zon customer service - not happy

[J.Wolf]

Originally Posted by dutchwife View Post
Incidentally, does anybody know if Zon cook their necks inhouse or are they outsourced? I believe Status use (or at least used to use) a separate dedicated company.

In house. The outsourcing is probably one of the reasons why Status's costs are so high relatively, as the materials aren't different than other brands (except for the fretboard, where each use something different).

Actually, their necks are partially manufactured for them. Much of the work on them is done in house, but the fabrication is outsourced. IIRC

 

[Jerry J]

This topic seems to pop up occasionally about the Zon neck issues. I don't recall how they all finished out but I have two VERY beautiful Zons and they are pretty much flawless with not one issue. They both have the earlier neck with the glossy finish. Both basses rarely need to be tuned and of course the necks never need a truss rod adjustment. The balance is slightly neck heavy on my Studio 5 so I installed hip shot ultra light tuners and all is good. My fretless 5 is perfect. I would not hesitate to buy another Zon in the future and quite possibly be looking for a 6'er.

I got to meet Joe at the winter NAMM show and he was really a nice guy. Very hip looking and maybe a bit reserved. And the guy that was in the booth with him was super nice and outgoing but I didn't get his name.

It's really a drag that they said that they could get your bass back to you by a certain time and that didn't happen. I get the feeling that since Joe has a very small operation that quite possibly Joe gets a bit overwhelmed. I'd bet that you'd find that this happens with some of the other popular but small operations. Call Fodera and see how long it would take to get a similar repair done. This is in no way a swipe at Fodera. I own two of them and love them dearly. Or call Smith. These guy are very busy.

Now the other side is Mike Tobias or Roger Sadowsky. It's almost like they are standing by waiting in anticipation of your call. But they are the rare exceptions.

So if anyone has a Sonus 6 that they want to dump at a fire sale price because you are expecting the neck to twist like a pretzel shoot me a note.

 

[ehque]

So if anyone has a Sonus 6 that they want to dump at a fire sale price because you are expecting the neck to twist like a pretzel shoot me a note.

You're not getting mine!

Seriously, i think i would take a bullet for my Zon.

 

[fishstix]

I had problems with the finish on the neck of my Modulus Q6 and had a really long wait getting any response from them. While waiting for a response from them, about a month had gone by, I sent an email to Jerry Dorsch at Graphite Guitar Systems. He got back to me within one working day and I had it sent off to him the next day. The neck came back to me right when he said he would in our initial conversation. Not only that, he got it back to me fixed weeks before I even got one email back from Modulus.
I LOVE Modulus basses. However, if you need work done on graphite, contact Jerry Dorsch [email protected]
Thank you Mr. Dorsch!!!

 

[Angus]

Actually, their necks are partially manufactured for them. Much of the work on them is done in house, but the fabrication is outsourced. IIRC

No, you remember absolutely incorrectly. That isn't true. The were outsourced back in the day, to Modulus, due to patent issues. Mental Octopus's bass comes from this era. Everything is done in house and has been for a while.

I feel really bad for Mental Octopus. If his portrayal of these events is accurate, then it's a shame.

This thread makes a Zon a non existent possiblity for me. Fudge 'em!

Well, the unfortunate thing is it appears that the original poster is leaving out a pretty important detail in the story, although the time of the wait is true.

 

[drew_bassmore]

If I may- the majority of my energy is spent on Double Bass these days, but...- I had many positive experiences early on with my Zon's. Both the CS and the quality of craftsmanship was top notch. This is dating back to over 10+ years ago.

I did have a Legacy Special 5 String Fretless w/Bubinga top that had a warping issue. For a nominal fee, I had the fingerboard replaced at Zon's shop (that was the problem- not the neck itself). I played the bass extensively, but had the need to sell it. I also owned a 6 string Custom Sonus w/Walnut Top that was absolutely beautiful and never had an issue with it (also sold it).

