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Topic: Damaged in shipment? |
Phil Halton
From: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:00 am
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So, you buy a new guitar either factory direct, or from a well-known dealer, and it lands on your doorstep in pieces or damaged in some way. What's the procedure from there? What is the likelyhood that you're stuck with a busted guitar and no recourse?
For me, I'd just want to send it back no questions asked and get a replacement shipped asap. But, I get the feeling that's not always going to happen. I get the feeling that insurance is essentially worthless unless the shipping company does the packing. And, some of the discount outlets don't want to deal with it after it leaves their warehouse.
I'd like to buy a new guitar, but I can't afford to get stuck with a pile of kindling. Where's the best place to buy given these concerns? _________________ Disclaimer! I make no warranty on the manure I've been spreadin' around here. |
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Jack Stoner
From: Kansas City, MO
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:23 am
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There are two locations that I would consider, Bobbe Seymour's in Hendersonville (Nashville) and Billy Cooper's in Orange VA, considering your location. But, if I were to buy a new (or used) steel I'd go get it and avoid any shipping company. It would cost more but it's worth the piece of mind that I have control over the "shipping". |
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Ken Metcalf
From: San Antonio Texas USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 8:32 am
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I've been stung by UPS and the insurance is not really insurance it is some perceived value program as they explained to me even though they sell it and call it insurance
It will fall back on the shipper due to the fact that they in fact buy the policy and will depend upon the shippers relationship with the shipping company.
good luck
Ken
_________________ MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes |
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Roger Shackelton
From: MINNESOTA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 9:45 am
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I agree with Jack. For your own piece of mind it's worth it to pick up an instrument in person.
Sometimes inadequate packing is at fault for the damage to an instrument. |
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Phil Halton
From: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 10:29 am
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Jack Stoner wrote: |
There are two locations that I would consider, Bobbe Seymour's in Hendersonville (Nashville) and Billy Cooper's in Orange VA, considering your location. |
Picking it up isn't really an option--unless I want to ride the old grey dog from Massachusetts to Tennessee or Virginia which I don't(for obvious reasons). I'd like to buy from Bob Seymour (I like his prices) but I get the impression that I'm on my own if it arrives damaged. I might be way off-base on that, but when I bought my NV112 from them I kind of got a blank stare, so to speak, when I asked about returns and/or shipment damage returns. It arrived in fine shape, but I wasn't filled with confidence that they'd help out if it didn't.
Am I wrong on that? Maybe Bob or someone who knows their policies regarding damages in shipment could chime in here and put me straight. _________________ Disclaimer! I make no warranty on the manure I've been spreadin' around here. |
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Stu Schulman
From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 10:30 am
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Greyhound? _________________ Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952. |
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A. J. Schobert
From: Cincinnati, Ohio,
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 1:44 pm
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Phil did you have a guitar damaged?
If you didn't have something damaged,I wouldn't let that "worry" hold me back, nor should you.
Look at the insurance policy and what it says is written, if something is damaged and it is a high price item you will have to fight for your money wheather or not the carrier packed it. Just read your policy.
Think about this, I would say almost all new PSG are shipped and the damage the get is overwhellming in the non-damaged side. I would be more worried about buying sight-unseen than damage. |
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Phil Halton
From: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 4:02 pm
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[quote="A. J. Schobert"]Phil did you have a guitar damaged?
No, but I've seen a few "crunch jobs", and I don't like crossing my fingers and hoping its not my turn.
I take your point on the odds, its probably as safe as flying--you'll no doubt make it just fine. I just want to know that the dealer will do right by the customer if the guitar gets crunched. Don't most dealers allow for an inspection period on receipt of 72 hours or so wherein any damage is cause for return and refund? _________________ Disclaimer! I make no warranty on the manure I've been spreadin' around here. |
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Phil Halton
From: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 4:06 pm
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[quote="Stu Schulman"]Greyhound?[/quote]
Yep, a bus. Blind people don't drive so hot, so its best to take public transport. Fly you say? I'm not giving my new guitar to Bobo the baggage handler either. _________________ Disclaimer! I make no warranty on the manure I've been spreadin' around here. |
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Billy Carr
From: Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 4:52 pm psg's
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I've purchased several guitars from builders and only had one small problem. The rear apron on one was bowed and I sent it back and the builder fixed it at no charge. That could've been caused from the guitar being handled rough. I've also encountered a few problems with guitars when they arrived, some of them would have pull rods loose in the case and bellcranks that were not tight. That wasn't from the shipping though. I wouldn't worry to much about the shipping of a guitar, especially if it came from a name seller/builder. I'm yet to see a seller/builder that doesn't package carefully. |
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Roger Edgington
From: San Antonio, Texas USA
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 2:38 pm
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The best way is pick it up yourself if at all possible. After that I lean towards the bus unless your in Hawaii or something. I have used them before with no problems so far. I don't think things get thrown around as bad as on the airline. |
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Steve Raulston
From: U.S.A. (deceased)
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Posted 6 Sep 2007 1:51 pm
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Back in March, I purchased a Mullen D10 8+8 from Dale Dorsey, a forum member. Dale paid to have it boxed and shipped and when it arrived ..... well all I can imagine is that Bubba literally hurled the thing off the conveyor belt! The cab was split between the necks and the right knee end plate had a deep dent in it. You can imagine what the case looked like.
Had the thing insured for $4,100.00 with Fedex. A pickup notice was sent the next day and shipped it back to the place of origin. Took about a month after getting a visual from a Fedex agent and then sending the guitar to Mullen. Del and Mike came up with a very reasonable figure and Fedex settled. It actually worked out better in the long run as I bought some of the prettiest birds-eye maple one could hope to find and had the Pre-Royal restored to new condition in teal blue.
I will be getting the guitar this next week and will post pics when she gets here. Mike assures me she will make me a proud owner. It has been a long wait but I believe it was worth it. Almost forgot to mention that I had Texas Case make a flight case for the guitar and sent it to Mullen for the shipment. Don't want to see it in pieces this time around.
Steve |
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