock's gimmicks---they do take away from the figure, but at the end of the day there's so much awesomeness here that you can easily overlook them.

http://i.imgur.com/qsctGe5.jpg (http://imgur.com/qsctGe5)

PS: don't open the energon cube and sniff it. :rolleyes:

[5FDP]

Received my MP Soundwave today via RK and I'm in love. What a great figure and excellent representation of my favourite Decepticon.

Paint apps are perfect (unlike other recent entries into the MP line), accessories compliment the figure well, and transformation is about what you'd expect from a MP however faithful to the original toy.

My only concerns are the ones that seespotrun has already stated. The forefinger on mine popped off a couple of times however it is easily put back in place. I can see second-hand ones selling on eBay with the finger missing. Other joints, including Laserbeak, are incredibly tight and you'll second guess yourself on occasion if you’re transforming it right.

I got mine for approx. $170 shipped which if reports are correct, is only $20 more than what the Hasbro version will retail for, so for me it was worth paying the extra and getting it 6 months before a local release.

If you're a fan of Soundwave, get this figure. It's quite simple really.

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

This will become many people's "grail" in years to come if they miss this and the inevitable hasblow release

[Bidoofdude]

I'm taking the risk and waiting for that Hasbro release.
I'll hopefully have enough money by then.

[stencilator]

Overall, a great figure of an iconic character. The accessories go well with other MP figures, too.

Things to watch out for:

My Laserbeak was very tight initially. It was scary flipping some of the smaller bit.
The tips of the forefingers are just held in place via friction (and not very much of it), so keep an eye out.


The hip articulation could have been better, but it's like with MP Grimlock's gimmicks---they do take away from the figure, but at the end of the day there's so much awesomeness here that you can easily overlook them.

http://i.imgur.com/qsctGe5.jpg (http://imgur.com/qsctGe5)

PS: don't open the energon cube and sniff it. :rolleyes:

I wish I had read this before playing with mine. I thought I was going to break laserbeak and I nearly lost the end of soundwave's index finger under the couch at first touch. That being said, I also sniffed the inside of the energy cube after reading your post.... so curiosity would have been my downfall anyway.

This is my new favorite figure. Now slotted into my collection and fits perfectly. I love it. Bring on more MP tapes.

[Kazza]

I love this figure, nice paint, great accessories, only gripe is soundwave's head is slightly loose, it stays in place fine but doesn't take much for it to nod/drop down.

[5FDP]

Just something else I thought of; it's curious as to why in this day of cost cutting that Takara would decide to package Soundwave in his bot mode when the box could be half the size if he was in tape-deck mode. I could understand if the box had a display window ala TFC reissues, however since it's a blind box, most would remove him from the box and transform him anway. I know I did and I usually keep things MISB.

It will be interesting to see if Hasbro follow suit.


I love this figure, nice paint, great accessories, only gripe is soundwave's head is slightly loose, it stays in place fine but doesn't take much for it to nod/drop down.

Mine doesn't have this issue. I suspect it may be an isolated case unfortunately :(

[5FDP]

Question for those that have received their MP Soundwave - what would be the best way to position Laserbeak when Soundwave is holding his blaster in his right hand (downward position) and pressing his eject button with his left?

I've got Laserbeak on his left forearm however because of the positioning required to make him press his eject button, Laserbeak is pointing upwards which I'm not 100% happy with. Because of his shoulder cannon, the right shoulder is out of the question and due to limited space in my cabinet, his blaster has to be pointing downwards so the right forearm won't work either.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm taking the risk and waiting for that Hasbro release.
I'll hopefully have enough money by then.
Looks like your risk will be rewarded. :) As griffin recently posted, the AU release will retail for $150 - a good price!

[Waxpython]

Looks like your risk will be rewarded. :) As griffin recently posted, the AU release will retail for $150 - that's $25 cheaper than the Japanese RRP! Even if you managed to get a preorder discount and paid $127, adding the cost of postage means you'd be paying about $150 all up anyway. So I think this is fantastic news and rewarding for more patient Aussie collectors. You'll be no worse off than the "earlybirds" (like me), and you'll be at least $25 better off than anyone who paid RRP (approx $45 savings if you include postage cost). Kudos to Hasbro for bringing MP Soundwave here at such a good price! :D

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/gif_g1-cliffjumperdance.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/gif_g1-bumblebeedance.gif


it's not 150 dollars it's 80 dollars same as rodimus and thundercracker prime was more expensive because of the trailer

[lancalot]

i seen that no one posted up the coin that come with it so here it is . And also the engergon cube is slightly tapered and not fully cubed.:confused: Filled mine with laser glitter for a better glow effect then the cutout that they make you print.

http://imageshack.us/a/img254/461/img0475medium.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/7725/img0476medium.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img802/3271/img0481medium.jpg
stick'em rex !!!

[Bidoofdude]

it's not 150 dollars it's 80 dollars same as rodimus and thundercracker prime was more expensive because of the trailer

Prime and Soundwave are bigger than the seeker mold and Rodimus didn't have as many goodies.
It is CONFIRMED to be $150, which regardless, is a REALLY good price considering you're getting an iconic character with heaps of accesories and Laserbeak as well.

[griffin]

it's not 150 dollars it's 80 dollars same as rodimus and thundercracker prime was more expensive because of the trailer

This is your last warning - This sort of trolling (posting up information that has already been proven to be false, just to mislead people), can lead to removal from here.

[griffin]

Just something else I thought of; it's curious as to why in this day of cost cutting that Takara would decide to package Soundwave in his bot mode when the box could be half the size if he was in tape-deck mode. I could understand if the box had a display window ala TFC reissues, however since it's a blind box, most would remove him from the box and transform him anway. I know I did and I usually keep things MISB.

It will be interesting to see if Hasbro follow suit.


I think TakaraTomy had the big box to make it look more "worth it" to people who would buy it in person, or receive it in the mail... as it is a $150-200 toy, so you'd feel like it wasn't worth it if you got a box that was half the size.

Hasbro will probably have some sort of viewing window (if the box looks like a cassette player, the cassette window might be clear), so is likely to have it in robot mode to make it look like better value.

[5FDP]

Hasbro will probably have some sort of viewing window (if the box looks like a cassette player, the cassette window might be clear), so is likely to have it in robot mode to make it look like better value.

Agreed. I just don't think that a cassette player would attract much attention from the youth of today. Most probably wouldn't even know what it was :p

[kaiden]

Agreed. I just don't think that a cassette player would attract much attention from the youth of today. Most probably wouldn't even know what it was :p

hey kids! this is a retro oldschool ipod!

[Hursticon]

Question for those that have received their MP Soundwave - what would be the best way to position Laserbeak when Soundwave is holding his blaster in his right hand (downward position) and pressing his eject button with his left?

I've got Laserbeak on his left forearm however because of the positioning required to make him press his eject button, Laserbeak is pointing upwards which I'm not 100% happy with. Because of his shoulder cannon, the right shoulder is out of the question and due to limited space in my cabinet, his blaster has to be pointing downwards so the right forearm won't work either.

I'm really not sure dude as it really has left you with many options...
Maybe if you had a separate stand perhaps? :o


i seen that no one posted up the coin that come with it so here it is . And also the engergon cube is slightly tapered and not fully cubed.:confused: Filled mine with laser glitter for a better glow effect then the cutout that they make you print.

*snip*

Curiously dude, what is this stuff? - Would you possibly have a link to it or something as I can't say I've heard about it before & you're right as it does look quite good! :)

[seespotrun]

what would be the best way to position Laserbeak when Soundwave is holding his blaster in his right hand (downward position) and pressing his eject button with his left?


How about giving birth?

http://i.imgur.com/RZkJo61.jpg (http://imgur.com/RZkJo61)

Seriously though, if you're willing to deal with a little finickiness, you can get laserbeak perched just right:

http://i.imgur.com/xt9QND8.jpg (http://imgur.com/xt9QND8)

[lancalot]

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/9928/img0484medium.jpg

found in the craft section of go-lo:)
need one and half packet to fill a cube

[Hursticon]

How about giving birth?

