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Topic: The Emmons Guitar Company |
Les Urban
From:
Crystal Lake Illinois, USA
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 10:53 am |
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Can anyone tell me what's going on at Emmons Guitars?
I ordered a LLGIII in 2012, with a 10% deposit. In November 2012, I received a phone call and an invoice for the balance, with an estimated shipping date of 12/13/2012, and I sent them a check, paying in full. As of now, I still have not received the guitar. I spoke with Ron Lashley last December, and he told me that it was finished, except for the pedal rack and setup. Since then I have not been able to make contact, as they don't answer the phone and have not returned any of my messages (phone or email). Is there still hope for this guitar, or am I out of luck here? |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 12:30 pm
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There is hope, but you're gonna require a LOT of patience.
I coulda sword that two years ago, the forum already had indications that the only reliable method of getting an Emmons guitar was from a dealer (at least one of the dealers actually build the guitars, traveling to Burlington), as Lashley Jr has had some issues.
I think it might make sense to actually turn to one of the dealers to act as intermediary, and get the ball rolling.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 3:00 pm
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Two things at play, here...
(1) My young friend Lane has said what's been said, over and over. If you want a new Ford, do you go to the Ford plant, etc.? Or do you run down to Boomer's Ford, and pick one out?
(2)Les, you paid for this guitar in 2012? So, you've waited two years before you mentioned it, here on the Forum? I'm not trying to be critical or defamatory, here, please forgive me if I sound that way. But it it were me, I'd be in Burlington right now, with a baseball bat.
A couple more things---Les, have you contacted Mike Cass?
And how many pages will this thread take up? |
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Jason Putnam
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 3:09 pm
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16 months and no goods? That's not acceptable no matter who you are. I can be in a brand new house in 6 months. I understand that things happen that change things but at least reply to communications and/or refund the money. That's just good business practices!
_________________
1967 Emmons Bolt On, 1995 Mullen PRP 3x5,Nashville 112, JOYO Digital Delay, Goodrich Volume Pedal, Livesteel Strings |
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Danny Letz
From:
Old Glory,Texas, USA 79540
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 4:43 pm
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| I may be in the same boat to a lesser degree. They answered my email quickly when I was ordering parts, but since they got my money, crickets. |
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Joshua Gibson
From:
Arizona, USA
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 4:49 pm
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Guy's from what I have been told (a few times) Ron and His family have had some extended health/personal problem's, that being said I do understand the frustration, Les, do You know Who was building the guitar? cause it's very rare that Ron Himself deals with much of the construction.
_________________
'83 Mullen custom D-10 8x5.
Mesa Lonestar classic 112 custom cab.
Session 400 Ltd, Nashville 1000,
Telonics, Zoom, BJS,
Goldtone BS, LITM, OS Dobros.
Fender, G&L, Gibson, Ibanez guitars. |
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Ray Thomas
From:
Goldsboro North Carolina
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 7:02 pm Info
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Les, ck pm's
_________________
Ray Thomas
Livesteel Strings Dealer
Call 919-920-5482
Text rayssteel@gmail.com or email |
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Rick Campbell
From:
Sneedville, TN, USA
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 4:41 am
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There's too many nice guitars for sell here on the forum ready for immediately delivery, to put up with this.
RC |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 7:55 am Dealing with Emmons
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Not looking for any confrontation or conflict, but a few observations.
On the manufacturer VS. Dealer issue :
I've purchased both ways. The only time I had a problem was with the dealer. I paid my money , and after time went by, called the manufacturer for an update. They hadn't received my order, work never started. I was pissed. An oversight by the dealer ? I hope that explains it. Regardless, I regretted not ordering direct. The manufacturer was outstanding to deal with in every way. They answered the phone every time, I couldn't be more pleased with them.. I also believe there is an advantage to dealing direct, as I've had manufacturers call me during the build with questions regarding my needs. No middle man needed.
I know there are many great dealers out there who do a super job, and they deserve nothing but praise. Mickey Adams, Gary Sill, etc... I can absolutely see working with one of the many great dealers out there. I'm sure there are advantages to working with them. Great guys who give great customer service. They love steel guitar and steel players.
Can anyone suggest another manufacturer out there where the transaction was challenging, and they ended up regretting dealing with the manufacturer directly, thinking they were treated poorly by the company ?
Not looking to "pile on " to the manufacturer, but as a merchant, the thought of taking money from a customer, and then choosing to not take phone calls or answering emails, regardless of issues, rubs me the wrong way. |
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Don Griffiths
From:
Steelville, MO
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 12:15 pm Patiently waiting.
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Knee levers on the way! 
_________________
Shobud Pro1,BMI U12, Santa Cruz F, PRS Standard, Fender Twin Reverb, ‘53 000-28
Last edited by Don Griffiths on 9 Apr 2014 10:26 am; edited 3 times in total |
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Les Urban
From:
Crystal Lake Illinois, USA
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 1:24 pm
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| This really isn't as crazy or naive as it feels to me now. It all started with the Emmons Guitar Company's own website, which made it pretty clear that they do custom work. On the site, there are model and finish choices, a copedent form, a price list, and an order form. There are even testimonials from satisfied customers. Armed (or misinformed) with this information, I made a small detour to Burlington, while visiting relatives in Chapel Hill, NC in 2012. I talked to Ron Lashley Jr. for over 3 hours, going over all the guitar details with him and listening to his stories. I certainly got the impression that he would be building the guitar himself. I have considered going back to Burlington, but I thought I'd try to get more information first. As for waiting to post on the Forum, I was still in touch with them and hopeful in December. As to why I didn't join the forum until this year, I don't know. I've been reading posts for many years, but I just never got around to joining. |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 1:29 pm
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| Rick Campbell wrote: |
There's too many nice guitars for sell here on the forum ready for immediately delivery, to put up with this.
