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.
|
sj
