Feedback profile - Darren Michaels

In regard to the pictures, yes I took two pictures and BOTH I posted under his feedback for me. So what if one of my pics I was able to push the paper under further than the other. What's your point?

Fred, I welcome full disclosure in the public eye. Notice I do business under my true name, not a screen name.

I tweeted your full name after the message you decided to send me gave me permission to share. My full name is tweeted also. Your full name is used in feedback from others and in other tweets on twitter from other people. You haven't taken issue with this. Your full name is on the internet and in phone books most likely.

As I've noted to you several times, I've never raised issue with your luthier as I would never comment on another professional's work. It's a wonderful thing to have a trusted professional to take instruments if you lack the education, experience, and ability to do the work yourself. I did relate to you as to why to be suspect of tapping on the frets to check for seating. This can be found in the fully disclosed messaging we did about the transaction.

I measured the action with a digital caliper as soon as I received the bass back. The measurements from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of each string were as follows. *Granted, necks can shift when sent to different climates.*
E string - .0848"
A string - .075"
D string - .070"
G string - .070"

The bass left me with .075", .075", .070", .070"

For comparison, Fender ships (or used to when I last checked) most basses at or around .100" to .110". During my seven and a half year tenure as bass tech at Atlanta Bass Gallery (2007 to 2014), I set stock basses around .090". For client setups, it can be .060" to .130" which is quite a variance due to a spectrum of styles. Low, medium-low, medium, medium-high, and high are layman terms that vary in meaning depending on the player. A good number of bass player's would describe the action of this Flextool bass as "low".

At the time of this posting, I have a positive feedback of three and one negative (from this transaction) leaving me at 75%. I've conducted four transactions here. Feedback was given each time.
To my knowledge, the feedback system on Talkbass in it's current form does not include how many buyers or sellers do not leave feedback for a transaction. This can lead to a skewing in ratings as only positive feedback would be given. I'd be interested to see how often feedback is not left. Those numbers could be telling.

While I consider it unnecessary, I will share some of my experience. I am a bass specific luthier and tech trained by a multitude of luthiers and bass builders. I specialized about five years or so into my career as a luthier. No mandolins, violins, guitars, upright basses...I specialize and continue to study the electric bass guitar. I've a very long list of bass clients including legends, players on magazine covers, clinicians, "ask a pro forum" bassists, world touring bassists, other luthiers, local heroes, blue collar bassists, hobbyist, and collectors. (I refuse to drag any of any their good names into this) I've owned under 50 basses the most highly valued at $7000. I've held, repaired, setup, and played thousands of basses ranging in price from $50 to $27,000. I've been trusted with vintage basses and basses that are famous themselves.

I'm sorry we reached an impasse. I'm sorry if you do not understand the facts I am presenting to you. I'm sorry if the negative feedback made you angry. I left honest feedback for this transaction and defended myself against your claims.

Bottom line is upon unpacking and inspection, the bass appeared to have a bad fret jib. My luthier confirmed. I'm sorry that you didn't agree with his professional opinion.

Pedal received as described and super fast.
Wouldn't hesitate to buy from again.

Thanks

I hope you love the Glock!