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Thanks for the responses guys, and definitely will keep you posted. Tim, you give me a lot to think about, and ultimately that is what I should do (send it back for a refund) because I agree with all your points; they should’ve never sent it out in the first place and should’ve done all that recutting, etc. But, aesthetics aside, it’s so hard to give up the one I have and will get to play for the next 8-12 months while the 2nd one is being built. That’s really what it comes down to, although it’s becoming more clear to me that maybe it shouldn’t.
I am awaiting one final conversation with them to clarify all the things that need to be clarified, so we’ll see where we go from there. I will say this – however this goes down is going to be on MY terms, no if’s and’s or but’s about it – and if they don’t agree, then that will defintely make the decision easy for me at that point: send it back and tell Andrew get to work.
1b/Lee/Tim
Thank you for your responses, much obliged, and keep them coming if you think of anything else that might be pertinant.
1b, thank you for bringing to light some other issues I hadn’t thought of yet, namely the expected wear-and-tear on the guitar I have in hand. I’ve sent the pics/email to them and they’ve responded, basically saying some things they can fix, others are a result of it being a “hand-made” instrument and not machine made, like some bigger companies, and other excuses I won’t get into here. I can accept some of that, others I need to clarify. And certainly your point of wear-and-tear is something I need to bring up in my next email. And the other thing you mentioned about them being so “easy” about building a new one – I found that suspicious too. I’ve wondered on more than one occassion if they actually built this guitar for someone else, who subsequently sent it back, and maybe they’ve been trying to get rid of it ever since, thinking they’ll slide it off onto an unsuspecting buyer. I certainly wouldn’t go accusing them of doing this because it’s simply not fair without any proof; all I’m saying is it’s one of many “possibilities” (however great or small) that have to be taken into consideration when examining this situation.
So long as they’re willing to abide by my requests of building the 2nd guitar, and that if I’m not satisfied the 2nd time around then we’re cutting ties, then I’m ok with letting them build another. I do LOVE how it sounds, which is what really kills me, in a way, because (obviously) I don’t want to have to send it back, but as you know at this price I have to.
I guess I have a few more emails/phone calls to make w/ them before getting to a solid jumping off point w/ them. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
I’ll keep you guys posted, for sure. Again, any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the honesty guys. It’s hard to swallow, but it’s what I need.
As for what to do, as of now I’m permitting them to build me another one. They were very apologetic (not sure what good that does considering the state in which it left their shop) and want to “make it right”, so when I gave them the option of either sending me back my money or building me a new one, they predictably chose the latter.
The hard thing for me at this point is that they’re allowing me to keep the 1st one (which sounds incredible, just the asthetics that are bad, as you saw) until the 2nd one is finished. It’s tough for me because I waited so long for this one, and it sounds great, so it’s hard to give up, even despite the issues, because I know if I go this route I’ll hopefully have the *right* one in about another year or so. This allows me to at least play this one until the 2nd one is done.
I have not sent the pics you have seen to them yet; I am awaiting a letter from them addressing the issues, agreeing to let me keep this one until another is built, and guaranteeing that if the 2nd one is still not up to par, to refund my purchase price in full.
Do you think that is a good move on my part?
I will be sending him the pics and he has vowed to pay extra close attention to these issues the 2nd time around, but again, I still have a little apprehension as to what that actually means, you know? I mean, how did this guitar leave their shop in this condition in the first place? And who’s to say the 2nd time around will be any better?
It’s either that route, or send this one back, get my money back, and have a local guy (who I have a LOT of faith in) build me the same thing. Problem with that route is that I go another year without my guitar. There’s a lot to think about here, and I appreciate any feedback/advice, it really means a lot that “strangers” (:D) are willing to take time out of their day to help me in such an important and emotional decision for me.
So THANK YOU. 😉
No prob guys, if you want to, PM me email address & I can either email the pics or put you on a mass list to view them in photobucket or something. Appreciate the help, thanks.
You guys got emails? I can show you what I am talking about in a mass email. My new luthier (Andrew) took a number of pics for me to address all the concerns since his camera was far superior to mine.
Lee, I can see what we can do about a Sympathy, though honestly, I’ve never thought we covered it all that well. It’s quite a lot different than the original as well, but we’ll see.
