Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

What would be the negative of a friend (say, a SDUGF member ;)) buying the item in question, then shipping it as a gift? Is there a VAT gift exclusion, or even if it was included in shipping cost?


although everyone here is correct on the worst case scenario, they usually don't bat an eye on 'gifts' valued <$200, especially with such a small size.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Well, if SD decide to open an Italian branch, it actually can sell Custom items (or anything, really!) directly, at the same time with, and even at lower prices than Casale Bauer.

If you need full-time consultant and/or sales manager specialized in Duncan products in Italy or in Europe, I'm your man. I speak six languages plus I have more than 35 years of experience in guitar gear, plus ten years working with Commercial-, Consum- and Intellectual Property Law professionals.

Hint, hint!

I would send SD a resume.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Well, poor customer service strikes again. When I ordered my receipt said to expect the pickup to ship within 4 to 6 weeks.

I never heard a word from SD--nothing. I tried calling and left a message last week and no response. Forum Admin Mincer was awesome trying to check in on the order.

Decided that at roughly 5 weeks and nothing other than a receipt with the same status (awaiting fulfillment) to cancel the order--within a couple hours I got my refund....at least SD is quick on that! Lol

I was disappointed in the process and lack of communication but I was able to score a practically brand new Cannabes Rex for half off and will see if it won't help my Hot Rod Deluxe tame the high/bright bridge pickup.

Thanks again to forum bro/Admin Mincer-great communication on his part!
 
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Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Hey bro, may I ask what you ordered? Like, was it anything over the top? I am just really surprised by this, because since September, I have ordered 3 pickups from the custom shop and all arrived at my house within 4 weeks. And I live in Canada.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Hey bro, may I ask what you ordered? Like, was it anything over the top? I am just really surprised by this, because since September, I have ordered 3 pickups from the custom shop and all arrived at my house within 4 weeks. And I live in Canada.

I ordered a bridge single coil–basically wanted a slightly warmer and hotter SD version of the Fender Fat 50 because Fender recommended the SD Custom shop when I asked them for help.

That is odd that they got yours done and shipped within 4 weeks and you are out of the Country!

After ordering from SD and Wilde Bill Lawrence (Becky) I will say I'm 0/2 for customer service from that market...really need to work on their communication.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Haha! Not shipped within 4 weeks; shipped and at my door in 4 weeks. Just checked my last order and I ordered a '78 neck model Dec 23.
Yours doesn't sound too crazy so I am wondering what the heck happened. I feel for ya, because that would definitely be frustrating! I am sure you know this already, but I have learned that when dealing with the custom shop, it is best to call them. Are you going to try again?
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Haha! Not shipped within 4 weeks; shipped and at my door in 4 weeks. Just checked my last order and I ordered a '78 neck model Dec 23.
Yours doesn't sound too crazy so I am wondering what the heck happened. I feel for ya, because that would definitely be frustrating! I am sure you know this already, but I have learned that when dealing with the custom shop, it is best to call them. Are you going to try again?

Oh, so built and delivered in 4 weeks! That's great that it was a good experience for you! How are you liking the '78 neck model?

I did call several times and everytime I only got the voicemail. (I know there is a time zone difference–I took that into account.) I left my contact info and all but never heard back.

I don't ever plan on going that route again–I personally don't like paying for something up front and not hearing a word at all for 5 weeks (7 weeks from Becky Lawrence)...so I don't plan on going the custom route again.

With the stuff available on eBay, Reverb, Craigslist and even the Trading Post here I should be able to bind my time and find what I'm looking for.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Well, I will definitely keep my fingers crossed that you find the pickup with the specs you are after. True about dealers though.....so much stock out there right now and alot of dealers perpetually order.

The '78 neck is sick man. I am kicking myself that I didn't try these out earlier! I will be posting a review on the '78 set and one on the RTM DeMartini pickup here soon.
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Well, I will definitely keep my fingers crossed that you find the pickup with the specs you are after. True about dealers though.....so much stock out there right now and alot of dealers perpetually order.

The '78 neck is sick man. I am kicking myself that I didn't try these out earlier! I will be posting a review on the '78 set and one on the RTM DeMartini pickup here soon.

I appreciate that man! Right now, I'm gonna try the speaker change in my Hot Rod Deluxe for the immediate fix. I really want a Tele so that will come first, but eventually I want to try an HSS setup Strat--intrigued by the Shawbucker that Fender recently put out.

That is awesome man! I am intrigued by the EVH pickup--so got a bridge and neck version? Are you gonna post the reviews on the forum or on like YouTube or something?
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

Not wishing to sound too silly, back can SD not use the likes of eBay?
 
Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

I never had a problem with a custom shop order but the last couple of Shop Floor Custom ordered got botched and the first order took 3 tries to get it right. I wanted a Duncan Distortion set with ther bridge trem spaced and with the matte black coils and smaller black logo like on the Sentient/Pegasus pickups, one set getting black double screws and the other set getting black screws/poles. First order came back with unplated nickel screws. How that happened I'll never know. The second try IIRC the rep I spoke with said they were having trouble with the machine that sandblasts the bobbins, and I figured they bought the matte black bobbins with that appearance as a typical Sentient/Pegasus looks more refined than the way a true sandblasted/beadblasted finish that I compared to the way the FuglyBuckers came out as that DOES look like it was sanded or sandblasted. Then the third time they forgot I wanted double screws and half of the pickups had screws/poles. It was an ordeal that took well over a month probably closer to 2 months when all said and done.
 
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Re: Ordering From SD Custom Shop

I've ordered a variety of pickups and have received nothing but great service. I simply either used the form or selected an existing model and asked that it be modified in one way or another. Half the time I receive an inquiry to clarify what I really want....the other half of the time SD just begins work on my pups. I don't remember the exact number but I've ordered quite a few combinations in the past couple years and SD has a perfect batting average with me. One time they even told me I really didn't need to "custom" anything there was an existing SD pickup set that matched my specs and I should just pick that up rather than pay extra for custom. I live outside of the US mainland here in the Pacific - I had no idea ordering internationally was so tough for others. Sorry to hear things aren't as easy as they are with us here with SD - great company!
 
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