*snip*[/URL]

Ha lol! - I love that description! :p:D


*snip*

found in the craft section of go-lo:)
need one and half packet to fill a cube

Ah! - Bingo! :)
Cheers mate, much appreciated; I'll have to get around to one of the 2 or 3 stores in my local vicinity & checkout if they've got any in stock. ;):cool:

[5FDP]

Seriously though, if you're willing to deal with a little finickiness, you can get laserbeak perched just right:

http://i.imgur.com/xt9QND8.jpg (http://imgur.com/xt9QND8)

Thanks for the suggestion seespotrun :) That does look good but... having him sit half on his forearm and half on his hand would bother me a little (yeah, I know, I have a problem :o). It's probably the only way that pose can be accomplished though :confused:

That suggestion to use glitter to fill the energon cube - BRILLIANT!! :cool: :cool:

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

C'mon guys, where are the pics of this awesome new Soundwave with his old G1 cassette buddies? And their more modern versions (Classics Se Overkill, BW Metals Ravage, CHUGUR Ratbat, United Rumble and Frenzy, etc. etc.)? Next to MP Megatron?
This thread needs less so-determinedly-uninformed-and-lacking-in-basic-punctuation-that-it-hurts-to-read claptrap that contradicts confirmed news, and more so-beautiful-it-almost-hurts-to-look-at pics of this sweet toy.

[Deceptic_Optic]

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/image_zps8d9c2031.jpg


http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/image_zpsed1015b2.jpg

[Trent]

Thanks for the suggestion seespotrun :) That does look good but... having him sit half on his forearm and half on his hand would bother me a little (yeah, I know, I have a problem :o). It's probably the only way that pose can be accomplished though :confused:

All these problems would have been avoided you know if you had just left him MISB.:p

[5FDP]

All these problems would have been avoided you know if you had just left him MISB.:p

Someone finally understands me :D :p

I think I've worked it out though. I've tilted Laserbeaks' head downwards which makes it look a bit more aesthetically pleasing. Anyway, It'll have to do as I not taking him back out of my cabinet. He'll be in that pose FOREVER! :cool:

[Hursticon]

C'mon guys, where are the pics of this awesome new Soundwave with his old G1 cassette buddies? And their more modern versions (Classics Se Overkill, BW Metals Ravage, CHUGUR Ratbat, United Rumble and Frenzy, etc. etc.)? Next to MP Megatron?
This thread needs less so-determinedly-uninformed-and-lacking-in-basic-punctuation-that-it-hurts-to-read claptrap that contradicts confirmed news, and more so-beautiful-it-almost-hurts-to-look-at pics of this sweet toy.

I haz d@ picz Bro! :D
(I'd just like to say that that actually hurt to type...)

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/BAM-Likethatoneepisode.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/2013%20Acquisitions/DSCI0023.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/2013%20Acquisitions/DSCI0025.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/2013%20Acquisitions/DSCI0026.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/2013%20Acquisitions/TheTripleThreat.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/2013%20Acquisitions/PlayingwithHimself.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/PortraitoSoundwave.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/DSCI0038_zps2f3dd5c4.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/DSCI0052_zps1ca0ebbd.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/DSCI0051_zps497b5262.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/DSCI0048_zps6f777bd7.jpg


I will be taking more shots at some point, just give me time. ;):)

[kup]

This seems to be an isolated incident so far but just in case:

One of the fins from Laserbeak's little engines was probably assembled with the paint still wet and it 'fused' in making it really hard to move. Since they chose to use a pin and really thin hard plastic, the fin snapped the moment it encountered pressure while turning. The remaining pin joint stump was impossible to move due to the built in now scrapped and folded in excess paint at the unseen bottom of the joint.

I like functional toys so I wasn't willing to just superglue the fin fixed in place and have Laserbeak unable to transform properly. This forced me to have to cut through the joint to remove the pin and scrape the built up paint. Now I am in the process of using putty to fill in the gaps I made to cut the pin out and restoring the little assembly back to functionality.

Very disappointing so this has soured my experience with this toy but at least I seem to be the only one that this happened to.

[Hursticon]

This seems to be an isolated incident so far but just in case:

One of the fins from Laserbeak's little engines was probably assembled with the paint still wet and it 'fused' in making it really hard to move. Since they chose to use a pin and really thin hard plastic, the fin snapped the moment it encountered pressure while turning. The remaining pin joint stump was impossible to move due to the built in now scrapped and folded in excess paint at the unseen bottom of the joint.

I like functional toys so I wasn't willing to just superglue the fin fixed in place and have Laserbeak unable to transform properly. This forced me to have to cut through the joint to remove the pin and scrape the built up paint. Now I am in the process of using putty to fill in the gaps I made to cut the pin out and restoring the little assembly back to functionality.

Very disappointing so this has soured my experience with this toy but at least I seem to be the only one that this happened to.

Oh man! - Sorry to hear Kup, that absolutely sucks moon-sized balls dude - Is there any chance you could possibly get a replacement part or an entire Laserbeak? :(

Another thing to be wary of too is apparently the flats of Soundwave's feet (Where all the fake SD Card ports are etc) has had paint scratching off on some people's figures - It too doesn't seem to be widespread yet, but as the paint is on diecast metal it might be something worth keeping an eye out for. :o
(Thankfully I've not experienced either issue yet *Touches wood*)

[Trent]

Oh man! - Sorry to hear Kup, that absolutely sucks moon-sized balls dude

The image that formed in my head at that statement…


It was not pretty. :o

[kup]

Oh man! - Sorry to hear Kup, that absolutely sucks moon-sized balls dude - Is there any chance you could possibly get a replacement part or an entire Laserbeak? :(

Another thing to be wary of too is apparently the flats of Soundwave's feet (Where all the fake SD Card ports are etc) has had paint scratching off on some people's figures - It too doesn't seem to be widespread yet, but as the paint is on diecast metal it might be something worth keeping an eye out for. :o
(Thankfully I've not experienced either issue yet *Touches wood*)

Thanks Hursty but official toys are not like the 3rd parties which would give you replacement and improved parts for free. Once upon a time Tak-Tom would have cared but not these days. I just have to fix the toy myself.

[Hursticon]

Thanks Hursty but official toys are not like the 3rd parties which would give you replacement and improved parts for free. Once upon a time Tak-Tom would have cared but not these days. I just have to fix the toy myself.

I'm sorry to hear that man, such a shame :(; should the Hasbro MP Soundwave come with a Laserbeak & I pick it up you are more than welcome to it dude. ;):)

[lancalot]

This seems to be an isolated incident so far but just in case:

One of the fins from Laserbeak's little engines was probably assembled with the paint still wet and it 'fused' in making it really hard to move. Since they chose to use a pin and really thin hard plastic, the fin snapped the moment it encountered pressure while turning. The remaining pin joint stump was impossible to move due to the built in now scrapped and folded in excess paint at the unseen bottom of the joint.

I like functional toys so I wasn't willing to just superglue the fin fixed in place and have Laserbeak unable to transform properly. This forced me to have to cut through the joint to remove the pin and scrape the built up paint. Now I am in the process of using putty to fill in the gaps I made to cut the pin out and restoring the little assembly back to functionality.

Very disappointing so this has soured my experience with this toy but at least I seem to be the only one that this happened to.

my one was stuck as well , i forces it so hard and heard a loud click !!:eek:, thought it snap off , almost had a heart attack but my was ok luckly. So i feel for you bro.

[5FDP]

Yeah, those engines are a beotch to move the first time you transform him. I had trouble with the one on the right and thought I would break it as well. Luckily, that didn't happen as 1) I would have been pi$$ed, and 2) I don't have the skills kup possesses when it comes to DIY repairs.

I would be emailing RK though (if you got it from there) and explain the situation to them. Worst thing that could happen is you receive a reply back saying they can't do anything about it. I have heard of them replacing broken / missing parts before and selling the left-over’s as loose.

[kup]

My skills suck. I have failed at fixing it. Too small and requires too much pressure to move.

