| Author | Message | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 38 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dealing with Alembic is a dream. They will built my instrument and even stuck to the time-frame they quoted me. It was roughly about four months. Lately I paid for another custom instrument (from a different company). They also quoted me four months. It has now been two years and it is still not completed. I'm curious to know if anyone has waited as long for an instrument to be built. | ||
| byoung
Junior Username: byoung Post Number: 29 Registered: 12-2004 |
I think our own Bob Novy waited for an Alembic that long. Of course, his bass is just a teeny tiny bit custom. =) Brad | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 791 Registered: 3-2004 |
Off the cuff, I would say that's pretty outrageous. Do you at least have proof of progress and some good explanation of what's taking so long? If they blew the thing up with some major error or bad luck and had to restart from the beginning, six times the quoted duration would still be outrageous. In any case, you've had a lot of time to have several discussions with them about status. I would wait to hear more from you about the tone and nature of those discussions before passing judgement on the builder, but it doesn't sound good so far. At this point, though, I would probably request a full refund with an offer to buy the bass for maybe 75% of the original price if they ever finish producing it. | ||
| lothartu
Member Username: lothartu Post Number: 100 Registered: 8-2003 |
If you haven't been changing your mind every few months and calling them to say "can you just make this one little change" then I say that any amount of time past the quoted build time is too long without a good excuse. If I were in your position I would seriously consider the previous posters suggestion; except I would get the full refund and not purchase the instrument even at a discounted rate. - Jim | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 458 Registered: 6-2002 |
The wait is really brutal. It's the single most contentious part of the whole project. My Alembic experience has been that of dealing with really genuine people who are extremely friendly, eager to help, not to mention very generous and supportive. I consider them all very dear friends. But the wait (going on 3 years now) has definitely soured my interest in building any future projects. My other musician friends see what I'm going through and none of them want to build custom Alembics. It's a shame, because it reflects poorly on the reputation of this truly iconic company. And that's alot of money that won't be spent on Alembics (and believe me, these guys can spend). A custom instrument from Alembic (or any other manufacturer) costs a small fortune, and if I had to do it all again, I don't think I would. I'd stick with the Alembics I got from my dealer - which are awesome in their own right. They're better than anything else out there. In the end business is business, friendship is friendship. I would never do business that way. Rami | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well, this is my dilema. This luthier is by far one of the most respected innovators of oue time. There is no question about it. At the time I spoke to him I was quite humbled he would agree to make me an instrument. The request I made that supposedly delayed the project was to incorporate Roland GK electronics. However, that was a year ago. At the time he said the instrument was almost finished. He was only waiting for some parts from Roland. | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 218 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have waited many months on various basses. It gets easier as I mellow about it. I waited 20 months for a repair and refret from a local guy. His response was "You said you weren't in a rush". Maybe that's why I acquired a bunch of instruments over the years. Always enough toys to play with while I wait. If you put down significant cash you can bet it has already been used for "whatever" . Now sometimes if they have to wait for it....... Hope you get what you paid for and it gives you years of joy. Think of it as along engagement and the date hasn't been set yet. Sorry, I do sound for wedding bands too much! Danno (waiting on my 11th Alembic, but it's gonna be friggin' wicked!) | ||
| bigredbass
Advanced Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 368 Registered: 9-2002 |
Myself, I'm happy to buy 'off the rack', not to mention there's usually a barely used ALEMBIC that someone bought and realized they were in over their head and the old PBass wasn't so bad after all . . . plus he ate the depreciation and I can get a good deal on it. From my time spent around various builders, I can tell you that there are custom instruments and there are CUSTOM INSTRUMENTS. Let me explain: Custom instruments are the equivalent of ordering wheat toast instead of white toast with your breakfast at Denny's. You want a different color, a slightly different wiring/pickup layout, different frets. But basically what you've asked for has ALREADY BEEN DONE quite a few times and the builder sees this as just one more time. For instance, an EXCEL with Jazz pickups and an inline headstock. CUSTOM INSTRUMENTS are another animal, because now you are boldly going where no customer has gone before. New template. Wiring/pickup layout that would boggle the phone company's techs. Really specific wood/figure from the land of UnObtainium. Stainless steel ukelele frets. You can see where I'm going with this: It just takes a lot of time to order EVERYTHING 'off the menu'. You are ordering an extremely