RAN, BRJ, or Strictly 7?

jjcor · 02-13-2012, 03:41 PM

I just canceled my carvin DC800 because I figured for the price that I was spending after all the specs I could just get a Ran crusher (which I really like cause of the body style), BJR (dont really know anything about them so far) or strictly 7 (another awesome guitar and less wait time).

Ran - Gonna run me about $3200, 12-14 month wait time

BJR - Emailed them 3 different times about 3 months ago about a quote and STILL have'nt heard back. So not sure if the communication process is gonna be the best.

Strictly 7 - Great looking guitar ( still like the Ran about 1.25 better ), awesome communication and about 6-7 months wait. And gonna run about $2500.

So I just wanna know peoples opinions about these guitars and any info about personal experience with these guys. Pro's and Con's.

Sepultorture · 02-13-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjcor

I just canceled my carvin DC800 because I figured for the price that I was spending after all the specs I could just get a Ran crusher (which I really like cause of the body style), BJR (dont really know anything about them so far) or strictly 7 (another awesome guitar and less wait time).

Ran - Gonna run me about $3200, 12-14 month wait time

BJR - Emailed them 3 different times about 3 months ago about a quote and STILL have'nt heard back. So not sure if the communication process is gonna be the best.

Strictly 7 - Great looking guitar ( still like the Ran about 1.25 better ), awesome communication and about 6-7 months wait. And gonna run about $2500.

So I just wanna know peoples opinions about these guitars and any info about personal experience with these guys. Pro's and Con's.

also take into account shipping, taxes and duties coming from poland to the US (if your price didn't include shipping, but it def won't include taxes and duites on entry into the US)

MaxOfMetal · 02-13-2012, 03:47 PM

I would have stuck with the Carvin. None of those builders are going to be cheaper, or have better wait times, and it's arguable if the quality will be much better either.

RAN: The seem to have stepped up their game a little bit, but I still remember one of the Crushers of late arriving with mediocre fretwork. It didn't seem to be a big issue, but still something to consider. Also, don't forget to factor in shipping and import costs, be prepared to add another $200 to $400 to the price said and done, possibly more.

BRJ: Unless you buy into a half done build or an in-stock I'd pass. His crew is buried up to their elbows in orders still and the communication still seems to be really shaky. Go forward at your own risk.

Strictly 7: Once again, I've seen and heard some not so great reviews regarding these. They seem to be alright, but their routes still look like swimming pools.

yuureikun · 02-13-2012, 03:52 PM

Gotta agree with Max. I was looking at S7 guitars for a while as well, but unfortunately not being able to try one out, and not really having any kind of trial period with the instrument after purchase makes it hard to go with for someone like me. Then Carvin came out with the DC800 (I already owned a DC727 since 2009).

I can't say enough good things about my DC800. The quality is amazing, the neck is insanely comfortable, and the pickups are surprisingly awesome. Carvin's quality is top notch and for the price, they are absolutely unbelievable.

technomancer · 02-13-2012, 03:52 PM

Max is wise

guy in latvia · 02-13-2012, 04:12 PM

you may also want to look into mayones (its gonna be much more expensive, but the wait time is not so bad, i hear).

vampiregenocide · 02-13-2012, 04:16 PM

Would've stuck with the Carvin to be honest. Just based on everything I've heard regarding the other companies.

TemjinStrife · 02-13-2012, 04:28 PM

Carvin is the only one of those that is a) local and b) has a big enough operation to be able to give you what you need and accept a return if it's unsatisfactory.

Also, WTF are you ordering if it's getting close to $3200?!?

MaxOfMetal · 02-13-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TemjinStrife

Also, WTF are you ordering if it's getting close to $3200?!?

Yeah, according to the online builder the DC800s top out at $2700 and that's with Koa, Flamed Maple neck, and Flamed Spalted Maple.

