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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 5:39 am
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I may give them a call directly. However, the reality is that most of what I'm asking for isn't all that out there. The mute system is definitely the most "out there" mod and since they do it on a production model currently. It seems pretty ridiculous not to offer it for someone willing to pay the one off price. The RSD bridge I could take or leave. Having the high mass, string through body would be sweet, but only if I had the ability to mute it on a at will as I play with a mute now all the time on my 57, and there are only a handful of songs I'd really like the ability to switch off on. One just for a bridge passage and final chorus, and it's certainly not a necessity. So if I can't get the mute system, then I'd be perfectly happy with the traditional two saddle bridge and covers with mute installed like a real vintage model. I also wanted the football style jack instead of the cup jack, and obviously my choice of finish. Plus, a slab body with forearm and belly cut only. No rounded body edges.

So basically if they won't do the mute I will pass on the RSD. Now at that point what am I really losing? The jack? Sure, the football style is nice, but I can deal with the traditional cup no problem. I did it for 6 years on my old CIJ 51 RI. The "in between" body design? I've played a slab body with no cuts and contours and now play a 57. So it's a wash really. It was just a cool touch I wanted. I definitely prefer the slab, but I'd be okay with the 55's body design. Either way the choice there between a Time Machine 51 and 55 is negligible. Now I love both the 51 and 55 neck, but the 55's soft V is definitely the heavy favorite for me.

Going to the Fender CS isn't the only way to get a Fender CS bass. You can get one on the used market. Granted, it won't have the hybrid body, the football jack or my choice in color. However, is all that really worth the 1500 dollars in difference? I'm having a hard time believing that it is. Especially to have it made by people who basically don't want to be bothered? If Fender doesn't want my money I'm not going to beg them to take it.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:11 am
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What I was told, is that if they agree to do a specific item for a signature line that isn't anywhere else, then they cannot do it outside that line. It is a legal issue that they cannot go beyond.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:32 am
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Echoes71 wrote:
What I was told, is that if they agree to do a specific item for a signature line that isn't anywhere else, then they cannot do it outside that line. It is a legal issue that they cannot go beyond.



How unfortunate. Like I said. I hope his signature was worth it. Nothing against the guy. He's a good player and has great taste in tone. However, to limit a part that would appeal to a large chunk of your bass buying market to a signature bass of an industry hired gun doesn't seem to be the wisest move. Especially as it's an early 60's P, so it automatically alienates guys who dig the late 50's maple neck split coils and everyone who digs the first generation single coils. It literally will cost them a sale here, which is thousands of dollars. Who in their right mind would buy a bass simply for the system if they didn't care for the model? Again, not to knock his bass at all. I'm sure it's a killer 60's model. Rosewood board split coils are killer, they're just not my bag. I'm solidly in the 50's P camp when it comes to basses. If it's a legal issue and it's costing them sales then I think it's time for them to rethink that practice. The CBA on that cannot look good.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2014 2:49 pm
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I understand endorsements, exclusive deals & so on-
BUT- You (at least me) would think that an artist would be happy to share his set-up on other instruments, and be pleased that other players could use it and like it!

I would understand licensing etc. on something like the Buzz Feiten system etc. but a mute system??
Another offspring of Leo builder has a model with a mute- (Ryhmes with "Fabre" :mrgreen: )

I say still:
Communicate! Call FCS, ask to speak to peeps along the "food chain" get somebody who will LISTEN to what you WANT -& will pay for.

He** w/ Dealers! I asked a dealer last week about a special run of --Finish --on a model, the boob has not even bothered to call me back, Lazy so and so!

In the end, you might be told "Sorry!" but I myself- I would be calling, and calling, and calling some more until the Head of Shop said "Stop Calling!" :lol:

Keep us posted.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:21 am
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LarryNJ wrote:
I understand endorsements, exclusive deals & so on-
BUT- You (at least me) would think that an artist would be happy to share his set-up on other instruments, and be pleased that other players could use it and like it!

I would understand licensing etc. on something like the Buzz Feiten system etc. but a mute system??
Another offspring of Leo builder has a model with a mute- (Ryhmes with "Fabre" :mrgreen: )

I say still:
Communicate! Call FCS, ask to speak to peeps along the "food chain" get somebody who will LISTEN to what you WANT -& will pay for.

He** w/ Dealers! I asked a dealer last week about a special run of --Finish --on a model, the boob has not even bothered to call me back, Lazy so and so!

