• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Tipping for setup?

clmayhew

clmayhew

Dec 8, 2009
230
39
Orlando
www.clarencemayhew.com
#1
I took my MIM Fretless Jazz to a local luthier to have him adjust the action and fix a little buzzing. I recently put a Badass II on it and it requires a little adjusting. He is also going to plane a little bit off the end of the fingerboard to fix some of the higher register noise. My question is: Is it standard to tip for a good setup? If I'd taken it to GC or any other "big" names, I wouldn't care so much, but this guy came highly recommended. Thanks!
 
#2
clmayhew said:
I took my MIM Fretless Jazz to a local luthier to have him adjust the action and fix a little buzzing. I recently put a Badass II on it and it requires a little adjusting. He is also going to plane a little bit off the end of the fingerboard to fix some of the higher register noise. My question is: Is it standard to tip for a good setup? If I'd taken it to GC or any other "big" names, I wouldn't care so much, but this guy came highly recommended. Thanks!
Click to expand...

If the tech is in the employ of a store or repair shop, tipping for an excellent job is nice.

If the luthier is a sole proprietor tipping is not called for. However, word of mouth advertising-telling everyone you know who cares-is absolutely necessary if you wish that this valuable local resource continue to be available.
 
#3
Its your decision but If the person owns the business, his shop no. I use Samash and I don't even think of tipping. I tip UPS, Fedx for finding my house when they are delivering say
an amp or some other valuable ( new bass,etc ) ......The owner where I've been taking guitar and drum lessons sets up my guitars ( the cheep ones ) I don't tip him . Just spreading around my business is enough. I don't like to be obligated to anybody. I hope the luthier does a great job.......:cool:
 
#4
clmayhew said:
I took my MIM Fretless Jazz to a local luthier to have him adjust the action and fix a little buzzing. I recently put a Badass II on it and it requires a little adjusting. He is also going to plane a little bit off the end of the fingerboard to fix some of the higher register noise. My question is: Is it standard to tip for a good setup? If I'd taken it to GC or any other "big" names, I wouldn't care so much, but this guy came highly recommended. Thanks!
Click to expand...


I'm a technician, and I would not expect a tip. I would hope that if you are satisfied with my work, you would pass it on.

I have had a substantial proportion of my customers insist on tipping me, and I will not refuse a tip. But I won't think any the less of a customer who doesn't tip. It's a difficult position to be in. I don't want to offend a customer my refusing their generosity. At the same time I would be every bit as happy if they just passed on their experience to friends/associates.
 
#5
i've gotten my share of tips, but it seems a little weird. (ultimately, it suggests i'm under-charging for the work in question! :p)

as i work for a store, i have to be careful here, to not be taking money that should have gone into the store's cash register, or to give somebody unfair consideration, like cutting ahead in my long line to get work done. as i always say, "i take tips, but i don't take bribes."

+1 to positive word-of-mouth being the much better "tip".
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back