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Problems Calton Cases of Canada?

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autoharper 15 Feb 10 - 05:17 PM
Wesley S 15 Feb 10 - 05:19 PM
Alaska Mike 16 Feb 10 - 04:36 PM
GUEST,999 16 Feb 10 - 04:39 PM
michaelr 16 Feb 10 - 04:52 PM
Leadfingers 16 Feb 10 - 04:53 PM
GUEST,PJ 16 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM
Leadfingers 16 Feb 10 - 07:22 PM
GUEST,999 16 Feb 10 - 07:25 PM
autoharper 16 Feb 10 - 08:54 PM
GUEST,999 16 Feb 10 - 09:05 PM
JedMarum 16 Feb 10 - 09:19 PM
Wesley S 16 Feb 10 - 09:20 PM
Seamus Kennedy 16 Feb 10 - 09:30 PM
Silas 17 Feb 10 - 02:57 AM
Mooh 17 Feb 10 - 06:55 AM
GUEST,CN 17 Feb 10 - 07:44 AM
Leadfingers 17 Feb 10 - 10:16 AM
GUEST,Ray 17 Feb 10 - 01:27 PM
Anne Lister 17 Feb 10 - 03:11 PM
Seamus Kennedy 17 Feb 10 - 04:34 PM
Wesley S 17 Feb 10 - 04:49 PM
Leadfingers 18 Feb 10 - 02:14 PM
autoharper 19 Feb 10 - 05:23 PM
autoharper 19 Feb 10 - 05:27 PM
Leadfingers 19 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM
GUEST,Paul 25 Feb 10 - 12:21 PM
GUEST,Jim at Calton Cases 25 Feb 10 - 03:04 PM
gnu 25 Feb 10 - 03:57 PM
GUEST,Paul 25 Feb 10 - 04:39 PM
GUEST,picker 25 Feb 10 - 06:02 PM
alex s 26 Feb 10 - 06:31 AM
GUEST,Jim at Calton Cases 26 Feb 10 - 07:29 AM
Leadfingers 26 Feb 10 - 07:31 AM
GUEST,JorgeF 06 Mar 10 - 12:35 AM
GUEST,Brian Kolner, San Francisco Bay Area 23 Mar 10 - 09:59 PM
GUEST,Brian Kolner, San Francisco Bay Area 30 Mar 10 - 09:29 PM
GUEST,Alan Perlman 04 Apr 10 - 09:56 PM
Leadfingers 05 Apr 10 - 04:09 AM
GUEST,John in Kansas 06 Apr 10 - 11:59 PM
treewind 07 Apr 10 - 03:31 AM
GUEST,MIke B 13 May 10 - 03:49 PM
GUEST,Mike Segui 15 May 10 - 11:08 PM
GUEST,Mike B 16 May 10 - 01:16 PM
Old Vermin 17 May 10 - 07:35 PM
GUEST,BT 21 May 10 - 12:25 PM
GUEST,Tom in SoCal 14 Jun 10 - 08:26 PM
GUEST,George Worthmore 15 Jun 10 - 05:01 PM
gnu 19 Jun 10 - 05:44 AM
GUEST,picker 19 Jun 10 - 11:51 AM
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Subject: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: autoharper
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 05:17 PM

Does anybody know who owns Calton Case Company of Canada? Anybody else having problems with this vendor?

-Adam Miller


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 05:19 PM

I havn't. I bought one case from Elderly about a year ago and love it. What's the nature of the problem? Case quality? Delivery times?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 04:36 PM

I've had mine for about 12 years. Its gone all over Alaska and most of the US, as well as England, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Its the best case I've ever owned and I feel good about checking my Martin into baggage when the Calton is wrapped around it.

Mike


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 04:39 PM

"Calton Cases (North America), Inc is a Canadian company, proudly located in the heart of the Canadian Maritimes Provinces in the City of Moncton, New Brunswick.

We try our very best to be available for our clients. Our Shop Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4 Hours).

We can be reached at:


•Phone: (506) 855-5465
•Email: sales@caltoncases.com
•Fax: 1-866-861-3125
Our mailing address is: Calton Cases (North America), Inc 120 Halifax Street, Unit #1 Moncton, NB CANADA E1C 9S1 "


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: michaelr
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 04:52 PM

Calton has an excellent reputation as a maker of high quality, virtually indestructible road cases. What is the problem, autoharper?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 04:53 PM

Keith Calton is a mate of mine - I have PM'd Adam , as I am sure if there IS a problem with the Canada End , Keith would want to Know !


