FAQ

Updated Nov. 21, 2007

1. Why the Art Asylum Phaser?

The Art Asylum Phaser, or AA as it is frequently called, is a great

replica of the TOS phaser. It was designed by the guys at HMS, the

prop company that makes many of the props for Roddenberry.com.

This means it is 'Right'. (not only do they really know their business, but

they're a nice bunch of guys too!) In addition to its dead-on shape, it is

built tough! That's why I'm so comfortable in rebuilding these for people

- I know that they'll handle a lot of, well, handling.

2. What do you do to them?

First off, we totally disassemble them. The texture is removed from the

Phaser 1 and the side ribs, etc. are removed from the Phaser 2 body.

Components are replaced, strengthened, and refinished. Then, they're

all repainted and given a very durable clear coat. When the Phaser 2 is

being reassembled, the stock LED is replaced with a high-brightness

LED, a pager vibrator is installed, and a power supply added to make it

independent of the P1. Note: we reconfigure it so that the pistol won't

function without the hand phaser in place. The side knob, nozzle, and

'extra crispy'

are replaced with real aluminum ones.

3. How much does all this cost?

Prices vary from unit to unit, depending on options chosen. As an

example, let's look at the unit pictured on the home page. It has all the

reworks mentioned above. It would cost you $200,

plus the phaser itself

and the metal nozzle and side knob

. I would like to pin down prices for

the phaser and metal, but those prices vary according to the market

value. Sometimes, they're hard to get, and that drives the cost up.

Options such as metal fins, extending emitter, metal P1 trigger, etc.

increase the price as well. We don't build just one or two variations and

expect you to

take them or leave them - we custom-build them to your

specs.

You

choose the color scheme, the LED color, P1 jewel

configuration, and so on. They each have a unique serial number too.

4. You mentioned different color schemes. What's up with that?

When the Original Series first began, the phasers were jet-black with a

white handle. They were given a facelift about halfway through the first

season. The P1s received aluminum rails on the sides, the knob on the

top rear was changed, and diamond-pattern 'extra crispy' was added to

the top of the P1. The color scheme was changed too - Hero props got

a dark gray P1, a lighter gray P2, and a dark bronze metallic handle.

The rear ribs were replaced with aluminum ones. Others, such as

Midgrades and background units, had black P1s and handles with gray

pistol bodies. The only known surviving Hero phaser was examined

and exact matching modern paint colors were determined. That's the

paint we use on all the rebuilds!

You can choose any of the schemes mentioned above.

5. How long will all this take?

We really can't answer that with any measure of accuracy.

Deadlines/due dates just don't work for us because all kinds of things

intervene. We all have 'day jobs'. Real life intrudes sometimes. In fact,

our last run was delayed because of weather! It's true - the clearcoat

we use is very finicky when it comes to humidity. Plus, if it does mess

up, simply sanding it off and recoating doesn't work - the prop has to be

taken back down to bare plastic, and all the new side ribs and P1 cradle

have to be replaced. That's why, come painting time, The weather

Channel is our friend and we play lots of soft, soothing music.

At any rate, suffice to say that if you order a phaser, you will get it.

Sometime. After a phaser is finished, we like to keep it around for a

week or so just to make sure it is 'right'.

6. I'm not exactly happy with that answer.

We're not either, but we want you to be 100% happy with this

transaction from start to finish. So:

Use PayPal. All our interests are covered that way.
DON'T pay us the entire price up front! All we need to start is the
phaser and metal, or the money to cover them.
DO email us from time to time if you want. We'll be happy to fill you in
on what's going on with your 'baby'.
DO keep watching this site. After we get your phaser build in queue, it'll
be numbered. We'll have a Status page up soon so that you can
monitor its progress.
When the phaser's finished, we'll email you pics of the completed item.
THEN, you can send the remaining balance, and it'll be shipped off to
you.