Advice--Bought a custom handmade bass and...

[greengirl777]

There were problems with it from the beginning. I sent it back a couple times for the builder to fix it, and each time I got it back something else was wrong with it. I finally shared with the builder that I was thinking of selling it. He offered to sell it for me. So the bass was sent back to him 2 months ago.

It seems like he has put no effort into selling it, and I really need my money back. The bass was very very expensive. I feel like the guy is giving me the run around. How do I get my money back? Should I involve a lawyer?

[Jeff Scott]

Who is the builder? Having more information can help as someone here might know him.

[greengirl777]

I would rather not say at this point, not looking to trash anyone's reputation. Just want some advice please.

[DrSmaggs]

A reputable builder would have refunded, rather than selling for you... especially after so many issues.

[Assumer]

I would demand a refund. First, it was never done properly so you have received a defective bass. (does your state have a lemon law) Second, its pretty shady to sell something with a known problem. I would question his ethics.

[Kwesi]

Threaten legal action? Maybe the Talkbass "Legal Department" could chime in with a more useful suggestion but I can't imagine any other way to force his hand. though before that I agree with demanding a refund.

[darkstorm]

Agrees with the above. reputable builder would not have sent bass back to you with new things wrong. Nor would he offer to sell it for you instead of refunding money. Sounds like a shaky builder morally to me.

[greengirl777]

Thanks for the responses. Has anyone here been in a similar situation?

The second time I got the instrument back, he has refinished it and not let it dry good so it had a reaction with the case--it came to me and the finish was all messed up. This is when he said he would give me money back, but he would need to sell it first. He seemed pretty confident that he would be able to sell it quickly. Two months later I am here, waiting for him to sell it, and getting pretty angry. The builder lives in another state far from me, so I can't go talk to him in person. If I do get a lawyer, does it have to be a lawyer in his state or mine?

[Assumer]

Originally Posted by greengirl777

Thanks for the responses. Has anyone here been in a similar situation?

The second time I got the instrument back, he has refinished it and not let it dry good so it had a reaction with the case--it came to me and the finish was all messed up. This is when he said he would give me money back, but he would need to sell it first. He seemed pretty confident that he would be able to sell it quickly. Two months later I am here, waiting for him to sell it, and getting pretty angry. The builder lives in another state far from me, so I can't go talk to him in person. If I do get a lawyer, does it have to be a lawyer in his state or mine?

Needing to sell it first is not your problem. Defective product, money back!

[Lublin]

MONEY BACK!

[scottm]

I have had a similar problem before from a builder I did not get a long with at all. He was hard to deal with and very shady, but with that said, he refunded my money the second I asked for it back.

I would demand your money back!

Good luck - ScottM

[johnk_10]

i can understand a builder not being thrilled about giving a refund on a 'custom' or 'one-off' bass, especially if all of the features were out of the norm, including the neck shape, color, pickup choice/location, control layout, etc., however, if the bass was never right to begin with (and i don't know the details), the builder should have addressed all of its issues to your complete satisfaction.

it seems the builder isn't making it a priority to sell your bass for you, but the problem for me is that the builder has your bass and your money, and that just ain't right.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by johnk_10

it seems the builder isn't making it a priority to sell your bass for you, but the problem for me is that the builder has your bass and your money, and that just ain't right.

First problem: the builder didn't make it his priority to delivering a quality product.

Second problem: How do you know he didnt' sell the bass already?

How did you pay? If you paid by credit card, I would file a claim using the reasoning that a defective product was returned and you received no refund.

I suggest you write a letter demanding an immediate refund. List all the problems in chronological order plus his "promise" to sell the bass for you.

Getting a lawyer involved will probable cost quite a few bucks. Maybe a letter from a lawyer might help. Going to small claims court in another state will most likely require your presence.

If you don't have anything in writing, it's your word against his. Do you have the shipping documents from when you shipped it back to him? Were you able to take pictures of the defects before shipping it back?

Maybe you can post the city/state and another TB'r in the area can help you out by stopping by his shop to discuss the situation.

[Lublin]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

If you don't have anything in writing, it's your word against his. Do you have the shipping documents from when you shipped it back to him? Were you able to take pictures of the defects before shipping it back?

Dated email correspondence works, too.

[bongomania]

Regarding "reputable builders"... I had a custom bass made by a highly reputable builder, and ended up with a similarly disappointing story. It's old business, I don't need to give details--just saying these things can happen even with reputable builders. Not everyone can maintain a perfect track record.

[Bassamatic]

IF you should find that you need to get a lawyer involved - he needs to be in HIS state, not yours. Sorry.

Meanwhile, all the other posts are accurate - he should have sent you a refund, and you have no way of knowing if he has already sold the instrument.