What the heck...?!

[LiftedUp]

Under the advice from many on the board, I went (locally) and played some eastman mandos earlier this week, and basically decided I was going to purchase the 505. On monday I emailed steve at giannaviolins regarding ordering one, and when he would have stock. He basically told me he thought he owuld get them soon, and to just keep checking the web page for updates. So, I go to check the web page ( http://giannaviolins.com/eastmanmandolins/MD505.html ) for updates today, and I see one... just not what I expected... they still have none in stock, but now they have this on the page:

"OUR 500 series prices no longer include advanced mandovoodoo™ acoustic work
but include ground shipping. We back these products with our 100% guarantee."

What's the deal? Am I completely NUTS, or was that announcement NOT THERE yesterday?! Considering I wanted to order form him specifically for that service, I don't know what I should do. I mean, I know I didn't send him any $$ yet or anything... but in a way I'm feeling kinda like I'm getting the short end of the stick. Should I email him and ask if he'll still do the service for me since I inquired before the change? Should I suck it up? Take my busniess elsewhere?! I guess what bother's me is that if I weren't planning on going through steve because 1) he was so highly recommended by everyone here, and 2) because of the mandovoodoo setup he was doing on these, I already would've bought my mando. Oh, and sorry if this post seems as if I'm whining or complaining, I don't mean to come across as doing such.

[Kayakboy]

They seem like real nice folks so I would e-mail them directly. I'd bet he has a good reason for stopping the free process, I was suprised he did it for free for so long. Inflation is rising, there isn't as much free love as there used to be. Good luck finding the right instrument. Ty

[ab4usa]

My guess is that his cost on that 505 is $325.00. He sells it for $520 so he makes $195.00. He charges $125.00 for the mandovoodo stuff. That's a pretty big slice out of a small $ margin.

[James P]

Welcome to the bleeding edge of internet commerce. #Stuff happens, things change. #Someone always buys version 5.0 the very day before 5.01 gets released. #Someone's sorry they waited too long and someone else is glad they didn't. ## #

Go back to your local guy and buy the mandolin that you like the most - that's my advice. #If it needs VooDoo to make it sound good, send it to Steve or buy a better sounding mandolin.

[ShaneJ]

You could also pay extra for the MandoVoodoo and take the free shipping. Still not too bad a deal, just not quite as good as the deal on the last batch. Of course, Steve's cost for the new batch may not be as cheap as it was on the last batch either. Something to consider....

[Tom Gibson]

Or get the 6 series with the free MandoVoodoo. I didn't see my 815 without the voodoo but I love it with the Voodoo. Considering the value of the Voodoo and the cost differential from the 5s to the 6s, it may be worth doing.

[vfont]

I just ordered a MD615 from Steve. Before I did, I spent a lot of time browsing his web site, especially the mandolin comparison chart. Eastman Comparison Chart (http://www.giannaviolins.com/eastmanmandolins/EastTable.html)
The chart clearly specifies that the 500s come with basic setup. This is what I went by and ordered the 615 because I wanted the voodoo too.

It takes a lot of work to maintain a web site and business policies often change to accomodate market needs. If you visit his site right now and look at the 500 series "F" style page, the old message is still there. The new message is on the "A" style page.

Steve is probably a little behind in keeping the web site current. Besides, if you read his policy page, he's very up front about his web site content. Look at this quote from his policy regarding the use of the web site:

"While information on the Site is periodically updated, descriptions, prices, information on availability, and Gianna Violins opinions on technical processes may change. #Gianna Violins gives no warranty on the completeness or accuracy of any information provided on the site. #Gianna Violins reserves the right to change all information in the Site, including prices, at any time without prior notice to anyone, including after an order is placed. #Information on the Site may not be current or complete and may contain errors, inaccuracies, or outdated information including but not limited to typographical or printing errors, incorrect manufacturer's specifications, grammatical inaccuracies, or errors in advertising, pricing or carrier shipping charges."

