dc kunkle necks?

[hobo]

I've seen a few of these necks floating around on eBay, including a baritone conversion neck I'm looking for. They're advertised as having unfinished frets, and it looks like no nut. Apart from this, has anyone had any experience with them? 'Search' feature didn't turn up anything on this site..

[IEatChocobos]

I've come across these too as well. As I want to build a Jaguar Baritone in Daphne Blue or Surf Green, since the chances of me having the cash on hand when one pops up on Ebay, is EXTREMELY unlikely. I've been searching for reviews... but nothing has been coming up.

The seller has good ratings on Ebay, which is comforting. But that doesn't mean it's because of the necks. I'm a little cautious buying one though, since there is no returns. Might have to go with an unfinished Warmoth. At least they have a good reputation.

[hobo]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. Is it worth it for the low price, or will I have to spend a ton just getting the nut and frets right? The Warmoth might be a better deal, if it comes mostly ready (i.e. semi-level frets with nut).

[PeterUK]

I'd been watching them on eBay for a while so after selling a rather niced flamed neck and creating disposable PayPal funds I pulled the trigger.

Ordering experience was reasonably straight forward. It involved pressing the BIN option for the $105 neck and receiving an invoice for the custom specs I wanted. Total value $199.70. This was $18.30 cheaper than the equivalent neck I'd been watching at Warmoth which didn't include Warmoth's shipping.

After 3-weeks I received the shipping info and I tracked it all the way to the Nottingham depot and received the expected invoice for taxes and courier charges.

When I arrived at the (ParcelForce) depot and the guy put the package on the desk I told him that there must be some mistake as I was expecting a longer box (the standard USPS triangular box) but all the details on the label were correct.

When I got home, I unpacked the box. Minimal protective material and extracted a reasonably pleasant neck but I was nervouse that it was too short. It measured 730mm so was correct.

I then spotted a huge dent on the nose of the headstock; hardly surprising as the box was also 730mm. With virtually no packing.

It looks as though the heel has taken a bash and I fear for the truss rod. When I contacted the seller D C Kunkle he was unhelpful and dimissive and the conversation deteriortated into accustation and insult.

It's going to cost me the equivalent of $87.00 to return the neck (shipping costs, proper, adequate shipping materials and of course the taxes and courier charges I can't recover.

He's content that the neck is insured for in transit damaged although I'm not so sure. Is USPS observe that a 730mm neck is crammed into a 730mm box with minimal protection, I'm not sure they'd be willing to pay out.

In our at times unpleasant resolution/dispute e-mail exchange he states that this is his standard method of shipping, done on a budget but he's sent hundreds like it in the past. He also blames it on international couriers and that he will never ship overseas again.

Me? I will never buy from him again and I would urge you not too either. He may have just been unlucky with this one but if he ships every neck like that it won't be long before another one gets damaged in transit - domestic or international.

He doesn't have a negative feedback yet but he'll have one when the resolution process expires - on 24 April.

Buyer beware.

Peter

[rogb]

Originally Posted by PeterUK

I'd been watching them on eBay for a while so after selling a rather niced flamed neck and creating disposable PayPal funds I pulled the trigger.

Ordering experience was reasonably straight forward. It involved pressing the BIN option for the $105 neck and receiving an invoice for the custom specs I wanted. Total value $199.70. This was $18.30 cheaper than the equivalent neck I'd been watching at Warmoth which didn't include Warmoth's shipping.

After 3-weeks I received the shipping info and I tracked it all the way to the Nottingham depot and received the expected invoice for taxes and courier charges.

When I arrived at the (ParcelForce) depot and the guy put the package on the desk I told him that there must be some mistake as I was expecting a longer box (the standard USPS triangular box) but all the details on the label were correct.

When I got home, I unpacked the box. Minimal protective material and extracted a reasonably pleasant neck but I was nervouse that it was too short. It measured 730mm so was correct.

I then spotted a huge dent on the nose of the headstock; hardly surprising as the box was also 730mm. With virtually no packing.

It looks as though the heel has taken a bash and I fear for the truss rod. When I contacted the seller D C Kunkle he was unhelpful and dimissive and the conversation deteriortated into accustation and insult.

