Peter Skytte and Peter Dahlin from Martin Professional treated Ofer, Tim and Bruce to a sneak preview of the Viper series. Back then there were only two early prototypes - and these units were still some way from completion; the two Peters had to be careful not to damage the fragile mock-up on the bench. The preview was a success, and Ofer and Tim were delighted that they'd found a worthy replacement for their treasured '2ks'.
The only problem for Ofer and Tim was that they would have to wait out the field tests, and the spec'ing of the units on international riders before the Vipers could go into commercial production. So they used the trip as an opportunity to get a bit of TLC for the 2ks. A spreadsheet was compiled in which each and every MAC 2k in Gearhouse's inventory was recorded and the necessary spares applied. The Danes also helped out by hastily assembling some emergency spare parts.
By the time January 2013 rolled around, Gearhouse's Durban branch was in dire need of larger format fixtures. Ofer, and branch manager Ashley Singh, took this as an opportunity to trial the Vipers in sunny South Africa - and so they invested in 12 Martin MAC Viper Profiles and some Martin M-Series desks. Many South African LDs got the chance to work with the Vipers, and they were impressed. The comments followed a familiar theme: "Vipers are a winner". LDs praised them as 'bright', 'compact', 'versatile' and 'amazingly simple workhorses'.
In March 2013 the range of Viper fixtures was up to 6 variations - Profile, Wash, Wash with Internal Barndoors, Air FX, Air FX with Quadray - and they were establishing themselves on international riders. The Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt in April 2013 proved a good time for the South Africans to lock down some deals with Martin Professional: Electrosonic SA and Gearhouse SA (represented by joint managing directors Ofer Lapid and Nasser Abbas) met with the Martin team. A deal was struck, and the Vipers were on their way to South Africa.
Gearhouse SA now has 72 Viper Profiles in its inventory with plans for more units. Gearhouse is currently the sole member in Africa of the growing MGAP (Martin Global Alliance Partner). This partnership has many benefits for both members and non-members who are looking for a trusted, accredited and up-to-date rental house to supply fixtures and staff on world tours. By networking with other MGAP members, Gearhouse is in a unique position to leverage knowledge and also share its vast knowledge gained over the years, the company says.
The new Gearhouse Vipers barely touched the ground before were checked and deployed on their first job - the Bidvest Annual Chairman's Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre.
(Lee Baldock)
