Antigua contact dissapointment

[sax rookie]

Several months ago I purchased an A586LQ sop from Kesslers. The horn is great and Dave was very helpful.

My problem was the case. It seems that either the case was built poorly or there was a shipping incident. The sop was not damaged and it plays fine.

The case seems to be bowed. Meaning the center of the case, where it latches makes contact before the ends do. So when the case is closed and latched you could easily slip a couple of stacked coins into either end of the case.

I considered contacting Kesslers, but I did not want to have to return the sop because of the case. I also assumed that although Dave was very helpful, I doubted he could do much about the case.

So I went to the Antigua website and Emailed all three contact addresses and explained my problem.

I received no answer.

I have Emailed all three addresses a total of three times. After nine Emails and several weeks I have yet to hear anything form Antigua.

I don't mind if their answer is "tough, you have a crappy case" but you would think SOMEONE would take the time to answer my Emails.

Dave - If you are reading this, do you have any suggestions?

I guess my next attempt will be to call them , but by now my opinion of their customer service is weak.

Anyone else having bad luck with the Antigua factory?

Thanks
Mark

[Jbroad572]

Several months ago I purchased an A586LQ sop from Kesslers. The horn is great and Dave was very helpful.

My problem was the case. It seems that either the case was built poorly or there was a shipping incident. The sop was not damaged and it plays fine.

The case seems to be bowed. Meaning the center of the case, where it latches makes contact before the ends do. So when the case is closed and latched you could easily slip a couple of stacked coins into either end of the case.

I considered contacting Kesslers, but I did not want to have to return the sop because of the case. I also assumed that although Dave was very helpful, I doubted he could do much about the case.

So I went to the Antigua website and Emailed all three contact addresses and explained my problem.

I received no answer.

I have Emailed all three addresses a total of three times. After nine Emails and several weeks I have yet to hear anything form Antigua.

I don't mind if their answer is "tough, you have a crappy case" but you would think SOMEONE would take the time to answer my Emails.

Dave - If you are reading this, do you have any suggestions?

I guess my next attempt will be to call them , but by now my opinion of their customer service is weak.

Anyone else having bad luck with the Antigua factory?

Thanks
Mark

Why not just call or email Dave? Surely, he could tell you something since he deals with them. He may have a contact number as well. It's worth a shot, especially if you've been waiting for a reply for sometime from Antigua. I must say I would be frustrated as well if I received no response, but I don't expect too much of a response through email for larger companies. I would have called them directly.

[Eulipion2]

Sax rookie,
My 590 case is the same way. I haven't had any real problems with it, it still stays closed and protects the horn, but I can understand why you might want a replacement. I haven't flown with the sop or anything, so I don't know how it would hold up to a rougher environment. You could always just get a new case from WW&BW or something, but good luck contacting Antigua anyway!

[gary]

Well Mark, I hope you don't take this as rude, but I don't understand your logic.

You bought it from Kessler and it's their responsibility to provide you with the product you ordered. They are the "brick and mortar" type company who's major advantage is dealing with real humans and not some automated electronic system from the parent company. Give Dave a call post haste.

[sax rookie]

Well Mark, I hope you don't take this as rude, but I don't understand your logic.

You bought it from Kessler and it's their responsibility to provide you with the product you ordered. They are the "brick and mortar" type company who's major advantage is dealing with real humans and not some automated electronic system from the parent company. Give Dave a call post haste.

None taken

Having worked in retail for several years (ago) I know that the dealers have little to do with accessory problems. Perhaps I assumed this was the case for Kesslers.

My experience was that if an accessory was missing or damaged the whole unit was returned to the store and reboxed, sent to the maufacturer and the store was credited.

I would think it would be above and beyond the call of duty for Kesslers to open up a new sop and send me a new case while they waited for the return of the one I own now. Now Kesslers has an open sop and a less than stellar case for it.

But you're right Gary and Jbroad, I should at least give Dave a call and see what can be done.

Thanks
Mark

[gary]

...I should at least give Dave a call and see what can be done.Yep. Just give him a call and remove all doubt. All he can say is no and you're not any worse off than you are now. Good luck. These things can be disappointing.

[bradshawm]

I have a brand new 586BC that I received yesterday, and its case is the exact same way. It is actually loose on either end, though it touches in the middle. After looking at it last night, I was just convinced it was a poor design. The sax seems to fit into it well and not bounce around, so it didn't seem to be that big of a deal considering the price of the horn. Let us know what Dave says.

[Pakriff]

Same thing with my 586LQ case. I bought the horn from Kessler a couple of years ago and it plays fantastic, but the case is warped indeed.

[Chris S]

Sorry to hear about all the troubles with the Antigua cases. If nothing else, Dave might be able to get something done since he's the dealer. I've had some issues with accesories that came with a horn before, and my contacting the company didn't have any affect (I'm just one person), however when the dealer called, things got fixed pronto, because if that dealer chooses to stop selling the product, then the large company looses money.

Having said that, I've got a brand new ProTec soprano case that I've never used (got it and was going to get a sop, but had some unexpected bills), and it's just sitting in my house.... I might be willing to sell it if any of you want it. Email or PM me if you're interested.

Chris S

[gary]

Glad to see this post pop back up, because it reminded me that I had a second thought on the subject.

First and foremost, the case should be in perfect condition when it arrives from the seller. HOWEVER - if the case, when in good condition, is inadequate one is likely going to buy an after-market case anyway, so in that case (sory) I think I wouldn't sweat it; just forget about it and buy that new BAM, ProTec or whatever and have done with it.

[goodsax]

My 590LQ case is straight with no issues, as is the same kind of case that my A520LQ came in. They look like a matched set, the cases do. However, as Gary pointed out, I set them aside and use a Reunion Blues doubler gig bag that accomodates both my Allora alto and Antigua 590 sop, which makes it a lot easier going to my symphonic band practices and concerts than handling two separate cases and the stands.

[Jbroad572]

I just noticed I have the same problem with mine.