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,PJ
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM

Had two of Keith's cases for years - still pretty much as new, been to USA, all around America, cyprus and back - guitar is usually in tune when it comes out of case! Mandolin case also never a moment's worry. Don't know how he does it but better than any case I have ever seen. Anyone know if he is still making them over here?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 07:22 PM

GUEST , PJ - He was still selling them in UK the last tyime I needed a case - I could always ask him to put a comment in here !!


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 07:25 PM

I just priced a case for a Martin D-28. They got back to me via e-mail within two hours.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: autoharper
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 08:54 PM

My Calton Case was broken by Southwest Airlines on May 13, 2009. It was shipped back to Calton of Canada May 18, 2010. The entire top was to be replaced.

They did not return the repaired case to me until October 1, 2010. Upon opening the box I discovered that the repaired case was defective: it had an overbite and the top and bottom did not properly align on when closed, and had to be returned to the manufacturer.

I shipped it back on October 6, 2009.

The representative at Calton has repeatedly failed to respond to email inquiries or return my phone calls. When I finally get him on the phone I am told that he forgot about my order.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 09:05 PM

Then you should be talking with someone else, AH. Perhaps he did forget about it.

Phone: (506) 855-5465


Ask to speak with the boss/manager.

This company has won awards for their work. You may have been dealing with someone inept or new.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: JedMarum
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 09:19 PM

I've been wearing out my Larrivee cases. I've destroyed two on my Jumbo since 1999. My L09 case is still pretty solid, but it travels about 20% of the time. Still my guitars have always traveled well. I do travel a lot (every week) and they do take a lot of hard use.

I could not afford the cost of a Calton case, nor wait the time they wanted to make it. But I would rather have my Larrivees in a Calton case.

I fly more Southwest more then any other airline, mostly because of the guitars, CDs and banjo (no extra cost for checked bags). They are also very much customer oriented if it ever comes to an issue with damage.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Wesley S
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 09:20 PM

Have you filed a claim with Southwest Airlines?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 09:30 PM

Same as Alaska Mike, I've had mine for about 11 years, and never had a problem.
It's beaten all to hell and back, and chipped and dinged, but the case still closes perfectly and the hardware is functional.

It's the case that's supposed to get beat-up, not the guitar inside.

Although if yours is still under warranty you may have a valid complaint.

And as Wesley says, have you notified Southwest?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Silas
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 02:57 AM

Try Hiscox Cases - they are fantastic!


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Mooh
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 06:55 AM

I've handled scores, maybe hundreds, of Caltons through volunteering at a folk festival. They sure are well respected and trusted in the industry, and it's easy to see why.

Wish I had a few for my better guitars, though I don't travel enough to really justify more than one or two. In the meantime, the usual Canadian Case arched lid models suffice.

If Calton has messed up your work, give them a chance to make it right.

Peace, Mooh.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,CN
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 07:44 AM

I always use Caltons when travelling by air. I have one Hiscox that's fine for daily use, but nowhere near as strong as a Calton - English or Canadian.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 10:16 AM

Calton Cases are STILL available in UK from Keth Calton , though as he is a sort of one man band , he cant do cases by return !

If you are UK , go to Calton in UK


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 01:27 PM

Keith Calton made my first guitar case in 1976 and its still going. He made my last case, for mandolin, in 2008 and it took him a whole 5 weeks from order to delivery at not much more than half the cost of what I've seen them advertised in the US. At this rate, I suspect that it will still be going when they finally put me in my case!


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 03:11 PM

I had a Calton case comprehensively damaged by Virgin Airlines at Athens airport some years back. The guitar inside was totally unharmed. The insurance covered a replacement case so I contacted Keith Calton, who was superb in handling the entire issue from there on and wanted to see the damaged case to see what changes might need to be made on future cases. Absolutely first class service throughout, so if Calton in Canada is letting the name down I think Keith should definitely be informed, at least.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 04:34 PM

I am very unhappy with my Hiscox case.
I had to toss it out after the hinges and latches stopped functioning correctly, and it wouldn't close properly.
Plus, the lid of the little string and pick box inside came loose and took the velveteen material off.

No, I'll stick with Calton.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Feb 10 - 04:49 PM

By the way - Autoharper - if I read your posts correctly your instrument inside the Carlton was was undamaged - correct? If so your case worked perfectly. And I assume your instrument was a lot more expensive than the Carlton case.

