Issues dealing with Frank Falbo

mtxsho93 · #1 05-07-2007, 12:32 AM

On April 2, I posted a new thread in the trading section of jemsite; I had a "HS" trem block that I wanted to trade for an "H" block. (the short 31mm block for a long 41mm block)

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60839

Frank Falbo responded the next day and said that he wanted to trade with me. I sent my item to him Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation 0306 0320 0003 5074 4977 and it was delivered on April 6. Frank informed me that he was in the middle of a move to California but that he would get my block out "asap". When I hadn't heard from him in a few days, I PM'ed him on 4/12 to make sure he'd received it and to ask him when he'd send me the one he promised. He responded on 4/13 and said that he'd probably ship it out on Monday (4/16).

I have yet to receive the block from him nor have I received any PM's or emails on the status of the block. I sent him a PM on 4/24 and I emailed him through jemsite a few days ago. I've been checking his profile and have noticed that he has been posting on jemsite which means that he has had internet access, has been on the forum and is simply ignoring my PM's and emails. I posted in this thread earlier:

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47097

hoping that it would get his attention.

After reading another thread on the forum, I realize that I am not the only person to have had this experience:

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54575

Frank; if you read this, it's been over a month. I realize that life happens and people are busy but taking this long without any contact (especially when you've been active on the forum) is far from being ok. I need my block; the guitar that it's for isn't much good without it. I promptly sent you my old one hoping that you'd return the courtesy.

And by the way, I started this thread after I PM'ed a mod to let them know about the situation.

Thank you
Ian

**elcid** · #2 05-07-2007, 12:52 AM

he's on right now

frankfalbo · #3 05-07-2007, 12:54 AM

Yeah no kidding, and as I was pming him (before this thread was made) he logged off, so we're like, 5 minutes apart from eachother.

Anyway I pm'd him so hopefully we'll finish off and he'll delete this thread.

mtxsho93 · #4 05-07-2007, 04:34 PM

To keep everyone updated and to respond directly to Frank:

Frank, I received your PM's as soon as I posted this thread.

Frank-people have read this thread already and I don't see a need to delete it as everything in it is factual. Furthermore, I don't feel any assurance that I will receive my trem block in a timely fashion if I do delete this. The bottom line is that you've lost my trust.

To be fair, I will post in this thread when I receive the trem block so that people will know that you resolved this issue. At that point, the thread can be closed. Of course if I don't receive the block, I will post that too. For both of our sakes, I hope that you mail it out ASAP.

I feel that's fair.

Thanks
Ian

frankfalbo · #5 05-07-2007, 06:54 PM

Sounds fine.

mtxsho93 · #6 05-14-2007, 05:10 PM

A week has passed and no package from Frank or any word from him. Frank, are you waiting for something? If our roles were reversed, I would've overnighted the package if I was in your position. Honest communication would be nice here. I expect the package in one week from today or I am taking this further. I could file mail fraud charges through the USPS in addition to a complaint with http://www.ic3.gov/. I have successfully been down this route before and don't wish to do it again but I will if necessary.

Ian

screamndemon69 · #7 05-15-2007, 01:20 PM

Sorry to hear about your issues. I hope this resolves shortly.

Frank has always been a stand up guy from my personal experiences with him. I have a custom guitar from Frank and his work on it was top notch and he communicated with me every step of the way. I would not be thwarted in the least to deal with Frank in the future.

I only state this so others reading will not think any less of Frank. I understand why you posted what you did, to get some resolution publicly since you have not seemed to get a private resolve.

I hope it works out for you and that Frank is doing fine out in Cali at his new job.

Drew · #8 05-16-2007, 04:32 PM

I've dealt with Frank in the past two (I have a custom wound singlecoil in the middle spot of my UV courtesy of him), and the transaction went off without a hitch. I've had loads of non-business dealings with him before and since, and he's come off as a stand-up guy and an asset to the guitar community in every interaction with him I've had.

I know he's busy as hell with his new job - maybe not a great excuse, but there've been times where it's taken me more than a month to mail something due to absurd stretches at work where I've been able to get online (because it's a lot easier too open a web browser than to drive to the post office when you have 5 minutes of downtime). Fact is, the real world has a way of ruining even the best of intentions, and if I were to make a list of Jemsite members likely to try to screw someone, Frank would be pretty close to the bottom of that list.

I understand your concerns, but I think threatening legal action over a trem block that's a month late, especially from a member who just moved halfway across the country and is known to be a bit late now and then but always come through in the end is maybe a little extreme.

Clonetool · #9 05-16-2007, 07:29 PM

Some people are lazy also and could care less about others.

screamndemon69 · #10 05-16-2007, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clonetool

Some people are lazy also and could care less about others.

This thread is about Frank. Are you saying he is lazy?

Clonetool · #11 05-16-2007, 07:54 PM

Oh no I wasnt talking about Frank no he's a great guy. I wonder why this thread exists? Shame on you guys.

mtxsho93 · #12 05-16-2007, 08:01 PM

I appreciate the feedback but once again, it doesn't change the fact that he:

1. Has my trem block that I sent him.
2. Has not sent me the block that he promised me (more than once).
3. Was actively posting online while ignoring my communications.

He may be a great "stand up" guy but his character alone isn't going to get me my trem block. Yes, legal action is a bit extreme for a trem block; it would be a shame for him over something that he can quickly and easily clear up himself.

It may be a small trem block but I can't reassemble my guitar without it. If I were building this guitar for someone else the situation would be much worse.

Ian

mtxsho93 · #13 05-16-2007, 08:01 PM

P.S.

Does anyone have a phone number for Frank? Perhaps this is something we can clear up over the phone.

Please PM me (don't post it here) if you do.

thanks
Ian

screamndemon69 · #14 05-16-2007, 08:02 PM

Clonetool, if that's not sarcasm, it's all good.

I really don't think Frank needs defending, almost anyone who has dealt with him will attest to his integrity. He has helped me alot with my guitars and is an asset to the guitar community like Drew stated.

Clonetool · #15 05-16-2007, 08:08 PM

The thing is just because one person has a good experience with a vendor there can be others who get screwed. I'm sure your seeing the vast range of feedback while looking for a custom guitar. Sorry to get off topic but I hope you get your block mtx. If he has time to post shame on Frank. Put in in the mail......