| Author |
Message |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 450
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 12:53 pm: |  |
I can't wait to see it all finished and buffed. I hope you will be able to post more pictures of this bass.
Michael
|
rracer
New
Username: rracer
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 6:13 pm: | |
Hello new to the board and a Hyak guitar owner and I could not belive it when I ran a search for Hyak guitars and found this site. Very nice job on the the Hyak restoration and I will follow this thread closely as my guitar has the same finish problem here is my first posting with a picture of mine. |
rracer
New
Username: rracer
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 6:26 pm: | |
More pictures.
 |
hollis
Advanced Member
Username: hollis
Post Number: 357
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 6:54 pm: | |
Very cool guitar..... And welcome to the club! |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 453
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 8:15 pm: | |
A friend of mine has a Hyak bass with that body style. There were only 2 body styles offered. One with the scroll and one without. I have been looking for a bass with that body style for over 20 years! I would LOVE to find a Hyak with that body style and medium scale. I guess I am dreaming.
When Hyak was making instruments the scroll option was an additional $15.00!!
|
bassilator
New
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 6:32 pm: | |
Thanks Mica for the update. Very exciting to hear the progress.
Wow! It has been years since I've seen a Hyak Guitar and that one looks gorgeous. I must say I was expecting a new picture of my bass and about had a heart attack when I saw the different colored woods. Couldn't imagine how they got my red/purple bass to look brown!
Take care!
|
rracer
New
Username: rracer
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 8:00 pm: | |
Hello Rick here again, sorry for the shock bassilator, what can you guys tell me about the history of Hyak? My friend and luthier Mike Lull thinks I may have a prototype serial number 78101 which we think means 1978 1 of 1. I bought the guitar in 1984 at the now defunct Seattle Music and have played and kept it in good coondition. I have the schematic for the power supply but would like to find an original box or at least a picture of one so I can construct one that is similar. I would really like to have an original supply though any history on the company would be appreciated. |
bassilator
New
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 9:06 pm: | |
Hey Rick,
I know tons about Hyak and will take the info offline, since I don't feel it appropriate to dominate Alembic's website with the info.
R |
rylynn
New
Username: rylynn
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 4:07 pm: | |
Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum because I'm researching a Hyak bass, what I thought was an Alembic, for a customer of mine. I am a luthier in Portland, OR. I just talked to Rick Turner, one of the founders of Alembic and he was able to get me half way through my inquery. He told me that Brian Smith, maker of Hyaks, apprenticed with him in the early 70's, went on to work for him at Alembic until 1974 and started Hyak. Brian stopped making instruments after making only a few dozen due to a wood allergy. He has since passed on. There is a number, 27, stamped on the inside of the control cavity cover. I assume this is the serial numer. This instrument is in pristine condition and plays great accept for the finish checking all over the instrument. If anyone has anymore info about this instrument, please contact me at rylynn@hotmail.com, or at Trade Up Music, (503)236-8800, M-F 11am-7pm pst. Thanks |
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 882
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 4:40 pm: | |
Hi Ryan; in the upper right corner of this page, click on Search. Enter Hyak in the form and you'll get all the discussions we've had about Hyaks; including lots of nice photos. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1944
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 4:51 pm: | |
Got a question about Alembic? Ask us - we answer questions all the time.
Last I checked Brian was still with us, we exchanged emails just about a month ago. I'll email him and find out if he's got records and confirm if the serial number is stamped in the control cavity. Maybe you could post soome pictures in a new thread on the Misc section - I'm sure you have whetted the pictoral appetite of the Club members.
To find the history of Alembic, please check the history published on the website.