personalized instrument with naturally no regard to the builder's shop routine, parts ordering, production schedules, etc. And these problems often make it impossible to reasonably accomodate a customer who just expects these things to hatch perfectly in short order. This kind of thing is in no ways limited to ALEMBIC: When I worked at Gibson, a world-famous guitar hero refused and sent back six Custom Shop Flame Top Les Pauls made especially for him at his request (all six to die for, would have sold for 25 grand each at Gruhn's) because the bodies were ONE-EIGHTH of an inch too thick! IF I were in a position to order an ALEMBIC just for me, I wouldn't care how long it took once Mica or Susan gave me the straight of the schedule. Art can't be rushed, and there's just a LOT more to life than agonizing about the grain of this or that piece of wood, or how much longer is this gonna take. I'd simply trust them to do their magic one more time, and I would be a little careful about nagging the magician about just when is that rabbit coming out of the hat! J o e y | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 40 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks Joey, I'll follow your advise. I think it will be worth it in the end. | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 308 Registered: 1-2003 |
When I first ordered The Dragon's Wing in February 2003, I was quoted June 2003 for delivery. It wasn't finished until Jan/Feb 2004 - big deal. I would have waited another two years if I'd had to. It's a work of art, everyone who sees it in the wood (i.e. face to face) drags their jaw along the floor. It's awesome and awesome doesn't happen overnight does it? Re: Rami's comment "They're better than anything else out there" - I have to say that my Status Graphite Buzzard completely annihilates the DW from a sonic point of view. In fact, so does my Status Graphite Stealth headless. There is a certain sound the DW has though that I can't seem to reproduce on anything else, the same way that my 4001 is well....it's a 4001. Would I start the DW project again and be prepared to go through the pleasure, the pain, the wait? No brainer - for sure, I'd do the whole thing again and would I change anything? No, I'm not sure I would. Don't be afraid of custom Alembic projects folks, just be prepared for a wait - but it's worth that wait! Trust me! It's a beautiful instrument, a "once in a lifetime" event. And patience is most definitely a virtue! Cheers, Rog | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 459 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Rog, I suppose the best sounding Bass is really a personal and subjective issue. In my humble opinion, my "Dark Prince" Bass is the best sounding, best playing Bass that I have ever played in my life. To hear it completely justifies it's astronomical cost. As you observed, it's truly a once in a lifetime and timeless work of art - something that I hope will become a family heirloom. BUT..... since the time that I first received it to the present, it has spent more time at Alembic undergoing repairs than here with me being played! Admittedly, it's problems were relatively minor: the first time it was sent back for a minor problem with the finish lifting at the tuning pegs and in some areas around the body. That took about a year before it was returned to me. Then, when I received it back, the front pickup was not working and the same problem with the finish had started again! As of now, it remains once again at Alembic and God only knows when I'll ever see it again and what other grief I'll be dealing with. I already have a bad feeling about the current Black Byrd project and expect more of the same headaches I've been having with my first two customs. As great as they sound and feel and play, if I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now - no way! I already regret the money spent on them and if asking for a refund was an option I would. As of now, my emails do not get replied to, I don't get any updates. I consider these as expensive and painful losses. I'm very disappointed. Rami | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 309 Registered: 1-2003 |
WOW! That is quite some story, Rami. I can understand that you are (quite rightly) disappointed with this situation. I would be too... | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 792 Registered: 3-2004 |
Rami- I certainly understand your frustration. In some sense, it's the price to be paid for really pushing the envelope. I suspect that Alembic is probably not too happy with this situation either. I would guess that the labor that has gone into your instruments probably exceeded what was forecasted and they have become a labor of love more than an instrument of profit. The one thing that no company should ever do is ignore their customers. I realize that things have been hectic over there the past several months with the flurry of activity at the end of the year, but it sounds like they could communicate better. Hang in there, I'm sure they'll make it right for you! -Bob | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 383 Registered: 4-2004 |
i am about at the six month point on the direwolf. the original quote was 8 weeks. i did make some changes. Add in another 2 months prior to ordering for design and special of the month waiting.Am i happy? of course not. my last promise from susan was week of feb 21st, then jim broke his toe.how he makes inlays with his toes is beyond me-lol- apologies were made. the big joke now amongst my band is will which will happen first. i close on my house april 21st or get the wolf? reality is, dont pay any real attention to "promise" dates or add 12 weeks to it-haha JUST WAIT.... it is a handcrafted instrument and inlays are not easy to make in most cases. and if they were to start pushing basses out the door, you know the quality would go down. as for our friend rami sounds like someone should have chucked his bass in the fireplace and made him a new one, but his is an extreme case imho, would i buy another? probably,but i would keep it simple | ||