RC |
And Rick will clean one up for you at no charge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H-I7Jv9Aww
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting. |
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Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
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Posted 4 Apr 2014 11:29 pm
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Ol' Rick, has got a lot of "want-to," in him.
He's a little bit stingy with is "able-to," though.
It's been a couple of years since I've seen ol' Rick. Absolutely saw a fiddle in two. He used to play with Phil Monroe. Not BillMonroe, now, Phil Monroe. Phil used to have a used appliance store, up Highway 76, till he retired. |
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Tommy Alexander
From:
Friendswood, Texas 77546
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 2:28 am Steel Guitar Builders
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Well, here goes the can of worms, but it is my opinion only!
I have been associated with Gary Rittenberry for five years. Here is guy that is concerned about building a great guitar, will talk your head off about getting it right.
He is constantly making sure that he gets the best of materials as wood, metal and anything else. He is concerned about the tone of the guitar.
If you doubt it, look at his website and it will tell you about the amount of guitars that are on the market that he has turned out; just regular players and some of the pro's!
I won't name the pro players personally, but I hope that the pro players will step up and give him what he deserves and that's honesty and integrity and one of the best pedal steel guitars on the market.
Last but least; go play on this guitar, then you will know what I'm talkin' bout'........
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 2:35 am
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Like many threads this has veered off subject. It is about Emmons Company and non delivery of paid for goods. It is not about other brands and how good they are or are not.
We have seen this same thing before, about the current Emmons Guitar Co, several times. It is not a one time occurrence. It is sad that the company has got to this point but it cannot be overlooked or pushed off to the side. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 2:52 am
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| Jack Stoner wrote: |
Like many threads this has veered off subject. It is about Emmons Company and non delivery of paid for goods. It is not about other brands and how good they are or are not.
We have seen this same thing before, about the current Emmons Guitar Co, several times. It is not a one time occurrence. It is sad that the company has got to this point but it cannot be overlooked or pushed off to the side. |
agreed. Someone paid full price, again, what difference does it make if its a dealer or the factory, they accepted the money...they accepted the order. They gave a delivery date, they were in communication until the delivery date...
By the way, who are the Emmons dealers now ?
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 8:19 am
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15 months after full payment, and still no guitar? It sounds like you've been robbed. Get your documentation together and talk to a lawyer. 
There is no excuse for taking someone's payment in full and not shipping the product immediately. A deposit makes sense for custom work, but no reputable firm takes payment in full for goods they can't produce. That is theft.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
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Bob Muller
From:
Oregon, USA
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 10:33 am
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| b0b wrote: |
There is no excuse for taking someone's payment in full and not shipping the product immediately. A deposit makes sense for custom work, but no reputable firm takes payment in full for goods they can't produce. That is theft. |
For once I couldn't agree more, why is this sort of thing tolerated at all?? |
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Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 10:47 am
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If it were my money, I would have planned a road trip to "discuss" the situation with the principals. Return my money, or hand me my guitar NOW!!....or my lawyer will "discuss" the situation with you in court.
I can understand health issues, unforeseen circumstances, manufacturing problems, supplier problems, but lack of any communication at all is unforgivable. I'd' be playing hardball by now....with a metal bat!!
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
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Dickie Whitley
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 11:48 am
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| ...as bad as I always wanted a new one, maybe it's time for Ron to shut the doors and let it go. This situation is not good for any business. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 11:53 am
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Or talk to the dealers: I know Mike Cass is one. I think Lynn Stafford and one or two others are. I don't wish to join in piling on, but I think Dickie is half right; the Lashleys might ought to sell to someone who wants to make some guitars and parts.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Steve Blazek
From:
Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 3:36 pm
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| Les is not alone, got a buddy in Iowa in the same situation. |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 3:57 pm
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It is really disturbing to see this happen time and time again. I would definitely buy through a dealer. Not only do you have an intermediary, but they should also know what is happening at Emmons. I believe Billy Knowles is also a dealer. He, Mike and Lynn are real good and responsible guys and will treat you right. I would also hate to see Emmons close up shop. To much history there. But, we lost Sho~Bud, Bigsby, ZB, Wright Custom and some others, and we still truck right along.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting. |
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Gary Preston
From:
Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 4:45 pm
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 Les when you went to Burlington were they still in the old building ? I was told the building was up for sale and Ron was building them in his garage . Folks i just want to add that it took a little time getting my steel but when i did i love it . LeGrande 111 . Another thing '' yes '' Mr Lashley builds steel guitars . I watched him build mine . Folks i like the Lashleys but i know there is some problems also . I only pray they get things in order to produce guitars in a timely manner . They are still a steel guitar to be proud of or at least i am . I hope things work out for you . |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Posted 5 Apr 2014 5:07 pm
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| Richard Sinkler wrote: |
| It is really disturbing to see this happen time and time again. I would definitely buy through a dealer. Not only do you have an intermediary, but they should also know what is happening at Emmons. I believe Billy Knowles is also a dealer. He, Mike and Lynn are real good and responsible guys and will treat you right. I would also hate to see Emmons close up shop. To much history there. But, we lost Sho~Bud, Bigsby, ZB, Wright Custom and some others, and we still truck right along. |
I agree. Speaking as a player who's played Emmons guitars for the best part of 40 years and still do, there are no instruments that are irreplaceable. If, in fact, the Emmons Co. is circling the drain... a possibility that I would sincerely regret... there are enough companies, making arguably better guitars, to fill the void left by one company with limited production.
I hope that Ron and Rebecca can get it together. There's a legacy to a great name and a great brand.
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.
Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? |
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