My new RGD came back from the shop damaged!!

[Nicki]

Originally Posted by splinter8451

The thing is, you could have taken your guitar to the greatest guitar tech in all the world to get your pickups and changed and there is still a chance he would dent/chip your guitar.

Question is, how would the greatest guitar tech in the world handle it? Would he try to just cover up the spot as terribly as the tech at this shop did? Or would he take responsibility and have a pro do what needed to be done to rectify the error?

For a couple of my other guitars, I do all the work myself because if I royally messed it up, the models are common enough that they can be replaced for anywhere between $150 and $300. But since this is a Prestige, I didn't want to risk screwing it up so I did what any reasonable musician would do and took it to (what I had assumed was) a pro.

It's all about accountability.

When I played paintball and worked on a friend's gun, I screwed up a route on the trigger frame. I immediately called him and told him what happened and said I would replace the frame (which cost $100). I ended up not being able to find a replacement frame and couldn't order one from anywhere, so I replaced the gun. It cost me $550, but I man'd up and took the loss because I was accountable for the error.

It's no different than this shop. They're accountable for their error and the onus is on them to fix the error.

[flint757]

Agree with doing it yourself. Took mine in a couple years ago and they broke the pickup rings. Shit happens the only thing I take my guitar to a shop for is paint jobs and routing (which is even riskier mistake wise) since I don't have the skill set or tools or confidence to do that myself. This does happen all the time and chances are you'll get no reparations. That being said asking for a pro to do a touch up (not refinish, overkill much) on their dime and the install discounted or free seems reasonable. Anything else and they are even more likely to do nothing, not to mention all of the things you consider fair options really aren't fair (tad over the top). I say get what you can and never use them again for repairs/mods.

[MaxOfMetal]

Here's some facts:

If the shop either A) lies about you being the original buyer of the guitar, B) that the guitar was received as damage, or C) a combination of the two they run the risk of losing their Ibanez dealership.

If you sue, you'll only get back what you're out, which would be the value of a used RG2127 in mint condition, which is only around $1200 on the very high side. If this was a brand new guitar, as in not purchased via a private sale, then you could sue for the value of the instrument when priced new.

I'm sorry this happened, and it really sucks, but I don't see the shop taking such a hit on this and risking their license to sell Ibanez products. If I was you I'd work out a cash settlement, such as enough for a local, professional painter to refinish the instrument.

[Rev2010]

Gotta love threads like these on here. God forbid some poor chap is upset about somebody ....ing up his axe, eventually it turns from sympathy to, "Your a ....ing tool, get over it and stop whining online about nothing". While I agree he's made some silly comments like getting a lawyer (the cost and time simply is NOT worth it) and suggesting the fraudulent thing fact is he's just ticked and needs some time to deal with the situation. Maybe some level headed enlightening posts would help him a bit more than calling him out for some silly things said. We don't even know his age. When I was a younger guitarist I would even freak out when I found I hadn't noticed my belt buckle was scratching the *back* of my guitar. Experience lends to a better understanding/avoidance/and coping with such things.


Rev.

[splinter8451]

Originally Posted by Nicki

Question is, how would the greatest guitar tech in the world handle it? Would he try to just cover up the spot as terribly as the tech at this shop did? Or would he take responsibility and have a pro do what needed to be done to rectify the error?

I was just saying it is a risk that you take when you trust someone else to do a job.

Originally Posted by Nicki

When I played paintball and worked on a friend's gun, I screwed up a route on the trigger frame. I immediately called him and told him what happened and said I would replace the frame (which cost $100). I ended up not being able to find a replacement frame and couldn't order one from anywhere, so I replaced the gun. It cost me $550, but I man'd up and took the loss because I was accountable for the error.