In the end, you might be told "Sorry!" but I myself- I would be calling, and calling, and calling some more until the Head of Shop said "Stop Calling!" :lol:

Keep us posted.



You cannot work directly with the Fender CS, you HAVE TO go through a dealer. That's just how they do business, and frankly I really like my dealer, it isn't his fault if Fender can or cannot do certain things.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:30 am
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Echoes71 wrote:
LarryNJ wrote:
I understand endorsements, exclusive deals & so on-
BUT- You (at least me) would think that an artist would be happy to share his set-up on other instruments, and be pleased that other players could use it and like it!

I would understand licensing etc. on something like the Buzz Feiten system etc. but a mute system??
Another offspring of Leo builder has a model with a mute- (Ryhmes with "Fabre" :mrgreen: )

I say still:
Communicate! Call FCS, ask to speak to peeps along the "food chain" get somebody who will LISTEN to what you WANT -& will pay for.

He** w/ Dealers! I asked a dealer last week about a special run of --Finish --on a model, the boob has not even bothered to call me back, Lazy so and so!

In the end, you might be told "Sorry!" but I myself- I would be calling, and calling, and calling some more until the Head of Shop said "Stop Calling!" :lol:

Keep us posted.



You cannot work directly with the Fender CS, you HAVE TO go through a dealer. That's just how they do business, and frankly I really like my dealer, it isn't his fault if Fender can or cannot do certain things.



Exactly, and to be fair it's not the guy's fault at the dealer, either. I think the process is just a flawed one and the dealer is an unfortunate part of that. You have the customer (me) who knows what they want, the customer's representative in the sales person who is trying to make a sale and also keep the customer happy, the CS sales rep who is likely punching a clock and hates his job, and then the actual CS team who are being asked to do what is a very personal piece of work in a big business fashion. All of that adds up to a very inefficient way to move one piece of product.

Now, the kid at the shop (and I say kid, but he's a fellow musician and in his late 20's so he knows the deal) is doing what he can. Then there's the guys in the CS who are also likely musicians or definitely have enough experience at their craft that this point to know likely where this all is headed. However, in between them you have a corporate employee in a call center style position.

Sure, if I could get a builder on the phone we could probably hash it out in 15 minutes and have a decision and build sheet or be done with it and move on. Either way. However, I'm one of a bunch of people looking to order. Also, individual customers unfortunately aren't really the Custom Shop's bread and butter. It's the Musician's Friends and the like who put in orders for a dozen or two dozen custom shop instruments at a time, and big name artists who get preferential treatment. SO even though I represent thousands of dollars in sales, and I'm a working musician. I'm nothing but an inconvenience because I'm ordering one instrument, and I'm nobody. Thus is the folly of trying to run a personalized service at a world class manufacturing giant. It's just a bad system because they are trying to maximize profit through high volume on what is essentially supposed to be a handcrafted product.

So things like discrepancies between the color chart and listed options, jack options, what is entailed in a teambuilt and what's not, and mute systems, bridge options, whether they will install the covers with the mute foam intact, ect. All have to be passed through two middle men, and to be honest. From what I've seen. It'd be easier to make a list of things the Custom Shop WON'T do, than it would be to make a list of things they will do. Which is pretty sad when you think about it.

The recent changes in both CS management, and Fender management overall bode very, very poorly for the future of this operation, in my opinion. The reality is when you're talking dealing with a large manufacturer. The problem rarely lies in the people, but the process itself. Which is a direct reflection of the failure of management. Not the people doing the work.

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2012 Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass RI
2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:44 pm
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Uhhhhh. Wrong in essence.
Let me recount my story. Saw PrecPro13 at Winter NAMM 2013. Called the Dealer who won the drawing to buy it. (It was first and only one built.) Dealer could not get bass shipped to him.
I called FCS. Got bass shipped to Dealer, then sent to me. Which Dealer could not do.

That's a condensed version. Point being:
YES, you can call Fender. I have another example, when MF shipped me the last of the Gretsch SpectraSonic basses, w/out a case. They could do nothing. I called Fender (Not CS) but "CS" Customer Service- Got case.Which Dealer could not do.

Yes- different scenario than a build, but- OP- Have you tried?? Yes or No?
If they tell you to bug off, that's it. A LOT depends on how you communicate, and based on your postings...ummmmm :mrgreen: I dunno. Up to you. Not my build.

I would call. Don't tell me it CAN'T be done; until you have spoken with somebody- and their Supervisor, and then THEIR Supervisor, etc.