| bigbadbill
Intermediate Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 155 Registered: 10-2003 |
I was lucky with my Triple O, it took very lttle time to finish (admittedly it was nowhere near as "custom" as some of the basses built for Forum members); even so it was a very stressful (but ultimately immensely fulfilling)process, so I can imagine how people must feel when their basses take much longer. I've had 2 non-Alembic instruments built before, the longest taking 10 months, and it was quite a wait but I knew the luthier well and was happy to wait as long as necessary. If I ever have the good fortune to be able to order another Alembic again, I guess I'll wait as long as I have to (although I'm sure it'll be stressful regardless!). To go back to the initial post, I think 2 years is too long, given what was quoted at the outset. If they'd said 1 year and you were now into your second, well I guess percentage wise that's forgiveable, but four months? I think I'd be asking very serious questions. With regards to Rami's situation, I'm REALLY shocked. That just doesn't sound like what I've come to expect. I really feel bad for you, and I hope the situation eventually sorts itself out. With regards to Roger's comments re his Statuses (sorry to digress from the main issue of the thread), I am quite intrigued because,unless I manage to get together enough to get another Triple O which isn't likely, I was looking at the Stealth (or the Kingbass)as a potential buy in the future. The thing stopping me at the moment is that I've had two of the original graphite-necked Energys and also a Series 2000 all-graphite and I wasn't really bowled over by the sounds I got; I found them very powerful (particularly the 2000), but not very musical; also I found them somewhat "clacky". My Triple O sounds vastly better than any of my Statuses did. But I am intrigued. Interesting that our other loves are Rickenbacker 4001s too. | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 382 Registered: 1-2003 |
An important aspect of any business - especially a service business - is communication with customers and managing expectations. Tell someone a job will take 18 months and deliver in 12 = happy customer. Tell them a job will take 3 months and deliver in 12 = pissed off customer. Same job but different customer experience based on expectation management. I am a big beliver in the maxim that bad news doesn't improve with age. If, at the six month mark, it looks like the job is going to be more like 15 months, tell the customer straight away its going to be 18 months. The customer's appreciation of your candour and early advice will go a long way towards offsetting the disappointment about the delay. At the time of delivery the customer's expectations will have been recallibrated to the new estimate and so the delivery will be perceived as early = happy customer. The foregoing is generic advice, not directed at any particular business. <g> David B. | ||
| jlpicard
Intermediate Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 147 Registered: 7-2002 |
From what I'm reading here it sounds like I'm going to have a bit of a wait on my hands. That's OK with me. I told the folks at Alembic that I was in no rush.( that just gives me more time to save up and less to go on the credit card!)I have been wanting and waiting for the chance at a Series Bass since about 77'. Unfortunately, as my income level rose, so did the price of an Alembic staying just slightly out of my reach for almost 28 years! In the interim I contented myself with a demo Europa and an Ebay Distillate.( both wonderful in their own right!) After the announcment of the latest price increase, I decided that I'd finally had enough. With todays economy, Alembics would continue to spiral spiral out of sight and if I did not act now I might never achieve that lofty goal, so....I decided to dip into my 401K and go for a custom. If it takes another year to get this bass, so be it. It is worth the wait. I must tell you people honestly, that I have no sympathy. So which one is this? Alembic number ten or twenty for some of you? Your third or fourth custom? You should all know this about Alembic by now. One of the quirks of Alembic is that they have quirks!! They are artisans not business people. They are into board/feet not the Board room! And like any artist with an ego they love to be showered with praise but tend to not want to deal with much critisism so why are you surprised at their behavior.( not to mention the fact that they are probably insanely busy!). When you order an Alembic you take your chances. I don't fault them for this.It bothers me too when I read about them not responding in a timely manner or don't get an answer to my emails but nowhere else in the world will you get the singular experience known as Alembic. OK, I put my soapbox away! Mike | ||
| lbpesq
Advanced Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 354 Registered: 7-2004 |
