| Author | Message | ||
| redtiger
Junior Username: redtiger Post Number: 50 Registered: 1-2007 |
Lately my bass has arrived, but one problem. Plugged in to DS-5R, but thought LEDs were not turned on. Then I took a close look carefully, and recognized that they were on but extremely too dim to notice. How shall I adjust them? Any idea or technical advice would be greatly appreciated. Shoji | ||
| grateful
Advanced Member Username: grateful Post Number: 309 Registered: 12-2004 |
Shoji; non-series instruments LEDs are powered by four 9v batteries. Are you sure a series bass's LEDs are powered by the DS-5R? I noticed from looking at your Factory to Customer thread you have what appears to be a LED battery compartment in the upper bout. I suggest you have a look in there to see if there's batteries in there. Gorgeous bass BTW, Mark | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 942 Registered: 8-2005 |
Mark I think you'll find that that is where the PF6B circuit board goes on Series instruments, unless, like the old ones, which were mounted on the control cover. George (Message edited by georgie_boy on September 15, 2009) | ||
| grateful
Advanced Member Username: grateful Post Number: 310 Registered: 12-2004 |
You're right George, I'll get me coat! (Message edited by grateful on September 15, 2009) | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 943 Registered: 8-2005 |
The battery backplate houses 2, 9 volt batteries which are used if one uses the 1/4" jack. The cover is at the rear end of the neck lams --not to be confused with the larger circuit board cover on the top half. George | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 51 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mark & George, Thanks for the comments. I checked with another series I bass "Red Tiger", and made sure that LEDs are powered by the DS-5R as they work even without two 9 volts batteries. Any possible reasons or technical advice welcome. Shoji | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 944 Registered: 8-2005 |
Nice reply Mike LOL! Shoji........I'm not sure what could be up with your new bass......I thought Mica would have contacted you by now. Try to send the E-Mail to Technical support. it may just be a loose connection due to shipping. George | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 945 Registered: 8-2005 |
oops!!!.........meant to say Mark!! This keyboard can't spell Jack S. G | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 117 Registered: 8-2008 |
Shoji, I am wondering if your DS-5R was set to operate at 117v instead of 100v? This might account for a slightly lower voltage output. (I don't know if the current version of the power supply has a selectable input voltage or is omni-voltage...) If you have two series basses and one is bright and the other dim, then it's not the PSU. There is a large resistor in the "controls" compartment of the bass which is in charge of dropping the voltage for the LED strip. You will need more advice from Alembic as to what the value and voltages should be. Good luck! Jimmy J | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6388 Registered: 6-2000 |
I can't recall, but look inside your bass and see if there is a dimmer control inside. It will look just like the volume pot, only backwards with the shaft pointing towards to the backplate. If you have the dimmer, then it may be adjusted to low. if you don't have the dimmer, then it may be a difference in the selection of the resistor as Jimmy suggested. If you can post a picture of the electronics cavity, I can confirm for you. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 52 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Here are the requested pics;   Thanks for your support. Shoji | ||
| rjw
Moderator Username: rjw Post Number: 235 Registered: 11-1997 |
hi Shoji, as Jimmy said, since the power supply works properly on one instrument, that confirms it's operating normally. a switch failure is very unlikely, but easy to eliminate. disonnect the plugs from both sides of the switch and connect them directly to each other...which would make the LEDs on constantly when the instrument is connected to the power supply. if the LEDs return to full brightness then the switch is the problem. if you have a volt meter, it would be good to know the voltage between the red and blue wires at the LED connector, expecting a reading of 36 to 44 volts. if that is good, then we would measure the voltage accross the LED string itself. we would stick a steel pin into the insulation (shrink tubing) where the red wire connects to the resistor, and measure to the black wire, which a probe can access at the connector. the expected voltage is around 24 volts depending on the characteristics of the individual LED devices, usually in the range of 22 to 26 volts. a lamp failure is indicated when the measured voltage is nearly the same at both points above. -ron | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 53 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Ron, Lately I've got a volt meter, and checked as you suggested. Here is the result as follows; The switch is good. The voltage between the red and blue wires:36 volts. The voltage across the LED string itself:36 volts. That seems the resistor doesn't work, does it? Further suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6419 Registered: 6-2000 |
