Dealing with an unprofessional guitar technician?

SMILEYSIXX · #1 08-19-2010, 09:12 AM

I took my bass to a guitar tech to get some refretting done along with nut installation and some tuning heads. The nut ant tuning heads were easy enough for him to install, but he said refretting would take some work. He estimated the time it would take to be between 2 and 3 weeks. I showed up at his shop three weeks later expecting it to be done. First off, I expected a call at least when he was done, but I went to his shop anyway. He told me it would take another week. This doesn't exactly work because I need my bass for my school jazz band. Luckily, the jazz band teacher brought in his own personal bass for me to use. I would just ask the guy working on my badd to give me my instrument back, but it's in pieces in his shop. I'm kinda between a rock and a hard place, because now he controls when he decides to do the work. I don't really think there's much that I can do, but does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this guy?

On a side note, is three or four weeks too long for refretting? It seems so, but I'm not sure.

calebbarton · #2 08-19-2010, 09:19 AM

Yeah that is too long. hope you didnt pay too much for that one.

i_got_a_mohawk · #3 08-19-2010, 09:19 AM

Is there any local consumer advice type places? The best way to pressure people like this is to pressure the people above them, but that obv. doesnt work if he is working on his own.

The time scale really depends on how many other jobs there is to do.

SMILEYSIXX · #4 08-19-2010, 09:34 AM

He is independent, but works in a local Sam Ash, but he isn't directly associated with the company. There isn't really much hope taking that route.

He said $250 but as soon as I get my bass back, I'm planning on debating that, though I'm not sure where it's gonna get me.

hdracer · #5 08-19-2010, 09:41 AM

A refrett job is not something you want just anyone to do. When he said "refretting would take some work" you should have looked elsewhere. If he hasn't started on the fretts yet I would have him put the bass back together and pay the man for what he has done and find someone that really knows what they are doing.

SMILEYSIXX · #6 08-19-2010, 09:43 AM

Actually, on the three week mark when I went to his shop, my neck was hanging up with no frets in it, so if I got it back right now, it would be useless until I found someone else and in the end would take longer and maybe end up costing more.

Jefenator · #7 08-19-2010, 09:43 AM

I notice a lot of repair people operate on their own concept of time.

(Try getting a motorcycle worked on in the summer!

)

It doesn't *HAVE* to be that way, though. I took 3 things in for servicing and my amp tech told me he'd get back to me in 48 hours. He did, almost to the minute, and it was all ready to go.

SMILEYSIXX · #8 08-19-2010, 09:49 AM

Yeah, it really seems like most techs do things on different timescales. I had a guy replace pickups and he told me it would take a day then he calls me two hours later saying everything's done. People like to do things with different levels of ambition to get it done.

i_got_a_mohawk · #9 08-19-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jefenator

I notice a lot of repair people operate on their own concept of time.

(Try getting a motorcycle worked on in the summer!

)

It doesn't *HAVE* to be that way, though. I took 3 things in for servicing and my amp tech told me he'd get back to me in 48 hours. He did, almost to the minute, and it was all ready to go.

+1

Also, the best way to go when getting work done, be it to an amp or to a guitar. Is to check around with local musicians as opposed to the shops.

While annoying, I always find it reassuring when you talk to someone who will admit they have a massive backlog of work and often suggest someone else to take it to if you are needing it any sooner. A large backlog of work can also often (not always) show the quality of tech you're dealing with.

eSmith · #10 08-19-2010, 10:21 AM

Want it done today? Call him and tell him there is an extra $50 in it for him for the rush.

$250 seems like a good deal for the work (how many tuning heads?) if that includes both parts and labour.

I can tell you that after he pays tax on it and whatnot, it's going to amount to less than one days pay in profit for him but it seems like it may take more than 1 day of work (And you indicated you are going to attempt to stiff him at the end of the deal)

Everyone knows this: You can get quality, get it fast, get it cheap... Pick two and only two.

Fast and quality, isn't gonna be cheap.

Fast and cheap, isn't gonna have any quality.

Cheap and quality, don't expect it anytime soon.

Seems you want all three....

-eSmith.

SMILEYSIXX · #11 08-19-2010, 10:30 AM

My main issue wasn't the cost nor the time, but the fact that he never called to indicate that it would be done later then expected and the fact that he said it would be done later than we agreed just isn't very professional.

SMILEYSIXX · #12 08-19-2010, 10:31 AM

Oh and if you're curious as to the total cost of parts AND labor it's about 350

eSmith · #13 08-19-2010, 11:18 AM

Oh OK, I didn't realize he gave you an agreed upon date of compleation, in your post you indicated an estimate was given. I kinda went on that.

Hope you get it back completed soon,

-eSmith.

SMILEYSIXX · #14 08-19-2010, 12:17 PM

Yeah, we agreed that he would have it in time so I would have my bass for when I get back to school and play it in the jazz band. I have another bass to play, but I'm not taking my Schecter to school without a case, which is also in the guitar tech's possession.

purfektstranger · #15 08-19-2010, 07:42 PM

I would go back and see him and ask him to give you a pick up date. Be polite but firm. It's all well and good that he is doing the work on the cheap but at the end of the day any savings is offset by the inconvenience of not having your bass. Explain that your without a bass for your school jazz band and this has put you in a bind. If he still comes across as vague....pick up the bass and go elsewhere.

**pacojas** · #16 08-19-2010, 07:54 PM

tell Father to call him. gl.

**Staccato** · #17 08-19-2010, 07:56 PM

Some people are worth the wait. However, I called a local guy here that works out of his house. When he stated that he could not allow it to be dropped off-close to the date that the work would be performed...I decided against using his services. He said it would have to be left for 2-3 weeks.
The guy that did the work-had my axe for 3-4 days, and was paid in cash!

Sometimes you have a choice...

**bassybill** · #18 08-21-2010, 10:51 PM

This sounds like a lot of cash and a long wait to me. I took a P bass in to have the neck completely refinished and refretted for £140 here a few months ago - the guy had the bass about a week and did a first rate job.

SMILEYSIXX · #19 08-23-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

This sounds like a lot of cash and a long wait to me. I took a P bass in to have the neck completely refinished and refretted for £140 here a few months ago - the guy had the bass about a week and did a first rate job.

Not exactly sure of the exact currency rate, so I can't really comment on the cost, but as for time, I didn't expect it to be a quick procedure, but this guy is taking too long. I STILL don't have my bass, and it's been four weeks now.

caeman · #20 08-23-2010, 09:06 PM

Maybe in a kind way, affirm to the guy that the reason you went with him was because of the time of completion, and because now jazz band has started and you don't have a bass. See if will give you a loaner util he is done.

When Justin Kennedy worked on my bass, he loaned me a Modulus for the week I would be without a bass...and had two worship band sessions to play.