That may explain the delay in production and delivery on the China end, but it doesn't excuse the crappy, IMO, communication between these customers and their apparently American liaison. Whatever the situation, the person here should be making an effort to find out what the problem is and let these people know what's going on.
Again, I'd drop the deal, get my money back or halt any payment, and find another wooden flute maker/dealer. There just has to be a more reliable method of obtaining an instrument than this.
After reading this thread there is absolutely no way I'd ever purchase an Orpheus flute. The service sounds atrocious and the instruments appear to be pretty lackluster (or at least very unpredictable).
SK
Orpheus Flutes
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
The last email we got from William was that the flute would be delivered to him by March 15.
That's fine and I know that the purchase of a hand made instrument is going to take a bit of time, but as stated by sidekicker, it is the lack of contact that is starting to rub the wrong way (ok, maybe just a bit more than rub the wrong way).
My last message (left on the voice mail system) was that I was going to give him another 7 days to contact us, then I will take this further.
This is certainly not something we want to do. we would much rather the purchase be finalised - ie the flute being delivered.
The trouble is, we am in Australia, whereas Orpheus is in the US, and the payment has already been made (via PayPal).
He has until Monday morning Melbourne Time (Sunday Night Eastern Time) to contact us, lets just wait and see for now.
I'll let every one know how we go.
That's fine and I know that the purchase of a hand made instrument is going to take a bit of time, but as stated by sidekicker, it is the lack of contact that is starting to rub the wrong way (ok, maybe just a bit more than rub the wrong way).
My last message (left on the voice mail system) was that I was going to give him another 7 days to contact us, then I will take this further.
This is certainly not something we want to do. we would much rather the purchase be finalised - ie the flute being delivered.
The trouble is, we am in Australia, whereas Orpheus is in the US, and the payment has already been made (via PayPal).
He has until Monday morning Melbourne Time (Sunday Night Eastern Time) to contact us, lets just wait and see for now.
I'll let every one know how we go.
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sidekicker
- Posts: 311
- Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:58 am
- Location: Scottish-American in Oklahoma
I'm curious as to why you are cutting him so much slack, i.e. giving yet another week, in which to respond (and even if it happens, no guarantee that you won't get another meaningless answer as to when your instrument will arrive). It's not like these people live on Saturn. Communicating with customers via email and/or telephone, intercontinental or otherwise, really does not take that much effort on this planet beyond the will to do it. I thought paypal offered relief to people who get burned on stuff like this. If I were you I'd check that out before granting yet another extension. The more you give, the more you'll get taken. At least that seems to be the track record in this instance as you all have reported it.
Just my opinion.
SK
Just my opinion.
SK
Sidekicker, I understand what you are saying, but for us, it is the flute that we want. Call it wishful thinking, naivety, I dont know.
PayPal do offer a resolution centre, but the complaint must be made within 45 days of purchase.
My next steps involve police and government departments in both countries.
PayPal do offer a resolution centre, but the complaint must be made within 45 days of purchase.
My next steps involve police and government departments in both countries.
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sidekicker
- Posts: 311
- Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:58 am
- Location: Scottish-American in Oklahoma
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atoriphile
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:35 pm
- Location: Washington, DC
Contact
Great news guys.
William has contacted us. The flute is now in freight from China to William and he should get it in a week.
After a couple of days in customs, and with the tech to clean the flute up, we should finally get our flute in about 2 or 3 weeks time.
Although not entirely happy that it took so long to contact us, our household is a lot happier now. Dont know why it took so long, but I'm not complaining at this stage.
Will keep you all in touch.
William has contacted us. The flute is now in freight from China to William and he should get it in a week.
After a couple of days in customs, and with the tech to clean the flute up, we should finally get our flute in about 2 or 3 weeks time.
Although not entirely happy that it took so long to contact us, our household is a lot happier now. Dont know why it took so long, but I'm not complaining at this stage.
Will keep you all in touch.
I'm glad you finally got your flute Kasara. I remembered there was quite a wait for mine and from what I can gather, William is handling all aspects of the business end on his own.