It's just another way to look at the situation.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 02:14 PM

Just as a matter of interest - I have told Keith I'll keep an eye on things here for him - He IS a bit busy at the moment !


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: autoharper
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:23 PM

What good is a touring case if, when it breaks, the manufacturer is too flaky to complete the repair in less than a year? Even if it protects the guitar inside?

Two years ago, at aboard a United Airlines flight at the Reno, NV Airport, I watched through the window from my seat on the aircraft, as they de-iced the plane with the luggage carts standing by. My Calton case was upside-down, on the very top of that luggage cart, and the case filled with liquid, damaging the instrument inside.

My Calton case has been in the shop for eight months. I am a touring musician. So, for eight months, now I have been checking my guitar as luggage using the inexpensive Forte case and it's working just fine.

It's a unfortunate when public shame is the only thing that gets a businessperson's attention. The careless and distracted people at Calton Cases of Canada must be reading this thread. Suddenly, without explanation, after months of silence, I have received emails from the manufacturer, informing me they are shipping me the case.

Like I told you, these flaky people simply forgot (again!)

If I had stock in this company, I would sell it today. They obviously won't be in business much longer.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: autoharper
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:27 PM

FROM JIM AT CALTON:

(This is the self-same guy who always answers the phone, makes promises, and promptly forgets what you discussed - - is he the owner or does he have an employer who actually gives a hoot?)

Hi Adam,

Someone I know turned me on to a board where there was a discussion about
your case and where the heck was it.

I was totally surprised to see this, until that is I went back into to the
shipping area and, behind a stack of unused boxes, mixed amongst stored
cases, was, of course, your case.

So I am very sorry of course, we don't set out to disappoint our clients - I
have everything I need to send this to you EXCEPT your SSN which I know you
have provided before but we never keep the info on file.

If you could email, fax or call in and if you don't get me then please DO
leave a message and I will box up and overnight your fixed (all hinges
replaced) case along with some spare parts.

We have a snowstorm here today so the earliest I can ship is Thursday for
Friday delivery.

Once again, sorry.

Regards,

Jim Laffoley
Calton Cases (North America), Inc
The Hardest Working Cases in MusicC
P - 506.855.5465
F - 866-861-3125
Direct: (506) 961-9420
www.caltoncases.com


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Feb 10 - 07:19 PM

At least you have some movement now Adam ! Just watch those airline baggage clowns !


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:21 PM

The problem i'm having with calton is their continual failure to return calls and follow-up as promised. It is absolutly the worst customer service I have ever seen. Their product is great, but they are ruining their reputation with a lack of even basic customer service.

I know I'm only one of several people that i know of who have the same problem. It seems like maybe they are understaffed? A simple $10 an hour customer service rep could go a long ways to help with this problem. If they don't do something quick they will lose even more business, like they lost mine. I bought a Karura and am very satisfied with the product and the service I got from them.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Jim at Calton Cases
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:04 PM

If anyone has a problem with Calton Cases then they should email me at jim@caltoncases.com

Our business has record sales this month and our new Carbon Composite line is taking off.

If you want to know how Adam made out, his case was fixed and returned (very late), he believed we offered a brand new case last October when we screwed up his repair (yes, sometimes we screw things up). I don't remember that, but regadless sent him a brand new case today.

So now Adam has a new case, his old case and hopefully we can put this behind us.

When we spoke Adam was really helpful in expressing his frustrations and offering positive suggestions. Thanks Adam.

Again - I think that we screwed up and we have more than apologized. If anyone else wants to take something up, please email me.

Jim


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 03:57 PM

Behind? Think? More than? Gee whiz. Don't you think your posts sound a tad, ah, er, well, arrogant there Jim lad?

Maybe you are not aware that this forum has thousands of members from all over the world. Some BIG name musicians are memebers. Thousands more are "guests".

I bought one of your cases right here in Moncton about 5 years ago. Nice. But, customer service is equally as important as repair quality, innit?

Sorry if I sound ticked off, but put yourself in this customer's place and think of the inconvenience and grief over such a LONG period of time.

