Ordered a custom bass, 15 mo's later...still don't have it.

[Michael B]

On their bass builder form it says IN STOCK.
It also advertises that they are busy in the shop creating a lot of sawdust. To me this implies they are making the instrument from start to finish. But it sounds like they are not. The prices reflect outsourcing some major parts but buyer beware.

 

[songwriter21]

You ordered a custom bass in Nov. 2014 that was suppose to be ready in Mar. 2015 only to question it in Feb. 2016?

I would have started the Paypal dispute a year ago if I were in your shoes.

+INFINITY

I've started Paypal disputes a few times, as I was the one getting screwed, and they won for me every time. People then don't mess around when PP says, "Hey, you're f**king with this person, pay them back."

Kiiiind of lights a fire under that person's/company's butt.

 

[Tim817]

There is only one way to say this. GET YOUR MONEY BACK NOW!!!

 

[Tim817]

It's not just the time frame at all for reasons other have listed. It's the lack of follow up to the customer .The problem starts to go down hill from there.

 

[rodsnhawgs]

UPDATE

Looks like I got some attention. I just received a reply from them:

Hi xxxxx,

I know I haven't been great at the updates and I'm so sorry that you never felt valued as a customer. That's all on me.
I think it is a shame that if after all this time, and being so near completion of the re-build, that if we were to go the route you're asking.
I would much rather at least get this bass into your hands, and if there is something I can do to help make the situation better, like including a Nordstrand 3-band preamp upgrade for free, or something else, I would like to do that for you.

I just need a few more days before I can get a status update on the rebuild...

My response:

Xxxx,

I understand. It is a shame. I could tolerate waiting an extended amount of time for a bass that was meticulously crafted by a seasoned bass luthier, even with maybe one error, so long as I was briskly informed and updated. But that is not the case here. We've had some MAJOR hiccups, and I was left in the dark.

I will propose this: Issue the full refund. If you are confident the bass is near completion and up to standards, you can send it to me and if I like it I will buy it at a heavily discounted price. If you aren't comfortable with that, then just issue the refund and we'll call it quits.

Very good. Your request for a refund and subsequent response (above) to their reply was respectful, professional, and precisely to the point. I agree with your proposal as it gets your money back, gives you an option to buy the bass AFTER it arrives at your door, and gives them a opportunity to perform. The only thing I might add to the proposal is that Halo pay the return shipping if you're not happy.

This has been a good thread. Hopefully, your bad experience has helped others learn and avoid similar deals.

 

[tortburst]

There have been a couple threads by the same guy, now deleted, who ordered something custom, waited, got shafted, posted a thread like this.

A member who runs a club thread for said basses showed up an was very distressed and offended that someone would slander his favorite builder. He then went to his club thread and tried to rally them to harass this poor guy. Ignoring the possibility that this guy was actually getting shafted by the builder.
It was straight up creepy and cringe worthy.

That thread was deleted unfortunately b/c I was just starting my popcorn machine.

But in it was a good suggestion....

The TB community could have a sticky giving advice to potential buyers on how to protect themselves while dealing with builders.

I'd suggest going so far as to have a sample contract. It could be the Talkbass contract, so the builder knows that the individual buyer isn't just trying to be a PITA(though he might be) but following some community agreed upon policy.

 

[Buszkock]

There have been a couple threads by the same guy, now deleted, who ordered something custom, waited, got shafted, posted a thread like this.

A member who runs a club thread for said basses showed up an was very distressed and offended that someone would slander his favorite builder. He then went to his club thread and tried to rally them to harass this poor guy. Ignoring the possibility that this guy was actually getting shafted by the builder.
It was straight up creepy and cringe worthy.

That thread was deleted unfortunately b/c I was just starting my popcorn machine.

But in it was a good suggestion....

The TB community could have a sticky giving advice to potential buyers on how to protect themselves while dealing with builders.

I'd suggest going so far as to have a sample contract. It could be the Talkbass contract, so the builder knows that the individual buyer isn't just trying to be a PITA(though he might be) but following some community agreed upon policy.

STICKY WOULD BE GREAT!

 

[songwriter21]

Geeeeeez, I didn't realize until the last post, that this has to do with Halo. Wow, never going to buy from them! Their builder page is still fun, though.

 

[tortburst]

STICKY WOULD BE GREAT!

It would have helped me. I had a bad experience that could have been less frustrating had I spent some time researching builder threads here to get a better idea of how to protect myself, what red flags to look for, and what I should realistically expect.

 

[rodsnhawgs]

The TB community could have a sticky giving advice to potential buyers on how to protect themselves while dealing with builders.

I'd suggest going so far as to have a sample contract. It could be the Talkbass contract, so the builder knows that the individual buyer isn't just trying to be a PITA(though he might be) but following some community agreed upon policy.

A sticky WOULD be great... however, I can see this developing into a black hole of issues that could potentially implode. Perhaps the TB admins could solicit some of the leading and trusted builders to contribute. I'm sure there are a ton of examples of customers who's deals have gone bad too. All in all, a collaboration could be good for everyone if it's done right and doesn't turn into a negative witch hunt. I'm sure as a fairly new custom builder I could learn a ton...but also contribute.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

I don't know that a sticky thread is enough, but do agree that TB would be doing the community a great service by having some sort of permanent "builder review" system. It could be a new subforum, where a builder's name is added as a thread and feedback is given in some limited form.

