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Chickenbacker Refinishing Question

#41
Cites confiscation can happen of course, but given the volume of stuff coming into the country in containers every day, and the tiny percentage of it customs can realistically examine, its a pretty small risk. If they do open a container and see basses with fake Made in USA TRC’s, and recognize it as such, that could also be confiscated. In that case, you are screwed with no recourse. Aliexpress is still a bit shady all around, but there are some more reliable and legit companies that will ship Chinabackers to the US, Pitbull Guitars of Australia sells Ric clone kits, Logical Guitars of Canada will ship Chinabackers into US last I checked.
 
#42
Gilmourisgod said:
Cites confiscation can happen of course, but given the volume of stuff coming into the country in containers every day, and the tiny percentage of it customs can realistically examine, its a pretty small risk. If they do open a container and see basses with fake Made in USA TRC’s, and recognize it as such, that could also be confiscated. In that case, you are screwed with no recourse. Aliexpress is still a bit shady all around, but there are some more reliable and legit companies that will ship Chinabackers to the US, Pitbull Guitars of Australia sells Ric clone kits, Logical Guitars of Canada will ship Chinabackers into US last I checked.
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Yep, agree 100%.

I did order from Ali Express, but did a ton of research on my buyer before I purchased. He did have a lot of great reviews (I was primarily looking for reviewers from the US), so that helped somewhat. He did have great communication all the way through the transaction. The time it took to ship was pretty slow, but from the sound of it, they custom made my bass after I purchased.

I haven't actually gotten to play it yet as I am still working on refinishing it (all new hardware, electronics, and new paint job), but I was pretty impressed with the overall quality of the build. And of course I am also happy it made it through customs :)

Hope you have the same luck if you decide to purchase!
 
#43
Wanted to post an update as this is FINALLY all finished. In love with the color scheme. Took forever to finish but I think it’s going to be a great instrument.
8C0AFD57-6777-4A66-9867-AC204533CB54.jpeg
 
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