Here at The Mudcat Café, Canucks are OFTEN lauded as polite and the like. I assume your posts may have diminished that, Jim, in addition to demonstrating further poor customer service.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 04:39 PM

Jim has been arrogant since he took over. The previous owners, can't recall their name, were so nice, courteous and caring people. Now they had their own set of problems with extended delivery times. But I personally would much rather have to wait a long time than get taken for granted as a customer. He will get a dose of reality in the long run. For now he's coasting on the goodwill and history of the Calton name. Eventually, his lack of concern, lack of returning calls, lack of customer service, lack of responsivness and lack of communication in general will catch up to him. I just hope he doesnt take the brand down with him.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,picker
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 06:02 PM

Wow. So much anger and hostility. While I have never had any serious problems in my few dealings with Calton, there clearly must be something to this. It would be sad to see such a great name go down in flames for poor customer service. Todays customers expect prompt return of phone calls, prompt return of emails, prompt follow-through if you committed to do something. Even if you can't answer their question or solve their problem at that moment, a simple email or phone call to explain the situation and when you will have the answer, goes a long ways. It sounds like maybe things are going well (increased sales last month) and his system is strained. A good problem to have, but only if you can handle it. Sounds like he simply needs an assistant to reach out and touch customers.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: alex s
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 06:31 AM

I have a Hiscox case which is so old the phone number is pre-STD, and it's still virtually perfect. (gigged every week)
Can't find prices for Calton in the UK.
Anyone help?


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Jim at Calton Cases
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 07:29 AM

I really am at a loss here, but appreciate all the feedback.

Good luck to all of you.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 07:31 AM

If you are in UK , you can contact Keith through his website


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,JorgeF
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 12:35 AM

Funny...I have had the same problems and stumbled on this after a Google search. When your company names shows up on Google with the word "problems", well...you have a problem.

Hey Jim...try some basic customer service and return phone calls, hell even answer on a regular basis. It's as if you just don't care and feel you have bigger and more important customers. That may be, but us little guys are important in total. Right now you get an F for customer service, and I'm buying a competitors case just because you can't return calls and follow-up.
Jorge F.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Brian Kolner, San Francisco Bay Area
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 09:59 PM

I, too, have a tale of woe with the "new" Calton company. I had wonderful dealings with Al Williams, the former owner, and just as one of you said, he took a long time to deliver your case, but it was always right (for me anyway) and the customer service was exquisite. He even helped me with suggestions for rebuilding one of my old cases (I am an avid "do-it-yourselfer" and research scientist).

Now my tale of woe:

In August of last year I received a new custom-built 12-string from Master Luthier Bozo Podunavac (Yes, he's still alive and building. Contact me outside this forum if you want info: bhkolner at ucdavis.edu ). This was 2 days before the Healdsburg Guitar Festival and since Jim Laffoley was going to be showing the product line there, I thought I would meet him, give him the body tracings and dimensions and choose the color scheme. I finally got the case in early November. The color was wrong (but it was my initial choice). More importantly, the fit of the case was wrong. So wrong that if I try to close the lid, it could crack the neck. There is NO support along the neck from the tail block up to the nut.

I began sending emails and got no response. On December 9 I wrote
a detailed letter expressing my concerns and included a careful drawing of the problems with dimensions and photographs showing the problems. There was no response to this letter in any medium.
I began calling again and in early January, I was able to catch Jim, live, on the telephone. He had evidently got my letter but claimed that he was having medical problems. OK, this is an understandable situation for a small shop (but who is handling the day-to-day correspondence?). He agreed that the case needed to be made right and that he would send a UPS waybill and customs documents promptly. Well, that was January 20. I still have no such paperwork and I have been emailing and calling ever since with no response. It is now March 23, 2010.

These, my friends, are the facts of my interactions with Calton as it is run today. I sincerely hope that Jim and his company will see that this brand of customer service is destroying the good reputation that Al Williams established for so many years. Jim, if you're reading this, I hope you see the frustration in this customer's travails. I have been reluctant to share this incident with a broader audience but I see that I am not alone. You have the power to turn this around. I hope that you will rise to the occasion. I was thinking of ordering more cases for my other precious guitars but with this kind of service, I don't think I can afford them.

-Brian


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Brian Kolner, San Francisco Bay Area
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 09:29 PM

Update on my tales of woe:

The morning after my post (Wednesday March 24) I tried once again to call Jim at Calton. I connected with him right away, rather than his answering machine. He was apologetic about my plight and immediately processed the UPS waybill and customs documents from his computer. They showed up in my email about 10 minutes later. A couple of days later I had the case packed up and off to the UPS store. During this period I had to contact him a couple of times to ask for details about what he needed with the case, etc. I sent him emails and they were answered very promptly. In fact, in one case it was Friday afternoon and I really needed to speak with him. And, it was 4:05 in his town which was 5 minutes after the shop closed. He answered the phone right away and was very friendly and helpful.

