So the guy building my custom guitar ..

[big mike]

Originally Posted by rickd

you should NEVER order a custom

Yup. Too rigid. Stuff happens, things conspire against the builder...

[LTE]

I agree with Rick and Mike.

When Jack was making mine, He apoligized for the wait, but I kept telling him, just do it right. I have a guitar already, so it's not like I'm doing without.

Don't get me wrong, I want the guitar, but I would rather have it right.

[John Mayes]

It can only be late once, but it will be wrong forever!

I'm running a few months behind right now, but mainly because I moved cross country then spent a month in the hospital with some serious issues. But normally I'm pretty close to on time....It's frustrating but things don't always go as planned. Hang in there. As soon as it's in your hands you'll forget all about the wait!

[Orren]

Originally Posted by serviviente7

i do not like the idea of waiting even one more day after the promised date. ...I just feel that if they promised a delivery date they should come thru. That is just my opinion.

Unfortunately, that can really only happen for a completely automated process, in which there is no variation of the process, and nothing that can delay the result. Or if you're ordering an already built guitar from a retailer, who says "1-2 weeks" or whatever, not because the guitar is being constructed for you, but just shipped from a warehouse.

As soon as you add in the human element, you introduce delay. All a custom builder can do is give you a "best guess," not a promise. I can't vouch for anyone else, but I can tell you that ordering from Saul Koll a couple of times now, he "promises" nothing, just sort of "guestimates" how long he expects the build to take. I'm pretty sure that is common. Even Carvin, who doesn't do true "custom" guitars, but rather "customizes" their base models for customers, doesn't "promise" anything, but gives an estimated range for delivery. Even when only customizing, things can take longer, etc.

Orren

[DucRyder]

I was told 2-3 weeks for a fuzz pedal build by a certain amp/pedal builder.... it's been exactly 5 months now.

[2leod]

Originally Posted by John Mayes

It can only be late once, but it will be wrong forever!

I like this one!

My guitar is about a month and a half late, but it's on it's way now. Of course I was diappointed after a two year wait that I didn't to take it home with me, but I told the builder I didn't want him to rush things at the end (set up, letting it settle under tension before tweaking) and not be completely happy. If being past a delivery date is a deal breaker, than a custom order is probably not the way to go.

[mississippijoe]

Or, and let me stress that I am not behind yet because I build oh poo moments into a build...

It can rain for a week, meaning no blowing paint!

It has here in North Mississippi, and I keep thinking, I am only a week behind, its ok....

[jackthecat37]

I went in knowing it would be a guesstimate (for an amazing Glyph ukulele!). Worth the wait. My only fear is a lost deposit if the builder goes under. And it's not just the small builder who falls behind. There was a big delay on my PRS korina soapbar because of the Brazilian rosewood debacle. I'm scratching up cash for a Thorn SoCal!

[Shane S]

Originally Posted by benagain

well its actually two more months .. for a total of five .. but i know patience is the key for customs .. just felt like venting..

I have ordered over 30+ guitars to my specs (most from small builders). With only a couple of exceptions they all took longer than what I was originally told. The most extreme case I was told 5 months and ended up taking 38 months. I am waiting on one builder right now who I just past the 3 year mark from my order. I would consider yourself very lucky if it takes 5 additional months.

[treeofpain]

I understand that stuff happens and sometimes things fall behind. However, when I hear stories of 5 months versus 38 months, that is ridiculous.

It seems that you could have a written agreement that states something like this:

* 90 day estimated completion date (or fill in the appropriate time period)

* 20 percent grace period - extends the delivery to 108 days for any mishaps.

* Each day or week or whatever past the grace period starts reducing the price of the guitar by a certain percentage. Maybe 1 percent per week.

The key here is to achieve some sort of balance between the luthier's craft and the fact that they have some of your money in-hand. Also the fact that you placed an order to at some point actually receive an instrument. It's not too much to ask that the delivery schedule stays on track. I think this is especially the case with builders doing variations on strats, teles, and other "normal" stuff. I understand it's a little different for something truly custom designed, but then the luthier should quote an appropriate lead time that includes some wiggle room for this.

I know I am less sympathetic on this issue than lots of folks, but if it takes 3 years for a guy to build a guitar, I'll take my business elsewhere.

[serviviente7]

Originally Posted by rickd

you should NEVER order a custom

You are right I do not think i will consider ordering a custom, but I have refinished guitars in the past with nitro and poly, ect. I have not build one from scratch, but my opinion is that the builder needs to stay true to his promise. If he says 3 years then that is 3 years( i will NEVER wait that long). If he says 6 months then it should be 6 months. Maybe they are taking too many orders at once. I know there are real situations were you will need to work things thru but do not give me this "it will be worth at the end" or it is a piece of "art". I will tell you what, if in my work they need a report by certain day I better deliver or else. If you are paying big bucks then the builders need to go and work and make things happens. As a matter fact they should strive to build it BEFORE so that way you become a more satisfied customer. I guess I am old fashion that is why i just buy guitars that are already build, and believe me there are some great ones out there. One last thing this is my opinion, there are some great builders on this site who i highly respect them and admire them. I am just giving my point of view.

[BattleAngel]

I am working on a guitar with a custom builder right now that has gone about 4 months beyond what we thought it would... and while I'd like to have the instrument, I have thrown so many variables at the builder (this is a bizarre order) that I'm not at all surprised it's taken this long. I ordered it looking for a collaborative experience and I don't mind the extra waiting. I know the product is going to meet my expectations and I have that builder's personal guitar on loan.

That said... I ordered a normal amp from an exceptionally high-end very-hyped boutique builder and they went months beyond the build time quoted. The product they delivered (which others have raved about) was absolutely crap-tacular and had problems so bad that it needed to be sent back several times. I got a loaner from this builder and it too was so buggy that it lost out to a Peavey in terms of gig worthyness.

So... if a custom builder is taking way longer than expected, just make sure you can try their product (hopefully get a loaner) and reassure yourself that your investment is wise. On the one hand, your builder may be taking his time to ensure the premium quality instrument... on the other, he may be a numbnuts who is sweating bullets trying to meet a deadline he had absolutely no business quoting in the first place.

[MartinPiana]

Guitars, surfboards, home contractors.... same story over and over....

[Zero G]

3 years?!?! Jesus H....See you in court, bud!

[RonH]

McNaught is one company that definitely stays right on schedule and sometimes early. When I ordered mine, I was quoted 2 to 3 months and my guitar arrived at my house right at 2 and a half months. Seems to be very common with other builds on Club McNaught. I am too impatient to wait a year or more. That would drive me insane!