Don't forget that old maxim: "you can catch more Alembics with honey than you can with vinegar". I've been waiting several months and I don't expect anything in the immediate future. I suspect that this is a lot like looking for a parking space in a crowded metropolitan area, like Manhattan, or downtown San Francisco. While you are looking for a place to park it is foremost in your mind, it is frustrating, and it tends to overshadow the reason you are there in the first place...BUT... once you find the parking place, you totally forget about the delay and hassle in finding it and get on with things. I suspect that when my custom Further is finally in my hands, I won't be stressing on the wait. I've waited over 30 years from when I first got the hots for an Alembic, so what's a few weeks or months more in the great scheme of things? (Susan, Mica, Val, et al, don't get the wrong idea from this post. Ideally, I still want my axe yesterday, but I understand - LOL). Bill, tgo | ||
| edwin
Member Username: edwin Post Number: 56 Registered: 5-2002 |
Be glad that you are ordering an Alembic and not commissioning an actual piece of art. My mom is a sculptor. You can go to Riverside Park in New York City at W 72nd St and see a monument of Eleanor Roosevelt that she made. It took 10 years to make (a bit past the original estimate) and in the end, my mom probably didn't even make minimum wage. Now she's making a monument of Robert Frost for Amherst College and while its being done a little faster, it's still been something like 4 or 5 years in the making. Custom Alembics are works of art. If you want a production bass, they are out there, but real art takes its own time. Edwin | ||
| rklisme
Intermediate Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 178 Registered: 5-2004 |
Hey Guys I am really surprised at some of the things I am reading here. It has been my experience that most of us here with only a few exceptions live and die for our Alembics. I know quite a few of you have several Alembics and have come back time and again to get a custom built. I do understand the build process can be a timely one and through this frustration can be something you might experience. This being said it has been a dream of mine to own an Alembic since I first ever laid eyes on one and to this date I have had my Essence longer than I was married. I have put it up for sale a couple of times and then I play it and think, "I just can't do it" and I know a few of you who wish you had not. I understand that sometimes we get promises that can't be kept for this reason or that but I feel overall 99.9 percent of us are more than happy after we receive our instrument. How many of you slow down your on instrument by changing your mind mid stream or every day? What do you think logically happens when this occurs? My guess is you go to the back of the line while they work on someone elses project so they don't back up completely. At any given time I have never seen more than ten people at Alembic working and only half of those actually work on your instruments. So you can understand the time it takes to build just one of these instruments by hand. It sounds like Rami has run into an issue that needs to be resolved in some fashion or another but for my part I don't even worry about the problems that I have had occur. That being said I am only 45 minutes away! I don't want you to feel that I think everything Alembic does is right I feel that there is room for improvement, however I have owned a British car in my lifetime and if you want to talk about waits or expense try Rolls Royce. The next time you are looking at your one of a kind instrument with custom inlays or laser lights or electronic upgrades or hand picked laminates or gold plated whatcha ma jigs think about how lucky you are to have something that was done just for you! Rory PS please address all hate mail to Hellen Waite! | ||
| son_of_magni
Intermediate Member Username: son_of_magni Post Number: 168 Registered: 1-2004 |
well said Rory... | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 221 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hear, Hear! Out of the 14 basses I own, 10 are Alembic. Out of those, 6 were custom or special order. With #11 on the way I have dealt directly with Mica and Susan on 5 of them and another refinish on my first Spoiler from 83. I have had waits that were compounded by those who supply Alembic with material. But each one gives me great satisfaction when I pick them up and play them. I have yet to play another bass that feels like these babies. I also have not dealt with a company as special. I tried to get a pot from Gibson for a bass. They basicly told me to "eff" off. I've been to music stores that for the most part don't know what they are doing and don't really care. I've dealt with retailers across the country and outside of Elderly they left me cold. I've been to several NAMM's and was not inpressed by much of what is on offer. This is my opinion and experience. I am fiercely loyal to this company because of the people that run it and produce what I want. They have gone out of their way to show their compassion and interest in my life and the lives of others. These are very busy people. Think how much more could be accomplished without all the demands for updates. I count myself among the guilty here. (sorry Val, I was bored on my way home from work) The FTC page is amazing! I love it when I get an update but I always check out what all of you are getting too. (Much healthier than porn really.) My latest is going to be a while due to custom artwork and the time to create the inlays. It's not as tricked out as others but it's not off the shelf. There is something wonderful about having something created for you because that is how you wanted it and it is unique. I do feel lucky Rory........ very lucky indeed! For those who have other sentiments, we feel your pain. (I think I'm gonna change my 4003 and TBird pups to Alembic while I wait) Danno | ||
| foth