Stealthdjentstic · 02-13-2012, 04:34 PM

Yeah how someone specs out a carvin to cost that much I don't know

OP if you're ready to blow $3.2k look into Strandberg, Vik, KxK, etc...

leonardo7 · 02-13-2012, 04:37 PM

Mayones Regius

HighGain510 · 02-13-2012, 05:04 PM

Fix your specs on the Carvin and run back to them as quickly as you can!

jjcor · 02-13-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Also, WTF are you ordering if it's getting close to $3200?!?

The RAN is 3200 NOT the Carvin. The Carvin is 2360 to be exact. The strictly is 100 more and I can do spec out little shit like toggle switch and only a volume no tone knob. I called carvin and they told me they we not able to do this because of the wiring of the pickups.

And the Ran I included the shipping and all that into the cost. But yea BRJ seems to be a little overwhelmed at the momnent. Strictly were really nice dudes but that sucks about the routing issue. Thanks for the input so far though.

EOT · 02-13-2012, 05:43 PM

I have a Strictly 7+1 cobra model. It's pretty nice but I wouldn't put it in the same league as a BRJ, which I have one of those as well. The BRJ is better quality but like has been said, he's swamped and it would probably be best to let him get caught up.

mphsc · 02-13-2012, 07:48 PM

I was doing the same fence riding... I wanted an 8. I spec'ed a Carvin & wasn't sure. I've played several but I wanted a bit "more".

I have a Rico quote & have inquired about some here on the forum, nothing I've read or seen really drew me in but I love the slant tops.

KxK from what I've seen, read & now owned, I want another, I know this but no more 8's in the foreseen future.

I took the plunge for a RAN Crusher FF8. It's solid oil finish, which I love, fanned frets 25.5 - 28" scale, I was itching to try fanned frets, custom mahog covered pickups. The build is great, Darius was super to deal with, communication & shipping. The guitar was shipped right away, packed so damn well.

I paid less than $2500 for the guitar & shipping, it came in a flight case. I had no import fees or duty fees, nothing. What I paid is what I paid. honestly it was a great experience & the guitar feels great.

I've looked into Strictly 7 but for the money of the custom neck thru's I'd rather get a VIK. He lets the wood shine thru...

Good luck.

SpaceDock · 02-13-2012, 07:58 PM

I think a Rico would take two years or so right now unless it is a stock model.

mphsc · 02-15-2012, 09:53 AM

decisions?

MaxOfMetal · 02-15-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceDock

I think a Rico would take two years or so right now unless it is a stock model.

Depends on how many times Bernie has to rebuild it.....

Adam Of Angels · 02-15-2012, 09:58 AM

If you're in the US and want your guitar soon, go with Carvin. Those 800's have been turning out great, and I've never played a Carvin that I didn't think was awesome. You simply can't beat the price (assuming you're a US citizen)

Fred the Shred · 02-15-2012, 10:19 AM

Or you can get a Jaden Rose for that price, really. In the 3K range, you are opening yourself to quite a few builders. In terms of low delivery times, Carvin and Jaden have quite fast delivery times unless you go with a body made of sacred wood that was blessed by Buddha himself. I have no idea as to how S7G delivery times are at the moment (this assuming delivery time is a factor).

Rest is really down to specs and to the perceived need for a given company's distinctive mark when it comes to guitar building.

Andromalia · 02-15-2012, 11:09 AM

As a rule of thumb, except if you want a specific company, each side of the atlantic has enough builders to avoid transatlantic shipping fees. (Says me, who once bought an Ibanez from Canada and resold it to an Aussie)

Guitarholic · 02-15-2012, 12:10 PM

As much as I love my RAN (still best 7 I have played so far) I wouldn't go with them unless this is just a gear dream item. It took them 18months to complete it and then it was stuck in customs for another 3 weeks. Dariusz is great to work with though and like I said the final result was just mind blowing (NGD: RAN Custom RGA 7string). Oh yeah ... customs fee+import tax, etc was quite high. I paid another $330 after I finally got the guitar. So keep that in mind!!!

