[I Blaskowski (Jazz N Blues 54)]

I just received my Johnny A Signature guitar and I have to say it is absolutely superb. My dealer is fabulous, ( Warp Drive Music /Cream City Guitar in Brookfield WI) They did a wonderful job trying to keep me informed as to the status of my order. However, I believe Gibson dropped the ball in the communication dept, so that's why I had to write this blurb...perhaps some improvements in communication can be made for future customers.

I totally understand custom orders do not happen fast, I've worked in manufacturing long enough, and realize these types of hand-made items don't happen overnight and that I'm not the only customer Gibson has. It would've been nice for Gibson / Rep / ?? to advise my dealer that it would take almost a year from order to receive it. No problem in my mind at all, just tell me up front from the get-go - I still would've ordered it. Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way. It started out with an "estimated" 30 - 90 day delivery, then the floods (ok, Gibson has no control of that) so at least another 3 months. I called once a month, and unfortunately could not get a straight answer as to a ship date. Then I found out this guitar is placed in batch orders, so Gibson has to wait until enough are ordered to start a production line of them. Again totally understandable from a busines standpoint, but please let your dealers know this up front not after the fact.

I'm not trying to bash anyone here, just asking for better communication between the Custom Shop and dealers. I've heard of other "competitors" that give a ship date and by-God the ship date is a good one. In previous employment, I myself have done production scheduling in the past for a decent sized company, and I believe Gibson should have a pretty good idea when a target ship date can happen especially when production is started. How about a phone call to your dealer - "Hey we've started your order, and we're looking around .... for a ship date." ??? At least that way a customer can know what's going on, not be kept in the dark for so long. (10 1/2 months for me).

I love your product, and the excellent craftsmanship, but please do something about communication. The sad part about this whole blurb is that the many musical friends and acquaintances I've talked to during my wait for my guitar have said that Gibson makes a fantastic product but is notorious for not giving good ship dates.... not a good reputation to have for communication, because sometimes it eventually catches up with you. Thanks for listening to my long-winded message

Respectfully,

JazzNBlues54