Important note
These terms describe the general business structure for commissioned instruments. A specific build may also be governed by a separate written agreement, invoice, estimate, or written approval of specifications. If those materials conflict with this page, the more specific written agreement controls.
Initial consultation
Every commission begins with a conversation about your playing, priorities, and design goals. Discussions before a deposit is accepted are exploratory and do not reserve a build slot.
Deposit and slot reservation
A build slot is reserved only when I confirm the commission and receive the required deposit. As published on the site today, that deposit is $1,000 and is generally non-refundable. The deposit is applied toward the final purchase price.
Specifications and price
Final price depends on the agreed design, woods, hardware, finish, and custom aesthetic work. Specifications and pricing should be agreed in writing before a build begins. Small details may evolve in the ordinary course of the work, but substantial changes may require a revised price, revised timeline, or both.
Change requests
Requested changes after a build begins may not always be possible. If they are possible, they may increase cost, extend the build timeline, or require written approval before work continues.
Timeline
Published waitlist windows and build durations are estimates, not guarantees. Custom instrument work depends on materials, health, shop capacity, supplier lead times, and the realities of one-person bench work.
Build updates
I may provide progress updates by email, text, phone, photos, video, or a private build page. Those updates are intended to document the build, not to create a separate service-level commitment or rigid milestone schedule.
Final payment
The remaining balance is due at completion and before shipment or delivery unless a different arrangement is confirmed in writing. I may retain possession of the instrument until all amounts due are paid in full.
Shipping and delivery
Unless otherwise agreed, completed instruments are shipped with a case. Shipping charges, insurance, taxes, duties, and import fees are the client's responsibility unless specifically included in writing. Risk of loss transfers according to the shipping terms agreed for the order.
Inspection and setup
You should inspect the instrument promptly after receipt and notify me within a reasonable time if there is shipping damage, a setup issue, or a problem that appears inconsistent with the agreed build. Wood instruments also move with climate and handling, and minor setup adjustments after travel may be normal.
Cancellation
If the client cancels before the build begins, the deposit is generally retained to cover planning, scheduling, and lost slot opportunity. If the client cancels after work has begun, the client may also be responsible for labor performed, materials ordered, and non-recoverable costs.
If I am unable to complete the build, we will work toward a fair written resolution based on the stage of the project, costs already incurred, and any usable work in progress.
Warranty and follow-up
Warranty or post-delivery support, if offered, should be described in the specific commission documents. Routine maintenance, environmental damage, accidents, unauthorized repair work, normal wear, and neglect may fall outside any warranty coverage.
Not legal advice for either party
This page is a public summary for prospective clients. For signed commissions, both parties are better served by a short, project-specific written agreement.