I would go with something US based for sure or builders that have a quicker turnaround time like Jaden. Mayones too is awesome but their US distributor is not the greatest to work with. I only work directly with the guys in Poland. Plus ... what's the retail price on a Regius 6 in the US ... $4200 or something like that?!?!

Don't think you can go with that Carvin to be honest!

mphsc · 02-15-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarholic

As much as I love my RAN (still best 7 I have played so far) I wouldn't go with them unless this is just a gear dream item. It took them 18months to complete it and then it was stuck in customs for another 3 weeks. Dariusz is great to work with though and like I said the final result was just mind blowing (NGD: RAN Custom RGA 7string). Oh yeah ... customs fee+import tax, etc was quite high. I paid another $330 after I finally got the guitar. So keep that in mind!!!

MY guitar shipped from Poland to Memphis, TN in less than 10 days. Shipped on 2-1-12 I had it in my hands on 2-8-12. I paid no customs fees at all. What I paid for the guitar is what is cost total. Maybe it's my location & since you're in TX, maybe even quicker for you.

Now I can't speak for build times as I bought the in-stock, but the owner was super easy to deal with & more responsive than some US shops I've dealt with.

jjcor · 02-15-2012, 12:34 PM

Time really is'nt a issue for me. After seeing the other guitars that are in the $3000 and up, the carvin doesnt look as good. IMO that is! I guess to each there own. I completely understand people being happy with their carvins, I just want something a little different. Just wanted to hear peoples opinions on some of these builders and their experience with them. Anyone deal with Vik? By what Ive looked up on his site it seems he has great communication.

mphsc · 02-15-2012, 12:54 PM

VIK - probably my next build in the coming years,

. From what I've seen he does exceptional work, but his quote, apples to apples, was the highest. Like almost $1,000 higher but I feel his builds are worth it. I love that Caprice S body & he seems to be flexible with allowing you to choose from many varieties of woods.

Honestly I could not be happier with my KxK & RAN though.

	sevenstring guitars		sevenstring registry		photo gallery		subscription		spy

02-13-2012, 03:41 PM	#1
jjcor GAS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lubbock,TX Posts: 363 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	RAN, BRJ, or Strictly 7? I just canceled my carvin DC800 because I figured for the price that I was spending after all the specs I could just get a Ran crusher (which I really like cause of the body style), BJR (dont really know anything about them so far) or strictly 7 (another awesome guitar and less wait time). Ran - Gonna run me about $3200, 12-14 month wait time BJR - Emailed them 3 different times about 3 months ago about a quote and STILL have'nt heard back. So not sure if the communication process is gonna be the best. Strictly 7 - Great looking guitar ( still like the Ran about 1.25 better ), awesome communication and about 6-7 months wait. And gonna run about $2500. So I just wanna know peoples opinions about these guitars and any info about personal experience with these guys. Pro's and Con's.

02-13-2012, 03:47 PM	#3
MaxOfMetal Likes trem wankery. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 21,239 Thanked: 91 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I would have stuck with the Carvin. None of those builders are going to be cheaper, or have better wait times, and it's arguable if the quality will be much better either. RAN: The seem to have stepped up their game a little bit, but I still remember one of the Crushers of late arriving with mediocre fretwork. It didn't seem to be a big issue, but still something to consider. Also, don't forget to factor in shipping and import costs, be prepared to add another $200 to $400 to the price said and done, possibly more. BRJ: Unless you buy into a half done build or an in-stock I'd pass. His crew is buried up to their elbows in orders still and the communication still seems to be really shaky. Go forward at your own risk. Strictly 7: Once again, I've seen and heard some not so great reviews regarding these. They seem to be alright, but their routes still look like swimming pools. urklvt, TemjinStrife, s_k_mullins and 10 others like this. Need help with setting up a trem? Need info on your Ibby? Live in Milwaukee? Please feel free to message me. New Rules. Read Them.

