Parks Sabers

I dont want to stir things up, but is it safe to order from Parks Sabers these days?
Any input would be helpful!

 

Safe yes. However expect it to take 6 months to a year to get what you ordered.

 

Wow, thats a bit longer than I expected..:eek

 

I've been considering getting one of his Obi sabers, the MKIII, but I was afraid to after only finding limited info on here, haha.

Does that include the ones that say "in stock," like the movie replicas, or just his light up original design ones?

 

Good point, I was looking for a Vader saber (ANH) and it says that they are in stock..
Maybe it's just to lure people into buying one.

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Good point, I was looking for a Vader saber (ANH) and it says that they are in stock..
Maybe it's just to lure people into buying one.

 

Parks makes excellent products. I was once a distributor of his products early on.
But... He screwed over a member here and old timers here have for the most part boycotted him since. Jeff Parks went on a rant here and in a huff, left the board insulting all here.
Tread there if you want to but there are other sources out there.

 

*shrugs*

 

Ah. Yeah, that's why I was kind of afraid of ordering from him. I couldn't really find specifically what had happened, only references to the boycott. I wasn't sure if the issue was ever rectified.

Edit: not sure why it keeps double posting...

 

He borrowed a members flash to copy from and returned it with parts missing and damage. From my understanding, it was never rectified.

 

Order from parks? Safe? Who knows, I emailed Parks in October, no reply. E-mailed again in December as of today, still nothing. Might as well, I got what I wanted from JQ Sabers.

 

Sometimes he answers and on other days he doesn't...
I had a question and got an answer 24h later.
He said I would have to wait 4 weeks until the order would be shipped.
He is two weeks over now. Wrote him two times. No answer yet.
I'll have two wait and write him every week

 

I've done business with him on-and-off since 2002 and I do know this: Jeff hates email and he loves phone calls. Call him to make an order. Call him with questions. Call him for updates. His home number used to be the number on the website, I don't know if there is still a number listed or not.

He doesn't like to sit and return a hundred or more emails a day. If there is a number listed call him up.

 

Isn't JQ sabers a UK retailer for the same MPP that's made by Parks? As far as I know he's the only one producing excellent MPP replica's for Vader lightsabers

Chaim

 

yes but they just bought a bunch of parks mpps

all the mpp and graflex replicas aside from label ones, are parks, just sold in bunches to other people.

 

Is there a more reputable place to get a Vader and/or Obi-Wan replica in a similar price range ($150-$250)? I'd love one of Roman's Obi sabers but they're just a little out of my price range right now.

 

He wrote answerd my mail yesterday.
And the parts will be shipped today.
Sooo...he is still there and I think with some patience I will get my parts

 

Hello everyone!, I am new to the forum so please bear with me ok...

I joined this forum because I recently found a plethora of sites about replica or custom props - especially Star Wars related, and believe it or not, but I never did any searching before!.
Anyway I'm digressing..., I made myself a member mainly to do with 2 reasons...

Firstly, I am a collector of all things Star Wars and secondly, I viewed this thread and decided to give you my thoughts as to Park's Sabers.

Now, I would like to make it clear that I haven't personally purchased anything 'directly' from Park's, however I have recently made a purchase from a 'sabersmith' here in the UK and I think is worthy of mentioning. Just last Friday(10th), my all time dream arrived at my door...The ultimate Star Wars franchise weapon of all time...The Episode IV 'A New Hope' Luke Skywalker Graflex Lightsaber!

I placed the order from JQ Sabers around 3-4 weeks ago, and through many discussions with Daren(sabersmith), we came to an arrangement and concluded the deal. You may be asking, "what has this got to do with Park's Sabers...?", well I will tell you...
The hilt was produced by Park's and even though I haven't been around on this forum or understand the issues surrounding Park's, all I can say is that their craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none, and the overall quality is near perfect - and if you wouldn't know it was a 'reproduction' hilt, you would think it was a real Graflex 3-cell handle!...no doubt!.

So, in answer to this thread and the OP, I can categorically tell you NOT to worry about any quality issues, because there won't be any..., As for time frames and customer service, obviously I have no idea.

