Has any had this experience with a small or boutique builder?

[zestystrat]

Speaking (mostly) in hypotheticals here and names have been withheld b/c I don’t feel this way after my own experiences (plus I’m not looking to slam or hurt anyone’s business).

Have you ever had bad/none/not enough customer service from a boutique builder just regarding their lists for pedals that no matter how desirable or perfect for your rig, you decided to go to their competitor or your second choice?

Again this is mostly hypothetical for me personally.

But…I have had a few builders not confirm spots on a list (even though their website says they would) and then not respond to several e-mails asking to confirm that spot (also per the builder’s request). I have also asked questions that were above and beyond the info on a builder’s website only to be quoted the website and not answer my question. I'm guessing I'm not alone.

Now, I’m not bitter, not ax grinding nor am I looking to call builders out by name on this thread. Please don’t either.

These passionate guys work hard at what they do and for a lot of them this isn’t their full time job. It’s a side business. Clearly, the part time musicians on this board will understand that things fall thru the cracks sometimes.

To repeat what I said above: I don’t feel this way after my own experiences…but made me want to ask the question.

I personally don’t have a ton of “small builder” pedals but my dealings with Analog man, Keeley (are they small builders anymore?), BYOC prebuilt Axe and You shall Receive,Marc from Screddy have been nothing but great and informative experiences.

Just wondering if the lack of service out weighed the GAS.

[meterman]

I've had great luck myself! Paul C, Bjorn, Dave Fox, Geoffrey Teese, Alf Hermida, Retroman, MJM, had great dealings with all of them and more. I think it helps to remember that these are mostly small operations, one man shows in many cases, with small profit margins and niche markets, so patience is required but the rewards over buying from BOSS etc are worth it IMHO. I did have a couple bad experiences along the way (not with any of those guys) but didn't dwell on them, didn't repeat them either though....

[Rothbardian]

I received great service from Zvex. All e-mails were answered fast. Very cool. I e-mailed another builder to see if I could get all Twin Peaks graphics on the pedals and asked for a price (I would've bought around $1500 in pedals) and never received a response. That was upsetting, but I'd still own that builder's pedals.

[strat a various]

Best amps I ever played were from a small builder- Conrad amps of Portland, OR.
Worst amp experience I ever regretted owning was also a boutique builder, and I won't mention his name, but as smart as he seemed to be, his amps (yup, I had TWO) ranged from semi-crappy to craptacular. Couldn't fix them right, couldn't modify them to work properly, and he did extensive work for famous players I had met. I'm mystified. He did have a charming, charismatic personality and a great sense of humor. Shitty amps AND pedals, though.