Any know how to reach Korby? MIA?

[audibell]

Pope Julius the 2nd was similarly inconvenienced, by an expert at painting his chapels called michelangelo; it is generally accepted that the Roman pontiff was entirely satisfied after the long-awaited frescoes were finally completed.
WalterT

[haikusoftruth]

Wow... just wow.

If Korby can stay in business after this...

Wow.

With so many TINY boutique companies providing STELLAR customer service, theres NOTHING to be said other than "no sale"...

And I was looking at Korbys at one point but got no response to any emails. Then I tried to contact them about servicing a mic. No response. That was a couple years ago... Its amazing that they got this far...

At that point I wrote them off... especially considering companies like Bock. Buy a USED mic off Bock on Ebay and see what I mean... Awesome.

[PdotDdot]

I brought my U87ai into Korby for a repair a short time after Thanksgiving. I was told that they'd get to it shortly. Well it is not as long as some, but I have yet to hear anything.

I tried to contact them via phone but the phone was disconnected. I sent two unanswered emails. I went down to the shop and the Blackbird rental folks heard me banging on the Korby door and they let me know Korby no longer rents that space.

I suspect they are now working out of their home.

I just sent an email to Nadine requesting info on how to get mu mic back. At this point, I do not care whether it is repaired or not. I want it back in my possession and I will take it elsewhere to have it repaired.

I have been trying to figure out what to do about this. The only thoughts I have come up with are as follows:

01) File a claim with Better Business Bureau
02) Report the Mic stolen to the police
03) File a stolen claim with my insurance company

Obviously I would prefer to just have them contact me and set up a time when I can come by and pick up the mic.

I agree with many of the previous posts - this is NOT a good way to do business. Yes, I also read Nadine's post regarding the fact they are making some much needed changes. That's fine. But what is totally unacceptable to me is not having my calls and emails returned when they have an expensive piece of my gear.

I have nothing against these folks as long as they return my mic. In fact, I think their products are great and I hope they get their act together. But for the moment, all I am interested in, is getting my mic back.

I hope between my email to Nadine and possibly this post, that tomorrow I can go pick up my mic. My patience however is about out so unless this is resolved within a day or so at the outside, I will indeed resort to options 1, 2, and 3. Whatever it takes I guess.

If and I hope this is the case, that they contact me tomorrow and I get my mic back. I will indeed post to this thread so that others know that they are still alive and breathing.

My fingers are crossed and the ball is in their court. I certainly hope they do the right thing.

[neon]

Originally Posted by GYang

Just wait.

In general, their service is great and they are honest people.
Several other boutique manufacturers behave in same manner, so that's part of equation.

Wait? part of the equation?
great service?
are u nutz?????

Those mics are not cheap, for that reason their service should REALLY be great and part of the equation....


man I think u are really lost here!

[neon]

I was thinking to get a korby in the next months....
Now, no way!

Scary to invest so much money in a company that seems to be a ghost.
I see very difficult the future of Korby...

[lowfreq33]

Just FYI re: the Better Business Bureau - They are not a government agency. It's a private company that maintains a database of businesses that wish to be a part of it. They do check up on those businesses, and they will follow up on complaints, but aside from revoking membership for companies that don't meet their standards there's really nothing they can do. I contacted them once regarding a former employer who was refusing to give me my final check, and found out that company had never even been registered with them. Apparently it's not that hard to find BBB plaques at pawn shops or antique stores and get a nameplate for it with your name on it.

Didn't mean to derail the thread, just passing on some useful info.

[dreamboxstudio]

Originally Posted by Marlowe

I finally got my KM-54 back. It took a lot of calls but it's back and sounds great.

Hang in there!

how long it took to reach for you to get back your mic ?

my mic reached them since end august.

5 months already.

My heart is aching ...

[hoop]

Sad to hear all of this. I bought my KAT-4 very shortly after it came out, and I have had nothing but great experiences having it serviced - I really liked Nadine and Tracy. It doesn't hurt that I live in Nashville and could just drive down to see them. I hope they get everything sorted out.

- kent

[slowdive]

Originally Posted by PdotDdot

I brought my U87ai into Korby for a repair a short time after Thanksgiving. I was told that they'd get to it shortly. Well it is not as long as some, but I have yet to hear anything.

I tried to contact them via phone but the phone was disconnected. I sent two unanswered emails. I went down to the shop and the Blackbird rental folks heard me banging on the Korby door and they let me know Korby no longer rents that space.

I suspect they are now working out of their home.

I just sent an email to Nadine requesting info on how to get mu mic back. At this point, I do not care whether it is repaired or not. I want it back in my possession and I will take it elsewhere to have it repaired.

I have been trying to figure out what to do about this. The only thoughts I have come up with are as follows:

01) File a claim with Better Business Bureau
02) Report the Mic stolen to the police
03) File a stolen claim with my insurance company

Obviously I would prefer to just have them contact me and set up a time when I can come by and pick up the mic.

