Shockwave

I have now got a response from Lettsbass. No updates, but the communication makes me rest a bit easier.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1380630663' post='2228074'] Why didn't you just name and shame from the off then if you we not aware of delays on custom orders why make this a plea to all of the others you don't or didn't know were just as bad?Is this now officially a bad feedback for Jon Letts thread then or am I missing something? [/quote] It did not start off as that initially as I was initially just venting. But I changed my mind as I stated on the first page. Why is this important enough for you to bring up?

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1380627983' post='2228002'] Is that the penny dropping? [/quote] My first custom built basses ever, I searched on here and there was nothing to suggest any major problems with time keeping at Lettsbass in peoples reviews beforehand. So there seemed to be no problems, it's just unfortunate I am one who seems to have been taken advantage of. Hence why this thread exists because I never had the advantage of reading up on possible negatives before putting in an order (If they existed). Maybe you could "Drop" the condescending attitude and baiting behavior? Which of course you'll deny and possibly say "I was only trying to help, what a terrible thing for a moderator to say". Reading between the lines it seems like you are saying I am a fool for thinking the best of people. Thanks for that, it's really appreciated. Maybe I am a fool for doing that, but I don't need you implying that. Of course, you would deny that as well. Well all these posts are in a personal capacity anyway.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1380624887' post='2227933'] So if someone on here tells a tale of bad service for an item that is only available from one supplier we can all read the thread and get the item from somewhere else? [/quote] Or they can make a decision whether the wait and hassle is for them and if not, get something else that is similar from someone else, something completely different or just not buy anything!

Just to note I have never changed the specs on any of these builds and I never pressured for updates unless it was way past the deadlines or it had been a while since I heard any progress.The only thing I have changed is home address to be delivered to.

[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] And that attitude is the problem. How are current or future luthiers who do do this sort of thing supposed to learn if no one does anything? The fact that there is a lack of genuine two way communication with both builders to me and the fact I don't want to resort to legal action (which is an absolute resort) means that I come here to air my grievances.

I found it difficult to sell the 30th ever Warwick Thumb NT5 at £1100.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1380536136' post='2226603'] Do you have money tied in with the pickup order? Otherwise I think I would have cancelled it by now. [/quote] Yes, $400 plus. And the pickup builder stated no refunds on specific custom orders like mine. If I want my money back I would have to chase him in court in New Jersey. But I don't want the money, I want the pickups.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1380535951' post='2226600'] 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. [/quote] 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 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] Why make excuses for them? I just ask for honesty from the start to finish and I ask for a generous estimate with added time for it to be completed, however this leeway I feel it is treated by builders as time to just stop building altogether, or extra time not to start it for ages in the first place and I have not been given any reason to believe otherwise (Due to lack of communication, honesty or/and explanations). If I was given a valid reason as to why someone elses later order was built ahead of mine then I would be fine with it. The issues I have with these custom builders are not my fault and I should not be held to fault for their mistakes, dishonesty or lack of communication.

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1380532617' post='2226531'] I agree but from what you have said in your post I personally think you have been more than reasonable but whatever course of action you choose to take I wish you good luck with it mate [/quote] True... I don't really have any other options because they are either A. In a different country. B. Unreachable, or both. In which case, I made a mistake in stating that I wouldnt name them, I apologise. So here they are. I have been waiting for pickups from David at [b]SGD Lutherie [/b]based in New Jersey, there is a large Talkbass thread on it. I have been waiting on a custom bass that I got on the winter bass deal from Jon of [b]Lettsbass. [/b]I have been messaging him via Facebook for a while and he had always responded before the bass updates from him stopped, I know he has read my messages since but has chosen not to respond. However he is still posting updates of other basses he is building on Facebook. Neither are responding to communications and both are over double the time quoted. (And in case of SGD, 10 times the amount) Consequently, if anyone has contact numbers for these people it would be much appreciated.

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1380531914' post='2226517'] I think they should be named and shamed that might help them get there a@@@s in gear? [/quote] I don't mind naming and shaming 2 of them eventually if nothing is done. As stated above, the problem with naming and shaming is that I do not want to give them the opportunity to imply that I am the unreasonable one. I want the product I ordered, not more delays or throwing the toys out of the pram because I complained about them online. One of the builders seems to have gotten the message that I wont tolerate anymore delays and are starting to send me constant updates.

Hello all. This is more of a statement then anything. But I have never ever ordered anything custom and got it when it was promised. I generally take a lax approach to Custom built things because I don't want to antagonize the manufacturer, However I feel this has been taken advantage of by a number of builders. I have been given excuses time and time again as to why things are not completed, but I see builds being completed from orders made after my own and other evidence of dishonesty. Currently I am waiting on two sets of custom pickups by an un-named custom builder on another forum. Given a build time of 4-6 weeks, still waiting a year later. I have been nice up to a point but I have lost patience. The builder had some personal issues, but no longer and he has openly stated that he is building new orders ahead of mine and is calling me unreasonable. I have a bass being made by a builder on this forum at a cut price. It was ordered this time last year and was supposed to be finished by Easter/April time. I have been asking for a proper honest update for the last month but with no reply. I have a bass being built by another builder not based on any forum, ordered a year ago. It seems to be finally getting built, but I had to be persistent in my calls and is the only builder I know in person. Even though waiting for a custom bass for 6 months to a year is not considered a long wait by many people, I do expect builders to stick to the build times given and not to take advantage of my good cheer. When I start chasing up on orders more insistently via Email typically they say nothing. And when I feel I have no choice but to vent on a public forum, they try to go damage control and make me look unreasonable. All I ask from these custom builders is absoloute honesty in their communications with me and what they are working on. Constant lies catch up with you at some point and just because I may only know you through the internet, does not give you the right to ignore me more then any other customer. That is all.

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1379702329' post='2215997'] In addition to stands for my own basses, I am bringing a 3-space stand that will be marked FREE PARKING. Shockwave has first dibs on this for his Antigua P, after that if you have nowhere safe to park your bass, just look for the little signs. [/quote] Yes I will be taking this space up still, thanks for the offer

Some of the first photos coming through of the build! Click to enlarge. Gonna go carved top I think. [attachment=144154:P1070239.JPG] [attachment=144155:P1070245.JPG] [attachment=144156:P1070249.JPG] [attachment=144157:P1070259.JPG] [attachment=144158:P1070264.JPG] [attachment=144159:P1070268.JPG] [attachment=144160:P1070270.JPG]

Anyone got a spare slot in a stand for my Warmoth Antigua P-J bass?

Recieved an Ashdown Mibass from Mike. Really fast postage, good comms, straighter then a straight thing. Cheers! R

[quote name='Jazzneck' timestamp='1376380521' post='2172930'] Goodo - does this mean there will be a corner for us old, incompetent gits to sit down, talk and attempt to play the simplistic, non slappin' stuff through nice quiet amplifiers whilst drinking tea and smoking ciggies? Please? [/quote] Good point, last year was a little painful.

[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1375985088' post='2168334'] EDIT: Arrgghhh!!!! Of course after I post I see the bit down the bottom where he disclaims responsibility if the bass is damaged in the post. [/quote] He wont post himself, he does not mind if the buyer sorts the courier. Whoever organises the courier bears the responsibility in case of lost/damages.

Hello Tom, maybe you should have made it clear you are endorsed by this company? Like many other companies you seem to promote on here.