I still have a Custom Sonus 4-String w/Lacewood top that I don't think I will ever bring myself to parting with. It just plays too well, and I feel I will come back to it again at some point.

The reason I moved away from Zon's is that I was looking for a more "organic/vintage" tone, as well as vintage look, which brought me to my main electric bass - Shoreline Gold Vintage 4-String Jazz Sadowsky with Mother of Toilet Seat pickguard. If I were in the position, I would purchase another 4 string fretless and a five string fretted from Sadowsky. Every positive thing that has been said about Roger Sadowsky and his operation is absolutley true in my book.

However, if I decide to venture down the path of a Six String again, I would not hesitate to acquire a Zon.

I can't speak to any recent experiences, but I have to believe that Joe Zon and his associates don't wish to lose customers just like the next "boutique" luthier. Although they work with musicians of all levels, it does not excuse poor responsiveness. A professional, clear e-mail and phone call can most likely get a sympathetic ear. If that doesn't resolve your concern, then by all means, look at your alternatives.

Cheers,

drew

 

[Mental Octopus]

Well, the unfortunate thing is it appears that the original poster is leaving out a pretty important detail in the story, although the time of the wait is true.

Mr. Angus is right, I accidentally did leave something important out.

The neck that I ordered was a bit different than a stock Legacy neck (I wanted a thinner shape). Up until now, I didn't realize how much work went into making a customized graphite neck, so my ignorance is at fault here. I didn't think it was a huge detail, because to me, a neck is a neck. So I apologize for leaving that out, didn't mean to.

I have received an email from Joe tonight, apologizing for the wait and explaining why it took so long. I'm fine with it now, I was ultimately just concerned that they hadn't really done anything at all but that isn't the case.

I started this thread because I was frustrated with the heavy lack of communication and the ETA time for completion wasn't quoted accurately. Like I said, if they had told me it was going to take a few months I would have been ok with it.

 

[Spiritfield]

Sounds like you got some positive results... good deal. Hope it works out for you the best it possibly can.

FWIW, I've owned 5 different Zon basses over the past four or five years (currently own 2) and I've not had any issues. One of the 2 I still have in my possesion is a '93 Sonus 4 and it has no issues whatsoever. Matter of fact, I'm looking for a nice Sonus 5 if anybody wants to be rid of one....

 

[AndroWal]

I also had Zon build me a neck that is different than their normal shape. It did take extra time in the shop, but we were also sending it back and forth for my benefit.

It is a bit frustrating waiting for such custom work, but in the end it's worth it. My Zon is great and I wouldn't hesitate to send it back for extra work if necessary.

 

[Steve Clark]

Shoreline Gold Vintage 4-String Jazz Sadowsky with Mother of Toilet Seat pickguard.
drew

Totally off topic but that is funny as hell. I wrecked my back on Sunday and had a hard time while laughing at this. Mother of toilet seat . . .

 

[lamarjones]

The earlier Modulus basses were much better without the adjuster, but with the adjuster, they didn't feel nearly as good to me.

had a 91 modulus neck that warped, so personally I don't agree with this.

Oh, and they were pricks and wouldn't even sell me a replacement.

They definitely warp much less than wood, but I think the 'indestructible' notion is just wrong.

As for wait times, I can't say than ANY major name luthier I have ordered from has hit their ETA target. Some are closer than others, but for the most part, no. I kinda expect it, but still wonder why that happens. It's not like I am asking for a certain date, I am asking to be told a date.

 

[drew_bassmore]

Totally off topic but that is funny as hell. I wrecked my back on Sunday and had a hard time while laughing at this. Mother of toilet seat . . .

Steve:

But totally accurate right? I don't believe I can take credit for that line though. If I remember correctly Roger Sadowsky offered that one up.

BTW, for those on this thread, I've been pulling out my Zon again. Great modern sound. Easy as hell to play. No problems whatsoever with the neck.

All my present gigs out though seem to call for other instruments, Sadowsky, 67' Guild Starfire, and String Bass.