While it's extremely rare, the only conclusion is that one of the LED components has failed in a manner that the resistance is greatly increased. Actually, this is the first possible LED component failure I've encountered since I started working here over 20 years ago. My dad tells me they were slightly more common early on, but the components were not as reliable. So what to do? The only way to repair is to send the bass back here. Because of the great distance involved, and since you just received the bass, I have placed a note in the instrument file describing the problem and stating that your LED repair will be free of charge at any time you see fit. We're very sorry that your bass' LEDs are not functioning properly and require this service. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 55 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Thanks for your diagnosis. Before we go any further, let me make sure one thing. If LED component failure is the reason, I guess it is a factory defect (NOT MY FAULT), and should be covered NOT BY WARRANTY, but by ALEMBIC itself. And all of the costs including round trip shipping charges should be compensated for by ALEMBIC regardless the warranty. Request your comments. Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6423 Registered: 6-2000 |
Our normal terms for warranty service, which is service performed as result in defect of materials or workmanship, is that you need to get the instrument to us. We pay for the repair and the return shipping costs. These details are printed on the warranty card you received with the bass. If we elect to reimburse for the shipping to us, it's after the item arrives here and the determination of defect is made by us. A factory defect is covered by the warranty. Maybe there is a different idea of warranty in Japan, but traditionally in the United States, manufacturing defects are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, meaning the manufacturer pays for the repair. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 56 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Thanks for the prompt reply. We will discuss the shipping cost to ALEMBIC later on. Anyway, I will send the bass this weekend. Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6431 Registered: 6-2000 |
When you send, please email me the tracking number so that I can be expecting it. I will alert you when it arrives. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 59 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Have you received my bass??? What the hell is going on there??? Shoji | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Have you received my bass??? What the hell is going on there??? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6450 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Shoji, I sent you an email immediately the day we received it, which was Tuesday. Apparently you did not receive my notice. I knew you would be anxious to know when we got it. I should have the final report to you on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6451 Registered: 6-2000 |
The problem we were having was we could not duplicate the LED problem. Voltage across the string is 24V which is normal, and the LEDs are the normal brightness. We found the switch to have a possible defect, but that still would not explain the reading you got on the LED string or the lack of brightness. I'm afraid that we must still conclude that a rare component failure has happened, and we will replace the fingerboard. I've written up the work order for this and the work will start tomorrow. Warranty repair work gets top priority in the shop, and I hope that your bass will be ready to ship back to you in approximately 4-5 weeks. Sadly, there is some refinishing work that will need to be done, and that's why the work will take so long. Before we ship, we will confirm you will be available to receive the bass. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 61 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Mica, Thanks for your support. With regard to the problem you have, IT HAPPENS. Sometimes it works, sometimes doesn't. Especially when I play the bass, it turns on and off automatically against my will. Needless to say, the voltage reading I gave you was the one when it didn't work. Please take your time to wait and see what's happening, and check up thoroughly. A complete inspection would be greatly appreciated. Shoji | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 62 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Could you duplicate the LED problem? Eager to hear what the reason was. Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6462 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Shoji, I guess you didn't get this email from me sent about 4 hours before your post: "We removed the fingerboard, and both the neck and the board are in perfect condition. New board should be in place early next week and then the finish touch up. We are working hard to get this warranty repair completed as soon as possible." No, we haven't been able to duplicate the problem, but because of your observations with the voltage, there is only one answer, the component was defective and the repair was needed. We're continuing to test the removed fingerboard to see if we can discover which one and the manner of failure, it would be interesting. But the most important thing to address is getting your bass repaired and back to you as soon as possible. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 63 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Any updates? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6464 Registered: 6-2000 |
