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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Guitar Missing In Spain
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 12:35 PM
I have been waiting for the delivery of my Guitar that I bought from the USA...A translucent black Epiphone 1960 Les Paul Tribute. I have paid the duty and VAT to Spanish Customs as requested and have been waiting for delivery after the green light from customs was given...Today I received a message from the delivery company working for the post office saying that the guitar is missing or misplaced and they are looking for it. When it is found they will delivery it....Needless to say i am worried that I will not get it. It is insured by the seller..but at present I am awaiting their response...I asked them this morning if they will chase it via USPS their end. Spanish customs inform me that if it not found that they will pay me my duty and VAT back.
Watch this space for the latest on my 'missing Guitar'... 
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Feb 13 2013, 12:38 PM
Oh man so sorry to hear this 
I really hope they will find it. Is it possible that someone stole it? I can't imagine how its possible to loose such a big item.
It might be very complicated to initiate insurance refund, hopefully the seller will be cooperative with it.
Best of luck - I hope guitar will end up in your hands after all! 
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 12:46 PM
I really hope they will find it. Is it possible that someone stole it? I can't imagine how its possible to loose such a big item.
It might be very complicated to initiate insurance refund, hopefully the seller will be cooperative with it.
Best of luck - I hope guitar will end up in your hands after all!
Thanks Bodgdan...I'm hoping this has a happy ending!It is Insured but the company I got it from in the USA already won't ship items to Russia because of thefts that have taken place...If this is stolen...then Spain will probably join the list. The USA is still asleep at the moment so hopefully I'll get a reply later today..European time...I posted this hoping that one of the Spanish Guys on here may be able to assist from this end...whilst I speak Spanish OK...I still have a foreign accent and that doesn't always help.
Posted by: korblitz Feb 13 2013, 01:53 PM
hey, send me a pm and I could help you with the translation or speaking with them.
Sorry about your guitar.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 02:00 PM
Sorry about your guitar.
Thanks Korblitz...I'll send you a PM
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 13 2013, 02:14 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this mate! Spanish is my main language so let me know if you need some help with this.
I hope that your guitar appears soon!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 02:48 PM
I hope that your guitar appears soon!
Thanks Gab. I have just sent Korblitz my details to see if he can phone the people for me..Like I said to him, my Spanish is OK but as you know...having an accent doesn't always get you full respect for some reason.
Posted by: korblitz Feb 13 2013, 03:05 PM
From what I gather...they "misplace" a lot of items in aduanas. They girl I talk to said that it's normal for some items to be mislabeled. She acted like it was a normal thing..."yeah, we get a lot of "misplaced" packages...just give it some days and they package will turn up".
Customs seems like a big joke. Oh well, I least you are covered on both ways...aduanas will pay you back if they don't find it and you have an insurance on the guitar.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 03:13 PM
Customs seems like a big joke. Oh well, I least you are covered on both ways...aduanas will pay you back if they don't find it and you have an insurance on the guitar.
Ok thanks Korblitz...Yes you are right. Customs are a big joke.Although they are good at taking my money for an item they cannot find!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 13 2013, 04:01 PM
Customs seems like a big joke. Oh well, I least you are covered on both ways...aduanas will pay you back if they don't find it and you have an insurance on the guitar.
Ok, at least there is a possibility of finding the guitar. I think that it's a big item so it will appear. Let's be positive.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 05:42 PM
I want to be positive...but I am always cynical (by nature) and I have a feeling that someone has nicked it...but I hope you are right Gab...from what Korblitz says...it seems commonplace to misplace things...Its hard to wait and wait and remain positive...But I have my fingers crossed!
Posted by: Nonsequitur Feb 13 2013, 07:40 PM
I am sorry to see this happening. I had the same paranoid thoughts about my own latest purchase, that it would end up missing right before it got to me; it was painful to wait. I am very partial to the Trans Black Les Paul, since my newest guitar is a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Standard Plus in Trans Black.
Here is hoping you get it safe and sound!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 13 2013, 07:47 PM
Here is hoping you get it safe and sound!
