LA Custom Shop Designed - Page 3

Noodles · #31 02-22-2001, 02:11 PM

Thanks for the help guys. Beleave it or not the one I was looking t was the rg7620bk w/chrome hardware, then I remembered I could always buy a black one used and get the hardware from ibanez.:biggrin:

Kevan · #32 02-22-2001, 03:02 PM

Quick question: *how many Forum members have ordered a guitar from overseas in the last 12 months? *3 of us? *I know there's one JS-BSB and my RG-ARCH...anyone else? *(picking it up while overseas, doesn't really count).

Does anyone remember the shipping costs? *My ARCH was over $200 from Singapore to NY. *Not cheap, but...I got the guitar. *(Thanks Chris! *You rock!)

I'm not quite sure what the problem is here, there are simple answers to the questions:
•Can I get something from overseas? * Yes. *Contact the right people, and it can be yours.
•Will Ibanez/Hoshino bring it into the country for me so I can buy it locally? *No. *Stop asking.
•If Rich is such and awesome dealer, why can't he get them? *Because Rich is NOT an Ibanez dealer. *He's a broker. *Big difference. *I'm sure he *could* get them, but he'd have to order them from overseas- JUST LIKE YOU AND I WOULD HAVE TO!!!
Simple enough?

Next time, I'm using crayons.

Christopher Chen · #33 02-22-2001, 03:14 PM

Yeah and another thing!
Do any of these companies provide the BULLET PROOF packing that only Chris/Kevan-J Custom inter-continental Shipping specialists provide?

Damn Kev, I should have taken some pics! LOL!

It must have took you hours to remove all the packing!

Chris.

Kevan · #34 02-22-2001, 03:20 PM

I used a cutting torch. *Only took me about an hour and a half. *The guitar and case were immaculate.

The FedEx guys hates me now. *:biggrin:

Rich · #35 02-22-2001, 03:29 PM

I brought in about 30 guitars from 'offshore' last year. I'm well versed in the extreme costs of shipping/customs/brokerage/international wires that go with every deal. Thye aren't cheap by any means. Is it worth it? Sure, if I'm importing DNA's, JPM's, UVMC's, etc., things with profit margin built in. Is it worth it for an RG565? Not likely.

rickboot · #36 02-22-2001, 07:43 PM

In response to Kevan's question:

I have ordered at least 3 guitars from offshore. And as Rich said, it isn't cheap. On average shipping was $125-150, customs/brokerage $60-80, wire transfer fees $40, phone calls $20-30. In addition to this I had to deal with a damaged guitar (likely in customs), lost parts (likely in customs), a lost certicate, a forgotten certificate.

To elaborate on Chris's statements on Japanese dealers:

I went to a dozen or more guitar stores in Tokyo and as Chris noted, the service at most places was phenomenal. It was definitely an eye opening experience both before and after I bought a guitar.

They don't haggle much, but they will a little. Prices were usually marked at 10-15% below list (every place had the EXACT same prices marked, I believe price fixing is legal there) and you have to really haggle to get another few % more off.

It may surprise some Jemsiters to know that Ibanez is NOT that popular in Japan. Many places don't carry Ibanez and those that do usually only have a half dozen or less J-Custom or signature instruments. High-end ESPs ($2000-4000 models, not those middle of the road ESPs or LTDs sold in the US. These were higher quality than the J-Customs) are MUCH more common than Ibanez. Fender and Gibson also have a huge presence.

Tokyo stores tend to carry high-end gear, so you can actually try out the cool stuff that you you don't see in your average Guitar Center. I highly recommend checking the Tokyo stores out if you get the chance, especially the Ikebe chain stores which have better selection and service than Ishibashi.

BTW, the music stores in Hong Kong aren't that great. Their selection and service is actually worse good than Guitar Center (so spend your time buying electronics, clothes and food!).

Rick

Christopher Chen · #37 02-23-2001, 01:30 AM

Yeah the music stores in Tokyo really go ALL out. They have stores specially catering to Vintage Gear...original '57 FMT Les Paul Anyone? Some of the stores really stock the high end stuff...Bogner Amps, the whole range...boutique amps, pedals, guitars and even cables!

Another thing I've noticed is that the USA Made guitars go for much more compared to the Japanese ones, despite the price differences that you would recognise elsewhere. The price margin between American and Japanese made guitars is still very large.

Take for example...A Jackson KE1 Kelly 360 000 Yen, my jem90ham 190 000 yen...big difference eh?

But just going there is one hell of an experience...I really enjoyed myself. Cash however is a big problem.

Speaking of Hong Kong Rick...WHERE WALTER???? We haven't seen him here for quite some time, or has he changed his nick? Come back Walt!

He once told me of this place that has all of the Ibanez NOSs' even an RG Art. Wow!

Great Discussion glad to see it has toned down

Chris.

Rich · #38 02-23-2001, 01:37 AM

Wasn't that Blue Horizon??

Christopher Chen · #39 02-23-2001, 04:11 AM

Hmm Blue Horizon is something that's a bit of a mystery to me. It's most definately not based in HK, but in Singapore. It's setup by a few guys from my local music store for the means of 'cataloging' old gear, as well as for internet sales.

christianc · #40 02-24-2001, 11:39 PM

I've checked out the IKEBE website but they don't seem to have anything for international orders. I know ishibashi does but what about IKEBE?
Thanks,
christianc

Christopher Chen · #41 02-25-2001, 01:31 AM

Ever thought of emailing them?

walter · #42 02-10-2002, 12:41 PM

Chris, Here I am, the one that you love.... are now working his ass off for his guitar shop, still I'm waiting for you reply about the the payment of your pair of EVO... HOW DO I PAY YOU???? LOL if you feel sorry about this, dont, just send your JEM90 along with the pickups..... hehehehehe

Rick Rickboot Allen, you shouldn't say that, you'd visit at least one shop in Hong Kong where you could get virtually anything you want and give yo great service, that's "Guitar Shop", look for Mr Mak, he's nice to deal with

Oh and yes, Ishibashi did suppy very good service!!

Walter

nuno · #43 02-10-2002, 03:30 PM

such incredible people here on Jemsite:
from the LA Custom Shops to Singapore-USA shipping prices, member banning included...
such funny people, you guys...

darren wilson · #44 02-10-2002, 04:15 PM

Going a little off topic, but why are threads that have been dormant for a year getting posts?

If you just want to send someone a "hello" message, do it in e-mail or via the forum messenger. Don't resurrect a dormant thread, please.

walter · #45 02-10-2002, 11:52 PM

Sorry Darren, just found out this was Feb, 01........