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From what I understand these waiting times are not set on stone. They are ballpark times. Could be earlier or later, just an estimate.
Ultradust
Commercial User
- May 19, 2007
- 227
- 1,052
- Disclosures
- General Manager, Moollon
Kai is spot-on. And I might as well chime in with a few details, since YJ is indeed just a man who does everything Moollon.
YJ does certain things in batches: pickup winding, neck and body shaping, application of lacquer usually in groups of three bodies per color, and it's not uncommon for him to take a few hours to work through a box of his tuning machines, selecting matching pieces and assembling them in advance for a month's future bass assemblies. Each respective final assembly is done one at a time, with some "parallel setups" of maybe four guitars and basses while each responds to full string tension on his work benches over the course of a few days.
Most lengthy wait times (such as the present "11 -12 months") discussed these days are the best estimates we can pass on right now. Some will be completed sooner, and due to circumstances sometimes unfortunately a little later.
But to be sure, some build times are extraordinarily long, irrespective of others being in line in front of one's order. We are fairly open to mention that Moollon is not a factory, and as YJ being human also makes him prone to the possibility of mistakes in a finish or finalization of an assembly (nitrocellulose lacquer will cry a goopy lump if you stare it down, you know).
Sure enough, if summer humidity at its worst or a fatal error in wet sanding is noted along the way, sometimes a single body or entire batch has to be redone, leading to unforeseen delays and much potential consternation on the other end of the email. And in other cases, a body simply comes out too heavy, so after discussion with the customer regarding foreseeable weight issues, a fresh batch from a lighter set of blanks may be in order. But honestly, we are not above being daft at times as well, and miscommunication between him and myself regarding a customer's request has led to us not getting the specs of an order exact right from the start, upon occasion. Note that it is not uncommon for a customer to decide on a finish after a dozen back-and-forths with us via email, and sudden changes immediately after finalization do throw curveballs into the mix.
All in all, if the current demand (we're not fond of the word "hype") eventually goes down, then so will the basic time estimate for the average build, but lengthy waits on top of that can (and will) unfortunately happen from time to time. In the meantime, we'll do our darnedest to keep things as close to as originally estimated.
YJ does certain things in batches: pickup winding, neck and body shaping, application of lacquer usually in groups of three bodies per color, and it's not uncommon for him to take a few hours to work through a box of his tuning machines, selecting matching pieces and assembling them in advance for a month's future bass assemblies. Each respective final assembly is done one at a time, with some "parallel setups" of maybe four guitars and basses while each responds to full string tension on his work benches over the course of a few days.
Most lengthy wait times (such as the present "11 -12 months") discussed these days are the best estimates we can pass on right now. Some will be completed sooner, and due to circumstances sometimes unfortunately a little later.
But to be sure, some build times are extraordinarily long, irrespective of others being in line in front of one's order. We are fairly open to mention that Moollon is not a factory, and as YJ being human also makes him prone to the possibility of mistakes in a finish or finalization of an assembly (nitrocellulose lacquer will cry a goopy lump if you stare it down, you know).
Sure enough, if summer humidity at its worst or a fatal error in wet sanding is noted along the way, sometimes a single body or entire batch has to be redone, leading to unforeseen delays and much potential consternation on the other end of the email. And in other cases, a body simply comes out too heavy, so after discussion with the customer regarding foreseeable weight issues, a fresh batch from a lighter set of blanks may be in order. But honestly, we are not above being daft at times as well, and miscommunication between him and myself regarding a customer's request has led to us not getting the specs of an order exact right from the start, upon occasion. Note that it is not uncommon for a customer to decide on a finish after a dozen back-and-forths with us via email, and sudden changes immediately after finalization do throw curveballs into the mix.
All in all, if the current demand (we're not fond of the word "hype") eventually goes down, then so will the basic time estimate for the average build, but lengthy waits on top of that can (and will) unfortunately happen from time to time. In the meantime, we'll do our darnedest to keep things as close to as originally estimated.
Man...had no idea how good I had it when I was quoted 6 to 8 months on my build and it showed up in 6 months. Felt like an eternity. I couldn't imagine the agony of adding another 8 months on top of it so I feel for all those waiting. But hang in there...it's WORTH it! I'm hoping to jump back in line myself very soon for a J IV Classic to accompany my P IV Classic.
good to hear. I can't wait. anyone else counting days? lol. I have dreams of my blue p bass body waiting there for a year until it gets a neck and pickups.
I'm 2 months in and hoping it's closer to the 11 month but I don't want to rush perfection. I've waited 8 months before from another builder and it was worth the wait in spades.
I'd also rather it take longer and be right, than early and not. Sounds like YJ is meticulous in what he does and so he would never let a sub-par instrument leave his shop. That's good news for us!
For you who play 6 strings as well.. very nice Strat and price is great:
Moollon S-Classic Sonic Blue Finish Nordstrand Pickups Electric Guitar W/ Original Gig Bag | Imperial Vintage Guitars | Reverb
Moollon S-Classic Sonic Blue Finish Nordstrand Pickups Electric Guitar W/ Original Gig Bag | Imperial Vintage Guitars | Reverb
theres also this: Moollon Chambered P-Classic IV (Rare & beautiful!!) | Marc's Gear Garage | Reverb
and a jazz on reverb with an active preamp...
and a jazz on reverb with an active preamp...
I much prefer Moollon taking their time to get stuff right than shaving a couple of months of the waiting time! Especially if that comes with some flexibility with ordering, I'm definitely guilty of changing my choice of color every so often and Andi has been absolute legend in dealing with it.
That's not going to stop me counting down the days till it arrives though
Can't wait to get my hands on it!!
That's not going to stop me counting down the days till it arrives though
Can't wait to get my hands on it!!
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I ordered a p classic four back in October. I’m guessing it should be coming along soon
I'm around 7.5 months into my wait for a J-Classic IV. Copper gold. Really starting to get excited now that I'm hopefully past the halfway mark.
- Apr 29, 2003
- 9,078
- 9,800
- Disclosures
- Contributor- Bass Musician Magazine | Marketing Manager- Trickfish Amplification
Some new vids of my Steely Dan tribute band, featuring some good quality audio of the JV and P5. Hope you enjoy:
My P-IV Classic arrived on Friday and I've now had some time to play it. All I can say is that I'm so glad I choose to purchase a Moollon. They are amazing basses.
I don't believe you...gonna need a photo
Here are a few pics I just took.
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It's a beauty! Congrats!!!
Here are a few pics I just took.
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Beautiful. Now go put some battle scars on it.
They do a great black.
