Ordering from Roger Borys

[MS]

I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?

Thanks, all.

[RobertH446]

do a google search.
we had a member order one. When he finally got it, he loved it but i think it
was at least a year longer than promised in terms of delivery time

bob

[Rick Ross]

beautiful guitars but don't be in a hurry....

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

[sgcim]

Post by Rick Ross
beautiful guitars but don't be in a hurry....

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

I bought a B120 from a guy who ordered it from Borys and got it around
the year 2000 and he said one of the reasons he sold it was because of
the "bad vibes" the guitar had from his ordeal with Roger.
Borys told him it would take a little over a year to build and kept
asking him for further payments until he paid him in full and the
guitar still wasn't ready.
It finally took about two years with over a dozen unreturned calls
and the guitar was finished. Borys "rewarded" him for the long wait by
yelling at him for pestering him so much!
But the thing the guy was most upset about was that Borys stained
the guitar the wrong color. He wanted a bright sunburst and Roger
stained it dark brown.
Then again, there are other people who post here who had more
positive experiences, but be prepared to wait...

[Rick Ross]

you're speaking of none other than Martin...quite an ugly ordeal..but, when
guiatr finally came..it was quite nice..

Post by sgcim

Post by Rick Ross
beautiful guitars but don't be in a hurry....

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

I bought a B120 from a guy who ordered it from Borys and got it around
the year 2000 and he said one of the reasons he sold it was because of
the "bad vibes" the guitar had from his ordeal with Roger.
Borys told him it would take a little over a year to build and kept
asking him for further payments until he paid him in full and the
guitar still wasn't ready.
It finally took about two years with over a dozen unreturned calls
and the guitar was finished. Borys "rewarded" him for the long wait by
yelling at him for pestering him so much!
But the thing the guy was most upset about was that Borys stained
the guitar the wrong color. He wanted a bright sunburst and Roger
stained it dark brown.
Then again, there are other people who post here who had more
positive experiences, but be prepared to wait...

[sgcim]

Post by Rick Ross
you're speaking of none other than Martin...quite an ugly ordeal..but, when
guiatr finally came..it was quite nice..

Post by sgcim

Post by Rick Ross
beautiful guitars but don't be in a hurry....

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

I bought a B120 from a guy who ordered it from Borys and got it around
the year 2000 and he said one of the reasons he sold it was because of
the "bad vibes" the guitar had from his ordeal with Roger.
Borys told him it would take a little over a year to build and kept
asking him for further payments until he paid him in full and the
guitar still wasn't ready.
It finally took about two years with over a dozen unreturned calls
and the guitar was finished. Borys "rewarded" him for the long wait by
yelling at him for pestering him so much!
But the thing the guy was most upset about was that Borys stained
the guitar the wrong color. He wanted a bright sunburst and Roger
stained it dark brown.
Then again, there are other people who post here who had more
positive experiences, but be prepared to wait...

No, I speak not of Martin, although his story is well known in the
history of Borysianity.
No, I speak of another martyr of Borysianity, Daniel, who hath equally
suffered the will of our lord Roger.

[Rick Ross]

aye matey! then thar be two of 'em!

Post by sgcim

Post by Rick Ross
you're speaking of none other than Martin...quite an ugly ordeal..but, when
guiatr finally came..it was quite nice..

Post by sgcim

Post by Rick Ross
beautiful guitars but don't be in a hurry....

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

I bought a B120 from a guy who ordered it from Borys and got it around
the year 2000 and he said one of the reasons he sold it was because of
the "bad vibes" the guitar had from his ordeal with Roger.
Borys told him it would take a little over a year to build and kept
asking him for further payments until he paid him in full and the
guitar still wasn't ready.
It finally took about two years with over a dozen unreturned calls
and the guitar was finished. Borys "rewarded" him for the long wait by
yelling at him for pestering him so much!
But the thing the guy was most upset about was that Borys stained
the guitar the wrong color. He wanted a bright sunburst and Roger
stained it dark brown.
Then again, there are other people who post here who had more
positive experiences, but be prepared to wait...

No, I speak not of Martin, although his story is well known in the
history of Borysianity.
No, I speak of another martyr of Borysianity, Daniel, who hath equally
suffered the will of our lord Roger.

[gopi2]

I have purchased 2 guitars from Roger. Over 2 years ago, I sent Roger my
B420 to sell on consignment. I was unable to contact Roger for more than a
year. When I finally spoke to Roger, he informed me he had been sick with
pneumonia,(for a year?). Another year has passed & I have been unable to
contact Roger. I did call using a different name, and Roger answered. When
I informed Roger who was actually calling, he hung up. (Roger screens his
calls). I asked friends to call and inquire about his guitars. He not only
answered, but sent them information and then followed up. I have called
the local police. They have told me it's a civil matter. Unfortunately the
small claims threshold in Vermont is $3500.00. If anyone has purchased or
seen a brownish colored B420 Special, serial #15-227-92 with a suspended
pickup and no finger board inlay, I would sure like to hear from you.
Legato Guitars recently had one of Rogers guitars for sale. I called and
spoke to the owner who has sold 4 of Rogers guitars. Each owner mentioned
a bad experiece in dealing with Roger. I am pursuing the return of my
guitar through the courts. This has been a very frustrating experience.
With the help of fellow guitar players, I would like to put some pressure
on Roger to return my guitar. I would think long and hard about ordering a
guitar from Roger.

