Dear Collected wisdom
Some time ago, I ordered a baroque guitar from Luciano Faria. When it
was due to be finished, it was finished. It was beautiful to look at, easy
to play, and great sounding. Based on that experience, I ordered three more
instruments. A theorbo, an arch lute and a Tielke.
When other people began to tell disparaging tales about this maker, I
responded with, "pshaw" or "Piffle" sometimes even "harumph." What did they
know? I had first hand experience!
In September - two years after it was due - my theorbo arived broken.
Fed Ex acknowledged their fault and it was shipped back to Luciano for
repair or replacement. November, he told me that my theorbo was ready as was
the Tielke. He only needed a couple of days for the cases to arrive.He sent
me a new price list and asked me for my opinion as to his competitive
stance. I told him that his prices were not his trouble - not responding to
customers was.
That is really the end of the story. He doesn't answer emails on either
of his accounts, he doesn't answer telephone calls or faxes. I haven't heard
from him in months.
The theorbo is paid in full. The other have 30% deposits. I'm thinking
that my chances of ever seeing any of these instruments is slim.
That is the cautionary tale. Here is the plea for advice: What can be
done? Am I really at this fellow's mercy? I have spoken to some on this list
who are admittedly smarter than I am, but have gotten no clear path.
Interpol?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Best,
Joseph Mayes
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