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the bebensee arrives today!!!!!!

#142
tribal3140 said:
I wish it was that easy
His idea to " sell it someone who will play
he want me to send the bass back and have my $$ then try to sell it thats what he stated in the original reply.
THERES NO WAY in HELL I am going to send anything to him.
took him 4 years to do that!
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That would be insane on your part.
 
#144
KayCee said:
Really sorry to read about this mess. It seems that if Bebensee holds his ground it will be a huge hassle to get a refund or any legal judgment on this deal. Being halfway across the country doesn't help, either.

My results with custom instruments have been mixed through the years, but nothing like this. It seems to me that you're living the nightmare anyone ordering a custom bass fears...4+ years, $5k, and a hack job by a guy that appears to be on his way out of the building business.

Your experience here has solidified my new policy: From now on, I won't buy an instrument that I don't play first, period. If I like an axe that someone is selling, I'll offer to buy THAT bass...not one like it that will be built and delivered 6 months (or 5 years) later, no matter what the builder's reputation.
And, since there are a gazillion basses out there, I figure that at least a million of them have those "special features" that I would require for my "custom" bass.

Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck in dealing with this guy, and in finding an axe you're really happy with.

Andy
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IME with custom builders and the people I know who've dealt with them, this is an absolute freak occurence. I'm not saying anyone shouldn't refrain from doing what you say you'll do, that's obviously your right. I'm saying that of the reputable builders out there, I'd have no qualms about ordering from them... except the ones I know have issues delivering on time. It's easy enough these days to find out who is on top of their game and who isn't.
 
#145
KayCee said:
Really sorry to read about this mess. It seems that if Bebensee holds his ground it will be a huge hassle to get a refund or any legal judgment on this deal. Being halfway across the country doesn't help, either.

My results with custom instruments have been mixed through the years, but nothing like this. It seems to me that you're living the nightmare anyone ordering a custom bass fears...4+ years, $5k, and a hack job by a guy that appears to be on his way out of the building business.

Your experience here has solidified my new policy: From now on, I won't buy an instrument that I don't play first, period. If I like an axe that someone is selling, I'll offer to buy THAT bass...not one like it that will be built and delivered 6 months (or 5 years) later, no matter what the builder's reputation.
And, since there are a gazillion basses out there, I figure that at least a million of them have those "special features" that I would require for my "custom" bass.

Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck in dealing with this guy, and in finding an axe you're really happy with.

Andy
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+1 - I think it's fine to custom order, and most good builders will do you up right. But every instrument has its own mojo and I want to play before I pay (or have a trial period to check it out).
 
#147
Yes.... I can see it...

Seebenbee.com - Your bass, expertly crafted in a haze of altered reality, according to whatever specs we feel like at the time. Don't bother with other luthiers who will give you what you expect - with us, it's a four year surprise! And we all like surprises!

You'll like it, cuz we said so! And it ya don't, tough! We've got your money! We're too busy suckering others to care!
 
#148
years of martial arts and meditation mixed with a almost life ending experience this year has
kinda shown me what is really important and what is worth getting bent out of shape over

I use to have a horrendous temper!
now I haven't raised my voice about this
but I did break out the carving tools for some practice!
just kidding!
 

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#149
Not to criticize anyone but I have yet to understand why one would wait years and years and years for a bass to be built.

Over on the Fodera list (again not knocking anybody) and these guys talk about begging and pleading with Fodera for their basses.

"Oh great master I beg an audience with you. When persay will you begin my $5900 bass that I paid for 18 months ago? Did you say another 24 months maybe? Okay, thanks..."

They say don't even contact Fodera unless it's been a year.

I simply don't understand it...

SuperT
 
#151
To his credit this is a very confusing picture. You drew a left handed bass from the front, or a right handed bass from the back, depending on how you look at at it. I don't know if you meant to say the picture is mirrored but the text is clearly not reversed so it's just drawn wrong. But this is a simple problem that a few emails from him would have solved...

tribal3140 said:
YEA!

HEre is the original 1:1 scale drawing showing the
pickup placement
and the inlay on THE FRONT!!!!!!!1

sorry its the mirror was supposed to be a righty!
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#153
no greg
if you look at the picture on the top
it says in big letters
"RIGHT HANDED" with (i know its backwards) written just below that.
I also attached a note that said this is a right handed bass
There was no need for a follow up and the order form I completed also said in huge red letters
RIGHT HANDED, I know the drawing is backwards
 

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#154
It's kind of funny how some companies take forever while some are very efficient and get you a great product in a decent timeframe. I know that Pedulla (100% USA handmade in one shop) quotes 8 weeks and delivers. They are very understanding that people want their stuff. I have been to the NAMM show a few times and played about every bass out there. Pedulla makes as fine a bass as anyone, period (Sadowski, Fodera, Lakeland, Fender Custom Shop, MTD, Ken Smith, etc.) Believe me, I've played them all and owned many of them. This is not a plug for Pedulla, but I'm just saying that there is no need for 3 year waits. That is crazy! I work way too hard for my money to pay for something that far in advance. Sure, the Ken's and Fodera's are nice, but there are basses that are just as nice out there made by people who actually understand and care about the people they are making the instruments for. If a company says 2-3 years, move on to the next company. Having an amazing bass now is better that having another amazing bass of equal or lesser value 2-3 years from now. I guess you can think that it's worth it and wait, but it just not worth it for me. We are all entitled to our opinions in the end. Your new KB bass does look sweet however. I WAS going to order one, but i guess not now. Thanks for the warning. Steve (Bass Boi)
 
#156
Man... I've scanned through this thread, and I'm amazed. You seem to be taking it rather well, I know I'd definitely be PISSED too.

There are far too many luthiers around here that put out their products in a reasonable timeframe, maintain EXCELLENT communication thorughout the process, and leave you wtih an EXCELLENT product. And get this... they actually have this thing called "customer service" where they address any issues that you have with your new bass! INCONCEIVABLE!! *gasp*

I feel sorry for anyone else that gives this guy any amount of money without reading of your experience first.
 
#157
Juniorkimbrough said:
Wow! If it were me I'd sell it and move along. It really sucks that you waited so long for something so disappointing. Bad vibes will surround that bass as long as you own it, everytime you play it you will remember the story behind it. Karma will get him in the end.
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I have a bass that I got back after it was AWOL for quite a while and, while I'll never forget the story behind it, the bass is great. Took it on a gig last night. It wasn't the bass' fault.
 
#160
Brad Johnson said:
I have a bass that I got back after it was AWOL for quite a while and, while I'll never forget the story behind it, the bass is great. Took it on a gig last night. It wasn't the bass' fault.
Click to expand...

Is this the bass that I think it is? Is there a thread about the return that I missed?

What'd I miss? :hyper:

I don't want to hijack this thread of Bebensee's suckitude with a happy story...
 

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