Junior Username: foth Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hey Joey I like your advice "careful about nagging the magician" LOL! I have five basses and two hands...I can wait. foth | ||
| bigbadbill
Intermediate Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 156 Registered: 10-2003 |
Back to Jorge's initial post, it wasn't an ALEMBIC he was waiting on, it was a different company altogether; that's what my comment was about!!!! I think the thread has become somewhat sidetracked. I have absolutely no problem with anything to do with the makers of the "Enchanted Woods" whatsoever!!! I do feel for Rami though.... | ||
| lbpesq
Advanced Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 356 Registered: 7-2004 |
Rory: 45 minutes from Oakland to Alembic in Santa Rosa (60 miles)! SLOW DOWN MAN, you want to still be around when your new bass is ready, don't you? You won't be able to pay it off if you're giving all your $ to the CHP! Or is it that you're flying a helicopter? (nyuk, nyuk) Maybe you're so excited about visiting your in vitro axe that it just seems like 45 minutes. Ain't it great to live around here and personally pick out your woods, check on progress, hang out and schmooze at Alembicland, etc.? Wait til you see the amazing piece of cocobolo I picked out for the back of my Further the last time I was up there. Bill, tgo | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 793 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yep, getting back to the original thoughts of the thread, the answer is really all about one thing. Customer service. David B's comments on expectations were dead on. It doesn't matter how long it takes to build and deliver the instrument as long as the customer and builder are in synch. Here's what I think is reasonable; What I would expect from any builder: Pre-order: Respond to questions about options and features either directly or through a sales channel in a reasonable time (within a week). I would resubmit questions after a week passes, and multiple failures to respond would be a sign that something is wrong. Some businesses work better by phone rather than mail, so take that into account. I also expect to hear an estimate for delivery date at the time the order is placed. Post-order until start of production: Same expectations as pre-order in terms of responsiveness. Typical issues here would be fine-tuning specs and making wood selections as appropriate to the policies of the builder. Once there is agreement that everything is right, I expect to hear that production is starting and get an update on the estimated delivery date. During production: If any issues arise that would require a spec change, I would expect the dealer to let me know. I would also feel comfortable making contact periodically to see how things are going. I would try to get agreement from the builder regarding when the next appropriate time to check in would be and follow that guidance. I would expect to have the delivery estimate confirmed or updated at each discussion point. At this stage, I would probably make a phone call if I failed to receive a response to my electronic query within a week. As long as things stay within reasonable expeectations, the builder would have total freedom. In the case where the delays keep coming and getting longer, I would start to press for more accurate answers with justifications. So, Jorge, here's what I would do at this point. If you haven't had contact with the builder recently, make contact. Find out what the current estimate is for delivery and what work still needs to be done. I'd look for a compromise if there is one. Maybe a loaner instrument, or your instrument packaged up to play minus the GK setup delivered for you to enjoy until the parts show up so it can be completed? From what you have posted, it seems like you may not have communicated with the builder in something like a year, and you certainly don't seem to have an accurate picture of what should happen next. If that's really the case, you need to make contact with the builder, get the current status and agree on what happens next. While Joey's advice is good for the typical case, I wouldn't call it "nagging the magician" to get an occasional update on an instrument that is so far beyond the promised delivery date. While the instrument may be a work of art, you made a business transaction and probably parted with a good deal of real money. I think that entitles you to know how things are going, but that's just my opinion. -Bob | ||
| malthumb
Advanced Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 306 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have a feeling that given that most Alembic instruments are different from one to the next, so too are our experiences. I've only had one Alembic bass Custom built (as opposed to CUSTOM built, using Joey's definitions). I've also had two basses repaired / upgraded. Those three direct experiences resulted in three different levels of performance, but the same level of "handling" by the folks at Alembic. When I use the term "handling", I mean it not in a bad way, but as an attempt to use one term to describe the interpersonal communications. The people I spoke with, most often Mica, ocassionally Mary and a few times Susan, were very consistent in being very nice and very personable. They understood what it was I was asking them to do and what the status / progress to completion was at the time that I spoke to them. They sometimes made promises that they did not always live up to, but I'm convinced that they always had every intention of living up to them when they made them. Kinda like the guy from the old commercial "I can do that....I can do that....I can do that....How am