Your bass is in the finish department now. New fingerboard with new LEDs in place. As of yesterday, we were not able to duplicate the problem on the original fingerboard. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 64 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, How is the bass going? Shoji | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, What's going on there??? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6485 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Shoji, I am sorry for not updating you since the end of November. Your bass is ready to rub out. I hope to have it completed this week or next. I'm actually very pleased with how quickly we've been able to progress on this warranty repair. I will email you when it's ready to ship to make sure you will be available to receive it. We were still not able to duplicate the problem you reported on the original fingerboard. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6506 Registered: 6-2000 |
Your bass repair is completed:  And the LEDs look plenty bright  It won't be ready to ship until December 28, as dad and I wish to perform a few other tests on the bass. I just don't think we'll get through them before our short week ends, so that's why we are planning on the 28 for shipping. Please email me confirming you'll be home to accept delivery. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6549 Registered: 6-2000 |
When we prepared to ship your bass, it was rejected in the final inspection. It's back in spray now, I hope it's completed for you soon. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 67 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, First of all, IRT your query, YES I AM STILL WAITING HOME FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS. For you review, you mentioned warranty repair work gets top priority in the shop and was supposed to be done in 4-5 weeks. How long will you make me wait? How is the final inspection going there? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6593 Registered: 6-2000 |
I am truly sorry this has taken slightly longer than I expected. We did complete the work of removing the original fingerboard and installing a new one in about 6 weeks time. Sadly, in the final inspection before shipping we rejected it due to a problem with the finish. This has now been corrected, your bass was reassembled and reinspected. I now expect that it will be ready to ship back to you on Monday. We ship most items for export on Mondays so they do not get delayed and stored in unknown conditions over weekends. On a side note, we still have not been able to get the original fingerboard we removed to duplicate the problem you observed. Weird, huh? | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 68 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Have you shipped already? Let me know the tracking number by email. With regard to the duplicate of the problem, I guess it may not happen because the condition where you are trying to duplicate is different from the one it happened. I mean to say the problem was happened in the fingerboard, but now the circuit is removed out of the fingerboard. Once it is removed, the condition is absolutely different. You should have tried to duplicate the problem under completely the same condition, shouldn't you, huh? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6605 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Shoji, I'll email you the tracking information privately. We did try to duplicate the problem before removing the fingerboard, and could not. I don't think that sending the bass back to you since it was working fine here, or just waiting until the problem could be duplicated and then remove the fingerboard would have been acceptable to either you or Alembic. I watched as my dad tested the LEDs carefully on your bass. They have a typical brightness at 117V and only very slightly dimmer at 100V. You wouldn't even notice if you didn't know to look for it. To get as dim as you described the problem, we had to drop the voltage to 60V. You'll let me know when you receive the bass how it goes. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 69 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, My bass is still at customs because I cannot afford the return shipping costs plus import duty unexpectedly charged on me without any prior notice. For your review, you told me earlier that you would pay for the return shipping costs. If what is happening is what you mean, you should have mentioned that earlier. Any comments? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6609 Registered: 6-2000 |
We marked the documents for all shipping charges, duty and taxes to be paid by us. I will contact UPS about their error and get it resolved. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6610 Registered: 6-2000 |
We marked the documents for all shipping charges, duty and taxes to be paid by us. I will contact UPS about their error and get it resolved. If you have time to email me your receipt for the original duty you paid, it might help clear it up more quickly. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6612 Registered: 6-2000 |
We contacted UPS yesterday, and they are working on the problem. I'll keep you posted on the progress, we very much want you to be reunited with your bass. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 70 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, There seems to be no progress so far. How soon do you think my bass is coming back to me? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6623 Registered: 6-2000 |