I agree with many of the previous posts - this is NOT a good way to do business. Yes, I also read Nadine's post regarding the fact they are making some much needed changes. That's fine. But what is totally unacceptable to me is not having my calls and emails returned when they have an expensive piece of my gear.

I have nothing against these folks as long as they return my mic. In fact, I think their products are great and I hope they get their act together. But for the moment, all I am interested in, is getting my mic back.

I hope between my email to Nadine and possibly this post, that tomorrow I can go pick up my mic. My patience however is about out so unless this is resolved within a day or so at the outside, I will indeed resort to options 1, 2, and 3. Whatever it takes I guess.

If and I hope this is the case, that they contact me tomorrow and I get my mic back. I will indeed post to this thread so that others know that they are still alive and breathing.

My fingers are crossed and the ball is in their court. I certainly hope they do the right thing.

I feel for you. I once had a local luthier keep one of my guitars for months and months, wouldn't return calls, etc. I finally started legal action to find him and get my stuff back, and amazingly he came out of the woodwork with excuses about reorganization, moving offices, etc.

I proceeded to pick my guitar up, which was still in need of servicing. I took it elsewhere, and had a stellar job done within a few weeks.

The point is that these types of business practices are completely unacceptable. There are many boutique companies and/or service providers who DO actually answer the phone.

If I were you, I would do all of the above. Call your lawyer/insurance company/credit card (if you prepaid). Be proactive...because if this thread is any indication of Korby's business ethics, you could be without your property for an indefinite period of time.

[jbird]

Originally Posted by GYang

Just wait.
They always reply.
Sooner or later.
I had similar experience 2,3 and 4 years ago.
In general, their service is great and they are honest people.
Several other boutique manufacturers behave in same manner, so that's part of equation.

GYang is right. I can remember similar buzz and lamenting concerning business- in the later years- with the shop of Mic God Stephen Paul. Small family shops don't always have the resources to maintain a business presence in times of medical crisis(for instance). Certainly 'highend' Gearslutz should realize that doing business with "small shops", which frequently make some of the finest gear available, carries a risk that the company will more fragile and vulnerable to hardships. Though it has been nearly a year, in my experience thus far, Korby has been responsive, and 100% trustworthy. I have in my collection two KAT IV multi-cap systems(bought after numerous comparisons against other big-name mics) which have been in regular use over the past 5 years and while I certainly hope Nadine and Tracy can get things resolved for Korby Mics, I don't regret my purchase in the least. Microphones can be repaired.

[popmann]

I went down to the shop and the Blackbird rental folks heard me banging on the Korby door and they let me know Korby no longer rents that space.

Wow...I've been away too long...I got call down there and see what's going on with that...

[PdotDdot]

FYI,

I finally heard back from Korby today. I received a message from Kimberley. The message described what work is needed to get my U87ai back up and running. I returned the call and left a message.

My hope is to get the mic back within a week. I will update this post appropriately until the mic is returned to me.

I want to be able to report good things about Korby as opposed to the not so good and I am hoping the fact he has finally gotten to me is an indication that he is back up and running and that those of you also awaiting service, mic's, or simply responses may be in luck in the near future.

[PdotDdot]

All,

I finally got my Neumann U87ai back yesterday. I had a long chat with the gal who has taken over the business side of Korby Audio. Here is some info for those of you who have gear at Korby's, who are waiting for new gear, or simply have had no responses.

A gal named Kimberley has recently taken over the business tasks for Korby. She has been there about a month and every day brings new surprises for both her and Korby.

Kimberley is a total sweetheart and she actually brought my mic to my home last night after spending all day trying to deal with a move as she is relocating closer to Nashville. For what it is worth, I believe her 100% so read on and I will try to explain their situation.

Remember, I am just A messenger!

They left Blackbird sometime in early January. They just finished vacating the studio at Blackbird last night at around 3:30 in the morning. Obviously things are very disorganized but Kimberley promises to get things together and quickly.

From what she told me, Tracy did not know a lot of what has been going on. He is a genius when it comes to building and repair but a business person he is not and he admits it.

I let Kimberley know that Korby was getting seriously bad press on GS and deservedly so. She gets it and has asked that I place her contact email address here for all of you to use to contact her.

totalassistance@ME.com

Apparently, Korby had several different email addresses for the shop and she only knew of one so any recent attempts at email to most of the old Korby addresses went un-noticed.

I expect her to go through those and contact folks but again, use the above email address and contact her directly. She knows they have a lot of bailing out to do - like returning peoples mic's that have been on the shelf for over a year - yes, I told her of some of the stories I had read here.

Anyway, I do not know Tracy personally. I do know a few folks that swear he is the nicest guy and means well. I am not here to make excuses for his terrible business acumen, but since I have my mic back and have had the pleasure to deal with Kimberley, I thought I'd at least provide my view of things.