Then the little fin fell on the ground and I can't f**ing find it anymore. It hasn't been my day. I think the Gods are punishing me for buying an evil official toy.

[seespotrun]

One of my laserbeak's engines was also very hard to flip around first time (still is, to some degree). Luckily, I managed to make it give without breaking it.

[5FDP]

My skills suck.

I know you're just fishing for compliments now cause you know that's just not true :rolleyes:

[1orion2many]

:confused:I thought Gok has got replacement parts before for a faulty transformer, I know I read it in one of the threads.

[kup]

:confused:I thought Gok has got replacement parts before for a faulty transformer, I know I read it in one of the threads.

I think that was like 10 years ago when Takara was not Tomy.

[GoktimusPrime]

:confused:I thought Gok has got replacement parts before for a faulty transformer, I know I read it in one of the threads.
Yeah, my MP01 came with a missing part and I called Takara's customer call centre who quickly sent me a replacement. And I have called their call centre after the Tomy merger -- once to tell them that there was an error with their online survey for Encore Ironhide (they fixed it REALLY quickly), and the other time when I was asking about Encore Fortress Maximus. However their operators don't speak English, so kup will either need to ask a Japanese speaker to call one of TakTOM's call centres during business hours on a weekday (I'm not on hols anymore, so I can't), or maybe try to explain to the operator that he doesn't speak Japanese and see if they can transfer him to an English speaking staff member (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=339214&postcount=113) (I don't know if this would work as I've never had to try it).

[VERT]

Hey Kup if you want to send the bird boy to me I should be able to fix him. Im a sculptor I could make a new fin for it. And send him back to you? Just an idea. :-)

[Tober]

Thanks Hursty but official toys are not like the 3rd parties which would give you replacement and improved parts for free. Once upon a time Tak-Tom would have cared but not these days. I just have to fix the toy myself.

Who did you order from?

Please don't say Robot Kingdom...

[GoktimusPrime]

Thanks Hursty but official toys are not like the 3rd parties which would give you replacement and improved parts for free. Once upon a time Tak-Tom would have cared but not these days. I just have to fix the toy myself.
How do you know TakTOM don't send free replacement parts anymore? Granted I've never needed to receive one from them since my MP01 incident in early 2004... has there been an incident where TakTOM have outright refused to send a replacement part to someone? The only reason I can imagine why they would do that is if the person purchased the Transformer from outside Japan, because then it falls outside their 'jurisdiction'.

When I called Takara about MP01 problem, they initially advised me to bring the toy back to where I bought it from for an exchange. So then I told them that I was in Australia, and after that they said that they couldn't help me if I bought the toy from outside Japan. I told them that my toy did come directly from Japan and not from a foreign source (e.g. U.S. based online store, so if you got your toy from say a Japanese based online store like Amiami or HLJ, then I imagine that it should still count and they should still be obliged to service the toy for you); so after that they agreed to send me replacement parts for free, and also gave me some extra freebies for my troubles. :) I've not heard of Takara's policy on this change since then. :confused:

[kup]

How do you know TakTOM don't send free replacement parts anymore? Granted I've never needed to receive one from them since my MP01 incident in early 2004... has there been an incident where TakTOM have outright refused to send a replacement part to someone? The only reason I can imagine why they would do that is if the person purchased the Transformer from outside Japan, because then it falls outside their 'jurisdiction'.


I don't live in Japan and don't speak Japanese. Even so, given the contemporary corporate climate, I am doubtful it would work even if I did. My only avenue would be to bring it to the store and hope for the best as I would have done here if bought locally.

Anyways, after blood and tears, I have been able to fix my Laserbeak. The engine is visibly scarred on one side but it is not immediately noticeable in a display so no risk of 'WTF happened your laserbeak?!' reactions from anyone who sees it.

The hardest part by far was trying to maintain functionality and playability in the transformation. That required lots of trial and error and often I thought I was failing more than anything until I got it right. Still, not a good experience.

I will wait till I calm down more before I write my views on the actual toy, don't want to contaminate any of the toy's features with my current mood from the incident.


Who did you order from?

Please don't say Robot Kingdom...

Won't say it because you told me not to :)

[Tober]

Won't say it because you told me not to :)

Dang, just about any other supplier probably could have helped you out. :( On the few occasions I've had Transformers breakages HLJ have always sorted me out.

RK's post-sales service is appalling. :mad:

[kup]

What happened to my post? At least you quoted it!

The couple of times I had issues with toys, RK was very helpful so I can't complain about them in that regard. However they were issues with one miss-assembled early PE toy and just mistakes in shipment. Nothing like this.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I'm taking the risk and waiting for that Hasbro release.
I'll hopefully have enough money by then.

Yeah, doing the same

[Tober]

What happened to my post? At least you quoted it!

The couple of times I had issues with toys, RK was very helpful so I can't complain about them in that regard. However they were issues with one miss-assembled early PE toy and just mistakes in shipment. Nothing like this.

Your post? I only quoted the last sentence as that's what was relevant to my query?

I guess you could try asking RK if you want to. When I got the first edition MP Rodimus Convoy and it fell apart they never bothered responding to me.

[kup]

Your post? I only quoted the last sentence as that's what was relevant to my query?

I guess you could try asking RK if you want to. When I got the first edition MP Rodimus Convoy and it fell apart they never bothered responding to me.

Despite what happened with MP Soundwave's Laserbeak, MP Rodimus remains my worst MP experience. That toy should not have been released as it was.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't live in Japan and don't speak Japanese. Even so, given the contemporary corporate climate, I am doubtful it would work even if I did. My only avenue would be to bring it to the store and hope for the best as I would have done here if bought locally.
Okay, but I think there's a difference between saying, "I am unable to access TakaraTOMY's services," and saying, "TakaraTOMY doesn't care about customer service." My personal experience with Takara's customer service has always been fantastic, and granted my experience with them replacing a part was before their merger with Tomy, but unless we've heard of an incident from someone who's had a bad experience with their post-Tomy customer service, I think it's somewhat unfair to just assume that it's gotten any worse since then.

And you are right in that they would advise you to return to the store of purchase for a refund/exchange. But in my situation, I explained to them that my MP01 had indeed been purchased from a store in Japan, but since I was in Australia when the toy was opened I couldn't very well bring it back to that store for a recompense. Once I'd explained my circumstances to them, Takara were extremely cooperative and helpful. But yeah, Takara won't service a toy if it was purchased outside of Japan (I guess it essentially voids the "warranty").

[Omega Metro]

Does this guy come with 2 energon cubes or 1?

[kup]

Does this guy come with 2 energon cubes or 1?

1 transparent cube and 1 pink tape case.

[Omega Metro]

1 transparent cube and 1 pink tape case.

What is the amazon 2 pack cubes? Are these an extra?

[griffin]

They are extra items (it's in the first post).

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, you get 2 extra Energon cubes if you purchase the toy from Amazon Japan. Apparently the Asian Exclusive also comes w/ the extra cubes and a collectable coin as well! Same thing happened with MP Lambor... so the supposedly exclusive Amazon stuff evidently isn't all that exclusive. :p My guess is that Hasbro Asia might have some deal where they're allowed to include the Amazon JP exclusive content with their MPs, and they bung their own exclusive coin on top of it. I guess they don't affect each other since Amazon Japan only sells to customers with a Japanese residential address, and TakaraTOMY doesn't sell the Hasbro Asia exclusive stuff in Japan (so effectively these two products aren't sold in the same market and thus don't directly cross-compete with each other).

[1orion2many]

Yes I got the cubes and the coin from ehobbybase shop (Not ehobby). :)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I think TakaraTomy had the big box to make it look more "worth it" to people who would buy it in person, or receive it in the mail... as it is a $150-200 toy, so you'd feel like it wasn't worth it if you got a box that was half the size...
Interestingly I notice that taktom have a pic of robot mode Soundwave on the back and "Actual Size" next to it.

Damn, I love this toy! I have avoided all information until I had my own, and it is soo nice. Clever transformation that mimcs the original and improves upon it, without making it overly complex. Although really the G1 was pretty good in the first place. I love the scanner options for the chest, and I recommend making a copy of the two screens on the bottom of the back page of the manual so you can out them in there as well.