Dela217 and bassilator are the resident Hyak experts, I'm sure you'll find a wealth of information if you ask them. |
rylynn
New
Username: rylynn
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 4:55 pm: | |
Thanks to Mica for setting the record straight. Apparently Brian is alive and well and living in the Northwest. I have one more question, but not about the Hyak. One of my coworkers has an instrument similar to an Alembic that says, "SCMW B-01", Sonoma Co. Music Works-Maybe? If anyone has any info that would much appreciated. Thanks, Ryan |
nikogreeen
New
Username: nikogreeen
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:46 pm: | |
My name is Niko and I have recently found out that my bass is a Hyak. A friend has led me to this site in the hope for some info, and disscussion. I have pic's and numbers and would appreciate any reply's. Thanks |
nikogreeen
New
Username: nikogreeen
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 6:00 pm: | |
Mica, would you please write me as I too am interested in how much it would be to refinish my bass?Thanks everyone for the great info and sharing of these wonderful instraments. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1981
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 12:20 pm: | |
Almost there! Stay on target!
Got most of it reassembled, and dad got the minor electronics repair completed, so that should drop in this afternoon.
Back is pretty like front!
Lacewood figure really pops out well.
Look at that brass shine. |
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364
Post Number: 563
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 12:23 pm: | |
Very nice. You did a beautiful job, Mica! Good luck with the thing, Rob't.
(Message edited by kmh364 on October 08, 2004) |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 1663
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 12:47 pm: | |
Kevin ...I think it is your computer ...or your eyes????
Quite a transformation!!! With all my respect for the Alembic models but this bass has something "enchanting" ...there is something "elfish" in it ...."middle earth" thing. Could be the woods??? Anyway ...I think Rob, that you choose the right hands to do this masterpiece!!!
Paul the bad one |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1983
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 12:52 pm: | |
On this one, Mike did the woodworking and inlays. Mike and Tony and Bob each did their part in the refinish. Dad replaced the jack and tested the electronics. Jonathon and Chris took care of the hardware and Jonathon is doing the final assembly. I just take the pictures. |
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364
Post Number: 565
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 3:52 pm: | |
Paul TBO: I guess you read my post before I could edit it, LOL! I guess it takes a while for the images to upload because all I got was the "your image here" icons. By the time I wrote my post, the pix "magically" appeared. It's tough to fool you...you're too quick, LOL!
Mica: As usual, you're much too modest. Everyone here knows that you wear about a hundred different hats at Alembic and that you are the glue that holds the whole shootin' match together. |
bassilator
New
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 7:26 pm: | |
You know, I've been staring at it for the last 15 minutes and am awestruck. I'm thinking I completely lack the vocabulary to appropriately decribe how excited and pleased I am. It looks stunning. Not only is this bass meaningful to me, it seems to have brought a bunch of Hyak owners "out of the closet" and that has been very interesting. Guess it is time to take out an insurance policy. Hey Mica, you're "breaking the mold", right?
 |
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364
Post Number: 573
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 6:40 am: | |
Rob't: I think you and Steve with his Alembird have started a Deja' Vu all over again movement for Alembic. Didn't they start out (after the recording and pro-sound phases) just doing instrument repairs/modifications before jumping into new instrument manufacturing? I was actually quite shocked that Mica and Co. were taking on work on non-Alembics when I first saw these threads. I imagine Mica will correct me and tell me they've been doing stuff like this all along (albeit on a more low-key level). I guess they just don't wanna say "no" and disappoint any customers: amazing considering they already have more work than they can handle.
Whatever...they did a super nice job on your Hyak, Rob't. I'm betting it didn't look that good when it was new, and I'm also betting it plays better and stays better longer due to the truss rod mods. You've also educated a bunch of us who didn't know (me especially) that Hyak's even existed. Enjoy it in good health.
Cheers,
Kevin |
nikogreeen
New
Username: nikogreeen
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 4:07 pm: | |
I am absolutely blown away. That must be the nicest refinish transformation I have ever seen. Rob't, I know that bass will sound as good as it looks. Congratulations!! To the people at Alembic, well done!! You give me hope that mine will look as good some day. I am saving the pic's. |
rracer
New
Username: rracer
Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 - 11:27 am: | |
Absolutely stunning however this is the quality I was told to expect from my luthier who recommended Alembic for re finishing my Hyak and new electronics. Can't wait to see Rob's Hyak in person I am lucky enough to live closeby. Again Stunning. Hope mine looks half as good. Rick |
johnnybassboy
New
Username: johnnybassboy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 2:19 pm: | |
Mica, this board (and the pictures) is one of the best ideas you guys have had in a long time.