02-13-2012, 03:52 PM	#5
technomancer Gearus Pimptasticus • Super Moderator • Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Out there, somewhere Posts: 23,113 Thanked: 173 Feedback Score: 34 reviews	Max is wise urklvt, ralphy1976, yuureikun and 3 others like this. Incoming It's a surprise

02-13-2012, 04:16 PM	#7
vampiregenocide A Chap Called Ross Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 15,103 Thanked: 273 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Would've stuck with the Carvin to be honest. Just based on everything I've heard regarding the other companies. My Photography Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/rosswildishphotography Dissonant Media - The news source for new alternate/progressive music! Check us out: http://de-de.facebook.com/pages/Sawbridgeworth-United-Kingdom/Dissonant-Media/126448677394107 http://www.youtube.com/user/DissonantMedia#p/a http://dissonantmedia.tumblr.com/

Today
Seven String	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Sevenstring.org

02-13-2012, 03:52 PM	#4
yuureikun SS.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol, CT Posts: 146 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Gotta agree with Max. I was looking at S7 guitars for a while as well, but unfortunately not being able to try one out, and not really having any kind of trial period with the instrument after purchase makes it hard to go with for someone like me. Then Carvin came out with the DC800 (I already owned a DC727 since 2009). I can't say enough good things about my DC800. The quality is amazing, the neck is insanely comfortable, and the pickups are surprisingly awesome. Carvin's quality is top notch and for the price, they are absolutely unbelievable.

02-13-2012, 04:12 PM	#6
guy in latvia SS.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Riga, Latvia Posts: 1,048 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 7 reviews	you may also want to look into mayones (its gonna be much more expensive, but the wait time is not so bad, i hear).

02-13-2012, 04:28 PM	#8
TemjinStrife Power Metal Cellist Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Manhattan, NY Posts: 4,039 Thanked: 27 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Carvin is the only one of those that is a) local and b) has a big enough operation to be able to give you what you need and accept a return if it's unsatisfactory. Also, WTF are you ordering if it's getting close to $3200?!?

02-13-2012, 04:34 PM	#10
Stealthdjentstic Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canadia Posts: 19,978 Thanked: 338 Feedback Score: 10 reviews	Yeah how someone specs out a carvin to cost that much I don't know OP if you're ready to blow $3.2k look into Strandberg, Vik, KxK, etc... Guitarwiz2k and 0 Xero 0 like this.

02-13-2012, 04:37 PM	#11
leonardo7 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,451 Thanked: 108 Feedback Score: 20 reviews	Mayones Regius BabUShka, Iamasingularity and Pushingink like this.

02-13-2012, 05:04 PM	#12
HighGain510 Cold As Ice Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 12,478 Thanked: 226 Feedback Score: 31 reviews	Fix your specs on the Carvin and run back to them as quickly as you can! urklvt and Galius like this.

02-13-2012, 05:43 PM	#14
EOT I pull over 500 lbs. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: kansas Posts: 817 Thanked: 13 Feedback Score: 11 reviews	I have a Strictly 7+1 cobra model. It's pretty nice but I wouldn't put it in the same league as a BRJ, which I have one of those as well. The BRJ is better quality but like has been said, he's swamped and it would probably be best to let him get caught up.

02-13-2012, 07:48 PM	#15
mphsc lover of fine woods Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,579 Thanked: 19 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I was doing the same fence riding... I wanted an 8. I spec'ed a Carvin & wasn't sure. I've played several but I wanted a bit "more". I have a Rico quote & have inquired about some here on the forum, nothing I've read or seen really drew me in but I love the slant tops. KxK from what I've seen, read & now owned, I want another, I know this but no more 8's in the foreseen future. I took the plunge for a RAN Crusher FF8. It's solid oil finish, which I love, fanned frets 25.5 - 28" scale, I was itching to try fanned frets, custom mahog covered pickups. The build is great, Darius was super to deal with, communication & shipping. The guitar was shipped right away, packed so damn well. I paid less than $2500 for the guitar & shipping, it came in a flight case. I had no import fees or duty fees, nothing. What I paid is what I paid. honestly it was a great experience & the guitar feels great. I've looked into Strictly 7 but for the money of the custom neck thru's I'd rather get a VIK. He lets the wood shine thru... Good luck. Kykv, jjcor and Churchie777 like this.