I have no affiliation to Steve or to Gianna Violins. As one of his customers, I believe him to be a fair and honorable business man. But that's the bottom line, Steve is a business man, negotiate with him.

[James P]

Obviously, it's fated that you have a scroll. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #

(Lot's of good advice for only one hour.)

[LiftedUp]

I guess I'll just have to shoot him an email tomorrow and find out... it can't hurt to ask right?! I mean I guess I can understand if he can't afford to do it anymore due to increasing prices of business or something, it's just a bit disappointing that it had to be as I was waiting for them to come in so I could get my hands on it (especially after the rave reviews from everyone here).

Like some others have suggested, I don't think it would be worth it to pay for this service on the 500 series, when the 600 series is such a small price difference over the 500 after paying for the voodoo. UNFORTUNATELY for me though... my budget was already stretched to get to the 500 series, so there's really no way I could afford to do that right now. I'd much rather have a nice mando to practice and play with then to have to wait longer to try and save more $$. I mean I can always get a nicer one later.

[LiftedUp]

Obviously, it's fated that you have a scroll. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

(Lot's of good advice for only one hour.)
HAHA http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

That's what I've been TRYING to tell the Mrs.

I WISH I could have a scroll right now, but at this point it's not financially possible, unless I want to sacrifice sound and quality for looks.... which I do NOT! So... like many things... the scroll will have to wait. It will be mine.... someday... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[gnelson651]

Why not negotiate with Steve and see if he would lower his Voodoo price? You are buying an instrument from him. It is not like you are sending him an instrument you don't purchase from him.

I believe the Voodoo price includes return shipping. Since he is including shipping with the 500 series, see if he will atleast lower the Voodoo price less the return shipping cost.

[JEStanek]

I'm an Eastman and Steve fan. I hit his site pretty regularly for eye candy. I noticed the basic set up vs the voodoo last week sometime (it may have been up longer). He has redone the site (for the better) recently as well. When you see what all goes into the full voodoo that's a lot of hands on time for him. I'm sure he'll tell you exactly what the basic set up is and how much more he would charge for the full deal.

I've always had pleasant conversations with him and will give him repeat business.
Your answers are a phone call away. Some of your answers are already on his website. (http://www.giannaviolins.com/eastmanmandolins/setup.html) It looks like the arthroscopic surgeries are not done on the 500 series.

Jamie

[harleymando]

i dont know if my 515 was voodooed, but it sure is nice!!

[sbarnes]

i'm kinda in the same boat as you....although i haven't yet contacted him about a 515 but have had to force myself not to for weeks so it's getting much closer....
but i do find the change alarming....i can buy a 515 locally w/a setup....and play it before any monies change hands.....
gianna was my first choice based entirely on this website's recommendations and the voodoo....
might require more thought

[LiftedUp]

i'm kinda in the same boat as you....although i haven't yet contacted him about a 515 but have had to force myself not to for weeks so it's getting much closer....
but i do find the change alarming....i can buy a 515 locally w/a setup....and play it before any monies change hands.....
gianna was my first choice based entirely on this website's recommendations and the voodoo....
might require more thought
My point exactly. I've already played some locally, so had I known, I could've just bought it while I was there... or even gone back and picked up (and it's a few bucks CHEAPER than steve's). However, I've been waiting for Steve to get stock because I really wanted a voodoo setup like so many people have raved over. I guess my only solution will be to talk to him. It's very unfortunate because I would LOVE to deal with someone with such a strong reputation among the community, but if he's no longer offering any benefits over the local market, then I have a feeling quite a few potential customers will be taking their business elsewhere. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[glauber]

Folks, this is a little unfair, isn't it? Steve is a frequent poster in this board; who knows why he hasn't piped in yet, maybe he's out of town or having computer problems or whatever, but why "out" the guy here and potentially causing him harm, without checking with him first? His toll-free phone number is posted at the top of the page referred to in the start of this thread. Have you tried calling him?