Korby has hired her to run his business. I think she will do a great job. I think leaving Korby so his work is also the right choice. True, there is no excuse for the chaos - that is still Tracy's responsibility. That said, they are going to try to get it together - as she put it, it is like starting over for him.

I am going to try to go through the threads and find some you who have been waiting for mics or news and send you an email so you know to look at this one. I just did not feel like writing multi posts so I figured one post with multiple pointers.

If I miss any of you, I apologize. I'm just trying to do something nice to help us GS folks out and also Kimberley and Tracy.

Again, I am just A Messenger so please, no tomatoes!

Hopefully you will all have the same luck I did and get your stuff back quickly - and at least, get a response and some info from Kimberley.

THX

[zero_flesh]

Originally Posted by PdotDdot

All,

I finally got my Neumann U87ai back yesterday. I had a long chat with the gal who has taken over the business side of Korby Audio. Here is some info for those of you who have gear at Korby's, who are waiting for new gear, or simply have had no responses.

A gal named Kimberley has recently taken over the business tasks for Korby. She has been there about a month and every day brings new surprises for both her and Korby.

Kimberley is a total sweetheart and she actually brought my mic to my home last night after spending all day trying to deal with a move as she is relocating closer to Nashville. For what it is worth, I believe her 100% so read on and I will try to explain their situation.

Remember, I am just A messenger!

They left Blackbird sometime in early January. They just finished vacating the studio at Blackbird last night at around 3:30 in the morning. Obviously things are very disorganized but Kimberley promises to get things together and quickly.

From what she told me, Tracy did not know a lot of what has been going on. He is a genius when it comes to building and repair but a business person he is not and he admits it.

I let Kimberley know that Korby was getting seriously bad press on GS and deservedly so. She gets it and has asked that I place her contact email address here for all of you to use to contact her.

totalassistance@ME.com

Apparently, Korby had several different email addresses for the shop and she only knew of one so any recent attempts at email to most of the old Korby addresses went un-noticed.

I expect her to go through those and contact folks but again, use the above email address and contact her directly. She knows they have a lot of bailing out to do - like returning peoples mic's that have been on the shelf for over a year - yes, I told her of some of the stories I had read here.

Anyway, I do not know Tracy personally. I do know a few folks that swear he is the nicest guy and means well. I am not here to make excuses for his terrible business acumen, but since I have my mic back and have had the pleasure to deal with Kimberley, I thought I'd at least provide my view of things.

Korby has hired her to run his business. I think she will do a great job. I think leaving Korby so his work is also the right choice. True, there is no excuse for the chaos - that is still Tracy's responsibility. That said, they are going to try to get it together - as she put it, it is like starting over for him.

I am going to try to go through the threads and find some you who have been waiting for mics or news and send you an email so you know to look at this one. I just did not feel like writing multi posts so I figured one post with multiple pointers.

If I miss any of you, I apologize. I'm just trying to do something nice to help us GS folks out and also Kimberley and Tracy.

Again, I am just A Messenger so please, no tomatoes!

Hopefully you will all have the same luck I did and get your stuff back quickly - and at least, get a response and some info from Kimberley.

THX

That actually didn't worked for me,still trying to to reach them

anyone has an idea?

thanks in advance


best

bill

[rob61]

Originally Posted by Nadine Korby

Hello everyone. We apologize for the lack of communication on Korby Audio's part and appreciate your honesty. Sometimes the truth hurts. We have been going through a reorganization-take a step back to move forward. In the process, things got overlooked and balls got dropped. We understand the frustration and are working hard to get back to basics. Bear with us. New processes are being put into place to address these concerns.

Thank you.
Nadine Korby

So this is your PR for damage control? Either you answer the phone or you don't (and apparently you don't)... and either you reply to emails or you don't (and again you don't). Instead customers are being fed words about "processes being put in place". Answer your frickin' phone, and reply to emails instead of trying to use a few meaningless, obtuse words how you're trying to "address these concerns" to appease those affected by your non-action.

Not answering the phones/emails means you're hiding out, perhaps from creditors, and certainly customers who have sent you their property. The "process" you need to put into place is to simply stop hiding and answer your phone and emails.

[Chromalord]

was told by extremely reliable source that Korby has suspended operations until July as they are in the process of moving their operations. Knowing the owner of Blackbird to be eccentric and superstitious as he is, I cant imagine he would be a good landlord- if in fact that was the issue.

[midnightsun]

Don't know! I spoke with Tracy a month or so ago. I left a message and he returned my call the next day. No problem.

[danny]

My U87 took 6 weeks instead of the promised 2 to 3. That would not have bothered me if they hadn't been in such a hurry to get paid before starting the work, and if the communication had been decent, but Kimberly is not a reliable correspondent. The mic sounds good, but I am done dealing with Korby, who doesn't even have the semblance of a business structure. No phone, just an email with 1 person who might get back to you in several days if you're lucky. I've dealt with plenty one-man shops who could manage much better than this. Even for Kimberly Korby to get an answer from her (I presume) husband takes a couple days, as if they don't have phones.