Hey All,
This is meant more as a warning thread about this builder rather than an explicit “don’t use”. You may have or may have already had a wildly different experience than I did.
TLDR: I asked for custom shaped cabs, did not receive satisfying communication from the builder despite reassurance that work was being completed, and ultimately had to request a refund from my credit card.
Back in July of this year, I contacted Noisy Hammer about custom bass cabs (a 210 and a 115). For those unaware, they are known for building unique cabs. Both shape and style. This was appealing to me over a more standard design (I am aware that many prefer immediate tangible goods on this site).
We agreed on a budget, I sent over a proposed design idea, and when that was all agreed to, I sent the funds over in full.
I did not receive a confirmation of funds received until several days later.
From there I gave the builder space to work. According to stated policy, the build would take around two to three months (mid Sept or late oct) with regular process updates.
I have worked with a few builders over the years with various communication frequencies and styles. I have never had an issue with a builder responding quickly to a query with a status update or quick progress photo.
I followed the builder on Instagram to see if they would post updates, as they have a fairly active presence.
At some point in the process I became aware of the trustpilot site regarding this builder. I will summarize by saying: many people had positive experiences, but stressed that the builder does not communicate well or meet deadlines.
I am located in the US. Noisy Hammer in the UK. During the duration of this situation there was some unfriendliness between the two countries that affected shipping availability for many.
After a little over a month of no contact (August) I reached out to express my concerns about shipping availability. At this point I asked for a cancellation of the order and offered that we do a partial refund (to account for materials that may have been purchased). The builder assured me that they had researched options and offered me a discount on the total purchase.
At this point, I felt uncomfortable with the lack of communication (even basic confirmation of what components would be used in the cab construction) and repeated that I would like a refund.
Multiple days passed (now September) with regular check in requests from me before the builder notified me that he would not offer refunds on custom orders.
At this point, feeling at the end of my rope, I opened a case with PayPal.
The builder notified me that the case with PayPal had frozen his account and hindered his ability to process payments. He encouraged me to continue with the build under the promise to be more communicative and discuss further.
I agreed to close the case but asked that the builder adjust the design back to a standard shape so that the build could be completed more quickly. We had some back and forth at this point as I asked the builder what had already been completed. They stated that the cabs had been assembled, and were waiting in finishing to be sanded and completed with speakers to be installed the following week.
We discussed due dates and the builder agreed to have a finished build by Mid October at the latest.
A month went by with no further confirmation or discussion. But the builder was continually active on social media at this time. At no point did he show or discuss building my bass cabinets.
I sent the builder two further follow up requests via email at the final agreed due date and a few days later.
Having heard nothing further from him, I opened a case with my credit card and received a refund.
As stated at the beginning, this builder can build exciting pieces, and was friendly and approachable up to the point of sale. I hope that mine was a momentary lapse in communication or ability to complete work.
This is meant more as a warning thread about this builder rather than an explicit “don’t use”. You may have or may have already had a wildly different experience than I did.
TLDR: I asked for custom shaped cabs, did not receive satisfying communication from the builder despite reassurance that work was being completed, and ultimately had to request a refund from my credit card.
Back in July of this year, I contacted Noisy Hammer about custom bass cabs (a 210 and a 115). For those unaware, they are known for building unique cabs. Both shape and style. This was appealing to me over a more standard design (I am aware that many prefer immediate tangible goods on this site).
We agreed on a budget, I sent over a proposed design idea, and when that was all agreed to, I sent the funds over in full.
I did not receive a confirmation of funds received until several days later.
From there I gave the builder space to work. According to stated policy, the build would take around two to three months (mid Sept or late oct) with regular process updates.
I have worked with a few builders over the years with various communication frequencies and styles. I have never had an issue with a builder responding quickly to a query with a status update or quick progress photo.
I followed the builder on Instagram to see if they would post updates, as they have a fairly active presence.
At some point in the process I became aware of the trustpilot site regarding this builder. I will summarize by saying: many people had positive experiences, but stressed that the builder does not communicate well or meet deadlines.
I am located in the US. Noisy Hammer in the UK. During the duration of this situation there was some unfriendliness between the two countries that affected shipping availability for many.
After a little over a month of no contact (August) I reached out to express my concerns about shipping availability. At this point I asked for a cancellation of the order and offered that we do a partial refund (to account for materials that may have been purchased). The builder assured me that they had researched options and offered me a discount on the total purchase.
At this point, I felt uncomfortable with the lack of communication (even basic confirmation of what components would be used in the cab construction) and repeated that I would like a refund.
Multiple days passed (now September) with regular check in requests from me before the builder notified me that he would not offer refunds on custom orders.
At this point, feeling at the end of my rope, I opened a case with PayPal.
The builder notified me that the case with PayPal had frozen his account and hindered his ability to process payments. He encouraged me to continue with the build under the promise to be more communicative and discuss further.
I agreed to close the case but asked that the builder adjust the design back to a standard shape so that the build could be completed more quickly. We had some back and forth at this point as I asked the builder what had already been completed. They stated that the cabs had been assembled, and were waiting in finishing to be sanded and completed with speakers to be installed the following week.
We discussed due dates and the builder agreed to have a finished build by Mid October at the latest.
A month went by with no further confirmation or discussion. But the builder was continually active on social media at this time. At no point did he show or discuss building my bass cabinets.
I sent the builder two further follow up requests via email at the final agreed due date and a few days later.
Having heard nothing further from him, I opened a case with my credit card and received a refund.
As stated at the beginning, this builder can build exciting pieces, and was friendly and approachable up to the point of sale. I hope that mine was a momentary lapse in communication or ability to complete work.