Cheers,

drew

 

[Halftooth]

had a 91 modulus neck that warped, so personally I don't agree with this.

I'm not sure that the adjuster would have saved you in that situation from what I've heard when Modulus necks warp.

I have tried to deal with them regarding a dead-spot issue on one of my past Q5's (one with the adjuster FWIW), and I can second the notion that they are plain hell to deal with.

I pretty much had a two completely muted notes going up the board on the G string. I took the bass to multiple techs, and some thought it was electronics related and other thought it was the product of a bad neck, both of which were areas that Modulus should have taken a look at. Not to bore anyone with the details, but I was completely blown off by Modulus...certainly not the model of CS either!

 

[rockstarbassist]

Well, my older Q5 could have been slimmer from the rest, but I had two Q5's at once: one with the adjuster, and the other without. The one without felt slimmer, not just to me, but the others that compared the two. We all agreed that the older one better, but I suppose it was more of a minor difference now that I think about it...it wasn't like going from this and fast to say Warwick, if that makes sense.

You're not imagining things, actually!

My 94 Q5 has a different neck than my 97 Q5. The latter is flatter and thinner, with the fomer being a little thicker and wider, but not so much to be a "wide neck" option or anything.

Every Q5 I've played since has the smaller/faster neck of the 97, as does my 96 fretless.

Never found out why it is, really. But I haven't ever asked!

All 3 of my necks are non-adjustment rod and dead on straight and accurate.

 

[melt]

I'm on my fourth Status now, & three of my Stingrays have Status retrofit necks. Even the ones with no rod are incredibly solid regardless of string gauge etc, plus they're IMHO the best looking of all the graphite necks. Considering the price they certainly should be, but I recall reading an interview with Rob Green where he states that their quality control is really tight & any neck that has even the slightest signs of being below par is junked.
:

Just to clarify, Status are cheaper than Zon or Modulus in the UK, where they're based. If they cost more elsewhere I'm sure that's down to the exchange rate/taxes etc.

 

[Jerry J]

Steve:

But totally accurate right? I don't believe I can take credit for that line though. If I remember correctly Roger Sadowsky offered that one up.

BTW, for those on this thread, I've been pulling out my Zon again. Great modern sound. Easy as hell to play. No problems whatsoever with the neck.

All my present gigs out though seem to call for other instruments, Sadowsky, 67' Guild Starfire, and String Bass.

Cheers,

drew

Usually abreviated as MOT and was derived from the term "Mother of Pearl"(although I don't know who Pearl was).
This description has been around for year and actually came from the skinny string brothers. There was a time when mother of pearl toilet seats were very common in the household bathroom.

 

[Mental Octopus]

Actually, their necks are partially manufactured for them. Much of the work on them is done in house, but the fabrication is outsourced. IIRC

I didn't know this, I'm curious, who do they outsource to?

 

[Basso Gruvitas]

In a strange way, this thread is a relief to read.
I have owned 3 Zons in my lifetime and 2 of them had relief issues, causing me to get rid of them.
Explaining my experience to others was ALWAYS met with disbelief and angry words. I always felt like I was trying to tell others I was hearing voices. In both cases I took the basses to experienced reputable luthiers and builder and came away with the same conclusion - too much relief and no truss rod.

I loved my Zons! I was SO sad to let them go. I will not get another again.

 

[Halftooth]

In a strange way, this thread is a relief to read.
I have owned 3 Zons in my lifetime and 2 of them had relief issues, causing me to get rid of them.
Explaining my experience to others was ALWAYS met with disbelief and angry words. I always felt like I was trying to tell others I was hearing voices. In both cases I took the basses to experienced reputable luthiers and builder and came away with the same conclusion - too much relief and no truss rod.

I loved my Zons! I was SO sad to let them go. I will not get another again.

Yeah, you're hearing voices...

 

[J.Wolf]

I didn't know this, I'm curious, who do they outsource to?

I don't know the specifics on that, and there is a discrepancy as to whether or not they are built in house or not.