Bob G.

[t***@jhu.edu]

You're about the third or fourth Borys horror story on this ng.
Most of the successful custom luthiers I've known are
major schmoozehounds and super customer oriented. I've
never met Borys, but I'm starting to catch a stinky breeze
from his direction.

[Gerry]

Post by t***@jhu.edu
You're about the third or fourth Borys horror story on this ng.
Most of the successful custom luthiers I've known are
major schmoozehounds and super customer oriented. I've
never met Borys, but I'm starting to catch a stinky breeze
from his direction.

Sad to say, but apparently it's best to buy a Borys, used or new, from
a third party.

[Deutschland]

Allow me to share my story with you:

I live in Germany and bout a used Borys Solid Body Guitar. I researched a
bit and came up with Mr. Borys' Phone Number. That was still the time he
offered to send out Information about his Guitars on his answering machine
- around '01.

I promptly ordered a guitar and telephoned back and forth with R. as to
how the guitar should look and what kind of wood he would use and so
forth. That, by the way, was after I wired him $4000.- in full.
So after about 6 Months I stopped reaching Mr Borys, but because he was
still in his 12 Month timeframe I didn't really get nervous, until I
hadn't been able to reach him for 6 straight months.

And guess what... I'm still waiting for that guitar of his... it has been
about 4 Years now, and I'm still leaving messages on his answering
machine, which does not offer information about his guitars.

But this bulletin board has actually given me hope, that the guitar might
still come my way.

[gopi2]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I have sued and and won a default
judgement against Roger - (Roger did not show up in court.) I hope to
settle with him soon. Roger is dishonest. Don't believe anything he says,
if you can contact him. If you need any help let me know.

[Clifford Golson]

I found Roger to be trustworthy.
What was your experience?

CG

Post by gopi2
Sorry to hear about your problem. I have sued and and won a default
judgement against Roger - (Roger did not show up in court.) I hope to
settle with him soon. Roger is dishonest. Don't believe anything he says,
if you can contact him. If you need any help let me know.

[gtr]

Post by Clifford Golson
I found Roger to be trustworthy.
What was your experience?
CG

Post by gopi2
Sorry to hear about your problem. I have sued and and won a default
judgement against Roger - (Roger did not show up in court.) I hope to
settle with him soon. Roger is dishonest. Don't believe anything he says,
if you can contact him. If you need any help let me know.

If you google Borys in this ng you'll find a fair amount of carping
about Roger's business practices. That doesn't mean his instruments
aren't exceptional, or that the majority of his customers haven't had a
good experience. Just that at least some have been exceptionally
frustrated in their experiences.

[Russ Hanchin]

As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.

Russ

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

[davoy]

Post by Russ Hanchin
As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.
Russ

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

My experience with Roger Borys was much like Martin's. Roger said it
would be done in 12-14 months. I ordered my B-120 in April of '99 and
picked it up (without a caae! He said I was in such a hurry that he
didn't have time to get a case!) in June of '01. In the first six
months or so I would call Roger and he would pick up the phone and
update me. But interestingly, after he got my second payment, I could
no longer reach him. I called monthly for the next several months. He
never returned my calls. Finally, around December 2000 he answered
the phone. He had many excuses why the guitar was not done. He told
me it would be done soon but another six months went by before I got
it. This was a very frustrating experience. All that was needed, and I
told him this, was for him to communicate with me. He should just be
up front with how long it takes. Players will still buy his
instruments. After all, his guitars sound good and are well built.
They are highly sought after. Dan Sedia

[MS]

Thank you, all, for your informative responses. Dan, were you happy
with your guitar when you finally received it? Did it live up to your
expectations--workmanshipwise, tonewise?

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin
As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.
Russ

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

My experience with Roger Borys was much like Martin's. Roger said it
would be done in 12-14 months. I ordered my B-120 in April of '99 and
picked it up (without a caae! He said I was in such a hurry that he
didn't have time to get a case!) in June of '01. In the first six
months or so I would call Roger and he would pick up the phone and
update me. But interestingly, after he got my second payment, I could
no longer reach him. I called monthly for the next several months. He
never returned my calls. Finally, around December 2000 he answered
the phone. He had many excuses why the guitar was not done. He told
me it would be done soon but another six months went by before I got
it. This was a very frustrating experience. All that was needed, and I
told him this, was for him to communicate with me. He should just be
up front with how long it takes. Players will still buy his
instruments. After all, his guitars sound good and are well built.
They are highly sought after. Dan Sedia

[Gerry]

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see
the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]]

If you actually get close to pricing and ordering a guitar from Borys
I'd really like to know, feel free to private e-mail. I've pondered it
for years but have thought it was for another lifetime. Then I
remembered--this is the only one I'll get!