We are working with UPS on this matter. If there is no resolution with them soon, we may have to reimburse you for the freight. Were you able to find the original receipt for the duty you paid last year? | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 71 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, I AM NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR POST... First of all, you have not yet answered my question, but I AM ASKING YOU "HOW SOON?", huh!!! WRT the requested receipt, you did not tell me it was necessary. Yes, I do have it, but I have no camera or scanner at hand right now, so can not email it to you soon. Finally, I dare ask you to pay all the costs including round trip freight plus import duty regardless the regulation of warranty. Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6626 Registered: 6-2000 |
Shoji, I am sorry you are unhappy with my post. It is not in my control how long it takes for UPS to straighten the matter out. No matter how strong the priority is for me or you, we are working with their priorities now. Like I mentioned, if you have the original receipt for duty paid, it may be quickest to have you present that to UPS and pay the freight, then I will reimburse you the freight cost and you won't have to pay the duty twice. If you are willing to go this route, I will present this as an option to UPS. If you are not willing to do this, we will have to find another way. I didn't tell you the receipt for duty was "necessary" however, I made it clear in my post 6610 that having it might clear the matter more quickly. We are doing our best, and the most important thing is to get the bass to you. We have done our part in repairing the bass, we have done our part in shipping it back to you. We are now doing our part to assist in clearing up the UPS error. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6627 Registered: 6-2000 |
Shoji, I'm sending you an email with today's updates. | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 72 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Seems to be no progress even now. It's been more than four months since I sent my bass to you, and I'm tired out of this problem for now. I guess it's high time for me to make up my mind that I'll take you up on your offer that you'll reimburse me all the costs including round trip freight plus import duty. I guess that's the best resolution for me and you. If you give me the thumbs-up, I'll go for it. Shoji | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 73 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, Back for more, but who said it cost $9500 any way? I believe that's the reason for the second import duty arose. You should have told them that warranty repair labor cost $0, huh? Shoji | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6629 Registered: 6-2000 |
If you look at the invoice, the value of the repair was $0. The value for insurance was also stated. Can you imagine if the bass was damaged or lost on the return trip? I received a message from the Tokyo Customs office. Here is what they said: ------------------------------------------- Dear Mica Wickersham Thomas, Thank you for your e-mail. When goods are imported into Japan, a Customs duty as well as 5% of consumption tax will be imposed even if it is a repaired good. However, there are two possible procedures for refund or reduction. One of the procedures is "Procedure for requesting tax refunds for those import goods to be re-exported or destroyed due to breach of transaction contract". Procedures for the refund can be obtained from http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/imtsukan/1604_e.htm Other procedure is "Reduction for goods exported for processing or repair" In order to use the procedure, it is necessary to submit T1050 at the time of export and T1060 at the time of re-import. Procedures for the refund can be obtained from http://www.customs.go.jp/english/c-answer_e/extsukan/5005_e.htm If your customer exports goods without aforementioned procedures, the goods are subject to taxation. He has to pay the import duty again, I am afraid. ------------------------------------------ It took many phone calls, but UPS can change the billing for the freight, so that I am billed directly for it, and we will initiate that today. But you will have to pay the import duty. You can send me the receipt when you have access to a scanner or camera again and I will reimburse you half of it. I suggest you actually send it by email to not reveal your personal information to the world. You will need to include relevant banking details as well that should also not be publicly posted. I will email you when the freight billing issue with UPS is resolved so you know when you are free to collect your bass. | ||
| dluxe
Member Username: dluxe Post Number: 73 Registered: 11-2009 |
"If your customer exports goods without aforementioned procedures, the goods are subject to taxation. He has to pay the import duty again, I am afraid." Sounds like this is why the second import duty arose. I'm thinking you should be thanking Mica for offering to pay half of your import duty when you could have avoided it totally by doing some research. (that she ended up doing) | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 74 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, You mean you make me pay half of the import duty, huh? How dare you say that? Remember the problem was caused by a factory defect, not by my fault. That's why I'm still asking you to pay all the costs including round trip freight plus import duty. I know it's not covered by warranty, but I still insist it should be covered by you. "As you sow, so shall you reap." I believe the thought is universal from a humanitarian view point regardless of countries. Shoji | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1081 Registered: 5-2006 |
It says: When you ship something out of the country, it has to go with the right paperwork. So I think it's not Alembic, but the company that took care of the shipping to Alembic that made a mistake here. To me it seems you should contact them and try to get them to pay 100% | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 108 Registered: 2-2010 |
