Wow, this is like watching rubberneckers at a particularly traffic accident - lots of opinions, and the bystanders are judge, jury, and executioner. It's sad, it's unfortunate, people have been hurt, but really it's our job to stay out of the way and let the principals and proper authorities sort his out.
I do not condone the sale of a shabby instrument, and I think Addison should pursue a solution with Jimmy first, and go legal if necessary.
I think that anyone that sent an e-mail to Alleva Coppolo is way out of line, unless you have been designated as a mediator by the OP - which I'm sure is not the case.
To make sweeping statements about Jimmy's character and business practices when you have little or no information to go on is totally uncool.
There is no way in hell Jimmy Coppolo is going to come on here and make an explanation, and for two very good reasons. Building basses is a profession which likely takes up a good portion of his time and effort - he can ill afford the energy required to wade into the world of social media over this. So, what little time he does have should (and likely will) be devoted to dealing with this customer individually. Also, who the heck is going to come out on their front porch and try to deal with a jacked up mob with pitchforks?
I've bought 7 instruments from Jimmy, and played dozens more. Currently I own 3. They speak to me like no other instrument that I've owned, and I will not hesitate to buy another when the time comes. My experience with Jimmy is that he's a guy who cares passionately about his instruments, and the people he builds them for. My opinion only - but AT LEAST I HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE TO BASE IT ON!!! For those of you that have not had the same positive experience that I have, I am sorry because Alleva Coppolo basses are world class instruments, but sometimes need a little tweaking to get the most out of them.
I have no argument or disagreement with the OP - The disappointment of an anticipated "lifetime instrument" gone wrong is a horrible feeling. He has calmly and dispassionately stated his case, given others a credible opinion, and let's face it - if the bass is a P.O.S., at $5K that is not really acceptable. However, since the rest of us are not really in the know about the whole situation, I think it best if everyone puts away the pitchforks, and let the OP and AC figure it out. Like everyone else, I will be very interested in the outcome of this.