I emailed him photos and sketches to help with the repairs and he acknowledged their electronic arrival rather quickly (within 20 minutes) and said that they will be extremely helpful. He expects the case to arrive this Friday or next Monday and that they will get started on it right away.

I will be the first one to applaud any improvement in service, especially this big of a change, and thought I would share it with you all. I am now more than cautiously optimistic. I think something rather dramatic and positive has happened at Calton and I will keep everyone informed of how things go.

Now saving for a round of beers,

-Brian


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Alan Perlman
Date: 04 Apr 10 - 09:56 PM

I have a one word answer to all of this- Karura. Karura cases are incredibly strong, lightweight carbon fiber cases, elegantly made. Their service is fantastic, courteous, in my dealings so far, always on time and they respond promptly to emails. More expensive but worth every penny with their low weight/high strength/fine finish and hardware.
-Alan


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 Apr 10 - 04:09 AM

Alan - Too many ordinary guys cant afford $1300 for a guitar . let alone a Medium sized case - I didnt DARE look to see what a Jumbo Case would cost .


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,John in Kansas
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 11:59 PM

Well my story sounds similar. I ordered through a dealer, but 12 weeks have now passed. Every time I call to check, I am told it is ready and will ship by this date or that. Yet it never ships. The dealer is communicating well, but either he is being jerked around by Calton or I am being jerked around by the dealer. I'm going to hold off on identifying the dealer until I know where the blame lies. So while I have not talked to Calton myself, I am getting bad service due to delays and lies. Jim if your reading this thread still....I want my case and either you or your dealer is not delivering as promised.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: treewind
Date: 07 Apr 10 - 03:31 AM

Keith's a one-man band - his cases are hand made by him (I've seen the shed where it's done and my cello case is the one in the photo on his site). As I understand it the North American and Canadian products are made under license, so while Keith may be concerned about customer service affecting his reputation, I doubt he has direct control over what happens there, other than the drastic sanction of revoking the license so they can't use his name.

Anahata


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,MIke B
Date: 13 May 10 - 03:49 PM

I actually had to contact Keith and have him intervene as Jim dropped the ball with me one too many times. Actually several too many times.. Something has gone into the weeds wicked hard up there in Moncton. I hope he is able to confront his demons; whatever they are.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Mike Segui
Date: 15 May 10 - 11:08 PM

I emailed Calton last month about a quote on a case that I told them I wouldn't be able to buy for at least 1-2 years.

Jim called me personally within 5 minutes of me emailing him and we chatted for about 20 minutes.

That is pretty good in my books.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Mike B
Date: 16 May 10 - 01:16 PM

Mike Segui- No offense intended, but that's not much to judge anything by other than his eagerness to make a sale. If his follow-thru was anything like his salesmanship this thread would not exist.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: Old Vermin
Date: 17 May 10 - 07:35 PM

Went to the Star in Godalming this evening. This is where Keith plays most weeks. The gossip is that he is fine, but far too busy because he's had former customers coming back to him.

Passed on part of what was heard, with all faults, E & O E.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,BT
Date: 21 May 10 - 12:25 PM

I found this thread today. It's nice to have some light shed on a situation.

I ordered a case through a dealer at beginning of February. Case order was confirmed by Jim and he said delivery date was 4 to 5 weeks. Dealer has cases on order for other clients with one of those orders being placed two weeks before mine. Three and a half months later and nothing. No response from Jim since early February in regard to any of the orders. I've called Calton Canada myself. Answering service girl takes a message and nothing ever comes of it. No reply. Emailed today and emails were bounced back. I just called the dealer and cancelled my order. He wasn't surprised. He's fed up too. I directed dealer to this thread.

We had a nice chat about Karura cases. I'm going with Karura and the dealer is going with them too. Dealer and myself have looked into Karura. Dealer has been researching companies for last month or more looking for an alternate to Calton. Everything with Karura looks great. Strength to weight ratio is the best I've seen. Price is fair for what they produce. Customer service will hopefully be everything we have been told (stellar), and delivery is apparently always on time. Cases are shipped on average 30 days after payment has been received. I'm feeling better already.