All of this... over a LED light too dim? Kinda hard to imagine why this could not had been fixed locally. Heck, all the resistors are right there to test and replace if necessary. Then after Alembic received the bass, they couldn't duplicate the problem... What happens in this business case, when the customer receives and test his/her bass, and the light is still too dim? If it was my bass, and something as minor as LED's, no way -- would I be compelled to send my bass back for something this minor. Also, with this custom "double" taxation, for repairs is clearly excessive and wrong. Oh brother... what a mess! | ||
| redtiger
Member Username: redtiger Post Number: 75 Registered: 1-2007 |
Mica, One more thing, thanks for the explanation on aforementioned procedures. But you should have told me that prior to the shipment back to Alembic. I just exported my bass as directed by you without such explanation. Shoji | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 665 Registered: 10-2006 |
Shoji, Mica clearly has marvelous superpowers, but I doubt changing your country's import taxes is among them; nor can I understand why you would expect her to know Japanese law better than or your shipping company. I think it's time to thank Mica for all she's done on this, apologize for getting so snippy about something completely out of her control, and pay the tax your government wants to give you your bass back. Peter | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 109 Registered: 2-2010 |
YES Peter! All of this was UN-necessary BS. You know what... I'm sure I would had my Toma_Hawk bass before Christmas if Shoji had not wasted and halted time and operations on this BS, and I'm pretty sure sure everyone would agree with this... and I am pretty sure, other guitars would had been done by now as well. Let's remember what Mica reported and work outlined: they'd completely removed the ebony fingerboard, reassembled, and sprayed again and still nothing was found wrong with the LED's!!! I am pissed off over this BS. Like I said, this problem could had been easily resolved by a "dumb ass person like me running on 1 hour of sleep, and drunk..." A $25.00 job for parts and labor... to have someone trouble shoot and replace a dumb resistor, or to make sure the switches had a better contact -- or if just a simple "ass" switch replacement. Cost would had been simply honored by Alembic... It's stuff like this, raise cost of future projects. Shoji, you are wrong man. May the Sun shine wisdom to you my friend. Hal- | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1156 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hal, Personally if I had a custom bass built and had problems with the LED's while it was in my possession, I too would have asked for troubleshooting help (which Shoji did). He followed the instructions by Mica and Ron, provided pictures and took measurements. That failed- at that point then I too would have sent it back to the factory for repair. Replacing a single LED in the neck wasn't the problem and I doubt very seriously that any old person locally would be qualified to repair the problem. The difficulty here is over shipping/import/export. As to your displeasure about him wasting Alembic's time- I'm sure there are quite a few people still waiting for their basses (Flip for one) that were started long before your custom body shape series I was built, calibrated and picked up. Alembic works at their own pace and on the instruments that they feel are necessary to build/repair. Mica has always stated that warranty repairs take precedence. Alembic stands behind their instruments- if something they've made previously isn't working, they fix it. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 763 Registered: 5-2009 |
At this time and point I wish to hail Mica , Ron , Susan , Mary. James and everyone else at ALEMBIC. I think that Mica is displaying amazing and exemplary grace and composure over this whole affair and a very generous offer of sincerity . Let us hear a big hand of applause for ALEMBIC ! I do not think that you would get this kind of sincere care any where else!!!! Three cheers for ALEMBIC !!!( I mean this as serious as a heart beat my friends !!!!!) | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1003 Registered: 7-2007 |
Personally I do not believe that this should be a public discussion. More so once people start casting stones, insults and trying to offend. IMO, Mica (all of Alembic for that matter) try their hardest to do what's right. | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 110 Registered: 2-2010 |
LOL!!! Alembic could not duplicate the problem... I am not going try to boil the ocean here... I said what I said, and if it was my LED, I would had done it differently... Starting with weighing the financial risks of customs and potential damage or losses that comes with shipping. I would had allowed a trained guitar repair shop review and validate my experiences (with me standing there while they look and perform testing...) Shoji didn't do this, and if he did, his case would had only strengthened, if the problem could not be found. After the testing was performed, I would had a much better understanding as to the source of the problem, or nothing at all -- and I could had communicated these findings with Alembic of those steps I defined and outlined to conclude facts in my presentation. I would had also asked: if the repairs were non-invasive enough for the guitar shop to resolve the problem, could they perform the solution? Clearly, this is what I would had done, to