Thanks Nonsequitar...Unfortunately 'trans' is starting to mean transparent instead of translucent!
Posted by: Nonsequitur Feb 13 2013, 07:58 PM
I hate to add to your paranoia and loss, but it was a hard color to find too. Keeping my fingers crossed for you! I hope to come back and see that it has been delivered in good shape!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 14 2013, 08:35 AM
Hey mate! Sorry to hear about this but, let's keep our hopes up for that axe - government institutions are the same in many countries They always ask for loads of taxes but they do/ give nothing in return.
It's quite a big item so, I don't think it will be lost so easily - Best of luck!
Cosmin
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 14 2013, 10:59 AM
They always ask for loads of taxes but they do/ give nothing in return. It's quite a big item so, I don't think it will be lost so easily - Best of luck!
Cosmin
Thanks Cosmin. I spoke to them again this morning and they told me its a very big warehouse in Madrid and it may have been put in the wrong exit situation and it takes time to look for it..I don't think the woman believed me when I told her I need the guitar for a concert in Barcelona!
Apparently it's not definitely 'lost forever' ...most of the time things turn up eventually she said 
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Feb 14 2013, 02:35 PM
Can't believe what i've read here... and can't believe that somehwere the things are worse than here in Serbia 
Btw, wish u good luck with finding your guitar , and next time follow my advice - only buy guitars in personal , cos' you'll never know in what condition u can find the delivered item.
Posted by: tonymiro Feb 14 2013, 04:31 PM
...
Sadly it doesn't surprise me at all Slav. Officialdom and red tape here in Spain is a continual royal pain and often stupid. I've got a file of letters from the tributaria threatening me with jail because I registered to pay my taxes...
Hope the guitar arrives soon Headbanger.
Posted by: klasaine Feb 14 2013, 05:36 PM
Very sorry to hear that Headbanger. Fingers crossed that it all works out. and I know how frustrating it can be.
My wife is from Italy and many times we've sent things to her family and they've been missing for weeks as well as 'lost' permanently. Same with a few things coming here.
One time I had a guitar sent to me from Colorado. I live in Los Angeles. The sender/shipper inverted one number on my address. After figuring this out with UPS I realized that my guitar was shipped to the house across the street - no big deal, right. We didn't know each other as it was a main city street in L.A. I lived in an apartment complex and the residence across the street was a big villa set way back from the street. Anyway, I go over there and it turns out that the lady of the house was having a bunch of construction done and (because it wasn't too heavy and the box was a little beat up) she just thought it was an empty box and put it out with the trash ... thankfully to be picked up the day AFTER I came calling.
Recently I had pedal sent to me but it had the wrong zip code. It voyaged around and around los angeles for two weeks until finally 'my' postal carrier (who knows my name) found it in the pile of return to sender. Needless to say that postman got a nice xmas present from me.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 14 2013, 05:51 PM
Thanks Tony, Slav and Klasaine....Not much update today...I think I got told off today for ringing..I was told to be patient.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 15 2013, 09:03 AM
My wife is from Italy and many times we've sent things to her family and they've been missing for weeks as well as 'lost' permanently. Same with a few things coming here.
One time I had a guitar sent to me from Colorado. I live in Los Angeles. The sender/shipper inverted one number on my address. After figuring this out with UPS I realized that my guitar was shipped to the house across the street - no big deal, right. We didn't know each other as it was a main city street in L.A. I lived in an apartment complex and the residence across the street was a big villa set way back from the street. Anyway, I go over there and it turns out that the lady of the house was having a bunch of construction done and (because it wasn't too heavy and the box was a little beat up) she just thought it was an empty box and put it out with the trash ... thankfully to be picked up the day AFTER I came calling.
Recently I had pedal sent to me but it had the wrong zip code. It voyaged around and around los angeles for two weeks until finally 'my' postal carrier (who knows my name) found it in the pile of return to sender. Needless to say that postman got a nice xmas present from me.
Nice story Ken
It seems you are a lucky guy in the end
Posted by: klasaine Feb 15 2013, 05:50 PM
I suppose.