Congratulations you are a good person

If I were you I would just ask for a refund on the pickup swap and use that money to see about getting it touched up if it matters this much? Use the money to buy a paint marker and fix it yourself

[L1ght]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

Gotta love threads like these on here. God forbid some poor chap isupset about somebody ....ing up his axe, eventually it turns from sympathy to, "Your a ....ing tool, get over it and stop whining online about nothing". While I agree he's made some silly comments like getting a lawyer (the cost and time simply is NOT worth it) and suggesting the fraudulent thing fact is he's just ticked and needs some time to deal with the situation. Maybe some level headed enlightening posts would help him a bit more than calling him out for some silly things said. We don't even know his age. When I was a younger guitarist I would even freak out when I found I hadn't noticed my belt buckle was scratching the *back* of my guitar. Experience lends to a better understanding/avoidance/and coping with such things.

No one called him a "....ing tool", and no one made any personal attacks towards him, they simply voiced their opinions on the situation. Getting a lawyer in this situation is just utterly retarded. As stated before, it wasn't like they tore off the headstock or damaged a vital piece of the guitar, and then just sent the guy packing with no reimbursement. It was a god forsaken paint chip on a guitar that is well known specifically FOR chipping and denting.

His idea about committing fraud should be an obvious mistake. I, as well as several other people, whilst voicing their own opinions on this subject, proceeded to give him some VERY good suggestions as to how to remedy the problem at hand. Some that are actually very possible outcomes to this situation.

If he doesn't want to hear what people have to say, positive or negative, then why the .... did he even bother posting?

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by L1ghtChaos

No one called him a "....ing tool", and no one made any personal attacks towards him

Oh geez, I was implying the "attitude" of some responders, not saying that was an actual statement by anyone specifically

Originally Posted by L1ghtChaos

Getting a lawyer in this situation is just utterly retarded.

And in reference to my above statement yours here is pretty equivalent to calling him a retard. Again, I agree with you on the lawyer thing. What I'm trying to get some of you slayers here to realize is the guy is simply pissed off about it and hasn't yet calmed down. I've made far far more ridiculous statements in the past when I was mad and I'm certain pretty much everyone here also has at some point in their lives when they were mad.

Originally Posted by L1ghtChaos

If he doesn't want to hear what people have to say, positive or negative, then why the .... did he even bother posting?

Because everyone needs to vent sometimes? ...., I guess all humans are supposed to be flawless and think deeply before every action they take.


Rev.

[Nicki]

Like I've mentioned a probably a dozen times by now, I'm open to options which is why I'll be sitting down with them on Tuesday to discuss it.

I'd hate to have to go the lawyer, and if getting a lawyer seems odd to anyone, I respect the opinion you're entitled to, but unfortunately it's not an opinion we share. If I need to go this route because they didn't provide any reasonable options to rectify this, I will.

I'll provide an update on Tuesday on how things went.

[Nicki]

@L1ghtChaos and Rev

While I realize this is the internet, and free speech and all that, sometimes using "strong" language in written communications can be perceived as hostile and cause a misunderstanding. I have found that when one avoids usage of certain words that are highly expressive or can be (mistakenly) taken as derogatory, you generally get a better response from your target audience and end up feeling like the conversation was more pleasant. Just a suggestion that you guys may want to take into consideration.

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by Nicki

I'd hate to have to go the lawyer, and if getting a lawyer seems odd to anyone, I respect the opinion you're entitled to, but unfortunately it's not an opinion we share. If I need to go this route because they didn't provide any reasonable options to rectify this, I will.

Well I hope you do find another option, but if you don't come up with something that you both agree with I will reiterate one last time the lawyer idea is plain bad bad bad - foolish actually. Even the cheapest lawyers will bill $50 an hour. When all is said and done, if you sweepingly won which you won't as it will be an "OK, how much does the damage detract from the value" type thing, the most you will get is them replacing the guitar. And at that point you will have spent enough in legal fees and time wasted to buy a brand new RGD.

Fact is, even if it weren't chipped you could've accidentally chipped it yourself in 3 days playing in the studio. THEN what would you do?? Would you throw out the guitar or sell it? No, you wouldn't. We've all chipped our axes as some point, it's simply inevitable. Time to sit back and have a few drinks (if you're old enough) and take a deep breath. There ARE luthiers out there that can make it look brand new without a refinish. Probably for the cost the people that messed it up are willing to reimburse. It's not the end of the world, there are options


Rev.