certify my research, and opinions before sending my bass back through the "grind mills" of shipping. So if you had followed Shoji's protocol, then I would be directing my same comments to you as well. Alembic is a small successfully owned family shop, so it's only common sense that Shoji's bass taken priorities (and rightfully so...) but I feel, he should had done more on his side before saying that his bass LEDs didn't work properly. Anybody can say this!!! Should he first provided proof from an established guitar shop recognizing the problems and "testing only" to support his discoveries; before claiming the "Repair card?" This is the wisdom I am speaking from... I would had done more before shipping my bass. Again I credit Alembic for blindly accepting their customers word, without validation from a third party. Shoji didn't even know the uniqueness of these special qualities of a company are almost extinct. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on March 06, 2010) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2579 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hal. On dec 30th in Austin's classico FTC thread you wrote... "Personalty, I believe the whole matter is completely private, and between Alembic, and their customer(s). However from the "bumping" -- it's as if, members who participated, had a stake in the progress of the bass. Excuse me, but just how many people purchased this bass anyway? If there's only one buyer, then for the rest of us, Mica is not required to explain anything. " Perhaps you should follow your own good advice and leave this discussion to Mica and Shoji. Graeme | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 111 Registered: 2-2010 |
I don't see the relationship between the two Jacko. Far as I know, I don't believe Austin's bass "WAS" delivered to him yet... right? So if that's true, (and I believe it is...) then it's already obvious that the matters are between him and Alembic. If Alembic delivers Austin bass or not... It has no effect on me, no more than a "stumped toe" next door, inside my neighbor's house... (Unless he needs my aid...). I am still consistent with this idea today. Furthermore, I don't believe statements from anyone here, are pretexts to a "magical formula rule" for issues to be of -- 'what' is private or 'what' is public. Anyway... On a thread Shoji authored, he asked a general question, and members offered him advise... From there, the problem snowballed... and I receive my bass 3 months later over a faulty LED which was found faultiness, or issues were never duplicated at HQ. Shoji's matter had implicated (directly and indirectly) halted the progress of my bass being ready by November 09. I been really quiet about this problem, and I probably would had remained silent, if it was not for this issue turning out so ugly... Like I said, I was cool with my (3) months late bass, and I dealt with the delay coolly, and in a silent way, and I didn't sound off and blast anyone on my FTC when my bass was delayed... But to blast Mica over something so trivial, and could had been understood earlier, and something like this, halting production to repair a LED (which was not proven defective), was a hard pill to swallow Bro. I am a human being, with a soul (contrary what you might think...) Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on March 08, 2010) | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1534 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hal, You are one of the people that made it ugly. To all, The fact is this is between Shoji and Alembic and they are the only ones that have the full picture of what is going on. The rest of us need to keep our opinions on what should and what should not be done to ourselves. I am sure if this was one of us in the same situation we would wish the same. Keith | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 112 Registered: 2-2010 |
LOL!!!! Keith, I don't care what you think. I said my piece, and I made my peace, and this is not a question of how you feel about what I said. There's nothing you can do about the situation anyway, and you had not said nothing but called me ugly. You had proved nothing, nor do you understand the dynamics of this discussion. Therefore, you are in position to speak to us all as if we can't offer a comment as people deem fit. Are you going to give me the (3) months I lost over this LED issue? LOL!!! Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on March 08, 2010) | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1537 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hal, You are the one that does not understand the discussion nor does appear that you understand English very well. You stated that the thread had gotten ugly. I merely stated that you were one of the folks that way. That has nothing to do with my personal opinion of you (which is basically that of pity). As usual you try to turn everything back to you. I personally don't care about your 3 months. That is nothing. I still am awaiting delivery of my bass and the order was placed in December of 2007. I know of other folks that have been waiting just as long or longer. The fact is if I have a problem and need to return the bass under warranty I sure hope it gets priority to be fixed. Keith (Message edited by keith_h on March 08, 2010) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6635 Registered: 6-2000 |
An update: We submitted a request to UPS/Customs to revalue the shipment - it's worth a try! They are supposed to get back with me by 5:00pm eastern time tomorrow. I'll post again when I know more. I respectfully request that the remainder of communication on this thread is between Shoji and me. Thanks in advance for your understanding. | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 114 Registered: 2-2010 |
