• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Repair Shop Damage

My new procedure for whenever I drop any of my instruments off at any shop:
1) take the shop's business card and write the date on it
2) place the instrument on THEIR counter and place the card next to it.
3) take multiple close up pictures that's show both the instrument and card in detail.

We all have smart phones now. Seems like a simple process to avoid these types of situations in the future.

I'm also thinking of making up a sheet like the ones used by car rental companies that show any existing damage. I'll have the employee who takes the instrument in look it over, notate any issues and then sign the form.

If nothing else, I've learned to cover myself in the future.
 
It could be a cheap finish to begin with, in which case it is not entirely the shop's fault even with a solder splatter. Just take the $$$ and move on.

Wha, wha whaaaaaaa? "It's not their fault, even with a solder splatter"? How is ANY solder splatter NOT THEIR FAULT? They had the bass, not the customer. Unless someone broke in to work on it, IT'S THEIR FAULT, cheap finish, or not.
 
When the owner said something along the lines of "Bill doesn't think there is any way that he could have done this. Now I can't say for sure that something couldn't have happened when someone else was working nearby but..." I cut him off and told him that I didn't care if squirrels climbed into the bag and chewed on it. The damage happened while the bass was in his possession.

But no matter how this turns out, I'm trying to stay positive and make it a learning experience.
 
Wha, wha whaaaaaaa? "It's not their fault, even with a solder splatter"? How is ANY solder splatter NOT THEIR FAULT? They had the bass, not the customer. Unless someone broke in to work on it, IT'S THEIR FAULT, cheap finish, or not.

exactly, it doesn't take that much effort to put some masking tape and some paper down or other protective surface down there to cover the finish in the work area.... I have a friend that used to do car audio installations on some pretty high end vehicles and he was just as meticulous with his prep work to protect the vehicle as he was with the installation itself. he did this whether he was working on a 10 year old Civic or a new Range Rover.
 
Wha, wha whaaaaaaa? "It's not their fault, even with a solder splatter"? How is ANY solder splatter NOT THEIR FAULT? They had the bass, not the customer. Unless someone broke in to work on it, IT'S THEIR FAULT, cheap finish, or not.

I'm with you all the way. A repair shop has an ethical responsibility to treat any instrument that they take in the same. Regardless of make/model/finish quality. Gear snobbery by a someone who you are PAYING to improve an instrument is ridiculous.
We all won't walk in with a Dingwall or Ritter.
F that shop release the name OP.
 
I dont think anyones opinion is right or wrong on this one. Thoe dings wouldnt bother me in the least. I can completely understand why they would bother you. I think the easiest thing is to take tge money off and not go back.
 
Wow, what kinda hack "tech" lets all those paint chips happen? One, maybe if he was careless. A bunch, looks almost deliberate.

Sounds like the store owner is a real POS too. "You can't prove the damage wasn't already there". Nice. :rolleyes:

I bet he's been down this road before. Don't bother going to small claims court with it, waste of time. He's right, you really can't prove they did it.
 
Wha, wha whaaaaaaa? "It's not their fault, even with a solder splatter"? How is ANY solder splatter NOT THEIR FAULT? They had the bass, not the customer. Unless someone broke in to work on it, IT'S THEIR FAULT, cheap finish, or not.

I've splattered solder in my life. It has never lifted any of my finishes - not even close. QED, buying a bass with a cheap finish has A LOT to do with the damage.