CamdenRob

Whats happened to this thread? This isn't the OPs fault? he's not being unreasonable expecting something to be delivered on time or at least delivered in twice the quoted time... ridiculous.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380615666' post='2227750'] True. This thread only seems to have had a purpose if a bass suddenly materialises because the majority of the content in here is widely being ignored. [/quote] I think it's a useful thread. If I'd have read this before ordering my custom build five months ago I would have thought twice about ordering it... ... then probably ordered it anyway thinking it wouldn't happen to me When I ordered the bass the plan was, if it turned out as I wanted, I'd order a similar fretless version on the back of it. I can say now that I definitely will not be ordering another custom build. Rob

[quote name='Ticktock' timestamp='1380561537' post='2227121'] Rob- it's been delayed twice. Rather annoying but its small enough and powerful enough for the money. I've been using a behringer combo that was leant to me. Even my bandmates are asking me when my new cab is arriving... [/quote] Yeah its really annoying when shops sell you stuff that isn't in stock, I notice it now says the 8th of October.... I ordered a bass from GAK once and a month later they told me they couldn't get hold of it. Let me know what you end up with and how it turns out as I think we're essentially looking for the same thing. Rob

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1380611426' post='2227665'] I used to like them when I was about 13 and in to all that sort of stuff... kinda went off them during the cowboy hat phase... [/quote] Their cowboy hat phase, not mine ... I'm more of a fedora guy...

I used to like them when I was about 13 and in to all that sort of stuff... kinda went off them during the cowboy hat phase... Rob

I have a legend 6 and for the money its an excellent instrument... In fact it would hold it's own against several more expensive instruments. It is very modern sounding though, I love it but don't expect it to sound like a jazz. I understand they moved manufacture of these at some point? (I may well be wrong) from Korea to Indonesia. Not sure if that makes any difference to the quality, mine is an Indonesian model, very well built to my eyes. Rob

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380547235' post='2226821'] and even if I told the story, it is unlikely to put anybody else off. [/quote] I'd like to hear your story. It might stop me ordering from whoever it is in the future. There is also a degree of temperance required with posting names etc. I totally agree with shockwaves naming and shaming and I would have done the same in his position. As for my build, well its (at this moment in time) only a few weeks past the proposed completion date. If it's still hanging out months later I will post the names and also any proof of the dates in question. It is however a bit dangerous to start mudslinging without any justification... Rob

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1380545838' post='2226782'] I can't believe you can come out with that! How is Shockwave suppose to know that he would have to wait far longer than was quoted, and then have his enquiring emails ignored? And why on earth should we have to put up with such bad service just because some luthiers are like that, how are we to know who are trustworthy, and who are not, until you actually order from them? It's thanks to people such as Shockwave for highlighting the bad service he is experiencing from certain people, because it helps to stop others making the same mistakes. [/quote] +1

[quote name='Ticktock' timestamp='1380464770' post='2225636'] I have an Eden 4ohm 12" on order from Thomann. It keeps getting put back date wise as to when they'll have it in stock. I played the amp through a full range PA speaker and that made me grin. Anyone have any experience of what other cab will sound "nice" with this amp at £300 and under budget? Cheers. [/quote] I was going to order one of those but I was holding off till they were actually in stock... I want one to go with my MB200 as well. It's currently paired with a GK NEO 112 which sounds great but I'd rather have a 4 ohm for a bit more welly. Rob

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380542171' post='2226701'] . just saying if you can't cope with it, don't go for custom builds... or put up and shut up cos nothing is changing! [/quote] We shouldn't have to put up with it though, regardless of whether it's inevitable or not its still not right. Airing grievances about the process on a forum such as this with others who have had similar experiences, seems like a good idea to me. Especially as I would imagine a significant percentage of the bespoke instrument customer bass are members of this forum... Rob

[quote name='Shockwave' timestamp='1380536185' post='2226604'] The point is, I haven't been given any updates and my communications that I know have been received have been ignored. I have every right, like anyone who has put money down on something to get their product at the time specified. [/quote] I agree with you wholeheartedly. I'd be doing exactly the same in your position... who knows in a couple of months I may be adding a name of my own to this thread. You are not being unreasonable and hopefully some good can come of this. Rob