Battery weapons still being there is ace and I like how they hide away in his back, sweet head sculpt and a grogeus sqaure neck, just like the show! Shame about the view of him from the back as a casette player though. Very gappy, but of youplonl in his scanner it helps fill the holes a bit. I think perhaps the extra bits fro Rumble/Frenzy might fill up whatever is left over as well. He has big derpy looking feet though...

I sniffed the inside of the energons cubes, whereas I woudln't have before if someone hadn't mentioned it :rolleyes: Maybe its coz I have a cold, but I can't smell much wrong with them...

Laserbeak/Condor. Wow, very excited about this guy. Very terrifying transforming him for the first time. So tight. Scary. No breakages. Awesome little figure. It's amazing that he looks so cartoony, has the jets included as well as the camera in his head AND still manage to be the same size as the G1 cassettes. Brilliant!

Hastily printed, shoved into the cubes and photographed, the 'official' full energon cubes effect.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/IMG_1562_zpsc08f7ed2.jpg

[Bidoofdude]

Looks nice. Can't wait to see the energon printout printed on clear plastic, if anyone's considering.:D;)

[Robzy]

Sorry to hear that Kup :(

Personally, I've had no problems. Soundwave is an amazing toy - highly recommended!!

Just curious, in robot mode, does anyone know why both of Soundwave's feet have a little hatch that opens up (on the inside)? :confused:

[Hursticon]

Just curious, in robot mode, does anyone know why both of Soundwave's feet have a little hatch that opens up (on the inside)? :confused:

They're little storage facilities for Rumble/Frenzy's chrome guns for when they're in Alt mode & within Soundwave's chest. ;):)

[Robzy]

They're little storage facilities for Rumble/Frenzy's chrome guns for when they're in Alt mode & within Soundwave's chest. ;):)
Oh, brilliant! Thanks Hursti :) I thought I was missing something. Clever design!!

[Hursticon]

Oh, brilliant! Thanks Hursti :) I thought I was missing something. Clever design!!

No probs dude, that's exactly what I 1st thought when I saw the leak that provided that info; there's more too but I'll leave that for now. ;):cool:

It really goes to show that when Takara was designing Soundwave & the Cassettes that they really had both in mind & how each would work with each other, such wise & broad level thinking in my opinion. :)

[Robzy]

there's more too but I'll leave that for now. ;):cool:

You TEASE!! :eek: Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me... :D

[Deceptic_Optic]

So did some comparison shots and poseability, articulation and balance test on MP Soundwave. All I can say is "let the photo do the talking". Im not bias or anything but he is probably the best MP that I own atm... enjoy guys, il probably do the actual proper shots when i get a chance.

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/4797D623-6470-42ED-B4B3-476B8248AF23-174-000000FC3DD362BC.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/1892F666-567B-40B4-B4E1-0F219B8F8435-174-000000FC35A186DF.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/2DA88BD7-74B3-41FF-A04A-EAEB7EB11722-174-000000FC2EED12D6.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/629EB701-0256-4BE2-B392-A6CA7525F32B-174-000000FC290975C6.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/8E323418-188A-4709-A529-446D4A6162E3-174-000000FC250DA443.jpg

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/Deceptic_Optics_2010/98B8E2A0-CCFA-4AB6-B8BD-10E7464A8F0C-174-000000FC1BFA7FF0.jpg

[Omega Metro]

Great pics Deceptic Optic! .....so who won?:)

[Deceptic_Optic]

Great pics Deceptic Optic! .....so who won?:)

hahaha cant decide yet im still thinking how to start and end the battle scene...but most likely Optimus prime hehehe.

but damn Soundwave's got the move, groove and the swag i love this fugure so much i want to get another one MISB.

[TFan1234]

Got mine this week, overall pretty impressed with the awesome design, smooth transformation and aesthetics, really loving it.

So much positive comments, thought I should balance them with a few negative ones too (some nitpicking).

Just to say upfront I m not bagging the figure, I m in love with it.

- When in hand it feels lighter than expected. MPs these days tend to be this way (Same with MP 12/14), probably to cut material cost.

- The paint apps on mine is imperfect at a few places, eg shoulder cannon, laserbeak silver engine. I expected it to be better given its price.

- Some of the factory finishing isn't perfect, eg some gaps between parts at the back of the knee

- Fingertip problem really annoys me - the left finger that can touch the eject button pops off so easily! Right finger is ok though. My MP10 has the same problem on both hands.

- I feel in general Hasbro versions seem to less QC problems but Takara versions look better (Many of my Takara toys have problems).

Wish list for (even) better design (OK this is really nitpicking), but cost will probably be prohibitive:
- My dream mp SW would work as a MP3 player as well, and would come with a recording of its voice as in the show, and of the 1984 Transformers theme song. A slot for a real SD card is great (although technology gets outdated and in 20 years time may be out of fashion). Not the miniSD card as in music label SW. The hole at the top in alt mode should function for head phones.

- All the buttons can be depressed, not just fast-forward and rewind

- ATM in alt mode the back looks like the G1 toy. For me it would be better if it looks more like the back of a real casette player - especially for the bottom bit at the back where it's just a gap and the cannons/ guns bits are exposed when looking from the underside. May be a casette player battery cover over that space?

- In the cartoon the alt mode is very small but the robot somehow becomes very big. To show that "up-scaling effect" it should come with a mini SW in alt mode, 2 medium SWs that are mid-transformations but one a bit bigger than the other, with progressive transformations. Each of these accessories don't need to be transformable but we can put all 4 SWs together to show transformation from small cassette player to large robot. Just like the following pic from Planet Iacon:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=464451080287504&set=a.193516854047596.45210.190726147660000&type=1&theater

[GoktimusPrime]

...and don't forget that the faceplate should be removable (or it should come with an alternate faceplateless head (http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/8/8c/FlamesofBoltax-SoundwaveRatbat.jpg)). ;) Or better yet, TakTOM should make a limited exclusive purple repaint with that alternate head (similar to what they did with their limited exclusive MP Grimlock). :D


- I feel in general Hasbro versions seem to less QC problems but Takara versions look better (Many of my Takara toys have problems).
I find this is more of an issue with TakaraTOMY, rather than Takara. Before their merger with Tomy, I found Takara toys were usually superior to Hasbro's, not just in form, but also function. Absolutely better value for money. But since the merger I've noticed an increase in QC issues and now this downsizing thing (which Hasbro is doing too, not only TakTOM). But yeah... once upon a time Takara used to give us better value for money.

[Hursticon]

So did some comparison shots and poseability, articulation and balance test on MP Soundwave. All I can say is "let the photo do the talking". Im not bias or anything but he is probably the best MP that I own atm... enjoy guys, il probably do the actual proper shots when i get a chance.

*snip*

Absolutely bloody amazing photos Deceptic, they really show just how agile & dynamic this figure can be! :eek::eek::eek: :D:cool:

[Iriorne]

Finally got mine yesterday. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say this is the transformer I've been waiting for since I first saw the G1 cartoon. :D

Very happy with him in most respects, however I'm after sitting on a shelf overnight the paint on his feet is already showing signs of wear with some small scratches and chips. Hopefully some clear coat and a felt pad will be sufficient to prevent further degradation, but it's a shame the paint work wasn't more robust right out of the box.

I wonder if there would have been a way to engineer him so that the soles of his feet didn't form part of his sides? Maybe fold-away panels to cover over the feet in alt mode, or moving them to his back so they could be molded in unpainted plastic?

If I could change anything:
Reduce the size of his feet a little. The proportions just seem slightly off.
Add another ridge for Laserbeak to the top side of his forearm so that he doesn't have to hold his arm out at shoulder height for Laserbeak to perch properly.


On a side note: I've been following some of the threads on the US forums the last couple of weeks and it's been pretty entertaining watching people complain about "QC issues" - missing dots of paint on the forehead, a little mould flash or barely visible swirl marks. A little disappointing? Sure, but the outrage that some people seem to feel over this is astonishing.

[griffin]

Some Soundwave images to add to the collection here...

