Question about Luthiers

[benchpress11782]

Hello and thank you for looking. I have a complaint about a well known luthier. Can anybody tell me why this luthier would frown from sending photos of the bass? It has been almost a year and I was just told that it will be completed beginning of sept. That once I make final payment they will send me 5 photos of bass. Is it wrong that this pisses me off? Since I can't pay it off yet. Thanks friends

 

[shaggy45]

that would erk me too. I could understand not having time during the build process, but to wait for payment first is kinda silly.

 

[benchpress11782]

I am soo enraged at this well known luthier. Will surely complain on here after I get bass

 

[Reedt2000]

Seems unnecessary. If you're making the final payment then you've already been paying and I don't see why photos would be an issue. If I made a final payment I'd want the bass, not 5 pictures!

 

[benchpress11782]

Seems unnecessary. If you're making the final payment then you've already been paying and I don't see why photos would be an issue. If I made a final payment I'd want the bass, not 5 pictures!

Good point. I agree. I have gotten one photo of body in early stage. And one of neck in early stage

 

[bholder]

That does seem odd. If I were OP, I would certainly attempt to clear things up with the luthier in private communication before "outing" them on here.

 

[benchpress11782]

That does seem odd. If I were OP, I would certainly attempt to clear things up with the luthier in private communication before "outing" them on here.

What is to clear up? I have asked and asked for photos and updates of any sort, and most of time I get nothing. I am paying good money.

 

[bholder]

What is to clear up? I have asked and asked for photos and updates of any sort, and most of time I get nothing. I am paying good money.

That would be upsetting for sure. But if he's not behind schedule and interim pictures weren't specified in the contract, you may just have to wait. I do understand being impatient and waiting for updates, though, I always find custom builds to be somewhat nerve-wracking, myself, even if I know and completely trust the luthier.

 

[Picton]

A lot of people are cagey about photos these days because internet. He might not want you posting photos of his bass yet, given that he's not sure you'll pay it off and might need to offer it for sale later. If he does, he won't want two sets of photos out there.

People post scam photos of stuff they don't own all the time.

If so, it's slightly paranoid on his part but not terribly unreasonable. The alternative? It's currently just a pile of wood and a coil of fretwire, and he's not going to build it at all until you're fully paid.

 

[benchpress11782]

That would be upsetting for sure. But if he's not behind schedule and interim pictures weren't specified in the contract, you may just have to wait. I do understand being impatient and waiting for updates, though, I always find custom builds to be somewhat nerve-wracking, myself, even if I know and completely trust the luthier.

I just don't get reasoning. Had a Fodera, zon, and KS built and always got photos.

 

[benchpress11782]

A lot of people are cagey about photos these days because internet. He might not want you posting photos of his bass yet, given that he's not sure you'll pay it off and might need to offer it for sale later. If he does, he won't want two sets of photos out there.

People post scam photos of stuff they don't own all the time.

If so, it's slightly paranoid on his part but not terribly unreasonable. The alternative? It's currently just a pile of wood and a coil of fretwire, and he's not going to build it at all until you're fully paid.

now that makes perfect sense. I only wish they would have put it like that to me. If that is the case.

 

[Spidey2112]

... and interim pictures weren't specified in the contract...

There's something I would take for granted... I guess the price you pay for a custom build should include a contract, huh? When did the phrase, 'You have my word', fall out of favor?

(stranger, walking down the street): "Have a nice day, Spidey!"

(Spidey): "Um, I'm going to need that in writing."

 

[benchpress11782]

There's something I would take for granted... I guess the price you pay for a custom build should include a contract, huh? When did the phrase, 'You have my word', fall out of favor?

(stranger, walking down the street): "Have a nice day, Spidey!"

(Spidey): "Um, I'm going to need that in writing."

You confused me spidey

 

[B-line]

I've had a couple basses built, and both times the builders sent me pics, on their own volition. I didn't ask, & even told them I didn't really care, because in both cases, I knew the finished products would be perfect-o.
Its sorta cool to see various stages of assembly, finish, woodwork, but not essential ,to me at any rate.

Now the OP has every right to ask for & receive pics, and payment should not be an issue.