02-13-2012, 07:58 PM	#16
SpaceDock Shred till your dead Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 1,399 Thanked: 12 Feedback Score: 13 reviews	I think a Rico would take two years or so right now unless it is a stock model. toiletstand likes this.

02-15-2012, 09:53 AM	#17
mphsc lover of fine woods Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,579 Thanked: 19 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	decisions?

02-15-2012, 09:58 AM	#19
Adam Of Angels Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mount Pleasant, PA Posts: 5,907 Thanked: 89 $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 73 reviews	If you're in the US and want your guitar soon, go with Carvin. Those 800's have been turning out great, and I've never played a Carvin that I didn't think was awesome. You simply can't beat the price (assuming you're a US citizen)

02-15-2012, 10:19 AM	#20
Fred the Shred Shrederick Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Posts: 6,049 Thanked: 117 Feedback Score: 17 reviews	Or you can get a Jaden Rose for that price, really. In the 3K range, you are opening yourself to quite a few builders. In terms of low delivery times, Carvin and Jaden have quite fast delivery times unless you go with a body made of sacred wood that was blessed by Buddha himself. I have no idea as to how S7G delivery times are at the moment (this assuming delivery time is a factor). Rest is really down to specs and to the perceived need for a given company's distinctive mark when it comes to guitar building. UnderTheSign likes this. Buy my album, will you? My store \| CDBaby FredBrum.com Happily endorsed by Jaden Rose Guitars, DiMarzio Pickups, Gruv Gear, Sik Pik Picks, PHD Picks and Spectraflex cables

02-15-2012, 11:09 AM	#21
Andromalia Pardon my french Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 4,102 Thanked: 42 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	As a rule of thumb, except if you want a specific company, each side of the atlantic has enough builders to avoid transatlantic shipping fees. (Says me, who once bought an Ibanez from Canada and resold it to an Aussie) Fred the Shred and UnderTheSign like this.

02-15-2012, 12:10 PM	#22
Guitarholic 8Dio Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 577 Thanked: 28 $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Guitarholic is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 0 reviews	As much as I love my RAN (still best 7 I have played so far) I wouldn't go with them unless this is just a gear dream item. It took them 18months to complete it and then it was stuck in customs for another 3 weeks. Dariusz is great to work with though and like I said the final result was just mind blowing (NGD: RAN Custom RGA 7string). Oh yeah ... customs fee+import tax, etc was quite high. I paid another $330 after I finally got the guitar. So keep that in mind!!! I would go with something US based for sure or builders that have a quicker turnaround time like Jaden. Mayones too is awesome but their US distributor is not the greatest to work with. I only work directly with the guys in Poland. Plus ... what's the retail price on a Regius 6 in the US ... $4200 or something like that?!?! Don't think you can go with that Carvin to be honest! http://soundcloud.com/janhoeglund http://bandhappy.com/profile/janhoeglund Or follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jan-M...42452299209335

02-15-2012, 12:34 PM	#24
jjcor GAS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lubbock,TX Posts: 363 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Time really is'nt a issue for me. After seeing the other guitars that are in the $3000 and up, the carvin doesnt look as good. IMO that is! I guess to each there own. I completely understand people being happy with their carvins, I just want something a little different. Just wanted to hear peoples opinions on some of these builders and their experience with them. Anyone deal with Vik? By what Ive looked up on his site it seems he has great communication. mphsc likes this.

02-15-2012, 12:54 PM	#25
mphsc lover of fine woods Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,579 Thanked: 19 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	VIK - probably my next build in the coming years, . From what I've seen he does exceptional work, but his quote, apples to apples, was the highest. Like almost $1,000 higher but I feel his builds are worth it. I love that Caprice S body & he seems to be flexible with allowing you to choose from many varieties of woods. Honestly I could not be happier with my KxK & RAN though.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode