Hammersmith K4 - TalkBass Special Model

[Metronomicus]

So, I am one of the customers who chose to get a substitute bass rather than wait for a K or request a refund. My bass is done and will be shipping on Monday. The remaining balance on my build happens to come to exactly the amount that some of you need for a refund.
Evidently there is PayPal issue where they hold funds being used for a refund for 21 days.
Marko asked if I would be ok with sending my remaining balance directly to someone waiting for a refund instead of to him. I am ok with that if all parties agree to it and it well documented in a three way conversation and receipts are given to both myself and the receiver of the refund. What do you guys who are waiting for refunds think about that?

Extremely kind of you to help the rest of us out! I've been owed $678 for months. At least he's trying a solution, but I do wonder how many people are in front of me, and therefore how many birthdays may pass before getting my money back. I hope he's stashed it in a mutual fund or something so my return amount follows inflation.

 

[NOLA Bass]

I just got my K bass refund from Marko. For those still waiting, I figure you’d be pleased to hear they are indeed happening.

 

[J Gold]

Are all the trips to China worth it? He could’ve found a Canadian shop with CNC to run 250 bodies and necks with what he must’ve paid in travel costs by now.

But I know nothing about business. I just wanted that bass. I got my refund a long time ago, but I’m still hoping. Maybe one day they’ll happen!

 

[Metronomicus]

For those of us waiting on refunds, I've asked Marko if he can give us an idea of our spot in the queue, so as we see basses sold, or production begin, we can have a sense of impending restitution. He's not responded to any of my requests for communication since June 6th. Prior to that it was May 2nd. Averaging response about a little less than once a month, and that's only if an option other than a refund is discussed. Otherwise, no responses. Anyway, just keeping people updated on what I'm seeing. Fingers crossed for all of us waiting!

 

[wintremute]

Thank you for the update with your situation.

 

[jumbodbassman]

still hoping to get a K one day...

 

[ScarfFace]

If anyone is interested in seeing pics of my choice of replacement bass I'll post a link to my NBD thread.
Clearly Markos communication has been poor throughout this whole process and I still really do not know why he couldn't do such a seemingly basic task. HOWEVER, the dude delivered on an incredible bass for me.
because of this, I would not hesitate to buy another bass from Marko in the future, but probably only if it were a stock, completed instrument.
Here's my thread-
NBD- Hammersmith P4- RPH

 

[primussucks9126]

Marko made the mistake of sending me a refund (I sent it back), so someone else on the waiting list should be getting it very soon.

I also asked about the K bass. The OEM has not changed. Marko said the target date he was given was September, but he expects they should be done in Ocotober. He said they should be well underway with neck production already.

I also asked about the specs, and he said the longer scale basses will remain unchanged other than the neck pocket being a bit thicker.

The short scale will now be 31" and will also have 21 frets, with the bridge being repositioned closer to the rear of the body. He's still running a few 24 fret necks to fulfill orders.

I asked about sound clips, and he doesn't have any of the prototypes anymore to make that happen.

 

[primussucks9126]

Got some more info for those who are interested.

The necks are being made with both ebony and blackwood tek instead of rosewood. I didn't ask if the different woods would be on specific models or if he's just having an assortment made.

The colors in this run are black, white, surf green, PRS burst, and walnut. Marko said they won't be running any of the TB special colors discussed here, but he can spray them in house if necessary.

I also asked about binding, and he said that there won't be any for this run, but it will happen in the future.

 

[ScarfFace]

What is PRS burst?

 

[Fat Freddy]

What is PRS burst?

Not sure but it probably involves an emergency room.....

 

[primussucks9126]

What is PRS burst?

Marko said this is a good example of "PRS burst"

I've got some more info for everyone.

The Walnut finish is an actual walnut body, not just a stain.

Ebony boards are likely just going to be part of this run, with Blackwood Tek being the permanent fretboard material in the future.