My only guess is that:
Some builders are cranky, kind of curmudgeonly "artists" if you will, and/or don't feel they can or need to take the time to take pics, they're busy building. Note I said "some builders". Others- are happy to do photo shoots, they're proud.

If the OP is/was happy with examples of basses built by this luthier, and feels he will get what he wants, I guess there's no way to force him to take/send pics.

As far as a "contract" stipulating pictures being sent, If a builder required that beforehand, I would have my doubts about dealing with him. Besides the instrument itself, I feel that communication and good feelings about what they do is very important in choosing someone to build your axe.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hello and thank you for looking. I have a complaint about a well known luthier. Can anybody tell me why this luthier would frown from sending photos of the bass? It has been almost a year and I was just told that it will be completed beginning of sept. That once I make final payment they will send me 5 photos of bass. Is it wrong that this pisses me off? Since I can't pay it off yet. Thanks friends

Major red flag here, to me. Can you get your money back, if necessary, like through your credit card company?

Good point. I agree. I have gotten one photo of body in early stage. And one of neck in early stage

How do you know those are of the bass he's making for you?

What is to clear up? I have asked and asked for photos and updates of any sort, and most of time I get nothing. I am paying good money.

See above.

That would be upsetting for sure. But if he's not behind schedule and interim pictures weren't specified in the contract, you may just have to wait. I do understand being impatient and waiting for updates, though, I always find custom builds to be somewhat nerve-wracking, myself, even if I know and completely trust the luthier.

Photos of the build should not have to be stipulated in a contract. I have seen 100s of build photos from dozens of luthiers over just the past few years. These builders are quite proud of the work they do and gladly supply photos of their work in progress. Some have even made a fine art of doing so, too.

I can send you in the direction of 100s, maybe 1000s, of threads/posts proving this to be the case.

Given the builder in question refuses to supply more photos until the instrument is completed sounds totally like to me. More like a scam, actually.

 

[bholder]

Major red flag here, to me. Can you get your money back, if necessary, like through your credit card company?


How do you know those are of the bass he's making for you?
See above.

Photos of the build should not have to be stipulated in a contract. I have seen 100s of build photos from dozens of luthiers over just the past few years. These builders are quite proud of the work they do and gladly supply photos of their work in progress. Some have even made a fine art of doing so, too.

I can send you in the direction of 100s, maybe 1000s, of threads/posts proving this to be the case.

Given the builder in question refuses to supply more photos until the instrument is completed sounds totally like to me. More like a scam, actually.

Yeah, I'm just thinking of the number of times we've later heard the other side of the story in these customer vs. luthier complaint threads. Does sound suspicious, I'm just saying OP may have limited legal recourse other than cancelling and asking for a refund.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hopefully , you are right. But, to refuse to send more photos until after the builder is paid in full is not a good sign, IMO.

 

[Spidey2112]

You confused me spidey

No worries... I'm used to it. Without a contract, how would I know he was genuinely wishing me a good day...?

 

[Gorn]

I don't get this. It's not the first time I'm hearing this kind of thing.

You talk to a luthier about making you a bass right? What exactly is agreed upon initially? The final price? Then a deposit? And a vague completion date? Is anything on paper? Anything signed? How is it supposed to work?

 

[B-line]

I don't get this. It's not the first time I'm hearing this kind of thing.

You talk to a luthier about making you a bass right? What exactly is agreed upon initially? The final price? Then a deposit? And a vague completion date? Is anything on paper? Anything signed? How is it supposed to work?

It's supposed to work something like a 50% Deposit, an ETA, and BEFOREHAND-
all specs and other details worked out & confirmed.
To this concern, Pics are an option, also should be discussed first if its something one feels they need.

First and foremost IMO is the builders rep, his examples of past work, referrals if available, etc.

I don't think I'd ever get burned or disappointed my own self because of due diligence.
I'd also hate to have any angst (other than impatience) while waiting for a build.
I was originally quoted a year for my Stevens, took almost (2). Stuff happens, (his pup winding machine broke; he had to put out brush fires on his ranch, etc) but I was always in the loop, and got MORE than I expected in that case!