[Doug Edwards]

Ditto.

Contact the man. The speculation and gossip on a public forum of his business is not fair or proper.

[LiftedUp]

Folks, this is a little unfair, isn't it? Steve is a frequent poster in this board; who knows why he hasn't piped in yet, maybe he's out of town or having computer problems or whatever, but why "out" the guy here and potentially causing him harm, without checking with him first? His toll-free phone number is posted at the top of the page referred to in the start of this thread. Have you tried calling him?


Ditto.

Contact the man. The speculation and gossip on a public forum of his business is not fair or proper.

I sent him an email, and I'm just waiting to hear back. I did not in any way intend for this thread to cast an ill light on his name or his business, nor was my intent to spread gossip. I honestly was wondering if anyone knew something that I didn't about this, or if I was completely off my rocker and he hadn't been doing to voodoo on the 500s for awhile, and if so, figured it would be easier than annoying Steve with my constant barage of questions.

At this point, I have nothing negative to say about Steve. Everytime I have contacted him so far, he has been polite and quick to respond.

Sorry if the thread came across differently.

[Tim]

LiftedUp - Its always tricky to decide when to raise these issues here. #

For perspective, last year a member here called a business rep on his personal cell phone on a Sunday night (while the guy was at dinner). #Despite being told they would work on the problem when they got to work the next day, the company was blasted here on the cafe that evening for poor customer service. #I'm sure there are people on the cafe who think that was an acceptable way to get a response but there are some that disagree.

[Jason Kessler]

LiftedUp,

It's my impression, based on your use of sentences such as "I have a feeling quite a few potential customers will be taking their business elsewhere" and "I would LOVE to deal with someone with such a strong reputation among the community," that you're trying to publicly embarass and strong-arm Steve into giving you something for free.

Words such as "whiny" and "childish" come to mind, but I'll just say: "inappropriate."

[LiftedUp]

LiftedUp,

It's my impression, based on your use of sentences such as "I have a feeling quite a few potential customers will be taking their business elsewhere" and "I would LOVE to deal with someone with such a strong reputation among the community," that you're trying to publicly embarass and strong-arm Steve into giving you something for free.

Words such as "whiny" and "childish" come to mind, but I'll just say: "inappropriate."
I've already specified SEVERAL times, that I have no such intent whatsoever. When I made this thread, I did not even know that steve was a member of this board or even knew of it's existance.

Now, on the other hand, some of the accusations your post conveys toward me... well let's just say they become a bit less cutting and tend to lose merit when you consider the hypocrisy. First you "call me out" on inferred meanings of my writing completely based on your own ASSUMPTIONS. Sentences saying I would love to deal with steve are completely genuine and have no alterior motive. Why would I not want to deal with someone who has done so much postive business with others here, and who has come so highly recommended?! As far as me trying to "publicly embarass" someone on the board... first, as I said, I never even knew steve was a member, and second, perhaps you should remove the log from your eye before seeking the speck in your brother's (re: the last sentence of your post).

Pot, meet kettle.

[Scott Tichenor]

From the page linked to in the first post on this thread:

Contact Gianna Violins
866 884 6546 toll free

Going to the source is better than where this thread started, and where it's headed.

[Ted Eschliman]

Josh, with all due respect, no one is trying to shoot the messenger on this thread, it's just the "message" that borders on being a tad inappropriate. While you may have some valid concerns (even criticisms), I think the consensus is most of these should have started with the agent or person who they were directed toward. Had these concerns not been handled to your satisfaction, I'm sure most here would be a bit more sympathetic to your cause.

I'm not here to defend or critique Mr. Perry's business, it would not be proper in my position to do so (for many obvious reasons), but I think you owe it to him to bring the discourse directly to him. This is always the best way to achieve results; far better than what has transpired into a cyber-gossip session.