Directly from Marko:
"Black headstocks will be permanent spec, aside from special color runs fro. each year/season.
The pickguard and truss rod cover will always match.
The versions with bound bodies wont necessarily have bound necks, but its possible we eventually have the full assortment available (rw, rw+blocks, maple, maple+blocks) in both scales. That would be 8 necks to keep in stock. Then also 5s at some point next year, and the occasional fretless. That's basically a full program for custom ordering, but for the near future it will be more limited until we have things more stable/reliable with this model."

"We do need to simplify how we operate, so going into 2019 we'll have more standard models that can ship more readily, then customs that are available on longer timelines with appropriate premiums. The more standard models will be available to dealers."

 

[ScarfFace]

I like that!

 

[Novarocker]

Good to hear that it sounds like it's making headway. Might have to look into one of the standards, especially if the Walnut really ends up being Walnut...

 

[Metronomicus]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give an update that Marko had reached out to me last week to let me know he was prepping to send me my refund. I opted for a deal where I took a Dr. Bass cab with 2 Eminence LFAs rated at 1000w, with shipping included, which he had on hand, and $150 in cash back as a refund, instead of the whole amount.

What this may mean is that anyone who is waiting for a refund may be getting it soon.

Overall, although there are people (like me) who have been frustrated with communications or concerned about the status of either their bass or their cash, my experience with Marko is that he is earnestly doing his best to build his brand and product to be top notch, and follow through on his agreements with everyone. There are always growing pains, and it seems like he is growing at a good pace, so I would just say to have confidence and patience, even though that can be easier said than done, especially from someone who has had some resolution.

In any event, since the end of our transaction, we've spoken again and I really do want to get a Hammersmith bass in the future. I just needed other stuff now and wanted to get the whole thing off my mind.

I hope everyone waiting is happy with their finished product, and anyone waiting for a refund, it's on its way. I'm convinced more than ever that Marko is definitely focused on doing right by customers in addition to building an awesome product.

All the best to everyone.

 

[two fingers]

I gotta be honest. I have a Hanmersmith 5. So I get the quality they are able to crank out. So, even with all of the "mess", I'm hopeful they can get it together.

And I'm really curious about a K5.....

 

[Bjornolzon]

Hey friends!

I got my replacemet instrument last thuesday. It is a pretty impressive build, it sound and play very good. Marko was eager to get me to update you al. Wich i should have done anyhow, but..
he realy abused my trust and the last weeks before he actually shipped was really unpleasent, i knew the bass was finished and waited to be shipped, but it just didnt happen, he dissapered in silence and then more excuses. It actually became a bit to much for me. And the joy comleatly wanished!
I love the new bass, and the joy is somehow finding its way back.

He does what he can, i guess... hes prioretis is a bit of if you ask me, and i Think he shaged up beyond what my new c4 can repair.

 

[wintremute]

I find it sad that Marko was eager for you to update us, when I think pretty much all of us would prefer if he would be the one to come in here and update us.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give an update that Marko had reached out to me last week to let me know he was prepping to send me my refund. I opted for a deal where I took a Dr. Bass cab with 2 Eminence LFAs rated at 1000w, with shipping included, which he had on hand, and $150 in cash back as a refund, instead of the whole amount.

What this may mean is that anyone who is waiting for a refund may be getting it soon.

Overall, although there are people (like me) who have been frustrated with communications or concerned about the status of either their bass or their cash, my experience with Marko is that he is earnestly doing his best to build his brand and product to be top notch, and follow through on his agreements with everyone. There are always growing pains, and it seems like he is growing at a good pace, so I would just say to have confidence and patience, even though that can be easier said than done, especially from someone who has had some resolution.

In any event, since the end of our transaction, we've spoken again and I really do want to get a Hammersmith bass in the future. I just needed other stuff now and wanted to get the whole thing off my mind.

I hope everyone waiting is happy with their finished product, and anyone waiting for a refund, it's on its way. I'm convinced more than ever that Marko is definitely focused on doing right by customers in addition to building an awesome product.

All the best to everyone.

Of course this somehow involves a Dr.Bass cab. If only he could have worked a Darrin Huff in the deal too...

 

[Metronomicus]

Of course this somehow involves a Dr.Bass cab. If only he could have worked a Darrin Huff in the deal too...

Expand please?