Frequently Asked Question
Q: Do you do *insert work type*
A: Just ask me! There are too many types of possible modification or creations i can list. Most of the stuff i've done are not stated in this blog site and i'm not intending to list the full list. Basically i do almost any modification, repair and building of string instruments. That would include violin family too.
Q: What do you not do?
A: Quite alot too.. Stainless steel refretting.. carbon fibre neck building.. basically those that i ain't rich enough to afford all those expensive materials and machines :)
Q: How old are you?
A: I've served my NS and quit my 2yrs routine job. So i guess i'm younger then 30 but older then 20! (this answer will save me a couple of years :) )
Q: Are you really trained to be a luthier?
A: I would not say i'm a luthier. No. I've not mastered all the arts of guitar making/modifying/repairing. Still i was trained by some highly respectable Singapore luthiers for 2years. Also, before i started any proper learning, i was already experimenting with guitar modifying since 6years ago. I would say, alot of the things i'm doing are lessons i've learnt online and topped with alot of wallet burning sessions.
Q: Can we learn together?
A: Yes we can.The online forums are great places for all sharing and learning to take place! I do post what i've learnt and done in mini tutorials in a few forums before too! Let's keep this learning healthy!
Q: Can i borrow a certain tool from you?
A: Can i borrow your girlfriend out for a night?
Q: Where do you get your supplies from?
A: My stuff range from China, Japan, USA and also from some local distributors. If you need to know the source of any parts, i'm glad to answer right away.
Q: How can i ensure China products are up to standard?
A: I will show you a photo of the product before you are satisfied with it. I'm never easy going for the distributor when it comes to choosing the right piece!
Q: Why is it that you only use the highest grade shells for inlay?
A: You want to pay the same amount of workmanship fee for a cheap material? com'on!
Q: How long does inlaying takes?
A: As fast as 2days to as long as 2 months. Depends. It'll take at least 24 hours for the glue-in process. Keep that in mind.
Q: How do i get my ideas to be made by you?
A: I prefer alot of photos. If you don't have a photo, drawing is good too but most of the drawings i received are way too generalized. Please be very specific in order for me to reproduce the idea in your head.
Q: How long does a paint job takes?
A: Depends! Singapore is well known for rain as we all know and those who knows a thing or 2 about painting would know the no painting during rainy days rule. I follow that strictly. I don't have the ability to afford a thermal system in my house to keep the right degree of humidity in my room.
Q: Is there any color you can't do?
A: Yes! Chrome, Gold-Chrome, Black-Chrome, Swirl, a couple of old Fender colors, some musicman special colors and etc.
Q: Do you do repairs?
A: Yes, almost any sort of string instrument repair. Email me. ;)
Q: I was looking for a certain decal but it is not available anywhere. Can you help?
A: Certainly, i'm able to recreate your damaged decal as well as doing up a full custom artwork for a brand new decal.
Q: What if i find the work no satisfactory?
A: This by right have no right or wrong if you agree with me. But still we all have some common sense. If the issue is not big and i can make it back on track, i will do the extra work foc. We'll both end up happy. If the issue is big, i'll probably compensate you a little by giving you a good discount depending on situation. It is impossible for me to pay you unless i've damaged something beyond repairation.
Q: What if you damage a part of my instrument?
A: If it's repairable, i'll fix it foc. If it's non repairable, i'll replace 1 for you foc. I can't say i will guarantee that i can be 100% sure your instrument will not get damages but i will say i normally do take alot of care for my customer's instruments. But to prove that i damage your stuff, the only way is that you have a before photograph with all information intact so that you proof that it's perfectly fine just before you send to me. I'll normally take a picture of the item when it first reach my house too :)
Q: What if you exceed the number of days you are supposed to get my instrument done?
A: I'll normally try not to let that happen. If there is anything that got in the way and i have to delay the submission, i'll normally notify early. If i can't do it in time for urgent cases, i'll refer to my respectable luthiery mentors for a fast remedy. In anycase, I will not say " Sorry i think i can't do it for you anymore and please come collect your stuff and find your own solutions "
Q: Is there any warranty?
A: Depends on nature of the product. I'll normally offer a 7-21days warranty on stuff i repair/modified and those full custom projects i'll normally offer 1 year of limited warranty for servicing and etc.
Q: Can i bring something i tried D.I.Y and failed to you?
A: Yes why not. But i will have to access to the real thing before i can tell you what i can offer. There is not 100% guarantee.
Q: Why do i go to you?
A: Well i don't really say "hey come to me for the best deal!" Infact, some of my deals are not neccessary the best in terms of price but the amount of customers that trusted me is not a joke. Do ask around if you are not confident about getting your stuff done by me. Email me if you need to know some questions. I'll be glad to answer them for you.
Q: Can i come to visit the place you do all these stuff?
A: I only allow customer to come try something because they wish to see some evidence or something before they make the decision. I don't allow "factory educational visits". Why? Am i trying to hide something? NO, it's the house my family stays in for goodness sake. Thanks.
Q: Can i pay by installments?
A: I accept no installments. For project less then $700, i'll only start working once i receives the full payment. For project more then $700, i'll start work once i received 50% of the full deal or as per agreed between the customer and I.
Q: How do i pay you?
A: I accept bank transfer for Posb, OCBC, Uob. I also accept straight cash upon first meet up.
Q: How do i send my item to you?
A: I normally meet at the entrance to Mac Donalds opposite Ang Mo Kio Hub(my favourite meet up place! haha.. all my customers knows that!). I do sometimes meet people at City Hall Mrt. Please discuss this with me as i work from home.
Q: Hi i'm not from Singapore, can i get something done by you?
A: Yes you can but you'll have to pay for shipping etc. Email me for more info.