Joining his MP friends
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/929.jpg

And the packaging joining its friends...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/942.jpg

Soundwave - from infant to adult...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/943.jpg

(I wanted it to be the other direction from small to big, but the shoulder cannon was blocking the head/face on each one)

As for the repair of the dodgy ankle...
I found that when I removed the foot (a top and bottom piece - 5 screws) to expose the ankle joint, it looked like the person building this toy had
some trouble attaching the foot and just forced it, causing it to chew up one side - which was catching against the join, preventing it to swivel beyond a certain point.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/933.jpg

Closer look...
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/934.jpg
.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/935.jpg

I sanded down a bit to make it smoother, and reattached the two foot halves. It still catches a little (I didn't want to sand it down too much in
case it made the foot loose), but now swivels all the way, allowing for him to stand straight up (in the first photo of this post), instead of as a hunched-over cripple.

[kup]

It is an awesome design and they seem to have used good materials but the built/assembly quality hasn't been that great. I've been a victim to it and also heard a story about a whole die cast piece not painted at all making it look off and now your assembly issue.

Good that you managed to fix yours and that the fix is pretty invisible.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I received mine today and happy to report it's 99.9% perfect. Just a touch of the red paint has stuck to Laserbeak's weapons, resulting in a tiny blemish, but thankfully it didn't result in any tightness nor breakage.

The new Masterpiece designer certainly has a much better feel for balance of complexity and toy-ness versus the fragile connection point tendencies of the previous designer. I still love my Rodimus (and can't forget that he must have been a considerably harder Transformer to design), but these newer toys show just how great it would have been with more solid connections in a few places.

Really, really looking forward to Prowl, Smokescreen & Bluestreak if he can keep up this level of awesome! And hopefully onto bigger and better things, like my long-desired Galvatron and maybe a triple changer or 3 :D

[Lord_Zed]

I finally got my MP Soundwave and he is awesome, even though he has a significant QC issue.

And that is someone forgot to spray the bottom of his left foot with the silver metal colour spray, it's still straight diecast with a blue stripe on it. Fortunately it doesn't actually stick out that much, which is no doubt why they missed it.

Other than that no issues I have noticed, I love the design, fits in perfectly with Mp10, Sideswipe and Red Alert.

I just wish the factory assembly were a bit more careful. Still maybe it is the modern age where the workers have rights and no longer get whipped for infractions by their cruel overseers. :p

[kurdt_the_goat]

Maybe you should strip the silver off the other foot for that full G1 look!

[Iriorne]

And that is someone forgot to spray the bottom of his left foot with the silver metal colour spray, it's still straight diecast with a blue stripe on it.

If you're feeling a bit DIY, you can probably get a close match to the silver using model paints.

I'd suggest maybe Tamiya AS-12 Bare Metal Silver (http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=72) would be a good match - I've used it in the past but don't have any samples for a direct comparison. At any rate, it's not likely to look worse than bare diecast. :p

It comes in a spray so you should get a nice smooth result if you keep the coats light. Recommend using some modelers masking tape too (Tamiya or similar) to mask off the blue stripe, hinge and the surrounds to prevent over spray. Normal masking tape might work but I've had it leave residue when I've tried in the past.

If the debossed details on the feet are already painted you could try masking them off too but I'd suggest the easiest way is just to spray over them with silver and touch them up with some gloss black afterwards. Finish with a clear coat for extra durability but check the paint types first as some don't play nice with others (http://www.naritafamily.com/howto/paint.htm).

[5FDP]

Disappointing to hear about all these QC issues. Do you think it might be a case of us becoming too fussy as 'collectors' as opposed to something we wouldn't have thought twice about when we were kids?

I can honestly say that after going over my collection the other day, there are no more QC issues today than what there was about 30 years ago... or maybe I have just been very lucky :confused:

[kup]

Another part of my laserbeak broke! Ugh!

On the other engine, the black hinge appears to have the pin inserted at an angle and it gradually deformed and split the 'loop' of the hinge as the piece turns. It eventually cracked opened requiring another extensive repair because someone thought it would be clever to use pins on thin, hard plastic.

After several fail attempts to fix it last night, I gave up and I was ready to write off my Laserbeak. Stubbornness will likely kick in and make me try again tonight but need to buy more super glue.

I can see that laserbeak is an awesome design with great engineering but why did they feel the need to use pins on thin plastic? Specially when huge amounts of friction would exist from the paint.

Too bad about Hasbro releasing all the tapes with Soundwave. I would have bough the Hasbro Laserbeak if sold separately. The thinner, softer plastic and likely lack of paint apps would have been a functional improvement.

[lancalot]

Another part of my laserbeak broke! Ugh!

:eek: Man , your not having any luck with laserbeak are are you ! i think it time just to put him back it the cage permanently. What with all the plastic on the masterpiece figure lately , seem worse then all the other series .

[Hursticon]

Another part of my laserbeak broke! Ugh!

Dude, sorry to hear that you've clearly copped one of the 'Bottom of the barrel' level figures in terms of QC control - That just bites balls. :(

I've heard of others having some tight tolerance issues with Laserbeak, but not to the level you've experienced :eek:; sadly it seems you've been the unfortunate recipient of the very lowest standard a figure can be deemed 'Acceptable for Sale' by the factories :( - I hope a solution presents itself asap for you. :o

[Megatron]

Another part of my laserbeak broke! Ugh!

That sucks! :( Can you ask for an exchange at this point??


Disappointing to hear about all these QC issues. Do you think it might be a case of us becoming too fussy as 'collectors' as opposed to something we wouldn't have thought twice about when we were kids? :confused:

I think for the general release toys we, as collectors, can be a bit too fussy sometimes ("They're meant to be played with!" "They're targeted mainly at kids!" etc.), but for Masterpieces, definitely not. They are made primarily for the collector, and paying the prices that we do for them, quality control should be a priority.

[Iriorne]

I noticed my right foot pivot was a bit stiff and wouldn't quite fold out all the way. Disassembled and found the same issue as Griffin. Fortunately judicious application of sandpaper appears to have fixed it up.


Disappointing to hear about all these QC issues. Do you think it might be a case of us becoming too fussy as 'collectors' as opposed to something we wouldn't have thought twice about when we were kids?

I tend to agree (either that or I've been very lucky too!).

As I said earlier, on other forums people are upset about missing the small silver paint dot on SW's forehead, barely visible swirls on the cassette door, and other relatively minor issues which I think distracts from major problems like Kup's laserbeak, unpainted feet or poorly assembled foot joints.

I've read, and this is pure speculation and rumour, that BBTS has clamped down on exchanges as a result of the number of MP-12s that were returned over minor issues. If this is the case, it could be argued that fussy collectors pursuing the 'perfect' bot have muddied the waters so much that those with genuine problems are now left out in the cold?

(Maybe this is more an American thing - their domestic shipping rates are pretty cheap so they can better afford to return items to the store? Given the cost of international postage from Australia I'd be thinking very carefully before sending anything back.)

Something else to keep in mind is that the number of parts that go into masterpiece figures is huge compared to the old G1 transformers which were made of 5 pieces and had 3 points of articulation if you were lucky. Simple blocky shapes are easier to make, harder to mix up and the fewer points of interaction with other pieces, the less likely you are to have issues. I don't buy the "good old days" argument at all - needs a much bigger sample size than one person's collection. :)

I'd be very interested to know what the overall defect rate is for the entire production run. These toys are being mass produced in their thousands but I'd bet only a small percentage of buyers are participating in the forums, and only a small percentage of those are experiencing or reporting problems.

[Bidoofdude]

Really excited for the Hasbro release!!!! SO GOOD!!!!!;):cool:

[kup]

Thanks guys! Looks like I managed to fix it but again, another repair job so not too thrilled about it.

On the up side, I was about to throw out the RK brown box it was shipped in and found the coin! I figured that I didn't get it because I pre-ordered late but there it was! That does lift my spirits a little :)

[Hursticon]

Thanks guys! Looks like I managed to fix it but again, another repair job so not too thrilled about it.

