Question Ask for discount?

[ARRITDOR]

I seem to have the worst luck in this department - tech has had my guitar for twice his "estimated" time for setup and p/u swap. Would you ask for a discount in this situation if it wasn't offered?

 

[canuck6string]

Only if the tech is horrible. If he/she's a good tech it's worth the wait.

 

[kestrou]

I like the response of our Tim-Bits eating brother - but what was the estimate?

A setup isn't very long - and neither is a pick-up swap...

Understand he has other tasks to do too...

If he estimate one day and it's been two, then give the guy a break because maybe something came up...

But if he estimated a week and it's been two, then that's the out limits of my (im)patience for these tasks.

Kevin

 

[canuck6string]

I like the response of our Tim-Bits eating brother

I do love me some Timbits

 

[ARRITDOR]

But if he estimated a week and it's been two, then that's the out limits of my (im)patience for these tasks.
Kevin

Yep, that's it. He reportedly does excellent work but this is the first time I've used him. He did say some personal stuff got in the way of getting to the work. I like think I'm an understanding guy. However, everyone has there limits - I am curious as to what others would tolerate and or what is "normal" or "expected".

An example of my bad luck: I took a different guitar to a different local tech. After 4-5 calls and 4 weeks later, I walked back into the store and picked it up, untouched. The sales dude had the nerve to try to sell me a guitar as I was walking out! I just said "No thanks" and shook my head - and what I was thinking is to distasteful to share here(!).

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[xjbebop]

Well...you could have done the work yourself in less time than you've waited, and bought the tools you need for less than you're gonna pay the tech most likely. ... just sayin...

 

[DrKev]

Yes, obviously things do happen that get in the way of jobs finishing on time (see my thread from yesterday, I'm still typing from my bed and a whole week's worth of guitar lessons and income are up in smoke). I think it's good karma to be patient when people have a tough time.

If the tech contacted you well ahead of time and explained there was a problem, and keeps you apprised of the delay then that's OK. But if you had to call to find out where your guitar was then no, I'd take my instrument back and go somewhere else. Imagine you had a tour or studio session coming up and the guitar had to be ready on time? You'd be screwed, and that's not on.

Besides, I've spent much time un-doing crummy work buy so called 'reputable' and 'respected' luthiers. I don't care who tells me they do excellent work, until I see it myself, I don't really trust them. If they are unprofessional before they start working on the guitar, they're already toast in my books.

 

[MusicMan_Luke]

Back in the days, when I played on my beloved first electrical guitar, a squier Strat, I decided to bring it back to the store, to do some set up, change string gauge (time to test the 11-52 Ernie Ball set), set the neck, change springs... (I was so inexperienced)

The week after, it was time to get her. The tech was sorry, but, during the setting, the guitar hit the ground, and a large and deep damage was on the side... (I will post a pic of that soon)

I was shocked, and totally unprepared to this. I almost cried to have a small discount for this... After the year, I realize that I was so stupid, I would never pay for this.

That's why I am so unconfident about giving my EBMM to a guitar tech now. However, the neck on may Luke must be refretted...

 

[DrKev]

That's why I am so unconfident about giving my EBMM to a guitar tech now. However, the neck on may Luke must be refretted...

I understand that. Alexandre Bouyssou in Orsay is the most highly recommended that I can think of (by the maître artisan who trained him and by a friend of mine who had his most beloved bass re-fretted and was very happy).

 

[canuck6string]

I usually expect a week to 10 days depending on how busy the tech is. Smaller businesses may take longer, especially if the tech is a one man operation and is in high demand. I don't think a delay is worth asking for a discount...unless you are a musician and the delay requires you to cancel gigs or studio time.

 

[ARRITDOR]

Well, this disappointing saga has come to a close. Two and a half weeks later a have my guitar back. I have the worst luck with techs! The stories I could tell... I was going to call him out on several forums but have decided to take the high road. If you'd like to know the experience I've had with techs in southern OH you can PM me.
Took 1.5 weeks beyond the original estimate. No calls/communication - I had to call to find out what was going on every time (and of course nothing was getting done). Probably more frustrating than taking so long.
No offer to discount, expect maybe the free strings, which are not the strings I asked for.
Noticed a new neck pocket stress crack on the opposite side of the other one. This really sucks, IMO. Worth calling MM customer service?
I did get the original pups swapped back in and pots replaced.
Just super-disappointing over-all. I was of the mindset that my time is worth something, and I'd rather be 'playing the guitar' than 'setting it up'. But now this experience really has me coming back full-circle to thinking I should just be doing my own setup work. Live and learn (again).
Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[kestrou]

Sorry it didn't meet your expectations - just a gentle reminder that nobody does a job exactly the way you want it done except yourself!

Kevin

 

[Eric O'Reilly]

Wow! Crap service.