I gonna do that?" I never doubted their sincerity. My bass was built in pretty much the same timeframe as was originally estimated when I ordered it. Since this forum didn't exist then, I didn't go through the whole picking out wood, looking at logo modifications, alternate control functions and/or layout part of the process. If this forum had existed, I probably would have, though. I changed my mind on a couple things, but they didn't significantly impact the delivery time. The crew went out of their way to set up specific delivery instructions to have it drop shipped to me, rather than having it go to my dealer first, since I was going on vacation and wanted to take it with me. Mary even drove it over to FedEx because it had missed that day's pickup schedule. I would imagine that anything I order now what take longer than my first one. When I had 74-84 sent home for a make-over, it took more than a year. First, understand that it was a basketcase when I bought it for $475. The price should tell you something about the condition. What took most of the time was that while it was out there, most of the physical work done, I decided to have the electronics upgraded to the new quiet circuitry. It gave Ron fits. It was at the time the oldest instrument that he'd attempted the upgrade on. I had more than my share of Alembics and other basses to play, so I didn't press them. When it was completed, it was right. Unfortunately, since it was gone so long, I got used to life without it and eventually sold it. I ocassionally regret that. When I sent 87-4431 home, it was to have the LEDs replaced. They were only working intermittently. There was also some other small problem that I don't remember, but whatever it was, they fixed it. This one took a little longer than I expected. Mica was very forthcoming in telling me that since it was a repair, it would take a back seat to the new instruments that were in the shop at the time. If I were using the instrument to earn a living, I'd have probably pressed the issue, but I wasn't and I didn't. I've always found that Alembic responds a lot better to phone calls than emails. That goes from my early experiences of trying to find out info on the Spoiler that was my 1st Alembic to finding out when the logo straps were going to be available. I just adjusted my behavior to take that into account. If it was important, I called. If it could wait, I'd email. I recognize that is of little solice to those of you that are overseas. I'm saddened to hear the issues Rami is going through. I often wondered what was going on, since the threads on "Rami's New Fretless" seemed to go on for a couple years. Judging by the number of Alembics Rami has, I can't imagine that they are simply blowing him off. Even if he never buys another instrument, the collection that he has makes him a significant opinion leader and potential brand ambassador. Every effort should be made to keep him happy. Peace, James | ||
| rklisme
Intermediate Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 181 Registered: 5-2004 |
Hey Bill I thought 45 minutes was a little long but that is what it takes. As most of you know I am a Corvette owner but I also own a Carrera so speed is my middle name. I drive slow when I drive my pickup truck. It is great to be so close though. Rory | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 384 Registered: 4-2004 |
i must be mellowing. nobody picked on me yet. remember what scotty said to kirk after kirk asked him - how come when i ask how long something takes you tell me 5 days and then it gets done in 1. scotty said, if i told ya one, you wouldnt think i was a miracle worker! IT IS WHAT IT IS- BIG FRKN DEAl | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 385 Registered: 4-2004 |
(Message edited by flaxattack on March 07, 2005) | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 41 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well guys to give you a few more details of what I'm going through. I have been trying to be in contact with the builder. Through out the first year he responded to all my e-mails promptly. The last six months he has been missing in action; at least to me. It seems his instruments have received a lot of attention recently and some of his designs are even about to be mass-produced. I've tried all means of communication with no success. What makes me very nervous is that, as Rami said, these instruments cost a fortune. I'm feeling like he may have abandoned the project. He has not responded to me but he does make frequent postings in his own website. My dilemma is that I definitely don't want to mess with the "magician"; part of wants to just be patient and hope that my instrument will be completed soon. At the same time I've paid him in full and I am being ignored. I should have ordered another Alembic. It never occured to me that I would be in this situation with this luthier's incredible reputation. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 460 Registered: 6-2002 |
