Cost of setup/repair

bassist1962 · #1 11-03-2006, 03:16 AM

What is the average cost of setup/seam repair in your area? I am asking because I am trying to budget myself for a seam repair and setup for my fully carved German. It has been well taken care of, but hasn't seen a luthier in decades. I know that there are certain things (a crack in the top, fingerboard/nut problems, etc.) that have to be given an assessment, but I have called several luthiers in the area, and non of them work on an hourly basis, or can give me a basic setup cost. The Lemur music workshop site has given me some idea, but I need more than just that one. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

drurb · #2 11-03-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist1962

What is the average cost of setup/seam repair in your area? I am asking because I am trying to budget myself for a seam repair and setup for my fully carved German. It has been well taken care of, but hasn't seen a luthier in decades. I know that there are certain things (a crack in the top, fingerboard/nut problems, etc.) that have to be given an assessment, but I have called several luthiers in the area, and non of them work on an hourly basis, or can give me a basic setup cost. The Lemur music workshop site has given me some idea, but I need more than just that one. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

No, I'm not a luthier-- not even close. This seems, however, to be a bit like saying, "My engine is running poorly. What will it cost to repair?" I say this especially because you seem to want to have the crack in the top and the fingerboard problems addressed as well. Perhaps if you gave a fuller description or, better yet, posted pics, then some of the experts here could give you a good idea regarding cost. By the way, are you saying that none of the luthiers in your area are willing to give you an estimate if you take the bass to them? If so, I'd stay away from them.

Bob Branstetter · #3 11-03-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drurb

No, I'm not a luthier-- not even close. This seems, however, to be a bit like saying, "My engine is running poorly. What will it cost to repair?"

You may not be a luthier, but you are absolutely right. I don't know too many luthiers who will quote prices for any repair job without actually seeing the instrument. Like many luthiers, I have fixed prices for some things like bow rehairing and bridges, but use an hourly basis for things like fingerboard work which can be a 5 minute job or a 5 hour job depending on the condition. Every luthier (in theory anyway) sets his own prices and the differences beween geographic areas can easily be 100% on some jobs. The only price that matters is what the luthiers in your town charge, unless you don't mind traveling great distances. Anything else is most likely meaningless.

bassist1962 · #4 11-03-2006, 03:10 PM

Everyone I have talked to is willing to give me an estimate upon seeing the instrument. I understand that the crack and fingerboard issues are 'as needed' costs. As are the seam repairs I guess. What I am asking is How much for bridge installation (I believe the one on the bass currently is slightly warpped, but I have an extra that was in the gig bag when I got the bass), string installation, and setting the soundpost. Are these not standard expenses, or is this another 'condition of the instrument' cost?

Bob Branstetter · #5 11-03-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist1962

Everyone I have talked to is willing to give me an estimate upon seeing the instrument.

Then what is the problem? You don't want the luthier to see it before he gives you an estimate?

reedo35 · #6 11-03-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist1962

I am asking because I am trying to budget myself for a seam repair and setup for my fully carved German.

This is the giveaway statement. My guess is that he is worried about getting "suggested repairs" adding to the end cost of the setup. But the fact is, you'll never really find out until you go. Why don't you go to the repairman, get the estimate, and "Budget" yourself for that? I doubt very much anyone would say
" I can't let you take this Bass out of here without doing that repair" It's not a car, it's a Bass, and you can always get a second opinion.

bassist1962 · #7 11-03-2006, 06:38 PM

I live approximatly 50 miles from the nearest luthier, and drive a Taurus. It is really a matter of wrestling the thing in and out of the car, as well as economics. I am planning on refund time, but there are also other things I need to take care of as well. I would hate to make the trip, and find out that I am not able to afford to do anything due to the cost of repairs vs. other expenses. This is why I am seeking estimates at this point.

Alex Scott · #8 11-03-2006, 07:09 PM

Maybe you have to just say what your budget is, and ask them what they would do for that and what they would recommend you do and how much that would cost.

I would also think about how much financially the instrument means to me at this point, how much I need it for income, etc to come up with my budget.

Good luck with everything, I hope the crack is not something major.
Do you have pretty good recommendations for the luthier you are thinking of trying?

bassist1962 · #9 11-04-2006, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Scott

Do you have pretty good recommendations for the luthier you are thinking of trying?

Edward Swetlowski is in the Atlanta area. He was highly recomended. Also Sachs Violins, and Emile Baran. I have several recomendations for good luthiers. I would ususally think about asking what I could get for my budget, I don't know why I didn't think of it now.

Jeff Bollbach · #10 11-04-2006, 08:19 AM

A new adjustable bridge will average 250-350 beans. Seams could be 20 to 100 depending on how much is open and in what condition.

Alex Scott · #11 11-04-2006, 08:23 AM

It's hard to think straight with something you are very emotionally attached to. That is probably worth a little more than you were thinking previously. This is one of those rare cases where money does buy happiness.

Bob Branstetter · #12 11-04-2006, 09:04 AM

Bassist1962, do not take the figures being handed out by others here as the gospel for everywhere. Prices do vary greatly. Small shop repair prices in my part of the country run considerably less than those in the large urban areas of the Northeast. Also, not everyone needs or nor should they have to pay for museum quality repairs if they don't need them. The only meaningful estimate of prices for you are those from the luthiers near your home.

bassist1962 · #13 11-04-2006, 10:14 AM

The bass brand new goes for around $10k, so putting $1500 - 2000 in repairs is not unreasonable to me. I do not think that it needs that much done to it, as it was well taken care of, just not maintained for about 40 years. It was set up in a corner of the house, and was a part of the decor since I can remember. Was last set up, and restrung around 1978, but my dad did that himself with no luthier involved (He actually quit playing in 1968). He went over to it on occassion and plunked a few lines out, and then put it back. Since 1978 it was moved to two other residences in the same city (Fort Wayne, Indiana), and then this past June was brought to the Atlanta area when I took posession of it. It is still playable, and I am currently just jamming on occassion, but would still like to have the bass set up and repaired to better condition. This is the history to the best of my knowledge.