That guitar put out with the trash ... it was a vintage instrument. A 1962 Kay 'Swinger'.
Any word today Headbanger?
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 15 2013, 06:10 PM
That guitar put out with the trash ... it was a vintage instrument. A 1962 Kay 'Swinger'.
Any word today Headbanger?
No...I just rang them again...I'm trying hard to be the pain in the arse customer...But to them its water off a ducks back. They told me to wait until Monday as no one works the weekend from 1800 hrs. Situation is the same I was told. I am asking silly questions like..."when will they find it?" "Is it lost for ever or is this just temporary?"...My questions are met with silence...until 10 seconds later I say" Hola?".... are you still there...yes. "Do you think they will find it monday?" I ask....(all in Spanish BTW)...."Its a big warehouse, things don't get found in a day!" I am advised. "Well its been three days so far." More water off a Ducks back. Etc Etc etc etc....aaaaaarrrrghgghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mroberts70 Feb 15 2013, 07:23 PM
This doesn't help, but I Hope you get it soon.... Apparently it's one of two things... someone in that office plays guitar and has nicked your axe, or no one in the office plays so they don't understand the emergency here...! I would only be more concerned if I couldn't find one of my kids, the guitar is next in line.... she gets a little jealous, but she knows her place.
Posted by: klasaine Feb 15 2013, 07:29 PM
Yeah - be a pain in the a$$.
I called everyday. The possible difference here is that I talked to a different person each day.
In the case of the guitar, I finally found someone that would tell me that the two adresses didn't match - but would not tell me the actual numbers (naturally). I then called the shipper and had him check with his post office to confirm the address on the box wasn't mine and to tell me what the number was. This was before it was common to do on-line/computer generated invoices with redundancy and tracking numbers online, etc.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 15 2013, 08:39 PM
I feel bad but the kids will have to go first....
OMG just joking!!
I called everyday. The possible difference here is that I talked to a different person each day.
In the case of the guitar, I finally found someone that would tell me that the two adresses didn't match - but would not tell me the actual numbers (naturally). I then called the shipper and had him check with his post office to confirm the address on the box wasn't mine and to tell me what the number was. This was before it was common to do on-line/computer generated invoices with redundancy and tracking numbers online, etc.
I think I'm also talking to a few different people...but they can see the times that I have phoned from their computer screens. Well I'm going to give it the biggun on Monday and ring every hour!
Posted by: tonymiro Feb 16 2013, 10:59 AM
Try tellingl them you're going to file a denucia with the Guardia.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 16 2013, 11:47 AM
I don't think that would bother them.
Posted by: tonymiro Feb 16 2013, 11:49 AM
It might not but you never know mate.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 16 2013, 12:05 PM
I've got to wait until Monday to do anything else. The seller has advised USPS and they are on it from their end..they have started an investigation..which means they will try and track the guitar....From the sound of it...there is a lot of stuff missing or mislaid in Barajas airport.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 18 2013, 06:07 PM
I have just got an email message saying that a package has been released from Spanish customs....BUT it has a different tracking number than my guitar..My phone call to the post office didn't help..The details of this new tracking number seem to tally up to the other tracking number (dates..)......Maybe they gave it a new number or something...hope so!
Whatever it is is on its way.....IS IT THE MISSING GUITAR???????? Let you know in the next day or two.
OMG OMG OMG.....I dare not believe it yet!!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 18 2013, 06:11 PM
Best of luck mate! This has turned into a police novel that could bear the title: 'Exciting story of the lost package'
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 18 2013, 06:14 PM
Hahahaha
... I won't believe it until I see it....in one piece!Posted by: Headbanger Feb 19 2013, 11:03 AM
UPDATE: It is the Missing Guitar....I will get it in the next 24 to 48 hrs 
Posted by: audiopaal Feb 19 2013, 11:13 AM
Awesome, hope it arrives in one piece
Posted by: korblitz Feb 19 2013, 04:27 PM
Congratulations!
Please post some awesome pics when it gets home.