Rob, I'll be excited to see and hear your beast when it arrives. I think even Steve will have to admit it is better than ever.
I have to confess to have started Rob's Hyak obsession a few years ago. When Hyak was in business, I played new Alembics and Hyaks at the local Guitar Center. I loved them both, but I didn't want to sell my 66 Candy Apple Red Jazz Bass to buy one. I tried to find a way to buy one for less money. I found-out from a friend that Hyaks were made just a couple miles from my house... so I went to see the "factory" it was really a lot smaller than I thought it would be, and there were only a few employees and instruments in process.
I didn't have the money to buy a complete bass at the time (I was only 19), and I wasn't sure I liked the sound of so many laminations... so I had them build me a neck. $400... paid $100 per week over 4 weeks. Brian seemed very happy to have this small, steady sum delivered every Friday... which I recognized as a bad sign. My fretless neck was one of the last pieces produced. The bass I built around it (after experimenting with different electronics) was GREAT! A VERY expressive frettless, the best I've ever played really. Rob owned it for a while. I also owned a medium scale bass that they used as their Factory Demonstrator (purchased later, over the objections of my then-new wife). Rob, of course, also owned that bass for a while. It was (and probably is) extremely funky.
The workmanship and sound were never the equal of Alembic... but some of the instruments had a really nice vibe to them, and a unique and beautiful voice. I think Hyak's total run was about 2 years and 200 instruments. I have several recording of mine. |
bassilator
New
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, October 25, 2004 - 10:40 am: | |
Yeah, JBB used to tell me of Heart posters he had seen of a Hyak that had lights all over it. I knew then I HAD to find it. BTW, that fretless neck he bought was so stiff neither of us could do neck bends with it and JBB is pretty strong. I've known JBB for several years and he really gets credit for being a mentor and teacher and a great friend. This weekend, he will be the first to play the bass live. Should be pretty exciting. Even before the restoration the bass brought all kinds of people out "from the woodwork". People will be going nuts now.
|
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 463
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 5:39 pm: | |
Johnnybassboy, I am the owner of the medium scale Hyak that you used to have. I purchased it through a Guitar Center in California. The instrument was there on consignment. I agree with you about it's funkiness. Cool bass. I have definately added this one to my list of keeper basses. I like this one because it has 8 graphite lams in the neck instead of 4. The neck on this one is VERY stable.
Hopefully I will be able to send it to Alembic for a refurb too. After they restored Rob's, they might have changed their mind about doing others!! |
johnnybassboy
New
Username: johnnybassboy
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 9:02 pm: | |
I hope you aren't mad that I converted the electronics... I had a custom replacement pickup made by one of the guys who made Hyak pickups originally (he has since died), and even then, it just didn't quite cut it for me. The EMG soapbars and bass/treble for each pickup (tone controls ideas I later used on my Series IIs) made the thing so flexible and useable. That neck is stable, but also, quite flexible. I used to use ONLY 40-102 guage strings, and when I wanted, I could easily do a half-step neck bend with it. Heck, I could WAVE the neck and get 10-15 cents! I never would have sold it... but... well that's a long story. Rob offered it to me first when he was ready to do something else... but I am in no position to buy basses right now. Can you post a picture sometime? |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 464
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 7:05 am: | |
I was not mad about the electronics at all!! It is just that the EMG's were not my favorite. So, I converted it back to the original Hyak electronics. I still have the EMG's. With the EMG's I couldn't get the action low enough for my tastes because the pickups are so thick. Now the action is quite low. With a Hyak the relation to action and neck bow is obvious. So now, there is a perfect bow in the neck and wonderful action.
Thanks,
Michael |
johnnybassboy
New
Username: johnnybassboy
Post Number: 10
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 10:40 pm: | |
WOW! I just played the bass. What an amazing restoration. It still has the Hyak vibe, but they never built them as well as it has been restored, that's for sure! I will have it for a few days (at least that is the plan right now), so I can find a proper "voice" for the bass... I hope. It is such a unique sound, that it doesn't lend itself to trying lines that I normally would. Rob tried my 7 string while he was here and... well I'll let him talk about that himself.