Then tell me it can't be done.
Now pick up the phone, Or don't.
Your Bass.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:52 pm
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Echoes71 wrote:
LarryNJ wrote:
I understand endorsements, exclusive deals & so on-
BUT- You (at least me) would think that an artist would be happy to share his set-up on other instruments, and be pleased that other players could use it and like it!

I would understand licensing etc. on something like the Buzz Feiten system etc. but a mute system??
Another offspring of Leo builder has a model with a mute- (Ryhmes with "Fabre" :mrgreen: )

I say still:
Communicate! Call FCS, ask to speak to peeps along the "food chain" get somebody who will LISTEN to what you WANT -& will pay for.

He** w/ Dealers! I asked a dealer last week about a special run of --Finish --on a model, the boob has not even bothered to call me back, Lazy so and so!

In the end, you might be told "Sorry!" but I myself- I would be calling, and calling, and calling some more until the Head of Shop said "Stop Calling!" :lol:

Keep us posted.



You cannot work directly with the Fender CS, you HAVE TO go through a dealer. That's just how they do business, and frankly I really like my dealer, it isn't his fault if Fender can or cannot do certain things.



I'm glad you like your Dealer, that has nothing to do with anything.
I stated I called a Dealer to follow through on something, he did not.
Now back to issue at hand.

Yes, You CAN call FCS and talk to someone. I did, and I could do it again, to discuss anything I wanted to.

Like I said- it's how or whether you take a "NO" for an answer.

Some, like yourself maybe, will just shrug their shoulders, and say "Ohhhhhh,OK, I give!"

I CHALLENGE what I don't like, and I may not always win, but I always challenge, and you would be very surprised how policies can and do change for those who know how to "play" the sytem, in this regard and in many others. True.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:23 pm
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CS - Customer Service

or

CS - Custom Shop

Big difference. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:06 am
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shimmilou wrote:
CS - Customer Service

or

CS - Custom Shop

Big difference. :wink:


What are you winking at? Your lack of understanding the difference??

I'll explain it for you-

There is a total and absolute difference,
Obviously-CS Customer Service at FMIC will deal with any number of issues and questions related to anything Fender. Each & every time I've spoken with them, they have been polite, efficient knowledgeable, and helpful. They work in Scottsdale AZ, at Company HQ.

FCS is located in Corona CA, and is operated as an independent entity within FMIC.
They design and build the Custom Shop Output, I would hope you knew that.

They have their own "CS" Customer Service, and if you know how to reach them, and how to intelligently and effectively discuss a project or concern, you might be able to get something other than "Talk to your Dealer- You will like him".
I certainly did, and was invited to visit the shop if/when I went to the Corona Facility.

You're Welcome.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:19 am
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shimmilou wrote:
CS - Customer Service

or

CS - Custom Shop

Big difference. :wink:




+1
I agree with shimmilou.
You can't talk to the Custom Shop personally, and Customer Service sure as heck ain't gonna take your order.
If you want an instrument customized your way, or anything else for that matter, no matter how big or small, the dealer is it dude, no if's ands or buts about it.


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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:31 am
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The only jerk-OF* online here is a turkey who calls herself "shimmilou" (Great name Clown)

Obviously, no reading skills. None.
Did I post that I talked to the Fender Custom Shop??
I know, reading those long sentences hurt your eyes.


"Shi**lou" You're just another internet loudmouth.
Done. Can't guide stupid posters

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Last edited by LarryNJ on Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:33 am
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Relic G Man wrote:
shimmilou wrote:
CS - Customer Service

or

CS - Custom Shop

Big difference. :wink:




+1
I agree with shimmilou.
You can't talk to the Custom Shop personally, and Customer Service sure as heck ain't gonna take your order.
If you want an instrument customized your way, or anything else for that matter, no matter how big or small, the dealer is it dude, no if's ands or buts about it.


Bull****

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 10:20 am
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LarryNJ,

The context of the thread is about the Custom shop and ordering, this has been the discussion. You can not order from the Custom Shop, and you can not order from the Custom Shop customer service. You seemed to miss this point, which is what was being discussed. You can certainly talk with customer service, even the Custom Shop customer service, but you can not talk to the Custom Shop themselves about ordering an instrument.

BTW, this forum isn't the place to cure your social problems. Keep it up and maybe you will get banned. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Wow... Really disappointed with my Custom Shop quote.
Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:59 pm
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:) :wink: 8)

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