It's going to cost me the equivalent of $87.00 to return the neck (shipping costs, proper, adequate shipping materials and of course the taxes and courier charges I can't recover.

He's content that the neck is insured for in transit damaged although I'm not so sure. Is USPS observe that a 730mm neck is crammed into a 730mm box with minimal protection, I'm not sure they'd be willing to pay out.

In our at times unpleasant resolution/dispute e-mail exchange he states that this is his standard method of shipping, done on a budget but he's sent hundreds like it in the past. He also blames it on international couriers and that he will never ship overseas again.

Me? I will never buy from him again and I would urge you not too either. He may have just been unlucky with this one but if he ships every neck like that it won't be long before another one gets damaged in transit - domestic or international.

He doesn't have a negative feedback yet but he'll have one when the resolution process expires - on 24 April.

Buyer beware.

Peter

Peter, I would like to PM you but I can't as you don't have that enabled. Could I contact you via email, there is a question I would like to ask please

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by rogb

Peter, I would like to PM you but I can't as you don't have that enabled. Could I contact you via email, there is a question I would like to ask please

Zapped you an e-mail.

Buy a Warmoth. Don't buy from this guy.

peter

[Mister Ed]

Originally Posted by PeterUK

I'd been watching them on eBay for a while so after selling a rather niced flamed neck and creating disposable PayPal funds I pulled the trigger.

Ordering experience was reasonably straight forward. It involved pressing the BIN option for the $105 neck and receiving an invoice for the custom specs I wanted. Total value $199.70. This was $18.30 cheaper than the equivalent neck I'd been watching at Warmoth which didn't include Warmoth's shipping.

After 3-weeks I received the shipping info and I tracked it all the way to the Nottingham depot and received the expected invoice for taxes and courier charges.

When I arrived at the (ParcelForce) depot and the guy put the package on the desk I told him that there must be some mistake as I was expecting a longer box (the standard USPS triangular box) but all the details on the label were correct.

When I got home, I unpacked the box. Minimal protective material and extracted a reasonably pleasant neck but I was nervouse that it was too short. It measured 730mm so was correct.

I then spotted a huge dent on the nose of the headstock; hardly surprising as the box was also 730mm. With virtually no packing.

It looks as though the heel has taken a bash and I fear for the truss rod. When I contacted the seller D C Kunkle he was unhelpful and dimissive and the conversation deteriortated into accustation and insult.

It's going to cost me the equivalent of $87.00 to return the neck (shipping costs, proper, adequate shipping materials and of course the taxes and courier charges I can't recover.

He's content that the neck is insured for in transit damaged although I'm not so sure. Is USPS observe that a 730mm neck is crammed into a 730mm box with minimal protection, I'm not sure they'd be willing to pay out.

In our at times unpleasant resolution/dispute e-mail exchange he states that this is his standard method of shipping, done on a budget but he's sent hundreds like it in the past. He also blames it on international couriers and that he will never ship overseas again.

Me? I will never buy from him again and I would urge you not too either. He may have just been unlucky with this one but if he ships every neck like that it won't be long before another one gets damaged in transit - domestic or international.

He doesn't have a negative feedback yet but he'll have one when the resolution process expires - on 24 April.

Buyer beware.

Peter

That sucks. There's no excuse for poor packaging of a guitar neck. Its very easy to do correctly. A sturdy cardboard poster tube with some bubble wrap will do, and is cheap and easy. An experienced seller should know better, especially if shipping overseas. +1 on the negative FB.

[fenderchamp]

For what its worth, I bought a neck from him (d_42) on ebay about 6 months ago, and it is really nice. He was selling necks made to order at that time, and I paid extra for the fret work and a ''12 radius. I have the neck on my esquire and I really like it. It was packed in a tube like shipping container with bubble wrap as I recall. Sorry you had a bad time of it Peter.

I forgot I put some pictures of the neck in my little photo gallery click on photos by my username...

