[werd]

It makes leary modding new gear, or very near new. The manufacture has their own brand sound installed into it. The modder doesn't, and it just seems that all that happens is the piece moves from a particular brand to more of a generic sounding piece. 

[Ericus Rex]

I have always shied away from mods done by folks other than the original builders.
Mods like for the Counterpoint series done by the original owner, fine.
Or some small manufacturer upgrading his own products.
But all the small modders out there. i cannot personally see trusting someone to be capable of improving a product just because they say they can.
And a few infomercial type recommendations on the internet really are not proof it is good.
Then the resale value? it is never going to be worth more, (unless you luck into a person crazy for the mod anyway)
Then repair? who is then qualified to repair a modded unit?
And what if it fails, is the mod the cause, and who could determine that? No thanks, Ill stick to standard products.
Added: I wonder if folks who go for mods think the grass can be greener 'if only' like somehow they can 'cheat' on paying for an actually superior product.
Then. also THAT is my take on the folks offering mods who actually are not qualified to do them. The Mod sellers are counting on the desire of the person getting the mod wanting basically something expensive for less.
(I KNOW some modders are not of this type, but the problem is how does a customer know? Like I said, a few internet infomercials from satisfied customers does not cut it)

I agree completely.  What really kills me are those guys who buy a cheap product (like a $400 tube amp new) then put $1500 worth of mods into it.  Do they really think they end up with an amp that sounds like an RM-9?

Hey Werd.  Post a link for that Hot Librarians 2011 calendar, willya.  Share the love!