Cheers


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,Tom in SoCal
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:26 PM

It is very sad yet interesting to find this thread. I own three Calton cases (one from the UK and two from Canada). I find my Canadian Calton cases to possess better fit and finish than the UK case but both are great products. I've always loved the Calton case and only recently got a dose of their miserable and deceptive communication (or lack thereof). I ordered a carbon fiber case back in January and Jim confirmed for me that it would not be a problem to receive it by mid-March when I was going to do some gigs in the Northwest. I checked in a couple times by e-mail to make sure everything was on-track and I was assured that things were looking good, even right up to the point where the case should have been shipped. When the case didn't arrive I sent an e-mail, but got no response, when the 'drop dead' delivery date came I e-mailed again and got no reply. I did the trip and Southwest was kind to my guitar. After some time passed with no case and no communication I got in touch and asked exactly what business Calton thinks they're in if they won't sell a premium priced case to a willing customer, and feel it's OK to basically lie to the customer? After a while I got an e-mail from Jim apologizing and saying that they built my case with the wrong color interior but they could send it if I didn't mind this little issue. I said I didn't mind the different color and he said the case would be 'detailed and shipped' the next day... I never received the case nor any explanation. Again, I'm trying to pay good money for a case that Jim *claimed* was ready to go. Frankly, I don't believe there was any case. Finally, after placing a couple unreturned phone calls to Jim I cancelled the order for the Calton--I've never felt so happy about *not* getting something because I have nothing but bad feelings about Calton of Canada at this point and there are great alternative products. I also asked that Jim not reply back to explain because I wouldn't believe anything he might tell me (for once, they followed through with something I asked for...). Ultimately, I ordered a Karura and they are getting the case to me in time for another road trip. Yes, it's an expensive case but it's a fraction of the price of what it protects--and, very importantly, Karura has not jerked me around at all. I've talked to big name luthiers and well known guitar shops and most everybody says the same thing... it's really sad that Calton of Canada is running itself into the ground by lying to people and not making good on their commitments... honesty is so much easier to deal with--at least then you know you'll be waiting a while to get your case and you can plan accordingly. Also, in response to the very valid post about many guitarists not being able to afford what these premium cases cost, I've heard good things about Hoffee Cases (a USA product, www.carbonfibercases.com) who offer a custom carbon fiber case for about $500. I've ordered one for a 12-string guitar and, again, great customer service and I'm receiving the case about three weeks after initial contact (and I've got the UPS tracking info so I know this is actually going to happen). I'll post my thoughts on the Hoffee case when I've traveled with it a bit. Ultimately and sadly, the situation as I see it is that you can spend more or less than what Calton charges, get a case that meets most needs, and get some solid customer service at the same time. And, yes I do agree that the Calton is a very good case but if you've looked at the other offerings out there you know Calton is no longer the only game in town. For what it's worth, I'm not bitter about my Calton experience but I wish I had been pointed to this thread back when I attempted to order one of their cases so I could go into the situation with my eyes open. My opinion is that if you simply must have the Calton then look first to see if an online retailer might have what you need in stock already--I did this for a 12-fret 000 and got the case in a week. If that doesn't work, check directly with your guitar manufacturer/luthier to see if they have an extra Calton case sitting around that they'll sell you since they sometimes maintain an inventory of upgraded cases. If you need to order one, consider going placing your order through a dealer who does a lot of business with Calton because as an individual consumer it is my opinion and experience that Calton will throw you under the bus and then forget it ever happened, but only after blaming everything on their lack of a $10/hr staffer to answer the phone.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,George Worthmore
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 05:01 PM

I contacted Jim La Folette at Calton March 4 2010 in order to get a color sample emailed to me of their blue metallic finish for a case for a guitar that is being built for me. It is not represented on their website. I have a black Calton for my Collings C10 Deluxe and I want a different color finish so as not to grab the wrong instrument. Ive sent numerous emails and the builder and I have called them a few times. He replied once by email in April saying he would email it out to me. Still NOTHING from them.    After reading the numerous complaints from other musicians on this thread regarding Calton's deteriorating customer service I will call the luthier and tell him we are going with another case builder. I don't know what their problem is up there but Jim should get his head screwed back on.


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 05:44 AM

OUCH!


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Subject: RE: Problems Calton Cases of Canada?
From: GUEST,picker
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 11:51 AM

Gnu, What does that link have to do with calton? Answer:Nothing. This thread is about a once great company that changed hands and has fallen like a rock.


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