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| Strawfired Double AC: Focabird or Focadirect?; Help me decide which to buy from! | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 14 2010, 12:35 AM (410 Views) | |
| Sigurthr | Mar 14 2010, 12:35 AM Post #1 |
Ocarinist, Recorderist, Welder/Metalsmith, and resident wana-be Norseman.
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I want a Strawfired Focalink Double AC, but can't decide where to get it from. So far from a lot of annoying questions I've been asking I've been able to determine there are only two major differences between the two variants: 1) Focabird doesn't have the Stein stamp or a hole for a neckstrap. 2) Shipping from Focadirect costs $22 to $16 more than from Focabird. Feel free to add any pertinent info, I'll probably be ordering this coming monday. |
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| Kalasinar | Mar 14 2010, 12:53 AM Post #2 |
Colour-Blind Hedgehog of Great Britain
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Well, to anyone living in Europe i'd immediately answer direct from Focalink, because here in the UK, customs and cursed Parcelforce love to inspect anything remotely costly coming from the US. From Asia it isn't usually a problem, i think i've been taxed on a total of two ocarinas from Asia, and four from the US (which includes the Focalink Double i bought from Songbird). However, if you live in the US, i think the logical choice in terms of shipping time, shipping costs and no risk of import tax, the better choice would be to buy from Songbird. Zack informed me ages ago that all the ocarinas that he supplied Darryn with have all been tested, and are up to standard - the only difference is the lack of the Stein logo. I quite like the Stein logo, and i feel my Double AC is a bit bare without it, however i find the difference very minor and down to personal preference. Also, even buying from Focalink doesn't always secure that you'll have a neckstrap hole - the only Focalink multi-chamber i have that has a neckstrap hole is my triple and i specially requested that before he made it (obviously at no extra charge). The Double AG i bought recently did not have a neckstrap hole, and i forgot to request one, but there isn't much need for one because i think it would break my neck its quite big. If you really want a neckstrap hole on your ocarina, then you'll have to go with Focalink direct and ask Zack for one in stock that has a neckstrap hole. Unless you ask, it is luck of the draw i think. But i think you need to decide whether you really want the logo and/or neckstrap hole or not, because if you don't want either (and if you live in the US), it would be easier for you to order from Songbird. |
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| Bateleur | Mar 14 2010, 12:59 AM Post #3 |
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
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From either maker, I recommend buying an alternate carrying case. If buying from Songbird, get the Cube holster. If buying from Focalink directly, request the case that comes with the Forte Triple. Buying from Songbird will be less expensive most likely, but I guess if you like the Stein logo (and if you want customization options), buying from Focalink would be better. I personally like as few markings on my ocarinas as possible, so I went with Songbird. |
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| damiel71 | Mar 14 2010, 01:39 AM Post #4 |
The only one from Italy?
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I've ordered two ocarinas from SongBird, a Muse and a DragonTooth, the dragontooth (#219) was damaged on arrival (one edge was broken, luckily no damage to the sound), the external package was good, no sign of compression or other damages, so i couldn't do a reserve acceptance. I think my dragontooth was poorly protected, a silked cloth in a sea of foam peanuts, the stand up and the chain was stored with the ocarina without any protection and without being immobilized. The Muse was in the same package of the DragonTooth (when i actually paid two times entire shipping charge), the muse got no damages, but she was inside her holster. Attachments: My broken Dragon Tooth (Glued back) Edit: They will replace my broken Dragon Tooth. I must say they're not usual merchant and they have great return policy. Unbelievable! 
Edited by damiel71, Mar 15 2010, 08:07 PM.
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| shirf02 | Mar 14 2010, 02:03 AM Post #5 |
Enjoys the Disney Renaissance
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In terms of the neckstrap hole, I doubt you'd use it. I'm not aware of anyone who does use it actually... And yes, if you buy it direct, pay the extra $7 or so for the forte triple case, it's very nice. |
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| Sigurthr | Mar 14 2010, 02:13 AM Post #6 |
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Ocarinist, Recorderist, Welder/Metalsmith, and resident wana-be Norseman.
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Is there an option at checkout for the forte triple case or do I have to email Mr. Shih first?\ Also I know it fits two ocs but does that mean it one oc will slide around a lot in it? |
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| shirf02 | Mar 14 2010, 02:20 AM Post #7 |
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Enjoys the Disney Renaissance
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You'd have to email him. And it's meant to fit two? I guess you could put a little soprano in there, but I wouldn't suggest it... |
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| Sigurthr | Mar 15 2010, 01:09 PM Post #8 |
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Ocarinist, Recorderist, Welder/Metalsmith, and resident wana-be Norseman.
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I just ordered the FocaBird version with Cube! |
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| kissing | Mar 15 2010, 03:26 PM Post #9 |
there is always time for a song
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It fits 2 ocarinas snugly for me. I generally keep the triple ocarina in the inside space, and the double SG on the outer space. Took it around Cambodia, no problems  The Maparam cases are a bit more spacious, but they really are nice cases. |
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| shirf02 | Mar 16 2010, 02:31 PM Post #10 |
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Enjoys the Disney Renaissance
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Meh, maybe I'm just a bit paranoid about it breaking then. |
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| shadowyi | Mar 17 2010, 01:43 AM Post #11 |
is a girl. [音之翼]
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Congrats Sig, and might I say that's such a cute way of differentiating the Focalink offerings? I might have to yoink that saying from you. 
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| Sigurthr | Mar 17 2010, 01:45 AM Post #12 |
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Ocarinist, Recorderist, Welder/Metalsmith, and resident wana-be Norseman.
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Ty! Haha that would be perfectly fine by me! I like how Focadirect sounds XD. |
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