Club Obi Wan

I'd love a little info from those of you "in the know" on this subject as I'm looking for some clarification on this issue.
(I'm dreading that I already know the answer in my heart, but I've got to ask about it...)

It's been talked about time and time again that thanks to the popularity, level of excellent craftsmanship (and probably MANY OTHER factors) the wait time for an AdventureBilt Fedora is easily beyond a year (probably "minimum").

It's always been my impression - confirmed by many other posts - that when crafting a Magnoli HJ, Steve Delk doesn't simply open a box from HJ (or Magnoli, or wherever), bash the hat and drop it back into the box to mail along... OBVIOUSLY there is a GREAT deal of work that goes into the preparing of this hat.

So my question:
Isn't the "wait" on the Mag HJ the same as for the AB? At least a year, I mean.
If it's NOT... if the Mag HJ is produced in less time... how does that work?

I would LOVE it if someone who knows such things were to say "No, it'll be ready about 3 months after your ordered it, and here's how that's possible..."
But I don't expect that will happen.

Am I not seeing some part of this equation? If I AM... please, tell me.

I sure would love some input on this...
Thanks Folks,
Mitch

Taken from the Vendors section of the front page:

Both Todd's and Magnoli receive the raw materials from Herbert Johnson then block and construct the fedora's in their own way, making them much more accurate and more sought after than the fedoras that Herbert Johnson’s puts out today with a higher degree of construction, less taper in the felt.

Then there's the magic that Steve works on them (from Magnoli's site):

The following modifications are performed to the stock HJ:

-Felt repounced to a superior finish
-Reblocked into a taller, "stovepipe"-shaped crown
-Felt stabalized to help alleviate premature shrinkage and taper
-Brim dimensionally cut
-Ribbon replaced with vintage-style ribbon and bow
-Sweatband handsewn above brim break (for extra strength)
-Liners handsewn (not glued as with stock HJs)
-Styled as requested

There was a point when Steve was getting these out within two months, but now that he's lost his apprentice and is getting even more backlogged, these are starting to push four months.

Kind regards,
Magnoli

Indy Magnoli wrote:There was a point when Steve was getting these out within two months, but now that he's lost his apprentice and is getting even more backlogged, these are starting to push four months.

Kind regards,
Magnoli

Yes 'tis sad but true. I've got one on order right now.

Mitch-I've just passed the 3 month point. My advice to you would be to go for one of these. 4 months still isn't too bad and I'm sure the hat will be amazing. Indy Magnoli is very helpful on updates and will keep you informed. (Thank you Indy for dealing with my pestering!)

Even if it goes beyond 4 months it's still worth it. Steve does amazing work as many members have shown us by posting their Mag HJ's. I would put an order in sooner than later....

In any case I hope to see mine soon and will post many pics immediately!

Mitch-one other thing,

Steve has said himself that although he does a lot to these HJ's to highly improve their quality it doesn't take as much time for him as his own hats. While the loss of his apprentice has definitely slowed him, I think he'll get back up speed soon enough.

Here's a link to the original thread which should have most of the info you need:

viewtopic.php?t=20387

Jack

MUCH thanks to all who responded (Both for your quick responses AND the clarification)!

But, just clarify MY end of it:
I wasn't asking this question in ADVANCE of ordering with Magnoli... I DID order back on July 2nd.
Also, I was aware of Steve's unfortunate difficulties and was more than happy to wait...
I don't want a "rushed" hat and I KNOW Steve wouldn't send me (or anyone) a hat that HE didn't feel was finished and perfect...

This question honestly came to me more as a curiosity of how things work (which was sparked by what I already knew to be a slight delay in the time-frame I had originally been told). Also, keeping me thinking on this topic was the fact that my birthday is coming up at the end of October and I'd originally hoped to have had the hat before then.

In fairness to Magnoli, I also want to make this clear:
I had NOT sent him ANY sort of e-mail asking "What's the delay?" or anything of the sort...
So, I was NOT asking this question in this forum out of any frustration or inability to get an answer from the source. I simply figured that since many of you here have likely ordered through Magnoli (and also likely had answers and were willing to share them) that I'd probably get a quicker answer HERE, in THIS forum, than by sending an e-mail to a business...
(The fact that Magnoli was among the first to answer my question shows just how wrong I was about THAT! High marks from me Magnoli, for "keeping your ear to the ground" for Customer Concerns!)

So, all is well on MY end...
As you said, indyrocks, be it 2 months or four(ish), the hat will definitely be worth the wait!
I agree... As far as I'm concerned, it's a small price in patience to pay for such a prize.

All the Best,
Mitch
;-)

Ahh I see Mitch! You ALREADY ordered! Smart man, I think the light at the end of the tunnel may be closer than we think. And I agree with your thoughts on Mr Magnoli. It's nice to see guys like him and Bending Oak reaching out to customers to let us know what's happening with our hats while we sit and obsess.

I am now going to use this guy:




I'm not upset or anything, I just don't know how else to use that icon. Unless....KALIMAH! KALEEEEMAH!