Great Job Mica and Crew!! UPS did their best to destroy the bass, but I don't feel the damage is bad enough to risk shipping it 2 more times. I'm trying to talk Rob into just keeping it as-is. |
squirefan
Junior
Username: squirefan
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 7:02 am: | |
I am speechless. I just can't think of anything to say that hasn't already been said. Rob, you need to keep me informed as to when you record anything with this masterpiece. I look forward to hearing it's singing voice. I cut a demo session with the fretless last month for a local hopeful, I'll send ya a copy of it as soon as the owner releases the rights.
Really a beautiful job Mica, my congrats to everyone who had their hands in on this one. |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 473
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 1:45 pm: | |
".....UPS did their best to destroy the bass,..."
That is probably the main reason I don't want to ship any of my Alembics back to the factory.
So, after that careful restoration, it got screwed up in shipping?!? |
bassilator
New
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:04 pm: | |
Despite what JBB says, this is still a touchy subject for me. Here's what has been discovered-- First, during the initial shipping to Alembic, UPS dropped the bass-- HARD. A chip of wood about 3/8" x 1/4" was knocked out of the headstock, which is why the laminate was replaced. During the trip home, UPS dropped it again! A chip of clearcoat was knocked off of the headstock, three dings were put into the body just above the rear strap button, and a "pin prick" about the size of a ball-point pen tip was put in the top of the body wing right where your forearm rests when plucking the strings. It is so small, yet SO IRRITATING!!!!! (About like I'm getting reliving this. Fortunately, no "structural" damage was found. Alembic has really stuck up for me and they filed a claim with UPS. Unfortunately, I lost. The plan is to send it back to Alembic for a second refinish. At the same time, a new case will be designed and built for the bass. Here's the damage. What do you think? |
bassilator
Junior
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:07 pm: | |
Here's a picture of the back |
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee
Post Number: 495
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:33 pm: | |
Whether or not to refinish is entirely up to you, but it seems like the case was inadequate protection for the bass. As such, that's probably why the claim was refused.
I was discussing the Series II bass currently for sale on eBay with a friend who pointed out that the 20+ year old flight case that is part of the auction may look good, but the foam is probably dried out and no longer protective. Was the case your bass was shipped in original, and probably in the same boat?
If you're going to play the bass heavily, are you likely to ding it up a bit through use? If so, then I might not go throught the hassle and expense of another refinish. If you're the type to keep your bass in mint condition, then you'll probably want to send it back. What's it going to cost you for another run through the finishing process? |
alemboid
Intermediate Member
Username: alemboid
Post Number: 107
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 11:17 pm: | |
In my years I've enjoyed the privilege of working for Bass Northwest and Sadowsky Guitars. At both companies, we learned the hard way that UPS has a nack for damaging or out right losing basses. Fed Ex on the other hand has been much more reliable.
I am utterly pissed at UPS on your behalf. That they denied your claim is ludicrous, and re-enforces in me that UPS is unable to do a good job.
On the other hand, your bass is beautiful!!!!
Alemboid |
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee
Post Number: 496
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 7:01 am: | |
Not to get into an argument here, but all you're looking at is a bass with a couple marks on it at either end. You probably aren't looking at the case or the shipping box and I suspect that UPS did in making the decision that the damage wasn't there fault. I would suspect that most of us don't have enough information to lay blame for this damage at anyone's feet. One thing that is certain is that it's a shame that this happened to such a beautiful instrument.
Last year, I bought a Baby Blue combo and external speaker cabinet from someone 2/3 of the way across the country. His packing involved double cardboard and no foam at all. Do you think UPS should pay for repairs on the broken plastic on the corners from these things banging around hard? I don't.