As you guys can see by the "Rami's new fretless" thread. The Bass should be almost ready. I just want to clarify that my issue is that of the time to build and the turn around time for the repairs. I just feel that when you're looking at time in terms of years that, the fun and enthusiasm for the project gets lost. Mica has always been extremely sympathetic and I know that she and everyone else want to see this come to a happy conclusion. She has always gone above and beyond to help and make things right. For all she and the rest of the people at Alembic have done, I'm eternally grateful. I can understand that a new project Bass may require some time to sort out. But a year for a minor finish repair is too long. I hate the idea that a customer HAS to get frustrated and make a big fuss for things to get done. I'm not that type. I like to think that patience is the best way to go and that things will get done right the first time. But waiting YEARS is just too long. I still have the highest regard for everyone at Alembic and feel privileged to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them to create these awesome works of art - but I'm burned out. Guess I just needed somewhere to vent....thanks for hearing me out. Jorge, I completely understand how you feel. I also don't want to feel that I'm putting unnecessary pressure to rush the job. But the feeling that you've been forgotten is alot worse. Rami (Message edited by Rami on March 06, 2005) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 795 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jorge, Six months of dodging you on a bass that's over a year late doesn't sound like the act of a business with a great reputation. Maybe I'm a bit cynical, but I can't think of any way to justify a refusal to respond to your queries for an extended period of time. You deserve at least an update. Don't let your obvious respect for the reputation of the builder turn you into a doormat. There's no business relationship where being ignored is healthy. I would also seek out any connections that might help you get an answer as well. Are there any known players or associates that support the builder who you might reach as a go-between, someone the builder might listen to? You could even ask for contacts and references in public forums (like TalkBass, for example) without detailing the nature of your situation. Just post that you are trying to reach the builder and having trouble. Maybe someone out there will be able to help you get an audience. Demanding your instrument be delivered this week would be messing with the magic. Asking for the status after several months is extremely reasonable. Also, with the claim a year ago that they were just waiting for electronic parts, it would seem that most of the magic would be long since done. I think that, by now, I would have lost faith in the builder's intent to ever deliver a finished instrument. At a bare minimum, I would be looking into my alternatives to cut the losses. Credit card company policies, legal recourse (breech of contract? fraud?), and gathering together all the relevant documentation in preparation for action. Despite your situation, I hope you get through to the builder and get the bass you were hoping for. Good luck! -Bob | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 42 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks to all of you for your advice and support. | ||
| 811952
Advanced Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 376 Registered: 10-2003 |
I am amazed that so few people are able to produce so many incredible and totally unique instruments in any given year. I don't see how they could possibly have time to do all that they do, what with repairs/refinishes in addition to designing and creating remarkable new instruments. Rami, I feel for you but must say that I'm amazed everyone doesn't have similar experiences. Alembic may need more elves, but then having more elves would serve only to push them toward becoming yet another GC or SamA biatch (think Warwick Rock Bass for instance). I think slow turnaround is a reasonable price to pay to have these genius artisans create unparalleled works of art and science at what are actually low-ball prices considering what goes into it all. Just remember you're waiting for something which is the finest of the fine in all of the world, and let that give you patience. I think my bass took 3 months or so to be built, and when it went back to Rivendell for some work later on they had it for almost a year. And I ultimately got over it.. ;) John | ||
| kenbass4
Intermediate Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 169 Registered: 10-2003 |
Having had 2 custom instruments (per Joey's description) constructed by the elves at Alembic, I found that they were extremely resposive to any e-mails and phone calls that I made. My first bass was 2-3 weeks later than the build estimate, but because I was given continual updates, I didn't see it as an issue. My second bass actually was completed faster than I was expecting, which, of course, made me extremely happy. I think the lack of response, Jorge, would have me more than a little concerned. As a result of my experince, the next bass I get is certainly going to be an Alembic. Ken (TEO) | ||
| bigbadbill
Intermediate Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 157 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hi Ken! I too got my bass somewhat faster then expected. I would order another Alembic in a heartbeat; in fact if I could afford them I'd order several! But in Jorge's non-Alembic case, I agree that the lack of communication from the builder would concern me a great deal. Why is he not answering the phone??? (I would SO love to know who it is!). I think I would definitely be taking the matter further given that he's got your money and (so far at least) you have nothing, AND he's not communicating. | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 386 Registered: 4-2004 |
theres a luthier named bebensee? i think thats how its spelled, that makes basses his leadtime is over 2 years i dont wait that long for anything including sex! | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 387 Registered: 4-2004 |
theres a luthier named bebensee? i think thats how its spelled, that makes basses his leadtime is over 2 years i dont wait that long for anything including sex! |
