In mid-2011 I was looking for a smaller bass, and found a circa 1860 Tyrolean 5/8 on Craigslist that looked like just the ticket. Problem was it was 1500 miles away from me. I contacted the seller and asked him to take the bass to a luthier in his area. The luthier checked it out, found that it needed some work, but thought it would be a nice bass for the selling price + his work. So I bought it sight unseen and had the seller leave it at this shop for the needed repairs. When finished, the luthier would ship it to me.
This was in July, 2011. After popping the top and getting to work on the numerous cracks and bracing issues, then finding it needed a new bass bar, then finding that a needed rib repair was more extensive than anticipated - and after I had paid for most of the billed repair work, apparently in early 2012 they quit working on it. It has sat in the shop while other projects come and go. Every so often I email and try to get an update and half the time I get no reply.
In the meantime I bought another bass that I love, and no longer need or want the bass under restoration. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have nearly $7k invested in a pile of wood that is worthless unless and until the luthier finishes the repair and gets it in sale-able condition. I suppose I could demand that they ship it to me as is, but I don't know anyone in my area that has the skills to finish it. I've thought about driving the 3000 mile round trip to get it...but what would I do with it if I did?
I don't have any leverage with the luthier as I have paid for repairs as they went along. There may be a balance due for work done above the estimate, but they won't communicate with me as to what that is despite my request for that information.
If anyone has ideas or opinions on my dilemma, please share them. Thanks.
This was in July, 2011. After popping the top and getting to work on the numerous cracks and bracing issues, then finding it needed a new bass bar, then finding that a needed rib repair was more extensive than anticipated - and after I had paid for most of the billed repair work, apparently in early 2012 they quit working on it. It has sat in the shop while other projects come and go. Every so often I email and try to get an update and half the time I get no reply.
In the meantime I bought another bass that I love, and no longer need or want the bass under restoration. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have nearly $7k invested in a pile of wood that is worthless unless and until the luthier finishes the repair and gets it in sale-able condition. I suppose I could demand that they ship it to me as is, but I don't know anyone in my area that has the skills to finish it. I've thought about driving the 3000 mile round trip to get it...but what would I do with it if I did?
I don't have any leverage with the luthier as I have paid for repairs as they went along. There may be a balance due for work done above the estimate, but they won't communicate with me as to what that is despite my request for that information.
If anyone has ideas or opinions on my dilemma, please share them. Thanks.