Trey

[Rhomco Guitars]

I played a couple of custom made guitars owned by a local gentleman and was very impressed with the craftsmanship of the necks. He informed me that he had them made by DC Kunkle and they were quite reasonable. I am always on the lookout for good paddle head neck sources for my Tele12 string conversion necks so I contacted him and ordered a special batch to my specs. I need extra length for my headstocks so my necks are just a bit unusual. This was late in 2011 and it has now been about five months so I should be receiving them soon.

About the fretwork.... I was especially impressed with his fretwork on the necks I played. I learned that he offers "level & crown" for an additional $15.00 if I recall correctly. He is the first mass neck builder I have used that even offers L&C as most just press them in and dont want to talk about it.
Here's hoping my follow up to this post will be soon and a very positive one
Rob

[Rhomco Guitars]

Shipping notice. Expected arrival is today. I will report back so we can judge the quality objectively. I hope mine are packaged properly.
Rob

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

Shipping notice. Expected arrival is today. I will report back so we can judge the quality objectively. I hope mine are packaged properly.
Rob

I hope you don't get screwed like I did. I also got screwed by eBay who kept the dispute open past the time that I could leave appropriate so when I came to post the well deserved negative feedback, I was unable to.

So this guy can continue to deliver poorly packed necks and not accept the fact that he is at fault and smugly hide behind a system that's designed to screw someone.

I'll be interested to hear your comments and to discover if the neck is properly packed.

I would encourage people NOT to buy from this guy.

Buy a Warmoth or a USACG. At least your neck will arrived properly packed.

Peter

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by fenderchamp

For what its worth, I bought a neck from him (d_42) on ebay about 6 months ago, and it is really nice. He was selling necks made to order at that time, and I paid extra for the fret work and a ''12 radius. I have the neck on my esquire and I really like it. It was packed in a tube like shipping container with bubble wrap as I recall. Sorry you had a bad time of it Peter.

I forgot I put some pictures of the neck in my little photo gallery click on photos by my username...

Trey

I'd add some pictures of mine but it would reduce you to tears.

The staggering disregard of this guy still turns my stomach.

Peter

[Rhomco Guitars]

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

Shipping notice. Expected arrival is today. I will report back so we can judge the quality objectively. I hope mine are packaged properly.
Rob

The batch of necks I ordered arrived today in fine condition vis USPS Priority Mail. All are exactly like I requested and absolutly perfect. Not a nick or blem to be found. I find no fault in the packaging though it sounds the same as used for his international shipments but not triangular. I would not hesitate to buy from DC Kunkle again.
Rob

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

I find no fault in the packaging though it sounds the same as used for his international shipments but not triangular. I would not hesitate to buy from DC Kunkle again.
Rob

Good for you.

My 730mm long neck arrived in a 730mm long triangular box with a thin layer of packing material. Quite frankly no surprise my neck was damaged at the heel and the headstock.

The box used for my neck offered zero protection. Did yours come in a box the same length as the neck?

Peter

[Rhomco Guitars]

Originally Posted by PeterUK

Good for you.

My 730mm long neck arrived in a 730mm long triangular box with a thin layer of packing material. Quite frankly no surprise my neck was damaged at the heel and the headstock.

The box used for my neck offered zero protection. Did yours come in a box the same length as the neck?

Peter

I hesitate to get involved with your issue. I was replying to the OP as to the quality of the D.C. Kunkle necks. But since you ask...........

My lot of five necks were individually double wrapped in heavy foam padding and taped two by two to each other. The ends had at at least four/eight layers of protection this way. These pairs in turn were inside a folded cardboard box the same length as the necks including the double wraps of foam at each end. I would not call it zero protection but I would not be happy if mine looked like you describe yours. I call this pretty much standard shipping practice when you are dealing with small business individuals rather than businesses who buy custom made packaging. Yours was shipped in a triangle mailer, the same as I would ship a tele neck in if I were shipping international to the UK which costs $42.00 to ship from Texas to the UK so I don't get your $87.00 cost to return it. (looks like there were less expensive options hidden from view)

It seems to me in your unique case the postal community is more to blame than the shipper. Buying on ebay can be a risk and shipping international always is. At least your seller honored his minimal comittments and offered to accept a return and ebay acted as usual, exactly to the users agreement which is never in your favor. Sorry you had a bad day in the perfect storm of shipping problems.
Rob

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

I hesitate to get involved with your issue. I was replying to the OP as to the quality of the D.C. Kunkle necks. But since you ask...........

