In the long run it is always economically feasible to do the right thing. Reputations tend to suffer otherwise.
OP, please post the name of the hack and the establishment he works for here if they don't give you a satisfactory resolution.
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OP, please post the name of the hack and the establishment he works for here if they don't give you a satisfactory resolution.
I will revise by saying that since this is ADE, I’d have the body replaced through Fender customer service, and simply have them make it with the additional pickup route already done.
the question the judge decides is: did work make to workman standard, not to a customer satisfaction. Lacking a written contract, stating customer decides, best is return of money, and trade of bodies. One thing that has not been discussed, Is Op playing in a band either as a hobby or as an independent contractor. Then bass could be depreciatated and op receives less.
Let's say op gets new body, then Luthier gets old body. New body probably shouldn't have new routing.
Imo there was a contract. But was it one that meets costumer satisfaction, tough one to get unless written, or supported by sketches.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
And that is why he brings the other instrument and other evidence - to demonstrate what the proper standard is. Even if I didn't know Jack $_-$ about a bass, I could see the sloppy rout and off center installation. Depreciation means nothing.
deepestend
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2003
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First of all, sorry that this happened to you. Really sucks.
I think that he needs to refund you whatever you paid him for the work. That's a baseline. Beyond that, I'm not sure that he can unring that bell. I think that the only thing you can do is try to put in a larger pickup. I always prefer a soapbar size and if you are looking for that classic single coil sound, I think that you can get it with a nordstrand big single type pickup. The dimensions are slightly larger than the single coil in there and might cover the ground and give you the sound.
I wouldn't push for a new body. First of all, he's not going to do it and second of all it will not work with the bass you've got if you want to keep it an "american" fender bass.
I think that he needs to refund you whatever you paid him for the work. That's a baseline. Beyond that, I'm not sure that he can unring that bell. I think that the only thing you can do is try to put in a larger pickup. I always prefer a soapbar size and if you are looking for that classic single coil sound, I think that you can get it with a nordstrand big single type pickup. The dimensions are slightly larger than the single coil in there and might cover the ground and give you the sound.
I wouldn't push for a new body. First of all, he's not going to do it and second of all it will not work with the bass you've got if you want to keep it an "american" fender bass.
try filing an insurance claim.
I was describing best case scenario, let's say op gets asked how much he paid for bass, he states $500. Then judge could tell Luthier to pay $500 plus refund. Might need appraisal.
Bottom line bass is playable.
I really hope Op is made whole, but I don't see the path.
Another thing not discussed, is routing the fender standard?
People are saying the guy should pay for a replacement body from Fender. I’m not sure why you are in a position to say what he will or will not do. In my view if I give you something of mine to work on and you ruin it, you replace it. It’s that simple.
deepestend
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2003
- 6,249
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I'm just internet brainstorming. I don't know either the customer or the repair guy. All has to be taken with a grain of salt. He should buy the guy a new body. I'm just not sure that it's going to happen and was looking for the best way to make sweet lemonade from this situation.
I don’t know them either. I’m just operating on principle. I only see one path forward that makes it right for the OP.
You are 100% correct, morally.
I think the issue others are talking about is the legal sense that the bass wasn't brand new so the original purchase price wouldn't be considered when talking about "damages".
Morally, I would say that he should return the customers money, call fender.. have a replacement body ordered in the exact color... and pay to have an authorized dealer or tech do the swap. At that point the customer is exactly where they started and they have an extra body for their troubles. Have a better tech rout the old body for a soapbar, hit up warmoth for a neck and go ebay shopping for hardware/pups... and youve got another bass. Not a bad result.
Heres the issue... morally is not the usual result. Realistically if he can get all of his money back and have the tech purchase him a larger bridge pup AND pay somebody else to fix the botched job.... AND then throw in a half dozen sets of strings and maybe a nice strap... I'd call that a win.
We all want to call the big boxes evil and we all want to support mom and pop... but sadly its mom and pop that can be the worst when it comes to issues like this. There's no corporate hierarchy to lean on and no slew of number/emails to pester. Small claims court could easily decide in the customers favor... and then never be able to have him actually collect.
So yea, morally you're 100% correct but realistically I'm hoping for the best because this guy got a raw deal.
You obviously want to avoid Court, but you don’t need an expert witness to prove something a layperson can easily see and understand. All you will need is those pics and your receipt for the new body. But, if the guy is reasonable and wants to protect his reputation, he’ll make this right without ever needing to threaten Court. You may also want to give him a link to this thread if he questions his liability and the proper remedy. And, in this age of social media, can he risk the bad press? I wouldn’t.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
If he wanted to protect his reputation, he wouldn't have given that to OP.
Persistence and conviction are more effective than being realistic in my experience.
While I tend to agree, there is a reason some things are called "realistic".
Unfortunately and generally speaking the most common reason is as an excuse for not doing something.
This thread is like watching dash cam car accidents. I keep going back to the pics, and every time I see them, it's worse than before. God help me if I ever do work for someone that other people view that way.
The fact that the strings are not even seated in the saddles means that this guy knew what he did and was trying to hide it. And if he didn't do that intentionally, I think I'm gonna barf.
Fletz, as a fellow Jersey resident, please do us a favor and release the name of the demon who did this, for the good of the people, so that we can all stay miles and miles away. You owe it to us, as much as that guy owes you a new bass.
The fact that the strings are not even seated in the saddles means that this guy knew what he did and was trying to hide it. And if he didn't do that intentionally, I think I'm gonna barf.
Fletz, as a fellow Jersey resident, please do us a favor and release the name of the demon who did this, for the good of the people, so that we can all stay miles and miles away. You owe it to us, as much as that guy owes you a new bass.
My suggestion? Don't out the guy publicly right now. First, see if he does the right thing. If you want to let people know privately, that's your business.
Well, OP Hasn't outed him yet, so I think he and you are walkin the same high road so far. I do tend to agree, wait and see what the resolution is before rolling in the dumpster
I think we need to see how this guy responds to Fletz before we decide what he must do. (I know it’s fun and interesting to discuss).
If he doesn’t do something to Fletz’s satisfaction, then we can light some torches and gather some pitchforks (in an Internet forum kinda way
).
If he doesn’t do something to Fletz’s satisfaction, then we can light some torches and gather some pitchforks (in an Internet forum kinda way
).this time we get Dr. Frank, and not the monster?I think we need to see how this guy responds to Fletz before we decide what he must do. (I know it’s fun and interesting to discuss).
If he doesn’t do something to Fletz’s satisfaction, then we can light some torches and gather some pitchforks (in an Internet forum kinda way