Hope I have put your mind at rest...

 

Thanks!

 

I thought I'd report here that after 4 months, my MPP replica arrived. It's a very nice piece. I do wish the wait times were made clear on items marked as in stock...
Also, others here are correct about the phone calls. He gets back to you by phone.

 

Out of curiosity I went to Parks' site to see what he offers these days. I bought a couple of his replicas years ago before the "issues" were made public.

I was looking at the different blade options he has listed. Does anybody know what the difference between his "Masters Blade" and "Apprentice Blade" is?

 

Length. One for adults (35") the other for kids (24").

 

Okay ... I thought it best to add the all new Parks G R A F L E X update that I received from KaanE here :

PARKS : GRAFLEX FLASH GUN 1.0 ... We are out of stock on both ANH & ESB Graflex Flash Gun 1.0

Graflex 1.0 will not be restocked as there time and materials wasted in converting her to a saber system.

GRAFLEX SABER KIT 2.0





We are currently manufacturing Graflex Saber Kit 2.0. which is designed to be a saber system instead of a camera attachment.

It will feature the following:

- Exact copy of the Graflex Top Body.
- Exact copy of the Graflex Clamp (Less embossed GRAFLEX logo).
- Machined & threaded bottom grip body.
- Machined & threaded end cap with sound holes.
- Includes both ANH & ESB injection molded plastic grips.
- Includes both ANH & ESB clamp bubbles and circuit card.
- Graflex Button with circuit board and momentary switch.
- ESB Graflex blade tension knob with 2nd circuit board and momentary switch.
- ANH Graflex blade tension knob.
- 7/8" blade bracket machined and anodized to look like ROTJ grip body.
- Assembly time less than 10 min.

In summary, Graflex 2.0 is designed to be the ultimate Graflex conversion.



Parks send KaanE some more pictures, since this isn't a sales thread this will do

Chaim

 

That's pretty interesting. I'm surprised he is not offering a second end cap without sound holes for those who want a static display.

 

So, am I to understand then, that buying from Parks now would mean that you'd be getting something made to turn into an FX saber instead of just a static prop?

If that's true, @RomansEmpire, you're our only hope!

 

Yes... and to me that's gonna be a tough conversion. That ROTJ core if integral to the construction will pose all kinds of interior space issues. If you can cut it off and don't need it to hold anything else together, then great... but if you NEED that to hold it together... ugh... gonna suck for conversions.

 

I will absolutely be ordering one if the price is right!

 

The price for a Graflex 2.0 kit is set at $200. Delivery is expected in October, right before EP7. . . . as stated in the email addressed to KaanE ... I have to add this now ... before my PM box is overcrowded with all your messages :wacko

Chaim

 

Is there a pre order list us fanatics could throw our names on to?

Or is this on a first come first serve basis?

 

All info can be asked directly to Parks ... see his website : http://www.parksabers.com/

Chaim

 

I wish it was that easy lol.

No response to calls or emails for over a week.

I shall play it by ear.

 

I ordered some stuff about two weeks back. Nothing more than the automated reply email and he hasn't processed the order.
I don't mind not losing my money but it'd be nice to know whats going on. lol

 

I wrote him yesterday regarding info on my package. I wanted to know what he wrote on the package, so I can think about what to say when I fetch it up at the customs without paying some taxes
I got an answer after 3 hours.
Everything is fine

BTT
Don't know if I like the Graflex 2.0.
The bottom tube does not look right to me. Alle the pre drilled holes. For an ESB it's ok, but is this the same tube for the ANH? How can someone hide the holes made for six grips when you have to place seven grips?