Oh, and I asked that the bass I bought a couple days ago be shipped via FedEx because I have the same experience and concerns with UPS. Unfortunately, they estimate it will be in transit for 10 real days by ground because of the holiday! |
bassilator
Junior
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 12
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 9:26 am: | |
Oops! First of all, I don't mean to open a thread for ripping UPS apart. Sorry.
I made the first call to Alembic about this bass two years ago. To receive it damaged after all the time and money is still unbelievable to me. Yes, I am the kind of person who will play it everyday, especially since it is now my only bass. I usually play lower key gigs-- fusion band, Top 40, soul, etc.. where things usually aren't being tossed around the stage. I also am the type who is obsessed with quaility and takes extreme measures to protect equipemnt, be it music or otherwise. For example, I have a three year old mixer that I cover with a couple towels after each use to protect it. Guess what? After three years it looks like I just bought it. It has been with me on the road on several occasions too. For me, the dings are huge. I'm just trying to get a feel of how big a deal in the scheme of life everyone else thinks these are. So far, I'm gathering that there are more important things in life to worry about.
Thanks for all your comments. I really appreciate them.
|
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee
Post Number: 497
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 10:04 am: | |
I know how you feel about maintaining your instruments. After 8 years and a couple hundred gigs, my Zon still looked like new. Is there any minor repair that can be done to the instrument? Something like a rubout and feathered overspray rather than a full respray? A full refinish would be nice if money and time were no object. Karma will balance out for you in the end.
I definitely would be going for a new case, though, and we should all learn a lesson there from your bad fortune. Cases (like helmets, but that's another topic) have foam that deteriorates over time. |
poor_nigel
Senior Member
Username: poor_nigel
Post Number: 426
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 5:45 pm: | |
Hey Rob. I would be very upset if I just shelled out a lot of money to fix my old, favorite bass up and a shipper did this to it. I see no reason why a bass cannot be played daily and still be kept in great shape. Mine are.
I finally figured out how to handle UPS on their poor service and policies concerning ruining my stuff being shipped. I refuse to use them any more. I use FedEx exclusively for anything that matters. I eat the price of Express and insure for full value. I have never had a need for an insurance claim with them. Even USPS is better than UPS - better safe than sorry on things dear to you.
I am sorry about your bass. It was looking fabulous, and still is. But it would drive me crazy too, having those dings in a bass that should be in perfect shape now. Just letting you know that you are not the only person around that thinks as you do on this subject. BTW - I cover my mixboard with a sheet. |
lothartu
Member
Username: lothartu
Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 5:12 am: | |
Sorry to read about this Rob. I've been lurking on this tread and really enjoying the progress of the restoration.
If I were in your position I'm sure I would feel the same way. The damage would be a huge deal to me but as you said "there are more important things in life to worry about".
- Jim
|
poor_nigel
Senior Member
Username: poor_nigel
Post Number: 427
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 5:59 am: | |
The more I look at the pictures of the damage on your bass, the more it bothers me. How did it get damaged like it is? One would think the strap buttom would have been forced into the body by a hard whack (Dropping on end) to that region, and the damage on the headstock is off centered, too. It is like someone removed that bass and then bumped into stuff. Were the ends of the case both broken during its ride home, where broken edges of the case dug into the bass? Was the bottom strap button forced into the body at all, was the finish even cracked there?
I suppose this is meaningless, as the damage is done and UPS has already denied your claim. But this seems bothersom to me as to how it got damaged the way it did. I do hope Alembic can do 'touch-ups' on the damaged areas. If it was an old, yellowed finish, I know this would not be the case. I do wish you good luck on getting it back safely and in the pristine condition you deserve it to be in. BTW - Great bass Rob! OK, I will stop now. |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 475
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 4:31 pm: | |
Rob - This is terrible. I think I would get it fixed too.
I also think that someone opened the case. I have had it happen to me before too. When I ship a bass in a flight case, I wrap the case around the latches with shipping tape. That way I know if someone was poking around in there.
If you want, I can post pics of my Hyak. The finish is much worse. It may make you feel better!