Whaddup y’all! Long time no write – been busy w/ the band and a new job but hope to not be too much of a stranger. My bad. Hope everyone’s been well and in good spirits. So we’ve posted some newer “live practice” clips on our myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/heavydime), so wanted to let you know. Gumbo (Phish) & Heroes (Bowie) are the new tracks w/ the new git. Let me know what you think if you want!
Unfortuantely….I am sending the git back. But not before they build me a new one and send it up. After bringing it to a local luthier here recommeneded to me by a couple of well respected guitar friends (very grateful for that) to address some concerns about the quality of construction, he confirmed what I had suspected which was that there were a lot of asthetic defects that a guitar costing this much money should not have. Needless to say, I contacted the original luthier to give him an option of either sending back my money (which I was then going to take and have this new found luthier – Andrew Olsen @ http://www.aoguitars.com, check his stuff it’s incredible) or building me a new one & I’d hold onto this one until it was done. It’s a shame really, because I am in LOVE with the tone and sound of this guitar, it’s perfect. It’s just there are too many flaws in too many areas (some very minor, some more than obvious) to accept. It’s quite devestating and heartbreaking, I’ll be honest, but what can I do? It’s just I waited soooo long and spent sooo much and my expectations were sooo high….and then to be let down was just awful. I was sick about it for a week or two, and it still gives me a pit in my stomach, but have since come to terms with it, and the original luthier was very apologetic and sympathetic to my unhappiness and offered to do whatever it took to make me happy, so I’m going on and banking on that.
I guess I didn’t realize it at first when I posted my initial reviews of it, but after a few days I started disecting it, and honestly became a little embarassed and taken advantage of about the issues since I had paid so much and got something that was less than what it should’ve been, which may explain one reason why I didn’t post my concerns/issues for a while. 😳
I wanted to get some of your opinions on this situation and what you might do or how you may handle it; it would mean a lot since so many of you have been so helpful in the past with me. Good/bad/ugly = all welcome. Come real. Some I talked to said send it back and get my money back asap because if he/they did injustice the first time around, who’s to say the second will be any better. Others say give him a second chance to make it right because he was apologetic and (seemingly) sincere.
Much obliged for reading this and any suggestions/opinions that are garnished here.
Thanks!!! 😉
Well….
She had to be sent back unfortunately – 2 grounds came loose during shipping and I didn’t trust anyone else to fix it. She should be here early next week. Bummer, but what can you do?
She is gorgeous though – it looks like she should be on a wall or in a museum. It really is a work of art. From what I did play of her, it was like a dream. It will take me a little bit to get used to, as any new guitar would, but it felt like I was meant to have it, that’s for sure. Very light, as expected, and easy playability. The quality of it was pristine – they did a really nice job. I will post more pics (& hopefully audio) when she gets back. And the case they gave me for it effin’ phenomonal, it looks like a coffin almost! I half expected to open it up and see a Tommy Gun inside or something – it seriously looks like something out of a mob movie. Thing is a friggin’ beast I tell you. Rugged as all hell and custom made to fit the git.
Here are some pics I took that day:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q127/shakedown_04092/Music%20Equiptment/IMG_6507.jpg
Yeah, I think I’m going to pass on the UGB for now, but they are sending it and the wiring schematics up to me anyways in the event that I want to have a tech install it in the future, which is cool. I guess it came down to the fact that I really couldn’t make a decision on it one way or another, so I figured better to not have it installed, test out the rig, then make a decision. I’ve also been briefed on sort of a UGB stomp-box that a guy I know on another forum makes for around $100, so that may be an option too. Sounds like a neat idea – not having it onboard and being able to engage it when I feel is necessary.
