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Hammersmith K4 - TalkBass Special Model

What finish should the TalkBASS special model be? (select two)

  • TalkBASS BLUE forum theme

    Votes: 79 42.0%

  • White Tux (w/ blocked & bound maple neck, all black hardware) - no binding

    Votes: 19 10.1%

  • White Tux (w/ blocked & bound maple neck, all black hardware) - with black binding

    Votes: 62 33.0%

  • Metallic Gold - no binding

    Votes: 10 5.3%

  • Metallic Gold - with Cream binding

    Votes: 21 11.2%

  • Rootbeer Metallic - no binding

    Votes: 17 9.0%

  • Rootbeer Metallic - with Cream binding

    Votes: 62 33.0%
  • Total voters
    188
#241
I'm psyched about this one, but my Dingwall NG2 took almost a full year (pre-ordered as soon as the 4 string model was announced). In fairness, I also had to have one certain color, so that cost me at least an extra month or two.

Anytime you are first in on new models of anything, patience is a virtue as some sort of delay seems to inevitably happen. For this one, I just have tried to not think about it! Doesn't always work, but just picked up a few new pedals to distract myself!!!! :D
 
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#243
ScarfFace said:
Any updates for us Marko?
Click to expand...
Sorry for the delayed reply here. I've been out of commission all week since tweaking my back on Sat and while Inhad Josh working on stuff that has been on the go, I basically took a mental break at the same time as I was off due to my back. I could barely sit or stand - still am really - but neeed to respond so this didn't become a Dan Lakin situation with no one hearing from me.

The basses are delayed, otherwise I would have been sending picture updates by now. The wording used to me by the OEM was "couple of weeks" and "few weeks", which doesn't help us nail down any exact dates. They don't want to be held to specific dates either.

If we did an order of 120 units all in one color and scale, I suspect they would have been done and here already. We threw 8 finishes into the mix as well as 3 different necks - complicated even more with matching headstocks in colors they don't normally run - so I think I should have expected this and not made the promises I did in terms of dates. Every time something custom or different is added, it adds time above and beyond what a single-spec model would take.

I may push for a partial shipment in the colors they can do more easily, but that means our plan to complete them in the sequence we took the orders goes out the window and I really wanted to avoid that mess.

In any case, I wanted to put it to you guys and see what we can decide together as a method to compensate for delays. I was think of a running discount for each week beyond the date you were given. We did this for a couple of customers that had delayed builds and while it doesnt help get a bass in your hands sooner, its nice to get it for a hundred or two less than originally planned.

Does that sound workable?
 
#244
Speaking only for myself, Marko (as likely the main antagonist of the custom ordering- haha), I see no need for compensation, discounts, etc. due to delays. You've been most accommodating and are doing a respectable job at turning out a product while not being a large scale builder. In regards to building in order, I know I was the first to order a non TB K model from you and I, personally, couldn't care less about what order it's built in (as long as I get my original serial number- HAHA). Don't sweat it on my behalf. :)
 
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#246
What those guys said. As stated previously, this is the norm with new models, etc. Considering all the options at this price, it was already like getting a custom shop at import prices imo.

Hope the back gets better, been there before!!
 
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#247
I agree, and as someone in a retail/service/construction business, I'm often at the mercy of my suppliers for deliveries of materials. Back order something, then call me the day AFTER it was supposed to ship to tell me it has been back ordered. And customers get mad at me, like it's my fault.
So I sympathize, it's not like you said "f-it, I'm going to Fiji for a month" and blew us off.

No compensation for me please. Do it right, do it well, and communicate, and I'll pay full price, every time.
 
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#250
DerekW said:
I agree, and as someone in a retail/service/construction business, I'm often at the mercy of my suppliers for deliveries of materials. Back order something, then call me the day AFTER it was supposed to ship to tell me it has been back ordered. And customers get mad at me, like it's my fault.
So I sympathize, it's not like you said "f-it, I'm going to Fiji for a month" and blew us off.

No compensation for me please. Do it right, do it well, and communicate, and I'll pay full price, every time.
Click to expand...

I'm with Derek. Send us to Fiji.
 
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#252
DerekW said:
Having said that, if things get severely behind, and I mean bad, My loyalty can be bought back with a cool Hammersmith tshirt or some stickers, lol



I'm kidding, lol, I expect nothing for free.
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All kidding aside, some cool Hammersmith gear (shirts, stickers, etc) would be nice to have. I'd def like to rock a Hammersmith shirt on stage. No need for freebies though. I'd happily buy a shirt.
 
#253
The basses were going to come with shirts anyways, so perhaps I organize the goodies to send out ahead if time?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'm still going to work in a discount against the balance payments whether asked for or not, especially if the delay goes even further than we're crossing our fingers for.

Also, the point made about more frequent updates is well noted. First thing I need to do is get the 2 pickup demo video posted, which will help clarify the tonal capabiliies a bit better. People in Dallas were genuinely surprised at the "full sized tone" out of the smaller looking and very light bass.

More to follow today or tomorrow...
 
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#254
MarkoYYZ said:
The basses were going to come with shirts anyways, so perhaps I organize the goodies to send out ahead if time?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'm still going to work in a discount against the balance payments whether asked for or not, especially if the delay goes even further than we're crossing our fingers for.

Also, the point made about more frequent updates is well noted. First thing I need to do is get the 2 pickup demo video posted, which will help clarify the tonal capabiliies a bit better. People in Dallas were genuinely surprised at the "full sized tone" out of the smaller looking and very light bass.

More to follow today or tomorrow...
Click to expand...
Well, again, I really don't feel the need for a discount.....

Don't want you going broke and not being able to supply future basses!....:laugh:....

Looking forward to seeing the two pickup video.....

Cheers!....:thumbsup::)
 
#255
MarkoYYZ said:
The basses were going to come with shirts anyways, so perhaps I organize the goodies to send out ahead if time?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'm still going to work in a discount against the balance payments whether asked for or not, especially if the delay goes even further than we're crossing our fingers for.

Also, the point made about more frequent updates is well noted. First thing I need to do is get the 2 pickup demo video posted, which will help clarify the tonal capabiliies a bit better. People in Dallas were genuinely surprised at the "full sized tone" out of the smaller looking and very light bass.

More to follow today or tomorrow...
Click to expand...
But I paid in full! :P Seriously, we appreciate all your efforts, Marko. Doing what you're doing alongside your full time gig is no easy feat. You owe me nothing.
 
#256
MarkoYYZ said:
The basses were going to come with shirts anyways, so perhaps I organize the goodies to send out ahead if time?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'm still going to work in a discount against the balance payments whether asked for or not, especially if the delay goes even further than we're crossing our fingers for.

Also, the point made about more frequent updates is well noted. First thing I need to do is get the 2 pickup demo video posted, which will help clarify the tonal capabiliies a bit better. People in Dallas were genuinely surprised at the "full sized tone" out of the smaller looking and very light bass.

More to follow today or tomorrow...
Click to expand...

Regular updates is a very good way to communicate with your customers. Even if it's being told "nothing new" or "still waiting", that's better than not hearing anything.
 
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