[Slewfoot2000]

Great to hear! Would love to see photos! I still have my deposit with Robert and just can't decide on what to do. It'll likely be one of the following:

- a Wolf inspired build, chambered for weight and possibly using Koa instead of Maple and Cocobolo instead of Purpleheart

- a Les Paul inspired that is black on top and dark brown wood on the back and sides like the old Gretsch Duo Jets...pickups being a neck Staple P90, middle P90 or Strat, bridge Firebird or Humbucker...a Bigsby and instead of a standard pickguard using an aluminum Garcia type pickup surround ring

- possible I may buy an existing guitar and just have it modded

[GratefulDadNJ]

[Slewfoot2000]

Looks great! Really nice and classy and hope it sounds as good as it appears!

[GratefulDadNJ]

Man, it sounds really great. Here is the rig I’m using (excuse the messy wires) set up in the basement.

Sounds like you have some great ideas for your build. Hope it turns out great. Would love to see what you end up w.

[Slewfoot2000]

Hi Gang - Hope all is well. Just curious if anyone has any updates on the Rusch front.

Thanks!

[Nightfall_Diamonds]

I’ve kept an eye on this issue for a personal reason. I’m a stickler for keeping people honest as well as transparent. Last time I checked, his new web site is down. I did not see an active FB and I don’t think his instagram is active. His new site said all new orders in 2024 had delivery date of Jan 2025. That would’ve been impossible after hearing about his financial issues, thousands in deposits for builds and lack of transparency.

Folks, if there are tons of people out thousands of dollars then you do have options. I’ve been around awhile and more times than I could count, the BBB (Better Business Bureau) has been critical in preventing personal/professional losses. These folks receive complaints and act as mediator to resolve issues. All complaints become public as a means of showing whether or not the business is proactive in addressing customer concerns.

You should not feel bad about protecting yourself. That’s why the BBB was established. It’s very simple; you pay for a product or service and you receive that product or service. If one party does not honor their end of an agreement then resolution is needed. I’m an old school head who’s been around the block. The Dead community is full of loving and understanding people. However, this is a business transaction rather than a personal situation where we look out for each other. This is my way of looking out for so many good people.

www.bbb.org

[Jon S.]

Man, it sounds really great. Here is the rig I’m using (excuse the messy wires) set up in the basement.

Sounds like you have some great ideas for your build. Hope it turns out great. Would love to see what you end up w.

A friend owns both a real Dumble and a Bludotone which we A-B’d together. I preferred the Bludotone.

[Drew1982]

I don’t think Robert is ever going to send me my wolf tribute. I am into him my full payment. Last communication was November 29th. I have sent multiple texts and emails since then and he has gone radio silent with me.

I’m really sad and just disappointed. I just want my guitar.

[GratefulDadNJ]

I have a pit in my stomach reading this. I had the same sinking feeling, and I lobbed multiple calls and had very direct but respectful conversations w Rob. And ultimately, he delivered my build, as well as one for my buddy that I brokered. I encourage you not to give up and see if you can work w him to ensure you get what you paid for. He is not doshonest from my experience but can’t say I can give him a pass for the way he has managed his business (deposits) and poor comunication to customers who trust him to deliver.

[Drew1982]

He has all of my money and has since February of 2024. He just recently agreed to a December 31 ship date. I have sent him numerous emails and texts with no responses. Last time I heard from him was November 29, 2025.

I just want my guitar so you are telling me if I just lay off and give him some more time he is going to prove me wrong and deliver my guitar soon. I have been waiting for so long.

[GratefulDadNJ]

No, I am saying stay on top of him, keep it respectful, hold him accountable and hoping you have the same outcome as me. I am betting you will ultimately get your guitar.

[Drew1982]

Ok thank you for your help. I really hope he pulls through.

[Jon S.]

Myself, I've commissioned two custom builds in my day.

One was by Taylor. The guitar came on time and was stunningly beautiful. It was also muffled and uninspiring. After a year of trying to convince myself I could learn to love it, I admitted the truth, put it on consignment, and got my money back.

The other was by a Baltimore luthier friend. He came through in the end and we remain close friends but the final guitar took two years longer than I was first quoted and over the initial budget.

Based on these experiences and others involving regular new and used guitars, I'm finished buying any guitar that I've not personally held and played before paying for it.

Another thing: let's be honest, we can 95% of the way to Jerry tone with a modified Strat.

[OhiaMagnolia]

He has all of my money and has since February of 2024. He just recently agreed to a December 31 ship date. I have sent him numerous emails and texts with no responses. Last time I heard from him was November 29, 2025.

I just want my guitar so you are telling me if I just lay off and give him some more time he is going to prove me wrong and deliver my guitar soon. I have been waiting for so long.

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, your experience matches mine almost exactly.

Robert told me my guitar was “next,” sent progress photos, and repeatedly gave projected completion dates. None of them were met. Communication would resume briefly and then stop entirely. That pattern has repeated for years.

I’ve been waiting since 2019, paid in full, and despite multiple assurances, nothing was delivered and no refund was issued. Based on that history, I have no expectation that additional time will result in delivery.

I hope your outcome is different, but I would not advise relying on further promises alone.

[Jon S.]

I've reread the last couple of pages here and it's so sad, the whole mishigas.*

If we take anything away from this, it's folks, seriously, NEVER pay any vendor or service provider in full upfront.

To the thievery victims here, all I can recommend - and I do so knowing it's easy for me to say because it's not my $$ that were stolen but I have been in your place before in other contexts and I've done both at one time or another - is to do one of two things: (1) speak with and, if you feel strongly about it, engage an attorney and seek a judgment and lien (you'll need both and yes, I am a lawyer, though what I'm providing here is merely a lay opinion food for thought and NOT "legal advice") against the lying builder; or (2) let it go - write off the lost funds and move on.

The latter is among the most difficult things we can do when we've been screwed but sometimes the emotional energy holding onto a problem costs us more in the end then letting go and moving on. And note that, even if you do (2), you can still hold out hope, in the back of your mind, that the builder will surprise you eventually, just stop expecting it.

* https://www.yourdictionary.com/mishigas