Michael
|
bassilator
Junior
Username: bassilator
Post Number: 13
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 6:17 pm: | |
Hey all,
Thank you so much for your comments. I really appreciate the support! The flight case was packaged in a cardboard box before being shipped. No one opened the case. The bass hit hard enough to compress the foam inside the case, which allowed the bass to hit two bolts on either end of the case. The two bolts hold wires that keep the lid in a vertical position when open and prevent it from falling backwards. The foam on each end was at its narrowest-- 1". Now before you hassle me about the foam , let me at least say that I have shipped basses in this same case on the airlines to Nevada on multiple occasions, Minnesota, and I even sent a bass in it to Alaska. I never had any problems with the case before, so it never occurred to me that 1" wasn't enough foam. In the case, the bass doesn't even move because the fit is so tight.
Regardless, the damage is done and thanks to you writing in, I'm feeling a lot better about the situation.
|
johnnybassboy
Junior
Username: johnnybassboy
Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 10:49 pm: | |
I played the bass today, and it was like butta :-)
A perfect tone for cutting-through rock guitars,
but not quite what I like for funk.
What a beautiful instrument. Congrats Rob! |
squirefan
Junior
Username: squirefan
Post Number: 16
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 1:22 am: | |
I just have to chime in on this one. In my job, I work directly with all these couriers, including the US Postal Service. UPS is the absolute worst when it comes to domestic shipping. Even most of their own employees refuse to send anything with them. The best I've seen so far is DHL.
I too had a claim (insured at $350) denied by UPS about two months ago and I replied to the denial by advising them that I will never use their services again and that I will be giving my business to DHL from now on. Within two days, UPS changed their mind and accepted my claim. I will never call on them again. It is either Fed Ex or DHL from now on.
You need to realize, it's not only the cosmetics, what other damage has been caused that cannot be seen? Also, Rob knows how to ship guitars. He sent my Hyak all the way to Miami, in a soft shell that was packed so well that it nearly took me a half hour to get to it. So the blame falls squarely on UPS!
(Message edited by squirefan on November 26, 2004) |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 2143
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 8:33 am: | |
You can't imagine how disappointing this whole ordeal was. On October 29 we got an email from Robert, and everyone gathered around Valentino's computer to see how he liked it. The news of the damage was devistating. I'm sure it was small compared to how Robert felt, but all our hearts just sank.
Even though this wasn't an Alembic, we were very proud of the work we did on the restoration, it come out just great. Mom allowed ne to offer a heavily discounted re-refinish to Robert. He should get to see this bass as it was when we shipped it.
In my experience, UPS and Fed Ex are about equal, both leaving a lot to be desired. We'll be inspecting even flight cases more carefully in the future.
Meanwhile, please enjoy some of the pictures I took of this bass before packing:
 |
rracer
New
Username: rracer
Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 11:48 am: | |
My God the quality of the refinish is astonishing, there is no doubt in my mind. I talked to Valentino about the refinishing of my guitar and promised him when we come to California to race we will stop by to let him sit in my formula atlantic car, now after hearing of Rob's situation with transport, I will be driving down with my Hyak next year instead of shipping, I consider it time and money well spent. I bought a Les Paul in Phoenix last year and had it shipped up to Seattle and waited very nervously for the arrival and even took the day off of work thye day it was delivered just to look the UPS driver in the eye when it was delivered( I did not let him leave until I unpacked it) undamaged the guitar that is but the case was destroyed by my standards. I purchased a new anvil case for it and now after reading this I will ship the anvil case for my Hyak out for refoaming as the foam in the case is 26+ years old, I learn things every time I log onto this site thanks everyone. Look forward to meeting Valentino and the rest of the staff in March when we head down to Arizona and Valentino we will not have my race car with us at that time but when the guitar is done I promise you we will bring it even if it is just to run tests at Laguna Seca or Sears Point and no I can not bring my self to call the track by its new name. |
valvil
Moderator
Username: valvil
Post Number: 584
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 03, 2004 - 10:34 pm: | |
Hello Rick,
we'll be happy to see you even sans car.
James & Bob are also into cars, so we'll all be looking forward to your return trip.
Valentino |
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