How to deal with a custom builder that misread the spec requests?

[SeoulFul]

I will not mention who the builder in question is but I will mention they are a one man operation as far as I know.

Ordered a custom bass with an approximate wait time of one year. I requested a roasted maple neck. Recently I saw the builder post a photo on their Instagram of a bass(not completed yet) that matches the specs I requested but with a standard maple neck. 99% it is mine as it lines up with the timeline that I was given. I’ve yet to receive completed photos of the bass but I’m starting to get anxious.

I’m curious if anyone has been in a similar situation and how you decided to move forward.

Thank you

 

[Matt O]

“Hey sweet looking bass, is that mine?”

 

[CoughSyrup]

Don't accept something you didn't pay for. You paid for a bass with a roasted maple neck, so that's what you're entitled to receive.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Ask the builder for a status update and, if possible, progress photos.

 

[JRA]

you saw some pictures and it's about, "that time."

but if you and your builder/luthier both know what you ordered: you can do nothing at all, be patient, and see what happens.

good luck!

 

[J Wilson]

Your phone isn't working? Call the man and see how yours is coming along. Why wonder and worry?

Do have a deposit placed with him, and is it non-refundable?

 

[Nolan Tremblay]

Politely send them a message saying you saw the neck and had some concern it was yours and that if so there was a mix up with the specs. If the builder is a professional then they’ll either tell you politely it’s not your neck or that it’s a mistake and then offer to rectify it by building the proper neck.

 

[Katoosie]

Did you write any paperwork for this? For a downpayment, order, spec sheet etc?

Just get in touch ASAP.

 

[Topkat13]

Recommend a good optometrist.

 

[abarson]

I will not mention who the builder in question is but I will mention they are a one man operation as far as I know.

Ordered a custom bass with an approximate wait time of one year. I requested a roasted maple neck. Recently I saw the builder post a photo on their Instagram of a bass(not completed yet) that matches the specs I requested but with a standard maple neck. 99% it is mine as it lines up with the timeline that I was given. I’ve yet to receive completed photos of the bass but I’m starting to get anxious.

I’m curious if anyone has been in a similar situation and how you decided to move forward.

Thank you

At the moment you only have a suspicion that the pictured bass is yours. Reach out to the builder either by phone or email and kindly query how yours is progressing and whether yours was actually pictured.

 

[alembicbones]

Things get turned around sometimes. My custom Dingwall almost went off the rails and I confirmed the build specs before the train wreck happened. Be nice, polite and just confirm things with the builder now. I'm sure they would appreciate it now before potential acrimony happens at delivery date.

Best,
Bones

 

[SeoulFul]

Thank you for the replies everyone! Either way I'm confident I'll have a bass in the end

 

[Sharko]

So you’re worried that your order is messed up because you saw a picture of an unfinished project that you don’t know is yours?

 

[Chrisk-K]

I'm confident I'll have a bass in the end

Your situation has nothing to do with your confidence. It’s all about the builder’s fulfilling the business contract.

 

[BadMonk]

Thank you for the replies everyone! Either way I'm confident I'll have a bass in the end

Yeah, but being confident about getting a bass that isn't what you ordered is no bueno. Right?

 

[Grinderman]

You don't request a custom spec, you order it and you pay for it, assuming that's a spec the builder offers.

 

[themickster]

Do they roast a neck before or after carving it?

 

[Watchootognbout]

Do they roast a neck before or after carving it?

Bear in mind the photo may have been a test fit.

 

[Wisebass]

How to deal with a custom builder that misread the spec requests?

Or just pick up the phone and have a nice conversation about your built in progress!

greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[el murdoque]

Get in contact.

A) It is your bass. They messed up. Pull the brakes as fast as possible, or else your build will take even longer.
If roasted maple is mandatory for your happiness, they'll have to carve a new neck. If normal maple is also fine, you could haggle out a discount.

B) It is not your bass. The builder merely decided to make a second one that is pretty similar along with your build.