Customer Care


I. PICKUP TURNAROUND / LEAD TIMES AS OF 03/12/2024

 

Dear Valued Planet Tone Customers,

We sincerely appreciate and value your amazing support! The entire Planet Tone crew is working diligently and efficiently to provide premium boutique pickups and pickguards. We all share the same desire for a quality first rate product. The wait times based on current demand is detailed below. For that gotta have it now project or for that impatient customer, we highly recommend our RUSH SERVICE.

Thank you so much for your kindness and patience!

Planet Tone

 

PICKUP ORDERS:

STANDARD SERVICE: Pickups are handcrafted to order and generally ship at around 45 days, approximately 6 weeks. Some exceptions or delays due to part availability and order size may exist. 

RUSH SERVICE: Pickups are handcrafted to order and generally ship within 7-14 days days.

 

CUSTOM PICKGUARD ORDERS:

STANDARD SERVICE: Pickguards are handwired to order and generally ship at around 6-8 Weeks. Some exceptions due to part availability and complexity may exist.

RUSH SERVICE: Pickups are handcrafted to order and generally ship within 7-14 business days. Some exceptions do apply.

 

RUSH SERVICE:

RUSH SERVICE is ideal for those "gotta have it now" situations. Orders generally ship within 7-14 business days depending on order size and type. Some exceptions do apply.

 

 

II. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND POLICIES

  1. Where are your pickups made?
    Our pickups are made in Commerce City, Colorado USA. We are located just outside Denver in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. All pickups are made in our shop to order.

  2. How long does the average order take?
    See above for current times. The turnaround time depends on the volume we are experiencing and often orders are sent out in less than 30 days. We try to get every order out as expeditiously as possible. Each pickup is handmade to order and treated like a custom pickup for quality and the best tone possible.

  3. Can I Expedite My Order?
    Yes! The fee to expedite your order depends on the size and value of your order. See the Rush fee at checkout for our specific order. Typically 30-35% of your order, not including shipping. Custom orders or unique orders may take longer depending on parts needed. At the time of your order, simply choose the Rush My Order add on at checkout. If you have ordered already and would like to expedite your order simply send us an email for instructions.

  4. Do you offer builder or dealer discounts?
    Yes! And, the volume required to become an authorized Planet Tone dealer or builder isn't as high as you might think. Nor, do you need to be a large builder to qualify. Send us an email or call today. 

  5. Do you offer artist endorsements?
    Yes! If you are interested in an artist endorsement, check out our artist page. Scroll to the bottom and email us the requested artist/band information at the bottom of the page. 

  6. Do you make custom pickups?
    Yes! We can wind pickups to custom specs and often use different colors. Have something in mind? Give us a shout! Send us an email or call today.

  7. Why are your pickups so affordable compared to the competition?
    For several reasons. First, we buy the same - and often better - wire and components our competitors use in volume and pass the savings on to you. Second, we don't charge high rates for our labor which keeps our pickup prices significantly lower. Third, we eliminate the costly extra fancy packaging that will mostly likely see the garbage. Last, simply put - great tone does not have to be expensive. For this reason, like a restaurant with good food, there can be a wait but its worth it!

  8. Are pickups easy to install?
    Yes, they can be and the results make it more than worth it. Especially, if you have soldered before. If you haven't soldered, there are plenty of helpful YouTube videos available. The key is to be patient and take your time. If you don't want to solder, there a plenty of experienced techs at your local guitar shop just waiting to help you out. 

  9. What is your humbucker color code assignment

    For 4 Conductor:

    Black = Hot
    Green/Bare = Ground
    Red/White solder together and tape off or use for coil tapping

    Pole piece/screw side:

    Black = start
    White = finish

    Slug side:

    Green = start
    Red = finish

    For Vintage Braid:

    Inside wire = Hot
    Outside Braide = Ground

  10. Can I cancel my order?
    We highly discourage it. :) We hope customers understand that - for the highest quality possible - all pickups are custom made to order and take a little longer than your average production pickup, as each pickup is handcrafted and made to order, according to your custom specs.  In the event you insist on cancelling, there is a 35% cancellation fee for labor, procurement, materials and production time leading up to your order.

  11. Can you make double cream humbuckers?
    Simply put the answer is no. DiMarzio has the sole rights to this color. Anyone pickup maker who willingly makes them is breaking the law.

  12. What's the difference between Alnico II, III, IV, V and VIII?
    In general....the sustain decreases as the magnet power increases. An Alnico II magnet is less powerful than an Alnico V magnet, etc. As the magnet power increases, so does the mid range and the "presence"...much like the presence on an amplifier. In addition, as the magnet power increases, the smooth response diminishes and the attack is elevated.

  13. How do you ship?
    In most cases, we use the FedEx Express 2 day (USA) with signature confirmation on all orders over $200. We reserve the right to include a signature confirmation. In the event you do not want your item signature confirmed, simply send us an email to waive the signature. Items are sent with signature to ensure you get your pickups safely and to protect against "porch pirates". Any items sent with a waived signature removes any liability from Planet Tone against damage, theft or loss. The signature confirmation ensures your item is hand delivered with care and that you in fact receive your pickups 100% safe and sound. :)

  14. Can I change my order?
    Changing your order only leads to errors and mistakes. If you want to change your order, re-order correctly and we will cancel the original order. All order changes result in a 20% change order fee. This covers the cost of any labor, materials, and efforts done to start your original order.

  15. Warranty
    Have a pickup that needs warranty? Click here.