[sgcim]

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin
As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.
Russ

That be the Daniel I whence spoke of- Hi Danny! You didn't even
mention that he stained it the wrong color!

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

My experience with Roger Borys was much like Martin's. Roger said it
would be done in 12-14 months. I ordered my B-120 in April of '99 and
picked it up (without a caae! He said I was in such a hurry that he
didn't have time to get a case!) in June of '01. In the first six
months or so I would call Roger and he would pick up the phone and
update me. But interestingly, after he got my second payment, I could
no longer reach him. I called monthly for the next several months. He
never returned my calls. Finally, around December 2000 he answered
the phone. He had many excuses why the guitar was not done. He told
me it would be done soon but another six months went by before I got
it. This was a very frustrating experience. All that was needed, and I
told him this, was for him to communicate with me. He should just be
up front with how long it takes. Players will still buy his
instruments. After all, his guitars sound good and are well built.
They are highly sought after. Dan Sedia

[Russ Hanchin]

For anyone looking for one of Roger's B-120's, check out Mandolin
Brothers
http://www.mandoweb.com/2_Archtop.htm Here's a gorgeous looking one
for $3350. Scroll down or search for #13124294. From what I've been
hearing about Roger's delivery dates, this is definitely the way to
pick up what IMHO is the best jazz box out there. disclaimer: I don't
have any affiliation with Roger or Mando Bros, but as I said
prviously, I own two of Roger's guitars.

Good Luck!
Russ

Post by sgcim

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin
As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.
Russ

That be the Daniel I whence spoke of- Hi Danny! You didn't even
mention that he stained it the wrong color!

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

My experience with Roger Borys was much like Martin's. Roger said it
would be done in 12-14 months. I ordered my B-120 in April of '99 and
picked it up (without a caae! He said I was in such a hurry that he
didn't have time to get a case!) in June of '01. In the first six
months or so I would call Roger and he would pick up the phone and
update me. But interestingly, after he got my second payment, I could
no longer reach him. I called monthly for the next several months. He
never returned my calls. Finally, around December 2000 he answered
the phone. He had many excuses why the guitar was not done. He told
me it would be done soon but another six months went by before I got
it. This was a very frustrating experience. All that was needed, and I
told him this, was for him to communicate with me. He should just be
up front with how long it takes. Players will still buy his
instruments. After all, his guitars sound good and are well built.
They are highly sought after. Dan Sedia

[sgcim]

Post by Russ Hanchin
For anyone looking for one of Roger's B-120's, check out Mandolin
Brothers
http://www.mandoweb.com/2_Archtop.htm Here's a gorgeous looking one
for $3350. Scroll down or search for #13124294. From what I've been
hearing about Roger's delivery dates, this is definitely the way to
pick up what IMHO is the best jazz box out there. disclaimer: I don't
have any affiliation with Roger or Mando Bros, but as I said
prviously, I own two of Roger's guitars.
Good Luck!
Russ

Post by sgcim

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin
As a long time player of Roger's guitars (I own two) I can't say
enough about the instrument. However, recently, I heard that dealing
with Roger requires more and more patience. As good as he is in
creating magnificent instruments, he's conversely lacking in
business/people skills. I hate to suggest it, but if you want a Borys
guitar, you may want to check out dealers like Mandolin Bros, or
Elderly Instruments(or even Roger himself) for instruments already
built and for sale. I wouldn't recommend having one built... unless
you aren't in a hurry at all.
Russ

That be the Daniel I whence spoke of- Hi Danny! You didn't even
mention that he stained it the wrong color!

Post by davoy

Post by Russ Hanchin

Post by MS
I was wondering if anyone on this board has ordered a guitar from
Roger Borys recently, in the last 3 years, say. I'm thinking of
ordering a guitar from him and would like to benefit from the
experience of others. Those of you who have ordered from him, did the
transaction go smoothly? Were you happy with the final product?
Thanks, all.

My experience with Roger Borys was much like Martin's. Roger said it
would be done in 12-14 months. I ordered my B-120 in April of '99 and
picked it up (without a caae! He said I was in such a hurry that he
didn't have time to get a case!) in June of '01. In the first six
months or so I would call Roger and he would pick up the phone and
update me. But interestingly, after he got my second payment, I could
no longer reach him. I called monthly for the next several months. He
never returned my calls. Finally, around December 2000 he answered
the phone. He had many excuses why the guitar was not done. He told
me it would be done soon but another six months went by before I got
it. This was a very frustrating experience. All that was needed, and I
told him this, was for him to communicate with me. He should just be
up front with how long it takes. Players will still buy his
instruments. After all, his guitars sound good and are well built.
They are highly sought after. Dan Sedia

That one's long gone Russ, but the "Vermuenster" listed below it may
still be available.
I don't know why Mandolin Bros. didn't list the B-120 as sold, but
I've had some dealings with those guys (with my D'Angelico) and let's
just say 'let the buyer (and/or seller)beware'.

[Deutschland]

check this out:

http://www.oswego.edu/academics/opportunities/artswego/jazzguitar/2003jazzguitarfest/schedule.html