[moderator's note: as indicated moments ago in a post made to the Alembic Basses & Guitars section, this type of discourse will no longer be tolerated] (Message edited by davehouck on March 08, 2010) | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 169 Registered: 8-2008 |
Since I was in on this thread early on I feel compelled to add a word or two. The first thing I must ask is that everybody take a deep breath and stop posting anything that might be misconstrued as personal attacks on each other. Please don't let the OP's frustration and anger spread among us and contaminate the premises! This forum only exists at Alembic's whim and if things get unfriendly I wouldn't blame them for closing it all down. I'm sure Mica wouldn't miss the extra work (hey, would it effect delivery times??)... I personally like it in here and would be sad to loose the outlet. This has indeed been a painful series of events to read about here and I feel for all sides. I'm sorry for Shoji because the repair of his instrument's LEDs (something I consider and auxiliary "feature" not even necessary to play music) has turned into a terrible 6-month long goose-chase which has yet to be concluded. But I think we can agree that he's entitled to expedited factory service just as we would hope for should our own instruments need help. If I understand correctly, this is Shoji's second series bass after the original Red Tiger? If so, I am happy that he has another instrument to play while waiting. Regarding why this has been played out here in the forum, I suspect that Shoji thought making his case in public would get a quicker response... I am also guessing that English may not be his primary language and he may not be aware of how angry and demanding his posts appear. With that in mind, arguing with Mica here in the Alembic forum is a bit like an Orix Buffaloes fan complaining loudly in the Seibu Tigers fan forum... (baseball teams) You should expect some of us fans to jump in and defend our team. That's why several here have posted in support of Alembic's efforts in this situation. And I agree that Mica and all appear to have done their usual best to resolve the issue including accepting the customer's word about the defect and making every effort to fix it. That's the support we all know and love. Just a couple more things... The factory always has several instruments in various stages of build and repair. For instance I don't think there is ever just one instrument in the spray booth, more like 6 or 12 at a time. It's not a one-at-a-time assembly line thing so an expedited warranty repair can't really be pointed to as causing the delay of another instrument. Otherwise us bass players would get mad at the guitar players for gumming up the works! If we've learned anything here it's that those who live outside of the US and need warranty repair work must carefully research how customs views the export / re-import situation. Dealing with customs of any country is like trying to reason with the Internal Revenue Service over here - they lay down the rules and it's up to you to comply... I am curious as to the $ amount the Tokyo Customs Office is expecting Shoji to pay. Paying double import duty is a serious pain in the ass. Finally (sorry for the long-winded post), I urge Shoji to be patient, this will soon be resolved and you will have your bass back. As all of us who deal with Alembic know, good things come to those who wait. Hang in there. Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9153 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thank you Jimmy!!! | ||
| 3rd_ray
Advanced Member Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 220 Registered: 2-2008 |
For what it's worth... we all know that necks move depending on temperature and humidity. I'm sure Shoji wasn't dreaming when he saw a problem with his LED's. Why would anyone send an Alembic away unless it's absolutely necessary? The problem had to be an intermittent short, open, or some other electrical path that wasn't supposed to be there. The neck could have moved to a position that caused the problem, and it moved out of that position when it was sent back. When the fingerboard was removed it stayed out of that position. You can jiggle and tug on the wires and connections and maybe you'll get it happen again and maybe you won't. The fact that you can't get it to go bad again does not mean that there's no problem. If this bass was sent back as is, it might have worked good for a few years and then gone bad. Who wants to take that chance? The problem was unfortunate, but the repair seems necessary to me. It's good that this doesn't happen very often. | ||
| slawie
Intermediate Member Username: slawie Post Number: 172 Registered: 8-2002 |
The word "Intermittent" is a cause of misery for anyone. Particularly so with those who are charged with the responsibility to find and repair a fault occurring only when most inconvenient. Having been in the technology service industry for about 32 years I feel for the folks at Alembic. After you get the repair right some other snaffu comes along and bites you. I hope you get your Bass back soon. slawie | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4333 Registered: 7-2004 |
The LED on the 7th or 9th fret of my '77 Series I 12 string is intermittent. Sometimes during the year it shorts out whenever that fret is played, at other times it doesn't. I live with it. No problem. As for the above, chill out. I wish my Custom Further had been only three months delayed. I would have had it almost two years sooner than I did. Bill, tgo |