On the up side, I was about to throw out the RK brown box it was shipped in and found the coin! I figured that I didn't get it because I pre-ordered late but there it was! That does lift my spirits a little :)

Awesome news on both fronts dude! :D - Still, I'm really sorry that your experience with Laserbeak has been the pits; hopefully this hasn't sullied your impression of Soundwave himself too much. :o

[kup]

Awesome news on both fronts dude! :D - Still, I'm really sorry that your experience with Laserbeak has been the pits; hopefully this hasn't sullied your impression of Soundwave himself too much. :o

Thanks Hurty, sadly the fix I made failed during the transformation back from tape to robot so it was a premature 'victory'. However I think I can fix it again, I just need another try tomorrow.

[griffin]

A drop in quality is to be expected, as Hasbro/Tomy keeps finding cheaper and cheaper factories to produce their toys... toys that are by no means simplistic to construct, by people who probably have limited education.
Could you imagine how mundane that life would be, attaching feet onto Soundwave legs all day, in the assembly line process (for the next person to attach something else)... if that part is complex or has minimal clearance, the limited training and wages (at the cheaper factory) is bound to end up having toys with defects.

[kup]

A drop in quality is to be expected, as Hasbro/Tomy keeps finding cheaper and cheaper factories to produce their toys... toys that are by no means simplistic to construct, by people who probably have limited education.
Could you imagine how mundane that life would be, attaching feet onto Soundwave legs all day, in the assembly line process (for the next person to attach something else)... if that part is complex or has minimal clearance, the limited training and wages (at the cheaper factory) is bound to end up having toys with defects.

Other smaller companies can pull it off and do a better job and by that I don't just mean 3rd parties but Neca, 4H, Bandai, etc. It seems that Hasbro and Mattel fail at it because they are consciously looking for the cheapest way to manufacture their goods and increase revenue. Like most modern corporate bodies, the aim is to profit as much as possible without much regard (or none in Mattel's case) towards quality or for the end consumer.

Yeah, I also feel for the factory slave workers and can see why they would not do a very good job but that's exactly the point. Hasbro/Mattel uses them because they are cheap and it shows.

[griffin]

Yeah, they can pull it off it they wanted to, but I think they feel that they can get away with it because 95% of the users of their products are children - who either won't notice/care about minor defects, or will be blamed by the parent as being the one who broke the toy to begin with.
(and of those small number of adult collectors, few have the willingness to publicly take back a toy to be replaced - even if they could claim that it was "for their child", it is still difficult to approach another adult about their own toy)

If these products were primarily aimed at adults, who would scrutinise the items like we do here, these multi-national companies would be more worried about QC issues, that would cost them money in replacements, and bad publicity.

[kurdt_the_goat]

It's unfortunate that we're at the shit end of the supply chain cause i'm sure with the issues that have been seen, if you were local in Japan you'd be able to get a replacement/fix with little fuss. Every time myself or the wife has had to deal with things gone wrong in Japan, you wouldn't believe the extent they go to to keep customers happy. Not toy related but the other day my wife sent a query regarding pets to the responsible government department and received an email reply same day at 11... PM. Now that would be unheard of here!

I wonder has anyone with a proper Australian released toy contacted Hasbro regarding a busted toy? Over here you can tend to go out to the shops and just take it back, so whether Hasbro ever deals directly with customers regarding QC, i'm not sure. Without knowing that, it's not very fair to bash them. They may go cheap on factories but if they do have systems i place to rectify direct with the customer, it shouldn't really matter.

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah I don't actually think MP toys have more QC issues relative to their complexity compared to other HasTak toys, it's just that the problems they do have a magnified because they are usually purchased from overseas or released in limited numbers localy so replacements may not be readily available. And as mentioned above they are more complex than most TF toys with on average far more paint aps. All of which means more things to check in the QC stage and more things to go wrong.

Also MP toys cost a fortune so when the smallest (or largest in some cases) thing goes wrong, then you will hear it all over the collectors forum, for a smaller local toy they would probably just return it, get a new one and it wouldn't even rate a mention.

Two of my other non MP toys last year had QC issues. Powerdive was packaged in box with a broken ankle, and the PCC toy I got has a connector point so loose it spins like a helicopter rotor when you attach a limb. Overall I find the unpainted sole of Soundwave's foot less vexing, however as the other two toys cost less, it's more annoying with the MP.

And to be fair to Hasbro I have noticed my fair share of minor QC issues on Bandai's high end toys too.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I wonder has anyone with a proper Australian released toy contacted Hasbro regarding a busted toy? Over here you can tend to go out to the shops and just take it back, so whether Hasbro ever deals directly with customers regarding QC, i'm not sure. Without knowing that, it's not very fair to bash them. They may go cheap on factories but if they do have systems i place to rectify direct with the customer, it shouldn't really matter.
I reckon it'd be a case of returning the toy to the shop and the shop then deals with Hasbro with any credits or whatever they need to recover costs and stuff.

It wouldn't surprise me in this day and age that it's cheaper for them to blast out products without and QC checks done (except the blindingly obvious) and then deal with any returns that may crop up than it would be to bother checking things in the first place. As much as companies like to go on about caring for the customer and providing products for our needs, they aren't above churning out rubbish and people buy it because there is nothing else. (thereby falsely justifying the aforementioned rubbish).

Thankyou capitalism.:D

End of political rant.:cool:

[griffin]

After doing the different 'Soundwaves that turn into music devices/recorders' in robot mode, of course I had to do them in alt-mode (if they had one)....

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/945.jpg

SDCC 2012 - Worlds Smallest - Titanium - Music Label - Gen1 - Masterpiece

[kup]

I had a brief play with Zed's Laserbeak yesterday and it is nothing like mine! The pin joints are not hyper stiff like the ones on my Laserbeak but actually move smoothly with minimal friction so less potential for breakage unlike mine.

Now I feel even more ripped off as I can see how screwed up my laserbeak actually is when compared to a 'normal' one.

I tried yesterday to fix it again but once again, it failed after I tried to transform it back and forth. Will try again tonight and will continue trying until I get a functional laserbeak again but it's seriously hurting my enjoyment.

[Trent]

Should have just swapped it with Zeds when he wasn't looking;)

:p

[griffin]

Had to re-take the Soundwave alt-mode photo, after finding one more in the collection (SDCC GIJoe Shockwave accessory).

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/945.jpg

[k.wong23]

Nice pictures Griffin :)

Opened up my Soundwave finally, and low and behold - build up of silver paint of his faceplate on the left side...quite annoyed about it but not going to bother hitting RK for any compensation - not worth my hassle.

[1orion2many]

After seeing all Kups problems with Laserbeak I thought I better check mine with a quick transformation. I was waiting for something to be stiff or snap in my hands but not a problem with the old buzzard thank goodness, Very smooth transformation which makes me think you have been very unlucky Kup:(

[kup]

After seeing all Kups problems with Laserbeak I thought I better check mine with a quick transformation. I was waiting for something to be stiff or snap in my hands but not a problem with the old buzzard thank goodness, Very smooth transformation which makes me think you have been very unlucky Kup:(

Yeah, as mentioned in my previous post, I figured that out when I had a try at Lord_Zed's laserbeak. My Laserbeak is even more screwed up than I originally thought :(

I am left with having to wait until the Hasbro Soundwave release and get the tapes from there. That will guarantee me a Laserbeak and hopefully all the other tapes. Buying the Tomy tapes separately will probably cost just as much and would be left without a Laserbeak. I will then see about selling Hasbro's Soundwave by itself and if he has a comparable paint job to Tomy, then he could be used for parts by people who also got QCed by the Tomy release.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm sure there'd be someone wanting to repaint one as an MP Soundblaster. ;)

[kup]

I'm sure there'd be someone wanting to repaint one as an MP Soundblaster. ;)

I doubt anyone would want to go through the trouble when that's an obvious official repaint.

[Megatron]

I doubt anyone would want to go through the trouble when that's an obvious official repaint.

I may be interested in buying that loose MP Soundwave off you (if you do get him) when the time comes...