Anyways, I spoke w/ Pat this morning & he’s shipping it out tomorrow, should be here by Thursday, I hope. What this means is that I won’t be leaving the confines of my house – not even for a split second – until that thing gets here. 😆 I can’t wait! Can’t believe it’s actually gonna be here. I can tell I’m not gonna get much sleep this week….. 🙄
Thanks guys! Here are 2 more I just got today, all wired up ready to go! Not the best pics because they were taken at a weird angle, but still good enough. I am making (or trying to make) a decision about the Unity Gain Buffer and whether or not to install it. Here’s what Tim – the luthier – says about it in the email I just received:
[code:1]”A preamp is advised for long cable runs. This
would happen with many effects and a large stage. What it does is
give the effects unity gain. (or full signal were there is lots of
resistance). A pre amp does effect the tone of the guitar mostly by
giving it a higher output. (making the guitar louder but not exactly
as clean) A preamp also means a 9 volt battery. In my opinion
this guitar sounds great the way it is and the loop will work
effectively for your use with out it. The general leaning of many
of the guys using effect loops right now is to keep the guitar
natural (no pre amp.) There is also a few companies making and
outboard unity buffer so it is not in the guitar. Steve Kimmock is
one of the guys i first saw bypass the whole pre amp thing but still
have the loop. We just want to be sure before the guitar gets sent
to you. If you are good we will send. If you have questions please
shoot me a email. Thanks again.”[/code:1]So I guess I’m leaning away from installing it, though my onl question, which I’ll ask him when he calls back in 10 minutes, is whether or not it would be beneficial in my circumstance. I don’t have 50 foot cable runs, but I do have 10 FX on my pedal board.
What do you guys think?
Here are the pics:
[quote=”1bassleft”]I don’t usually go for blue-coloured fretboards, myself, but I’ll forgive anything in this case.
[/quote]Shhh! Don’t anyone tell 1b, but that’s painter’s tape on the fretboard! 😛
What up y’all? Been a while, which means I haven’t had anything usefull to add, but I did get some updated pics of the guitar, so I figured I’d pop in and say whaddup.
The first 2 are mine, awaiting the installation of the pups/UGB/electronics – the only thing left as of now is the UGB, so there’s a chance it may be here by the end of the week! The next 3 are of some other gits they’re doing. I can’t wait to get her….she looks gorgeous, no? Love the look of the Koa’s grain through the finish & stain. I think they’ve done a mighty fine job. Will MOS DEF post pics & audio when she gets here. Been trying to think of a name for her, but maybe I’ll just leave her blank. Can’t decide. Not really a big deal, after all. Enjoy!
These next 2 are of a “Wolf” replica (Jerry’s guitar in the mid 70’s) they’re doing for some guy:
This last one is of a “Hollowbody Bolt” they’re doing for some other guy:
Thanks 1b for all the help! New rig sounds great! Still twidling with it, dialing it in over the last few weeks – man was he loud at last practice! like a little puppy with a new toy! And man is that cab heavy! Holy shyte man, thing weighs a metric ton!
Sent him an email w/ the reco’s for the GE tubes, I’m guessing he’s gonna hold off for a bit to see how he likes these ones, this being his first tube amp and all.
Would love to see that thread you mentioned regarding the solid-state pedals. That’d be interesting. And the reason I asked about the Lovetone Meatball pedal is because I think it’s made on that side of the pond, so figured you guys would have more info than I would. Tried online everywhere (that I know of at least) and can’t find one for him. Oh well….he’s got enough to play with for now, and plus he’s already got a Bass Balls pedal which is doing the job for an envelope-type effect for now. Though I’ve heard great things about the Meatball, which is why I was on the look-out for more info.
Anyways, now that he’s taken care of, it’s time to take care of myself, though I’m going to be broke in about 2 weeks when my custom gets here, but I’m still thinking of stuff. Want to get a new amp, just don’t know what yet. Also just carelessly/flagrently/obsessively/etc. put an order in for an Analogman Bi-CompROSSer (compressor/juicer stomp box) because I’ve been on the waiting list for one since June of ’06 and my turn finally came up, so I irrationally just bought it. Oh well. I’m sure I’ve made worse decisions. 😆
You guys may know that I’m a big fan of the Grateful Dead, but this is just disgusting:
LOL…too funny. And I agree – I think the 10’s will be fine, esp. for his sound. Trust me, he’s not buying anything for a while (though I AM trying to find him a Lovetone Meatball pedal….you wouldn’t happen to know where I can get one, would you? 🙂 )
But I really appreciate all the help you and everyone else has been through this process. Buying such gear can be a daunting and overwhelming task, esp. when you don’t know much about it in the first place, and with this site’s help we navigated that pretty well, I think.
So thanks! From both my brother Jeremiah and I.
And still no cab yet….grrrr….it was supposed to be in yesterday, hopefully today it will come. Will keep you posted.
So about these tube upgrades……tell me more?
