Complaint Review: Bruch's Fish Taxidermy - Duncannon Pennsylvania

Unfortunately a customer searching for my site informed me of this report and I thought I should address it. I have enclosed 4 dated personal messages that I recieved on another web forum(www.taxidermy.net). I believe these messages will show that Danie had to be at least somewhat happy with what was recieved as he wanted at least one future fish from me. IThe fish I sent Danie apparantly did break in transit. In an attempt to save several hundred dollars in shipping I built a crate smaller than what it really should have been. I did send him pics of the fish in the crate before shipping and he was ok with it. I still believe it would have broken anyway do to the shipper placing excessive weight on the wooden cross brace. I accept responsibility even though it was not my fault and I had offered to pay for the repair or he could file a claim with the insurance that was additionally paid for in the shipping. I was told that he wanted an entire replacement fish and that was not acceptable. Anyway please read and decide for yourself how bad my work and reputation is. DFL9811 New Member Posts: 1 World Show Sent to: GBRUCH on: March 25, 2009, 01:56:46 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary, Mmmm.... When it comes to SMB there's only one taxidermist I would ever "allow" to work on my fish and that person is you Gary I've noticed that you'll be a judge at the World Show. What an honour = Congratulations! ~ Danie DFL9811 New Member Posts: 1 Mr. SMB Sent to: GBRUCH on: November 14, 2008, 02:03:37 AM You have forwarded or responded to this message. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi GB, After seeing the work of so many taxidermists I'm still of the opinion that there's only one or two guys that really can produce the goods (especially when it comes to the paint job) namely yourself, UFD and one or two of the other guys. I have an 8lb smallie (repro) that needs a coat of paint. From previous conversations my understanding is that you no longer do customer work. Is this still the status quo? I'd appreciate it if you can let me know on the above. Thanks DFL9811 New Member Posts: 1 Re: Mr. SMB Sent to: GBRUCH on: November 15, 2008, 02:00:40 AM You have forwarded or responded to this message. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Gary! Yes, I purchased the blank from Kenny. He was actually so nice that he also send me one of "your" other SMB blanks (17 x 12, CM & CG) with no charge. I've purchased blanks from other suppliers but the quality is not the same as yours (and now Kenny's). I'll definately continue to "support" him. I only received the blank this week so I haven't done much alterations to it. I actually was so impressed with the quality of the blank that I've ordered another 2 blanks (of the same fish) from Kenny. I'm looking for a pedestal mount with an artificial rock base. I've seen the lamprey scar but was thinking that maybe one can attach the fish to the base at that specific spot. The "rock" attachment being at the back of the fish will create some "depth" and give the fish a nice "floating" effect. With all the shipping involved it would maybe be a better idea if Kenny send one of the blanks, I ordered this week, to you (that is if you do not have the original production mould anymore). I'm still one day going to visit Duncannon and shake your hand. Ken Carnahan was indeed correct, I am your student from South Africa (even though we've never met in person). Your #1 student! Danie DFL9811 New Member Posts: 1 Re: 22" SMB Sent to: GBRUCH on: November 17, 2008, 05:40:57 AM You have forwarded or responded to this message. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Had a look on your website at the mount you referred to. Nicely done Gary! I've also had a closer look at the non-facing side of the blank and agree with your comments regarding the symmetry. It doesn't bug me SO much but I believe you being the artist have the right to decide on which blanks you would like to put your signature and in which way. I would like to make a suggestion that might address your concern about the symmetry. Won't it maybe be possible to mount the fish flat against a rock/s, hiding the incorrect symmetry of the blank, but rather than fixing the rock/s to a panel, that will go up against the wall, anchor the rock/s down with a piece of granite. In this way we'll end up with a pedestal mount with the fish mainly visible from the good side and the rock/s visible from the sides as wall as from the back. The mount can then be properly displayed and can also be protected from dust. With reference to finishing only the facing side. I've never had a mount done this way before and is a little bit concerned. Maybe it's because of a couple of half mounts I've seen on Ebay. May I assume that the fish will have both eyes, all fins, and that the visible portions, at the back of the fish, will be finished the same as the front of the fish and only the sections completely obscured from view will not be finished? I know myself - I'm definitely going to take a peak at the non-showing side. I have NO problem should you need to amend your quotation to accommodate the above! Regarding the quotation: I have a moral issue with accepting the low quotation and I'm of the opinion that the quality of your work and the quotation is not in line. I would like to address this issue when we've finally decided on the fish and base. Thanks Thank you for giving me a chance to set the record straight