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Kalium Strings Service is Indeed Terrible

J

Jay J Rubin MD

Aug 18, 2019
8
7
#1
I bought a set of strings for my 7-string fretless Conklin GT-7 (tuned to a low F#) a few years ago with no issues. However, I have now been waiting 4 weeks for my last simple order that was acknowledged via email (automated), and since then, without email responses to my inquiries. This is the worst customer service I have encountered in years. I suggest avoiding this brand and company.
 
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#2
numberfourthree

Post in thread 'Anyone know what’s up with Kalium?'

Yools said:
I am now officially done with Kalium for good.

I placed an order in late December and received confirmation the next day that they got the order (and accepted my payment). Then... nothing. After about two weeks I called. Skip answered, I gave him the order number, and he assured me that they have plenty of stock and that he'd get it out the next day. That was over 10 days ago, and I've still heard nothing. I tried calling back twice (not easy to do during business hours since I live in Western Australia) and got voicemail both time. A large number of emails have also been ignored. On...
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#4
Jay J Rubin MD said:
I bought a set of strings for my 7-string fretless Conklin GT-7 (tuned to a low F#) a few years ago with no issues. However, I have now been waiting 4 weeks for my last simple order that was acknowledged via email (automated), and since then, without email responses to my inquiries. This is the worst customer service I have encountered in years. I suggest avoiding this brand and company.
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Have you phoned them? I phone one week after placing an order, and usually get a shipping notice the next day.
 
#5
I've had the same negative experience. No email or phone responses despite multiple attempts on different days. Fortunately, my strings did ship out eventually, but I wouldn't buy from Kalium again.

Strings themselves were pretty good though.
 
#7
Took six weeks for my .168 equal tension set for drop G on my Modulus. I called once, then my tech who was supposed to receive the strings got ahold of him and they shipped the next day. That low string alone was $27. Was a $70 5 string set. I love the strings and I honestly don’t know where I can get equivalent honesty.
 
#8
I stopped supporting Kalium after using their strings for almost ten years because of the nonexistent customer service. They use to be great about getting orders out but the last couple times took several months. Also not responding to multiple email inquiries is just disrespectful and shows they do not care about their brand/customers at all. I started using Newtone strings as a replacement for balanced drop tune sets and I really like them. They are definitely a bit more expensive but they actually deliver and respond to your emails. I'd also recommend Fret Nation for strings. Jason at fret nation is excellent at communication and sending out orders quickly.
 
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#9
Nick Willbrand said:
I stopped supporting Kalium after using their strings for almost ten years because of the nonexistent customer service. They use to be great about getting orders out but the last couple times took several months. Also not responding to multiple email inquiries is just disrespectful and shows they do not care about their brand/customers at all. I started using Newtone strings as a replacement for balanced drop tune sets and I really like them. They are definitely a bit more expensive but they actually deliver and respond to your emails. I'd also recommend Fret Nation for strings. Jason at fret nation is excellent at communication and sending out orders quickly.
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I’m going to check out Newtons.
 
#15
Kalium is one guy making strings. Haven't ordered in a few years but I remember waiting up to a month. Skip always answered the phone and replaced a string when needed. They're the best imo for extended range, but that's still niche. I'm usually with humdrum D'addarios or if I'm feeling bougie, Stringjoys. Wish Labella would bring back the HRS custom sets.
 
#16
moshuajusic said:
Kalium is one guy making strings. Haven't ordered in a few years but I remember waiting up to a month. Skip always answered the phone and replaced a string when needed. They're the best imo for extended range, but that's still niche. I'm usually with humdrum D'addarios or if I'm feeling bougie, Stringjoys. Wish Labella would bring back the HRS custom sets.
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I also bought years ago a Conklin 7 string Bill Dickens bass. I bought extra strings from Conklin. Even though Bill has passed, I see the website is still there. The website
shows sets and extended sets of strings
as well, under Store. I would contact them first.
https://conklinguitars.com/
 
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#17
bass player 53 said:
I also bought years ago a Conklin 7 string Bill Dickens bass. I bought extra strings from Conklin. Even though Bill has passed, I see the website is still there. The website
shows sets and extended sets of strings
as well, under Store. I would contact them first.
Conklin Guitars & Basses
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And they do get thier strings from SIT so they would be the alternative as well.
 

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