 

I ordered one of his new ver 2.0 kit, when I received his email with the description and what I saw in the pictures, I wasn't happy at all, I replied to him with questions regarding what i found and he confirmed, the end cap comes standard with the sound holes, the top body part even though he says is an exact copy has a straight cut instead of the usual "L" shape to attach to the clamp, you have to use the hex screw like the ones used for the grips that comes to get it fixed not to move like in his ESB EL saber, the screw above the glass eye seems to be the same kind of hex screw. I made my first ANH graflex back in 2005 right after the release of ROTS with a parks graflex and blast-tech kit, later on owned a ESB style that i purchased out of ebay, and is my favorite version, but I always disliked the 2 red buttons, so TFA saber is just what i loved of both versions, the only reason I ordered is because it will not have graflex stamped on the clamp, and he accepted to charge $20 dlls extra to make me a copy with no sound holes on the encap (the price should of been less since it is less work) and the end-cap will not have any "folmer graflex stamping" that's what rocks! it will be just like a movie version, and for the price of the recent sells on ebay that are going as much as $250 dlls for a parks conversion, besides the investment in the conversion parts, back in the day you paid like $130 dlls for a completed saber; it was the best choice for me.


I'm still whaiting for when I receive it and see if i can use solder or make the correct cut on the top body to attach it to the clamp, if the parks clamp doesn't have the teeth wich i'm guessing it doesn't maybe when TCSS stocks back their clamp with no stamping will use that one. But until i have it in my hands i will have to whait. And yes he is focused on making FX sabers instead of props. I think i will have to start making graflex replicas myself.

 

This is a really...odd direction to go in. It will probably fulfill some folks dreams - a converted graflex period. I happen to love the vintage equipment aspect more, so this model/version really weirds me out. Why are there two rows of pre-drilled holes on the bottom?

 

edit: nevermind. Spaced on that one.

 

There are two rows because the top row lines up with a 7-grip ANH and the bottom row is for a 6-grip ESB.

 

That seems like it would create more issues. I wouldn't want visible holes on my saber.. I don't care about the butt of the handle but along the grips would be a deal-breaker.
That said, they appear to line up with the holes for the ESB saber, though I could be wrong.

 

There´s always RE as an alternate option for UNaltered Graflex replicas

Given the fact, that Roman has a pristine reputation, is offering high quality stuff AND is know for fast communication...why gamble with Parks?
Just my opinion (and yes, I TRIED to order some stuff directly from Parks SEVERAL times...and no, I couldn´t get him to answer any of my 10-20 (!) emails :darnkids)

Markus

 

I don't like the new design of his graflex saber (regarding the pictures).

I did busines with parks lately and I think you have to have some luck in emailing with him. Some people say, calling him by phone is much better, but from germany :confused
I had the luck that he answered after some mails and I got my parts last week (grenade and balance pipe for a commission).
After sending the parts out, we had quite a regular email contact

I'd like to see the Graflex from Roman soon (and would like to know the pricing :wacko )

 

They don't both line up with the ESB, just the set towards the end, the set towards the middle has 7 holes to attach ANH grips. I agree, I don't like this at all.

 

I did not notice until it was mentioned, damm. Will have to whait until I receive it if at least they get covered with the opposite grips.

 

Having them on opposite sides implies that the unused holes would be covered by the clamp, I think.

 

Not covered by the clamp, covered by the grips. If they were covered by the clamp there would be no point to drilling 7 holes there for the ANH grips.

 

Fair enough. Not having a graflex to reference, is the spacing for 6 vs 7 holes a big enough difference that the width of the tracks won't cover them? And actually, to that end, without screws on the ANH tracks, why bother drill in the first place? I might guess that there's a hidden screw to hold it to the clamp somewhere, justifying the additional holes?

 

I agree and that might be it. 5 more months to know.

 

How is Parks for ordering parts, not complete sabers. I need a couple parts to finish my Heiland Vader conversion. I just need the MPP clamp, button panel and grips. Is there another option out there?

 

I have personally not ordered from him before but with parts if they are in stock they say it's fast, you can try blast-tech he sells good quality products and has mpp parts.

 

Last I heard Blast-tech wasn't making parts any more. I email them a few months back and they had virtually nothing left.

 

Really?

 

I ordered parts over a year ago, still nothing, and no replies. I am in Australia, so it's hard to ring him. This fact prevented me from buying a ESB and MPP as I really wanted to hang them up crossbladed so they could be lit up like a lamp.

Romans run seems the way to go.