This is why I shouldn't drink caffeine before bed...
EDIT:
Damn, a lot of posts happened while I was slaving away at this thing. Okay, so I'm wrong but I'm leaving it. frizzle, frazzle, frammin.....stomp stomp stomp
The fact of the matter is that Jon has stated in other threads that they don't give out dates that the basses are slated to be done.
I think what's happening is this:
Date: March 16th.
[walks into music store]
Joe Bongo: I say to you--I'd like to order a Bongo, please.
S. Alesclerk: Why, certainly, good sir, we would be more than happy to assist you in your acquisition in one of the finest basses available today. Let me call the fine folks at Ernie Ball and tell them what you want.
Joe Bongo: Get me onna 'em 5 string Bongers--
angrily
S. Alesclerk: Don't call them 'Bongers.'
Joe Bongo: Um...Get me one-a dem lovely Bongos. 5 strings, and all the trimmings!
S. Alesclerk: Oh, most definitely!
[S. Alesclerk call Ernie Ball in sunny Cal-i-for-ni-a]
ring
Ernie Ball Sales Rep: Ernie Ball Customer Service. We string 'em, you sling 'em, or my name ain't Ernie Ball!
S. Alesclerk: What? Look--I want to get this guy a Bongo.
Ernie Ball Sales Rep: Did you tell him not to call them Bongers?
S. Alesclerk: Yup.
Ernie Ball Sales Rep: Okay, then! What's he want?
S. Alesclerk:
He wants one-a dem lovely Bongos. 5 strings, and all the trimmings!
Ernie Ball Sales Rep: Rightio! Current build time is around 10-14 weeks. But, don't quote me on that.
S. Alesclerk: No problem!
Ernie Ball Sales Rep: Bye! Go sell things!
S. Alesclerk: Bye! Go talk into a microphone headset!
[B. Alesclerk rejoins Joe Bongo]
S. Alesclerk: Get your finger outta there! I talked to Ernie Ball, and he said your Bongo would be done in 10 weeks.
[looks at calender]
Joe Bongo: Rock and Roll! Today's March 16th, so my Bongo will be here on May 27th!
S. Alesclerk: Exactly! Give me your credit card!
Joe Bongo: Take it--it's made of plastic!
Joe Bongo is, of course, devastated when he has to wait another month, or two for his new bass. Was the sales rep lying? Probably not--he was simply showing his faith in
Retail Optimism.
--The End--
When you are making as many basses as EB makes in a month, it is probably easier to work in batches--5 string Stingrays, then 4 string Stingrays, then 5 string Bongos, then 4 string Bongos, etc.
I kow that I put too much stock in the "12 weeks" quote given by Adam at GC. I've seen 4-6 months turn into 18 months for some boutique basses. so even if you wait an extra month, or so for your bass.
The way I see it, you have two scenarios for a quicker turnaround==
1)
Good: They aren't busy making basses, so they get to yours the day you order it.
Bad: Unfortunately, the EB factory is not busy making basses, so it closes down.
2)
Good: EB speeds up production by rewiring all the power outlets to 220V from 110V, and the machines go
that much faster!.
Bad: Your new Stingray has the new "angled" pickup and the fancy 19th and a 1/2 fret--okay, at least that let's you play the fancy H chord....
Bottom line--they are building as fast as they can to meet demand, and still keep the quality that we have grown--NAY! Demanded! that it remain. It's not an exact science. Building special Bongos is an art.
Okay, now I'm tired.