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 19 2013, 04:53 PM
Thanks audiopaal...just one piece, neck intact, sitting in its hardcase will be awesomel!!
Please post some awesome pics when it gets home.
Thanks Korblitz I certainly will!! Thanks for trying to ring customs for me during my trauma...its appreciated man.
Posted by: Nonsequitur Feb 19 2013, 09:49 PM
That is good news! Looking forward to the pics!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 20 2013, 08:50 AM
Finally! Hope it will be ok and everybody will be happy - at least you will have a good story for your grandchildren!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 02:50 PM
The Eagle has landed!!!!! 
Shipped with strings loosened which I think has given the neck a very slight back bow...Now that I've tuned it it has fret buzz. I'm hoping that this will disappear after a couple of hours with string tension....At least its here... apart from the annoying buzz, it sounds awesome.
Thanks for your support everyone during this traumatic guitar disappearance!!! 
Me and my new girlfriend
Posted by: tonymiro Feb 20 2013, 04:00 PM
Congrats on the happy ending :-)
Posted by: jstcrsn Feb 20 2013, 04:19 PM
shipping with strings loosened is proper, as the guitar goes through climate changes it won't permanently damage the neck, you might need a good set up after it aclimates
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 20 2013, 04:57 PM
Finally May you enjoy it and play the most beautiful melodies!
Posted by: Timmy b Feb 20 2013, 04:57 PM
Good to hear there's a happy ending to this story. Enjoy your new Guitar!!!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 05:25 PM
Cheers Tony...I still hate customs...23 days in Barajas!!
That's what I would have done...the seller , a large reputable American shop have said the same as you...also that the truss rod may need slight loosening whilst acclimatization takes place and also that the strings being tuned now may help...They've been in tune about 5 hours now and nothing happened yet. I think their is a lot of pressure from zero string tension too fully tuned...so I am going to wait a couple of days before I do anything.
May you enjoy it and play the most beautiful melodies!Jesus Ive been thrashing the hell out of it so far...can't stop...no melodies yet!!!!
Cheers Timmy....Its true love!!
Posted by: klasaine Feb 20 2013, 06:44 PM
Awesome!!!
Now I'll tell you a story of a friend of mine. I didn't say anything before because i'm slightly superstitious.
A buddy ordered a Jim Tyler guitar ( http://www.tylerguitars.com/ ).
What showed up at his door was this ... http://tirecrawler.com/shop/detail_tire.php?product_id=911&t=GS&gclid=CJjI1eq3xbUCFWhyQgod63wAfw
Tyler - Toyo ... get it. (He eventually got the axe)
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 07:12 PM
Now I'll tell you a story of a friend of mine. I didn't say anything before because i'm slightly superstitious.
A buddy ordered a Jim Tyler guitar ( http://www.tylerguitars.com/ ).
What showed up at his door was this ... http://tirecrawler.com/shop/detail_tire.php?product_id=911&t=GS&gclid=CJjI1eq3xbUCFWhyQgod63wAfw
Tyler - Toyo ... get it. (He eventually got the axe)
Haha..that would have frightened me if a tyre turned up! If a set of dunlop tyres turned up instead of a couple of dunlop picks, I think i'd accept that delivery and keep my mouth shut!ยชPosted by: HungryForHeaven Feb 20 2013, 07:19 PM
Yaaay, congratulations Hb!
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 07:32 PM
Thanks Hungry...A weight has been lifted off my shoulders...I'm actually speaking to people now!!
Posted by: Nonsequitur Feb 20 2013, 07:51 PM
Beautiful guitar, welcome to the Trans Black club! Glad you got it finally! 
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 09:37 PM
Haha,,Thanks mate...I like trans black...it looks quite different in real life doesn't it...Half the time it changes from grey to black to blue to greygreen almost. You have a beauty. I saw it the other day on another thread...(but was to depressed to comment!!)
Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Feb 20 2013, 10:39 PM
Congratz finally
Posted by: Headbanger Feb 20 2013, 10:57 PM
Thanks Sinisa.....It feels good!
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