Headstock damage… by luthier? - Page 3

richnrbq · #31 10-25-2021, 02:59 PM

Just as an alternative theory: I have those marks on both of my long standing guitars, particular near the bass side tuners, but definitely both sides. I thought I had done it with the plastic string winder that I use. I did wonder how that was possible because it doesn't seem to reach the headstock. Now I am convinced those marks are from my left-hand fingernails just accumulating over the years, particularly given the angles of tuning on the top side of the headstock.

I didn't see them for the longest time because I wasn't paying attention. Just noting my own experience and raising a possible alternative explanation. It also seems unlikely that a luthier would make that kind of mistake, though inadvertent damage is always a possibility.

gstring · #32 10-25-2021, 03:03 PM

You are being very understanding about this. There is a BIG difference between "accidental " damage and " careless / incompetent / who cares " damage. Not acceptable on your guitar and a real shame for the next customers instrument.

I think you owe it to all future customers to make sure this individual is removed or severely scolded.

d

Brucebubs · #33 10-25-2021, 03:15 PM

It's not a power winder vs hand winder problem - it's about the attachment that fits on the tuners.

There is basically 2 different attachments for power winders.

I will only use the shallow cup on the right - it does not come close to the sides of the headstock.

A full time luthier may be inclined to use the deeper, more versatile attachment as he/she works on a large variety of string instruments.

gr81dorn · #34 10-25-2021, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Just to be clear - Streetmaster is just a spray-on finish. There is no actual relicing, as in cracks, chips, dents, etc. in the wood. It’s not the “beat-up on purpose” look most imagine when thinking “relic.” Still, I get your point. Damage to this kind of faux relic finish isn’t as noticeable as it would be on a pristine gloss finish.

Yeah, i know it's just a paint job and not actually dinged, checked, beat up in the literal sense like other "relic" jobs, but the appearance is supposed to look haggard, so actual wear or damage shouldn't detract or distract.

mcmars · #35 10-25-2021, 05:34 PM

There are way to many guitar tech's and luthiers that are in the wrong line of work. The worst I had was a guy in 90's that was a full on "luthier" in that he built stringed instruments and did repairs. He set up a newish minty taylor 814c and when I got it back it looked like some chickens had a great party on the spruce top behind the bridge.

It was obvious he was dropping tools on it unprotected. I never went back, but most my music buddies know about it. He still works out of Ridgway CO, but now there are better choices in Durango, Dave Farmer, of Turtle Creek Instruments is my go to luthier of choice.

NOLA Cajun · #36 10-26-2021, 10:43 PM

I really appreciate all the replies. I’ve been waiting a couple days to go back into the shop because I don’t like to conduct business when I’m angry as I feel it clouds my judgement. Now that I’ve cooled off a bit, I do intend to go in and show them the damage and see how they respond. Obviously this is not something that is fixable as the wood is actually gouged. It’s cosmetic, but the fact is I brought in a mint guitar and it is now no longer mint. Their response will likely determine my next step, whether that’s a negative review online or just letting it go with an apology, I don’t know yet. The part is that this is a very reputable shop with dozens upon dozens of rave five star reviews, so even if I wanted to call them out online it would likely have a negligible effect.

I’m still not satisfied with the setup, which I imagine they’d offer to remedy at no charge under the circumstances. But given the damage they caused, I’m reticent to trust my instrument to them again, so the alternative is to take it elsewhere and pay… again… to try to achieve the setup I want.

What recompense might you expect from a guitar shop in this situation?

YamahaDave · #37 10-27-2021, 03:43 AM

What recompense?

I would expect a full refund.

Godfather · #38 10-27-2021, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaDave

What recompense?

I would expect a full refund.

This ^^^^^ plus the proper set up and compensation for the damage they caused.

JonWint · #39 10-27-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOLA Cajun

Obviously this is not something that is fixable as the wood is actually gouged.

It is repairable. Drop-fill with the same or compatible finish, scrape level, and polish.

Ask them to fix it or pay you the equivalent cost.

BrunoBlack · #40 10-27-2021, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonWint

It is repairable. Drop-fill with the same or compatible finish, scrape level, and polish.

Ask them to fix it or pay you the equivalent cost.

Exactly right. I had a similar careless run-in with a power winder shown below. It cost me $125 to fix as described above. There is quite a bit of tech time involved, I think waiting between steps. As someone mentioned, power winders are not the problem. Careless operation is. However after thousands of string changes in my life, I’ve dinged my headstock exactly twice. Both times I was using a power winder.

tadol · #41 10-28-2021, 12:01 AM

I’d wanna see a pic of it from 3’ away - you can make almost anything look like a big problem from 3” -

jonfields45 · #42 10-28-2021, 09:08 AM

Is it possible that was part of the factory "aging" process?

BrunoBlack · #43 10-28-2021, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Is it possible that was part of the factory "aging" process?

This is true, some people pay to get that kind of wear!

KevinH · #44 10-28-2021, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haasome

This is true, some people pay to get that kind of wear!

My brother-in-law was a builder in Bend OR for many years. There was a period when people were asking for the distressed look in a new home. After he installed very nice looking wood floors, he and his partner would walk around dropping their hammers on the floor. Seemed to make the customers happy.

Dru Edwards · #45 10-28-2021, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOLA Cajun

I really appreciate all the replies. I’ve been waiting a couple days to go back into the shop because I don’t like to conduct business when I’m angry as I feel it clouds my judgement. Now that I’ve cooled off a bit, I do intend to go in and show them the damage and see how they respond. Obviously this is not something that is fixable as the wood is actually gouged. It’s cosmetic, but the fact is I brought in a mint guitar and it is now no longer mint. Their response will likely determine my next step, whether that’s a negative review online or just letting it go with an apology, I don’t know yet. The part is that this is a very reputable shop with dozens upon dozens of rave five star reviews, so even if I wanted to call them out online it would likely have a negligible effect.

I’m still not satisfied with the setup, which I imagine they’d offer to remedy at no charge under the circumstances. But given the damage they caused, I’m reticent to trust my instrument to them again, so the alternative is to take it elsewhere and pay… again… to try to achieve the setup I want.

What recompense might you expect from a guitar shop in this situation?

Your guitar tech will appreciate you bringing up this issue with them first rather than disclosing their name on a forum (thank-you for not divulging the name at this point). They may not even be aware of what happened.

Ask if they used a string winder and test the fit. Does it fit the mark? If yes then perhaps they will try to make it right with you somehow.