End of an Era. 43 years with JBL is Over

[Don McRitchie]

Greg

I’ve had the day to let the impact of your severance from Harman sink in and it hasn’t lessened one iota. I can’t imagine that it has for you either, but maybe you’re a better man at this than I am. It absurd on so many levels – it’s absurdly illogical, it’s absurdly counterproductive and it’s absurdly insulting.

As I think you are aware, my start as an audiophile coincided with your start at JBL and it was your L300 that was the first audio gear that I ever lusted after. In the 80’s and 90’s, JBL’s exposure in my local market went lower and lower, to the point that I wasn’t aware at the time that you continued to turn out superlative products like the L250 and XPL. I don’t think I was alone in my ignorance. I think it’s fair to say that, at least the high end market, largely ignored JBL at that time.

What the market didn’t foresee was that you would continue turn out product of such excellence that it ultimately could not be ignored. Your signature designs are now regarded at the pinnacle of the art. Harman obviously doesn’t value this, but the thousands of owners of your work most certainly do.

At the end of the day, this event was obviously something out of your control. What this action will never diminish is your legacy of accomplishment at JBL because that was completely within your control.

Regards
Don

[pos]

I don't know what to say. I am speechless, and have been since I read the post yesterday...
First JBL stops servicing their emblematic components and statement loudspeakers, and now they turn their back to their emblematic and statement employee?
This is not only inelegant and rude, but also stupid.

[Ducatista47]

I am sorry for the shabby treatment you received at the end. Next to "living well is the best revenge", one of the best things you could do is to take some other talent with you to your next endeavor. Jerry Morro, for instance, if he has not already heard a 90 second explanation, could depart to continue his relationship with your team.

Presumptuous I know. I don't know your circumstances with your colleagues, just a thought. I - and others here, I am certain - would urinate on a spark plug if it would help you continue with your passion.

[bubbleboy76]

It is maybe not polite to ask, but how old is Greg?
I am hoping 65, then my 4365:s are the perfect number for the last brand new speakers from Harman I will ever buy.
Due to this.

[svollmer]

I used to have a pair of 240Ti’s. Like many, I really wanted the 250Ti, but couldn’t afford them. Some time in the mid to late 90’s I called JBL to ask them if it would be possible to purchase the additional 8” midrange and crossover and using the 240’s components make my own 250Ti’s. I naively thought I could build proper cabinets and just add the parts.

Anyway, I made the call thinking there was only a 5% chance someone at JBL would even discuss it with me. I was routed to a very nice gentleman who told me all about the 250Ti, including the sloping front baffle that I hadn’t accounted for, how to go about making my own cabinets, and even where I could get the no-longer-available crossovers.

We talked for at least 30 minutes and it was a great conversation. Before saying goodbye, I asked the kind man for his name in case I decided to go through with the project and needed some advice. He was quick to say he’d be happy to talk to me again if I needed help. When he said his name was Greg Timbers, I almost dropped the phone.

Greg: you are the epitome of class. As many have said, our lives have been bettered because of your work. Thank you!

One unsolicited suggestion: start your own small high-end company. I think Greg Timbers Audio, or GTA has a nice ring. J

[BMWCCA]

Greg: you are the epitome of class. As many have said, our lives have been bettered because of your work. Thank you!

One unsolicited suggestion: start your own small high-end company. I think Greg Timbers Audio, or GTA has a nice ring. J

I couldn't agree with you more. My aggravation grows every time I think about how this was handled. Our problem is we love JBL and Greg's designs so much we think we have some stake in the operation of the company. But it's now even more obvious this company couldn't care less what we think, what the public thinks, or what the future of the JBL name is. Waterproof Bluetooth speakers in bright colors seems to be their claim to fame today.

On a new startup from Mr. Timbers, I suppose some of the reason for the quick and un-ceremonial way in Greg was shown the door had to do with his unique designs and creations which are not his property. I can't see why Moron International (excuse me Heather, that should be Harman) would actually care if they're parting with the creator of their innovations, but who knows. Greg would have to start from scratch. Too bad there's not a viable business model to be made for the maintenance and upgrading of existing legacy products from the now JBL-We-Don't-Care-About-Your-Products company. But then if Kenji can make a killing off re-purposing old 43xx systems, think what a Timbers Design reproduction or upgrade would do! If Andrew Jones can make a living selling his name to Pioneer (yeah, I know they're pretty much out of the audio biz now), then what is the Timbers name (and expertise) worth in the high-end speaker market?

After the whole Altec-Lansing, Jim Lansing, JBL name game, I wonder if Harman even owns the rights to the name Lansing anymore? How 'bout a new line of Lansing Heritage speakers with the Greg Timbers signature on them?

I know Gerald Stanley has made it almost 50-years at Crown. Is he next, or has he also been purged by the Harman Board?

[Ducatista47]

Too bad there's not a viable business model to be made for the maintenance and upgrading of existing legacy products from the now JBL-We-Don't-Care-About-Your-Products company. But then if Kenji can make a killing off re-purposing old 43xx systems, think what a Timbers Design reproduction or upgrade would do!

I imagine the gentleman at GPA knows a thing or two about all this, and is willing to share his knowledge and more. His business model includes new driver designs, does it not?

[JuniorJBL]

Hi Greg,

This is saddening to hear the designer of the speakers I have always loved has been "Escorted out" of what most would call a long living legacy.

I will always remember the evenings in LA that we all had to enjoy your company and talk shop with you!!

My best friend of 40 years (who has passed) and I started listening to JBL's at the age of 9. We started with a pair of 4301B's and drove them with a Pioneer SX780 receiver and it was a daily ritual to listen everyday after school and all summer long. Thankfully I was able to share our LA get-together with him and give him the the signed article before he passed. It meant a lot to both of us and he admired you by always pointing out that Greg made these!!

I would like to wish you the best for the future and can't imagine there would not be lots of companies knocking down your door to work with them.


Thanks for all of your contributions to this hobby of ours for so many years.


Shane

[rdgrimes]

One unsolicited suggestion: start your own small high-end company. I think Greg Timbers Audio, or GTA has a nice ring. J

Not a great idea for someone of retirement age to open that can of aggravation. But there are more than a few high-end speaker makers around who would make a home for a consultant. Wouldn't surprise me if Timbers' phone is already ringing with offers. If there's any justice in the universe, his only real problem will be in deciding which offer to take.

[bigyank]

^{I too had the experience of being walked out the door after working at a company for a decade. One day you get top performer award and 8 weeks later, you're done. Greg, take it personal and make them pay. You are a force to be reckoned with in your discipline and I, as others do, look forward to your next chapter in life, whatever it might be.}