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380535137' post='2226584'] I agree - but the reality of the matter is, it isn't limited to guitar builders. It's pretty much universal in any small, cottage industry bespoke manufacturer. Ever order a custom pair of shoes or clothing? The point is, if you really want the product, you'll wait... especially if the manufacturer is making you something that is unique. Doesn't make it right... it's just the nature of it. [/quote] Yeah your right. I'm not naming the builder in question as I'm only a few weeks over the quoted build time anyway and I've been kept informed with whats going on whenever I've asked (although if I'd been kept waiting as long as Shockwave I would be telling the BC community to avoid ordering). I guess its just a bit of frustration coming out as I'm impatient to get hold of what I'm hoping will be a fantastic bass. I'd be very interested to know of BCers who have had instruments built in the UK to the quoted build times? This will be my next choice for a custom build.... It doesn't matter how good something is if it doesn't arrive... Rob

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380530924' post='2226502'] To be fair, its not fair comparing the small independent luthier with the likes of cnc based sandberg... [/quote] Surely the construction methods are irrelevant? I'm talking about sticking to a quoted build time. I understand that to hand make everything takes longer but that's not an excuse for quoting inaccurate build times, just quote a longer timescale... but still stick to it. I also have to quote deadlines in my job. If things are tight I will allow extra time in my deadline to cover any disasters or unforeseen events, the timescales I quote are longer than the actual time it will take me to do the work, this is because my deadlines are then promised to clients further up the line. Missing them is not an option, if I was to miss a single deadline I would never work in the industry again. This is not a problem, I just ensure I never miss them. I would imagine this is the case for a lot of people... Rob

This has also been my experience... I understand things get complicated but there is no excuse for quoting inaccurate build times... If it's going to take a year, say its going to take a year, then everyone is happy. Don't say 20 weeks then not even start it until after this date... I appreciate this is not all builders, I recently inquired about ordering a Wal and the build time was 17 months. I was not prepared to wait so I didn't place the order, however I have no problem with this as I was given the full story upfront. It's very frustrating as I feel this country has lots to offer with regards to custom build basses, but the lack of clarity in build times will stop me from ordering again. I can't see this happening with Sandberg... Rob

[quote name='nottswarwick' timestamp='1380482248' post='2225999'] I was glad to learn how to do this sort of thing myself. I have found it really quite easy, and enjoyable. I bought a set of Cruz Tools, including feeler gauges, millions of Allen keys, ruler, etc etc. about £40, with a little guide on how to do it all. Not cheap, but quality tools, and actually about 70% of what my excellent local luthier charges for a basic set up. [/quote] That sounds like a good idea... think I'll invest.

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1380366073' post='2224308'] 11pm! On a school night. Rock n Roll.... [/quote] Ouch... Too late for me, gotta be at work at six the next day... Not very rock and roll... Hopefully catch you guys next time you're in town. Rob

What time are you guys on? Rob

[quote name='Acebassmusic' timestamp='1380270037' post='2222969'] Even if you knew where I lived in Aberdeen you'd stilll have to get past the dozen or so killer guard haggis I have stationed 24 hours a day out side.... Thanks everyone on the compliments. It's taken a fair few years and lots of overtime to build this little lot up. My wife has not only encouraged me to buy them but in one case (the Ritter) told me I [u]must [/u]buy it! From the first time I saw a Wal to getting my mits on mine last year was about a 25 year wait......I'm not quite ready to part with it just yet.... ...especially as its got pretty blue LED's! (What is it about techy / geeky bass players and flashy lights? I guess that could be a thread in itself...lol) [/quote] Its an incredible collection I'm terribly envious... I've been toying with the idea of having a Wal built. I did send an email last week but the 17 month waiting list is putting me off a bit! still better than 25 years!

[quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1380232331' post='2222748'] Did you report it stolen at the time? Just wondering how you would be able to show that it was stolen if not. [/quote] This is going to be my problem. I'm not holding out too much hope of getting it back but thought I might as well try anyway. I've given the police the details of everyone involved and the ebay seller has not dispatched the bass and is holding on to it whilst they go through their records to find out who sold it to them. They appear to be a kind of pawn shop and they have said they've had it years so if the name they have matches the name I have given the police I guess they will try and track him down. I have managed to source a replacement tuner from Status if I do manage to get it back. Rob

Where is it that you live? What times are you usually out of the house? Seriously though what a beautiful collection of basses... Don't suppose you could be persuaded to part with that wal?