[kup]

I may be interested in buying that loose MP Soundwave off you (if you do get him) when the time comes...

Awesome! :) I'll keep you in mind.

[Megatron]

Awesome! :) I'll keep you in mind.

No problem at all. :)

[Stug]

For anyone that may have recieved an MP Soundwave who has a foot that's movement is restricted (specifically a foot that won't go perpendicular to his leg so he leans backwards), I've posted a guide to the repair I've made here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=15519).

Hope no one has to use it, but useful if you do...

[kup]

What are the chances Hasbro would omit Buzzsaw in their release?

[griffin]

Is there a rumour circulating, or a hunch about Hasbro cutting back on things at the last minute?
I wouldn't think they would omit Buzzsaw, as it was mentioned at US Toyfair that it has 5 cassettes, and if they skip one redeco (Buzzaw), they would have skipped the other one as well (Rumble or Frenzy)... to make it a set of 3, if they were doing it just to save money.

[kup]

Is there a rumour circulating, or a hunch about Hasbro cutting back on things at the last minute?
I wouldn't think they would omit Buzzsaw, as it was mentioned at US Toyfair that it has 5 cassettes, and if they skip one redeco (Buzzaw), they would have skipped the other one as well (Rumble or Frenzy)... to make it a set of 3, if they were doing it just to save money.

It was just a question. If they were going to cut one tape, it would be Buzzoff so I got concerned and needed to ask. I am just worrying a bit about them since i am counting on their release to fix my less than great Japanese MP experience.

[Trent]

Is there a rumour circulating, or a hunch about Hasbro cutting back on things at the last minute?
I wouldn't think they would omit Buzzsaw, as it was mentioned at US Toyfair that it has 5 cassettes, and if they skip one redeco (Buzzaw), they would have skipped the other one as well (Rumble or Frenzy)... to make it a set of 3, if they were doing it just to save money.

Unless they cut Buzzsaw and throw in Ratbat…I wish

[Lint]

Unless they cut Buzzsaw and throw in Ratbat…I wish

Just got my Takara Soundwave yesterday but Ratbat would make me buy a Hasbro Version

[GoktimusPrime]

Received mine today. I am greatly impressed! :eek: This toy truly is a Masterpiece... I haven't been this impressed with an MP since MP01 Convoy! :eek:

Voted for "Yes" - worth buying. The local version will certainly be more worth buying at $25 less than the RRP of the TakTOM version (though I got mine for $127 w/ earlybird discount), but the TakTOM version isn't not worth getting either. If you haven't already ordered a TakTOM version, then by all means wait for the local Hasbro version -- but I'm certainly not disappointed with the TakTOM version! It is just a magna spectacular toy! I can see why people who own this toy have been singing it praise, and those of you waiting for the Hasbro version are gonna be in for one helluva treat. :) I'm one very happy chappy right now. :D

Posted piccies here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=344394&postcount=1993), and comparison pics with G1 here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=344395#post344395). ;)

[kup]

Received mine today. I am greatly impressed! :eek: This toy truly is a Masterpiece... I haven't been this impressed with an MP since MP01 Convoy! :eek:

Voted for "Yes" - worth buying. The local version will certainly be more worth buying at $25 less than the RRP of the TakTOM version (though I got mine for $127 w/ earlybird discount), but the TakTOM version isn't not worth getting either. If you haven't already ordered a TakTOM version, then by all means wait for the local Hasbro version -- but I'm certainly not disappointed with the TakTOM version! It is just a magna spectacular toy! I can see why people who own this toy have been singing it praise, and those of you waiting for the Hasbro version are gonna be in for one helluva treat. :) I'm one very happy chappy right now. :D

Posted piccies here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=344394&postcount=1993), and comparison pics with G1 here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=344395#post344395). ;)

Glad to hear you got a good one! As you said, the mold and design is great and that includes Laserbeak despite my experience.

[GoktimusPrime]

I was ultra careful with Laserbeak, being mindful of your experience with him. And everything's been fine. The toy was super tight when I first transformed it, and I was so scared that I was going to break something... but after the first time the joints loosened up quite well and it doesn't have the problem of being too tight. Still... if I hadn't read about your experience I probably would've tried to rush it and use excessive force to get some parts to move, especially the weapons... so I can see how parts of Laserbeak might get broken unless you treat it like it's extremely fragile on the first transformation.

So yeah, I recommend taking care with Laserbeak on the 1st transform -- after that he's been fine. :) (touch wood)

[griffin]

Does anyone else think the legs are too long on the MP version?
For me, it makes the toy look too tall for Soundwave, who is usually squarer.

[kup]

I was ultra careful with Laserbeak, being mindful of your experience with him. And everything's been fine. The toy was super tight when I first transformed it, and I was so scared that I was going to break something... but after the first time the joints loosened up quite well and it doesn't have the problem of being too tight. Still... if I hadn't read about your experience I probably would've tried to rush it and use excessive force to get some parts to move, especially the weapons... so I can see how parts of Laserbeak might get broken unless you treat it like it's extremely fragile on the first transformation.

So yeah, I recommend taking care with Laserbeak on the 1st transform -- after that he's been fine. :) (touch wood)

Trust me, my Laserbeak would not have fared better after the first transformation (I was able to transform it back and forth once before it broke but it required huge amounts of effort each time).

My Laserbeak was truly screwed up in it's assembly and paint job. I only realized how bad it was when I had a play with Zed's and every joint moved fairly effortlessly while mine was very hard to move just a few millimeters.

[kup]

Does anyone else think the legs are too long on the MP version?
For me, it makes the toy look too tall for Soundwave, who is usually squarer.

To me it's fine. However if you prefer exclusively a 'G1 toy' style then the MP would be a bit lean for it as the G1 toy is more square.

[Hursticon]

Does anyone else think the legs are too long on the MP version?
For me, it makes the toy look too tall for Soundwave, who is usually squarer.

Nope not at all, in fact I think they make him far more accurate to what he looked like in the cartoon as I never saw him to be 'Squarish', he was always a taller bloke to me. :confused::o

[GoktimusPrime]

Nope not at all, in fact I think they make him far more accurate to what he looked like in the cartoon as I never saw him to be 'Squarish', he was always a taller bloke to me. :confused::o
I agree. Soundwave was more leaner in the Marvel/Sunbow model compared to the blocky toy.

What changes would you fellas like to see Hasbro make for their version? Cos I think it'd be good if Hasbro made their version distinctly different and offered fans something that the TakTOM version doesn't. e.g.
+ Toy/comic accurate yellow eye visor. This would make Hasbro's version more toy-accurate just like their MP Skywarp and Rodimus.
+ Sky-blue tinted chest-door window. This would make the chest-door window colour more cartoon-like. Yes, I know the paradox of giving the toy toy-accurate eyes but showlike chest, but the TakTOM version has a showlike red visor but toy-accurate dark tinted chest door! So why not flip it the other way around for the Hasbro ver.?
+ Chrome on Laserbeak's weapons.
+ Pink-tinted Energon cube(s)
+ G1 toy-like stickers for the guns (similar to how they included stickers for Rodimus)
+ Ditch the sensor and replace it with a forearm clip on accessory like the way Soundwave's arm looked when he was reviving Skyfire in "Fire in the Sky."

[Iriorne]

Does anyone else think the legs are too long on the MP version?
For me, it makes the toy look too tall for Soundwave, who is usually squarer.

I was doing measurements on toys and screen captures last night. I lost the actual numbers when my computer crashed but they weren't super exciting.

Basically I was calculating the ratio of leg length to overall figure height. The G1 toy's legs made up about 50% of its height, the G1 cartoon model's legs were about 60% of height while MP-13 sits about halfway in between the two and similar to other figures like MP-10.

MP-13 may look a bit skinny due to the change in proportions, it's a lot thinner than the original, and the way his hip joints have been designed makes the legs look longer. Other MPs generally have some sort of pelvic shield to hide the joints while Soundwave's are visible.

On the whole I'd say the MP proportions are pretty close to the cartoon look, which I much prefer over the blocky G1 toy appearance.


+ Chrome on Laserbeak's weapons.

