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Build stopped in its tracks.. Again.

Rip Topaz

Rip Topaz

Aug 12, 2005
8,664
918
Willow Street, PA
#1
As many of you know, I've been working on a build for a friend.

I started last January, when an old friend from high school commissioned me to build him a replica of Michael Anthony's Jack Daniels bass.

The build was cursed from the start. Within a few weeks of starting, I was taken out by multiple back surgeries.

I managed to get the bass almost completed, when earlier this week a MAJOR disaster struck.

My friend that ordered the bass was killed in a three vehicle accident on I95.

I'm at a complete loss. The bass isn't finished, but half paid for. What do I do?

Part of me wants to finish the build as a reminder of my friend, but I can't even look at it without breaking down.

Should I scrap the build or just put it away till I feel comfortable working on it? And when it's done, what should I do with it? I'm at a loss.
 
#5
It's not that I can't finish it, but it definitely won't happen soon. Hard to work power tools when the tears are flowing.

I'm blown away by all of this. This bass was a dream for him, he had wanted a copy of the Jack Daniels bass for a long time. I'm still in shock over it all.
 
#8
fenderhutz said:
Finish it if you can. Either keep it or auction it off and use the funds to help out his family (if he left one behind).

Sorry for your loss either way.
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+++
Keep his family in mind and realize that you'll be helping them for him. Hopefully that will put it into a perspective that will help you drive forward with a positive purpose.

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you can help his memory and family if you complete it.. maybe an auction... you'll have options once it's done.
 
#10
If he has children (If so, bless their hearts), I would finish the build, and, occasionally play it in his honor. And, when those kids get old enough to appreciate it for what it is, I'd turn it over to them.
If no children are involved, I'd still finish it and play it in his honor.


Just ask yourself, what would he want you to do with it? He respected your skills enough to commission a build from you, so, I'm sure he'd want you to play/display it.

Sorry for your loss, man. I've had 3 of my closest friends pass in the past 5 years. It's no fun at all.
 
#12
Buddy, I completely sympathise with your loss (I've been there myself, and it's such a horrible feeling). Don't try and finish it yet, leave it until you feel stronger.

If it were me, I'd finish it and give it to a member of his family. I think this is something you have to decide for yourself in the end though.
 
#16
Talk to the Executor of the Estate how he/she wants to handle this. You have a contract to deliver goods at a set price and you have a legitimate claim on the remaining payment. You'll need to have your claim filed by the end of probate. Finishing the bass on spec and then auctioning it off and giving the estate the proceeds (less remaining amount due) would be reasonable.
 
#17
sowilson said:
Talk to the Executor of the Estate how he/she wants to handle this. You have a contract to deliver goods at a set price and you have a legitimate claim on the remaining payment. You'll need to have your claim filed by the end of probate. Finishing the bass on spec and then auctioning it off and giving the estate the proceeds (less remaining amount due) would be reasonable.
Click to expand...

I have no desire to collect the other half of the payment. I don't want to make anything off it at this point.

I'll be revisiting it in a few months, and I plan on contacting his wife to see if she wants it. If not, I'll probably keep it and make a brass plate with my friend's name and birth and death date.
 

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