Thanks Rob. I didn't mean to get you involved, I was just seeking info on how your necks were packed.

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

Yours was shipped in a triangle mailer, the same as I would ship a tele neck in if I were shipping international to the UK which costs $42.00 to ship from Texas to the UK so I don't get your $87.00 cost to return it. (looks like there were less expensive options hidden from view)

Let me explain. To return the neck I would need to buy proper packaging (I ship necks in shipping tubes that Staples sell over here for £5.00/$7.00.

The return shipping - which had to be fully insured and tracked to satisfy eBay - was similar in cost to yours ($40.00) and the import duties and taxes were the equivalent of over $40.00 which I can't claim back.

When I calculated it during the dispute and at the exchange rates of the time, the costs were $87.00 which I wouldn't get back.

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

I call this pretty much standard shipping practice when you are dealing with small business individuals rather than businesses who buy custom made packaging. Yours was shipped in a triangle mailer, the same as I would ship a tele neck in if I were shipping international to the UK which costs $42.00......

This guy has to be considered a small business as he appears to have sold lots of necks so shipping them in custom packaging (a $7.00 shipping tube from Staples?) should surely be second nature. Surely?

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

It seems to me in your unique case the postal community is more to blame than the shipper.

I actually disagree and so did the UK courier ParcelForce when I filed a claim for the seller (another $25.00 in fuel costs for me). They examined the damage to both ends of the neck and without hesitation declared inadequate packaging and an almost zero chance of getting compensation which the seller was relying on.

Originally Posted by Rhomco Guitars

Buying on ebay can be a risk and shipping international always is. At least your seller honored his minimal comittments and offered to accept a return and ebay acted as usual, exactly to the users agreement which is never in your favor. Sorry you had a bad day in the perfect storm of shipping problems.

I hear you about the risks of eBay. I've just about reached the end of the road with eBay. I've been a "member" since 2003 and have an unblemished record of 412 positives and I have rarely given out negative feedback in that time, preferring to work things out. However, I would have given a very scathing negative on this occasion as I think that "minimal commitments being hounoured when the seller was uniquely responsible for the appauling packaging are simply not enough.

The good news is that the company I work for has a USA subsidiary and the company legal specialist is a guitarist and a friend and he's agreed to look at what he can do to get this situation put right - in my favour!

DC Kunkle and eBay may have won the battle but they haven't won the war.

Peter

[caferacer]

the damage you described does not sound like anything I would be concerned about, as long as it is just the headstock and heel it will not effect anything, as there is no damage to the fret board it should be fine, even a dent on the back of the neck can be filled and sanded, heel and headstock are just cosmetic and therefore unimportant

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by caferacer

the damage you described does not sound like anything I would be concerned about, as long as it is just the headstock and heel it will not effect anything, as there is no damage to the fret board it should be fine, even a dent on the back of the neck can be filled and sanded, heel and headstock are just cosmetic and therefore unimportant

Thanks for your comments.

I paid $200 including shipping for a perfect neck. Cosmetic damaged due to inadequate packaging is not acceptable to me; although I respect the fact that you may be content to receive items that have received the ravages of the international postal system in inadequate packing.

I believe the damaged can be repaired but it will need to be resprayed once the lacquer has been cut back. This was my offer to the seller and eBay.

I do like relics but on this occasion the new, pristine look was what I was going for.

Peter

[caferacer]

yea perfect is better but if there is damage cosmetic is WAY better than functional, at least it is still playable,

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by caferacer

yea perfect is better but if there is damage cosmetic is WAY better than functional, at least it is still playable,

It may be playable, it may be not. The neck has clearly been heavily handled and "slammed" down on both ends - where of course there was no protection.

Both ends have big dings but at the heel, there is a big "bruise" along the truss rod end nut. I fear the truss rod has received damage. So even if I get the cosmetic damage repaired, add a nut and fix it to the body, if the truss rod is damaged/broken, I will have spent even more money and end up scrapping the neck.

I was prepared to take this risk, but as I said earlier, neither the seller or eBay wanted to know.

Peter