Those are going to be fairly high wear parts, I don't see a chrome finish lasting very long. I'll take silver paint over chrome any day because at least I can do touch-up work if necessary. Chrome also tends to hide details due to all the reflections, and Laserbeak's sculpt is too gorgeous for that. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Those are going to be fairly high wear parts, I don't see a chrome finish lasting very long. I'll take silver paint over chrome any day because at least I can do touch-up work if necessary. Chrome also tends to hide details due to all the reflections, and Laserbeak's sculpt is too gorgeous for that. :)
The way the weapons are designed, I reckon they could get away with chroming them. The weapons don't rub up against any other parts, but just fold/tuck away. I have a fully chromed G1 Bluestreak and that's never chipped. It depends on the nature of the toy and part being chromed, and also the quality of the chrome too. ;) How would you make Hasbro's Laserbeak different from TakTOM's? (out of curiosity :))

Another idea for Hasbro Soundwave is to give him a silver mid-section for the body (https://yande.re/sample/8dfa8f8412eb4c7764d612c84b221ae2/yande.re%20152220%20sample.jpg). It'd break up the monotony of all the blue on the body.

[Iriorne]

How would you make Hasbro's Laserbeak different from TakTOM's?

Replace all chromed parts with silver paint! :p

Well, on Soundwave anyway. :D I was thinking the chrome finish might suffer more from finger wear, rather than from rubbing against the body. The jets form high-points in bird mode and need a bit of manipulation to transform, flipping them around and moving them into position. As you say, maybe a good quality finish and care in handling would help. Perhaps I've just been unlucky but most of my experience with chrome has been with it showing signs of deterioration straight out of the box. :(

Most of the changes I'd like to see would require quite significant changes to the mould which I think is unlikely. Limiting to deco, I like your idea of the light blue tinted door. Adding to that, I'd like to see a light frosted texture on the door as well to catch the light and show off the colour a bit better. His chest interior's pretty dark otherwise, and if the finish was done right any tapes inside should still show up pretty well.

I also think Soundwave might look neat in a dark purple colour scheme, reminiscent of his appearance in the comics (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:Soundwavemarvelg2.jpg). Perhaps not that light though, something more along the lines of G1 Shockwave or Cyclonus. Dark purple, with the same sparkly effect as TT.

Maybe some add some rainbow sparklies to the energon cube plastic to get a 'compressed' energon effect?

No changes to Laserbeak, he's perfect. ;)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/233731/OTCA/swdg.JPG

Not sure if I like the yellow visor, but left it in anyway.

[liegeprime]

I agree. Soundwave was more leaner in the Marvel/Sunbow model compared to the blocky toy.

What changes would you fellas like to see Hasbro make for their version? +

Stronger plastic, make sure no more problems like that foot problem people here have encountered as for the energon cubes, they would well learn from the Luki's Bros version of energon cube inserts. Their hologram pink foldable inserts are what TakTom should've done. the lame print pink foldout they advocate is LAME LAME LAME!

[GoktimusPrime]

That's a great digibash, Iriorne! :D


Stronger plastic, make sure no more problems like that foot problem people here have encountered as for the energon cubes, they would well learn from the Luki's Bros version of energon cube inserts. Their hologram pink foldable inserts are what TakTom should've done. the lame print pink foldout they advocate is LAME LAME LAME!
I haven't encountered any problems with the feet so far (knock.on.wood). But improving the plastic quality can only be a good thing. :) For those who haven't seen this toy yet, the feet are actually die-cast metal. So perhaps it needs stronger plastic on the ankle joints to cope with the weight (as the feet do twist around during transformation).

What are the officially endorsed fold outs? I'm tempted to just buy some pink glitter and fill up 1 or 2 cubes with it. I like to have at least 1 or 2 empty cubes though. ;)

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

P.S.: MP Laserbeak^Condor's tech specs motto says "Autobots" rather than "Cybertrons"! :eek:

For those who may not know, the original Japanese G1 tech specs in the 1980s/90s didn't have mottos --- so an interesting thing about getting more recent toys from Takara(TOMY) is that we can sometimes see the first official Japanese translation for that character's motto. Also, since 2007 TakaraTOMY's been using Hasbro TF names for their 'mainstream' TF lines that they market at kids, e.g. movieverse, Animated, Prime etc., but toylines with greater appeal to G1 fans have retained using Takara G1 names, e.g. reissues, Henkei, United, Masterpiece etc. MP-9 was called "Rodimus Convoy," MP-10 = Convoy, MP-12 = Lambor, MP-14 = Alert, MP-15 = Jaguar etc., the factions are called Cybertrons and Destrons -- MP Soundwave's box says "Destron Communications," not "Decepticon Communications"... but yet Condor's motto says "Autobots" instead of "Cybertrons"! It feels totally inconsistent and feels out of place in the context of Masterpiece which has, until now, always consistently used Takara names.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Soundwave/mpcondortechspecsx_zpsad9ad226.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/th_jaam_shoulders.gif :rolleyes:

[Iriorne]

That's a great digibash, Iriorne! :D
[...]
I haven't encountered any problems with the feet so far (knock.on.wood).
[...]
What are the officially endorsed fold outs? I'm tempted to just buy some pink glitter and fill up 1 or 2 cubes with it. I like to have at least 1 or 2 empty cubes though. ;)

Cheers. Sadly, photoshop filters are about the limit of my digital artistic ability. :) The main issue with the feet has been more that the diecast was biting into the plastic knob of the foot pivot, causing stiff or incomplete transformation. Not sure what the root cause of the problem is but I suspect maybe a poor finish on the inner side of the diecast? Could also be bad assembly practise causing the initial problem, which then degrades further with use.

The fold up energon cube insert that TT released (image on the first page of the thread) doesn't look too bad, in my opinion, provided care is taken in assembling and inserting it. To be honest, many of the photos and videos I've seen have made a bit of a hatchet job of it. Careful cutting and precise folding are all that's required. Here's a pretty good example: link (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/4/0/5/9/7/SW-with-Energon-sheet_1357910759.jpg). Looks about the same as the G1 version (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:EnergonCubesCartoon1.jpg). :) Sure, they could have included a 'holographic' effect version in the box, but then everyone would complain because they were afraid to cut up the original sheet! Clear or tinted cube, shiny or print-at-home inserts... they were never going to be able to please everyone.

Interesting about the tech specs, not being able to read Japanese has its disadvantages. Probably too much to hope for some sort of crazy appreciation in value if it gets corrected in any future re-releases!

[GoktimusPrime]

Cheers. Sadly, photoshop filters are about the limit of my digital artistic ability. :)
More than what I can do! MSPaint is my limit! :p


The fold up energon cube insert that TT released (image on the first page of the thread) doesn't look too bad, in my opinion, provided care is taken in assembling and inserting it.
Whaaaaa--- mine didn't come with that sheet! :eek: Is this toy meant to come with that or are you meant to download and print it?!?


Interesting about the tech specs, not being able to read Japanese has its disadvantages. Probably too much to hope for some sort of crazy appreciation in value if it gets corrected in any future re-releases!
Heh. ;) I totally rely on instructions when transforming MPs, BTs etc. for the first time, including the text. :p Pictures alone aren't enough for me. I reckon I'd be more likely to get stuck or even break stuff if I couldn't read these instructions. And indeed I do get stuck sometimes when trying to understand Hasbro's textless instructions!! Like the first time I tried to transform MP Rodimus -- I couldn't work out how to do the hands, so I ended up having to find a video on YouTube and followed that to work it out! I really wish Hasbro would use text. Masterpieces are really designed for adult collectors... we can read! Heck, original G1 instructions had text and they were designed for kids... (-_-)

[griffin]

Whaaaaa--- mine didn't come with that sheet! :eek: Is this toy meant to come with that or are you meant to download and print it?!?


It was in the middle of this News topic (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=335354#post335354)... I try to minimise news updates in the middle of existing topics, as people keep missing them.

[GoktimusPrime]

Thanks. :) I'm in the middle of filling out the online survey for this toy, and it mentions "Energon sheet download," so yeah. :p :o