It would require a different type of moderation, though, since it is too easy to either slander or shill for a builder, or create false stories entirely. Perhaps proof of a transaction in the form of either photos or billing details. Other questions come up in terms of whether it's a voluntary program for builders to join, or whether they are added by users without any say of their own.

Tricky, but a good idea.
.

 

[tortburst]

No not a builders rating system.
Interesting idea but that's not what I meant. Too much risk.

What I meant was a lesson on what to be aware of and how to engage.

Example:

1. Paying up front:
   1. what % is reasonable.
   2. should you expect any of this upfront $ back if things go downhill.
2. Delays:
   1. when does it become a red flag,
   2. when does it become a deal killer
3. Specs:
   1. are they clear,
   2. did the builder change them on you
   3. how should you proceed if the builder is changing materials on you without asking permission first
4. Contract:
   1. is there one,
   2. who drafted it,
   3. are you trusting the builder on his word b/c he's famous and you should be lucky he acknowledges your existence
   4. An example of a sample contract that most of us think is sane and reasonable
   5. what to do if the builder refuses to agree to anything in writing

This is information that could be very useful to people who have little experience dealing with builders

 

[Dbassmon]

So here is the red flag that should set any of us off when buying a custom bass... unless your buying from Fodera or Alembic and select few other very busy and established boutique builders, there should be no such thing as a 1 year build time. It doesn't take the elite builder a year, what takes time is the waiting list to start your instrument. Makes no sense if you are building only a small amount of hand made instruments that it should take a year.

The other thing is never pay for the bass upfront, Deposit to start, progress milestones, more money, delivery... the balance. You are very exposed and you have given this guy an interest-free loan for the past 15 months.

I looked that website and I know nothing about what this guy is doing. Where are these instruments made? Where is he located? Where is the "about us" - "meet the luthier" section where he tells you about his expertise and build philosophy - his credential?

Finally, Look that the gallery, this where you might think a builder will show his best stuff. No basses? The pictures you posted show the work of an amateur - why would you fret an instrument that had gouges in the fingerboard? How do you route the wrong pickup placement and shapes on a custom ordered instrument.

I hope the OP gets a great bass at the end of this episode but honestly, if I were a betting man, I am gonna take the under on this one. Get your money back!

 

[BassmentPlayer]

OK, I admit I was considering a bass by the company in question. But now I will wait and find someone in my own city who can do it.

I tried last year to get a bass made by a well known builder here on TB. I got into a 'discussion' about nut width that ended with me pointing out that Fender makes a number of p-basses with different nut widths, so it would seem that it does matter. We got past that and spec'd the whole thing out.

My first question in my first mail message was how long to expect to receive the bass. I was told 6-8 weeks after final confirmation of specification. After 5 months I called and cancelled my order.

I don't think he ever started the bass. He never took a deposit so at least he is not dishonest.

BP.

 

[basschanges]

Reading this thread is giving me anxiety. I put down a 50 percent deposit with a well known builder, and we're now at almost two years (a year and a half delayed about). I too have gotten unsatisfying excuses. My hope is that there is smaller probability of me being screwed because of the builder's track record.

 

[Lumdingo]

I also have ZERO respect and faith in a company that goes out on holiday leaving a customer satisfaction issue still sitting on the burner.

I don't believe for a second that they really are on holiday. I believe (having read this far into this thread) that there is no bass and no intention of ever building one. That money is gone.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

I ordered my custom bass (profile picture) only after extreme scrutiny and reading tons of reviews. I didn't enter into a formal contract, but I put half down immediately. It's so important to be updated and see the progress for something like this. Communication is key in this situation.

 

[Billybladez66]

A luthier once told me Carvin basses are sometimes not worth as much on the used market because every purchase was done to an individual's choices. So it is considered by a shop as a risk as its not as predictable as knowing what a known brand comes with. In reality a smart buyer can know Carvin part choices and understand what they are getting and trusting a Carvin level of build quality. And known brands change parts from year to year and can have varying build quality. I would think that Halo brand will have similar resale value issues as Carvin. FWIW they are selling their own basses used (show room I think) for under $300. Their own new prices seem to vary widely. That is a warning sign in my book. Good luck.

Halo Custom Guitars OCTAVIA 4-String Bass, Black | Reverb

I'll bet if you look close enough on this stock model you would find it inferior if the OP pics indicate quality control from the builder. Custom stuff is supposed surpass stock stuff in quality.....bet it took 2 years to make that one bass.....

 

[Cosmiceddie]

I have email contact with the one of the lead guys there. I'm supposed to receive an update monday, when they get back from "holiday". If I don't get pictures or something then I'll request a refund for sure.

Do you know the name of the guy building your bass?

 

[Tim817]

Sadly their are a lot of great nuts and bolt guys out there that may have the best intentions,But that does not make for a good business person. Which makes it even more important that we as consumers have to be smarter. We must learn to dot our eyes and cross our tee's .The day of the hand shake is long gone, sadly. I'm not just talking about having a custom bass made but when it comes to gigs , studio's , working as hired guns and so on... get everything in righting. call it contract a proposal the more detailed the better, it will leave nothing to chance and who knows may even save a friendship at the end of the day.