***
Just to update you guys...I've been away for a long while tending to family matters. My dad was getting really ill (mysterious weight loss, nausea, vomiting, etc) right after Christmas and after some misdiagnoses, frustrating visits to hospitals, emotional roller coasters etc. he passed away in March from end stage terminal liver cancer. Anyhow, it's been hard to get back into groove of things...but I'm back now.
***
The foot joint issue is still unresolved at this point. My package was returned to me badly damaged (the flute was fine but I swear it looked like a rotweiler got to it or something. I don't know if a bomb dog sniffed something funky or what...) but it never made it out of Austin, it seems. That was back in December and of course after I got news of my dad, I decided the universe probably thought now wasn't the time to tend to my flute.
i did write to Willaim recently hoping to hear back. I don't know if the offer to fix it still stands at this point since so much time has gone by. It would be nice if I could just get another replacement foot joint that happens to seal properly but then again, that would require someone from China to build it first.
He hasn't listed any new instruments on Ebay for a long while and I think it is because he's unable to keep up with demand. I suspect shipping delays are due in part to bulk shipping from China to Craig's location.
***
Regarding the over sound at this point, now that I've broken it in some, I can say it does produce quite a nice tone. Oiling it with bore oil is a must to prevent warping. It's unfortunate the foot joint is so consistenly faulty on this instrument and others.
***
Just to update you guys...I've been away for a long while tending to family matters. My dad was getting really ill (mysterious weight loss, nausea, vomiting, etc) right after Christmas and after some misdiagnoses, frustrating visits to hospitals, emotional roller coasters etc. he passed away in March from end stage terminal liver cancer. Anyhow, it's been hard to get back into groove of things...but I'm back now.
***
The foot joint issue is still unresolved at this point. My package was returned to me badly damaged (the flute was fine but I swear it looked like a rotweiler got to it or something. I don't know if a bomb dog sniffed something funky or what...) but it never made it out of Austin, it seems. That was back in December and of course after I got news of my dad, I decided the universe probably thought now wasn't the time to tend to my flute.
i did write to Willaim recently hoping to hear back. I don't know if the offer to fix it still stands at this point since so much time has gone by. It would be nice if I could just get another replacement foot joint that happens to seal properly but then again, that would require someone from China to build it first.
He hasn't listed any new instruments on Ebay for a long while and I think it is because he's unable to keep up with demand. I suspect shipping delays are due in part to bulk shipping from China to Craig's location.
***
Regarding the over sound at this point, now that I've broken it in some, I can say it does produce quite a nice tone. Oiling it with bore oil is a must to prevent warping. It's unfortunate the foot joint is so consistenly faulty on this instrument and others.
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
Hi Briolette
Hi Briolette;
I am sorry to hear about your father. I have heard your type of story many times over the years. I worked in oncology nursing for several years. Now, I am working on my Masters, Physician Assistant in Oncology. Someday science may find a true cure for cancers of all types. Until then, you cope the best you can, and never forget that there are people that are willing to help you through the bad times.
Take care!
I am sorry to hear about your father. I have heard your type of story many times over the years. I worked in oncology nursing for several years. Now, I am working on my Masters, Physician Assistant in Oncology. Someday science may find a true cure for cancers of all types. Until then, you cope the best you can, and never forget that there are people that are willing to help you through the bad times.
Take care!
It has arrived
Guys,
The flute arrived safe and sound at work this morning before I arrived, so walking into the office, I'm greeted with a lovely present.
The flute looks wonderful. Elisha is very happy with it so far, although she has only played for 15 minutes and sulked when having to clean it and put it away
Having a little trouble with the lower register (well, only from D down) but that will come with a change in embouchure (and lots of practice).
The flute arrived safe and sound at work this morning before I arrived, so walking into the office, I'm greeted with a lovely present.
The flute looks wonderful. Elisha is very happy with it so far, although she has only played for 15 minutes and sulked when having to clean it and put it away
Having a little trouble with the lower register (well, only from D down) but that will come with a change in embouchure (and lots of practice).
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
Phineas is right. An embouchure change may be necessary, but should not be the first action you take to get the low range out. Especially for the lowest notes, you need all of the pads to seal well and if any are leaking it can make producing those notes much harder than it needs to be. Take it to a tech and be sure everything is set up right. Then, if there's nothing wrong, you might consider an embouchure change.