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by Nicki

@L1ghtChaos and Rev

While I realize this is the internet, and free speech and all that, sometimes using "strong" language in written communications can be perceived as hostile and cause a misunderstanding. I have found that when one avoids usage of certain words that are highly expressive or can be (mistakenly) taken as derogatory, you generally get a better response from your target audience and end up feeling like the conversation was more pleasant. Just a suggestion that you guys may want to take into consideration.

Huh?? What strong language have we used other than "...."? And it wasn't ".... you" or anything like that, it was expression like saying "Geeez" really loud


Rev.

[L1ght]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

Oh geez, I was implying the "attitude" of some responders, not saying that was an actual statement by anyone specifically



And in reference to my above statement yours here is pretty equivalent to calling him a retard. Again, I agree with you on the lawyer thing. What I'm trying to get some of you slayers here to realize is the guy is simply pissed off about it and hasn't yet calmed down. I've made far far more ridiculous statements in the past when I was mad and I'm certain pretty much everyone here also has at some point in their lives when they were mad.



Because everyone needs to vent sometimes? ...., I guess all humans are supposed to be flawless and think deeply before every action they take.


Rev.

I don't disagree with your statements, and you can interpret MY statements any way you like, but just because I think one(or more) of his ideas are retarded, doesn't mean I think he personally is retarded. You are probably right in thinking he is just a little hot-headed at the moment, but judging by his further postings, I think he intends to do whatever necessary to get what he *believes* he is entitled to. Whether that includes filing a lawsuit, or committing fraudulent acts. - Which are both completely moronic in this situation, any way you look at it.

[Nicki]

Originally Posted by Rev2010

Huh?? What strong language have we used other than "...."? And it wasn't ".... you" or anything like that, it was expression like saying "Geeez" really loud


Rev.

Right, however it could still be taken as a ".... (you're an idiot), I guess humans are..." kind of thing. All I'm saying is that written communications can end up being written MIScommunications. If you were to say that expression in person, the tonality of your voice would convey whether or not it was meant to be condescending. When it's written (and especially on the internet), it can just as easily be taken in a completely opposite way in which you meant it.

Anyway, I think I may go have that drink you suggested (yep, I'm well over legal drinking age).

[flint757]

The only advice I have is when they offer a "reasonable" option (which will be pretty much nothing you have suggested) don't walk away. You got to look at it from a fiscal point of view not a I'm pissed and I want you to suffer view (one I have shared towards others many times ). The only reasonable thing they can do that isn't ridiculous is not charge you and give you enough money to do a good cover up (it's location and size it can still look new cheap) that is it honestly. Them paying to get it refinished or giving you a new one isn't going to happen and shouldn't happen. If you expect that you will be sorely disappointed. The lawyer will cost you a lot of money with little reward if any, if you want them to pay from a justice stand point then black list them (in terms of repairs) on as many websites you can and tell all your friends what happened.

Having said that they should have used something on the screws before placing them like soap to avoid chipping/splitting.

[djpharoah]

Replacement guitar

Seriously though get on this.

[Zeno]

Originally Posted by The Uncreator

Doesn't seem like it should be that hard of a fix, maybe you could take it elsewhere and hand them the bill?

I think this is your best option, Either that, or just suck it up and deal with it, and make sure you're not charged for the pick-up swap. It's honestly not that big of a scratch, and I think you're just over-reacting due to being pissed off. It happens a ton, trust me. A lawsuit is definitely NOT worth the time and effort.

Besides, your hand is going to be RIGHT THERE while you're playing, who's going to see it but you and people who ask to see the guitar. I have a few dings and scratches on my guitars caused by other people, but shit happens man. It's not like guitars never get damaged. It will happen, sooner or later. Just call it a character mark and get on with your life, something was going to happen to your guitar eventually. This really isn't worth your time, man.

Not trying to bash you or anything, I know this sucks, I'm just offering my opinion and advice. Just chill.

^EDIT: I agree with djpharoah up there
|

Honestly, I'd probably do that, either that or electrical tape. That's what I'm using to hold the broken (non-vital) part of the neck pickup ring on on my H 207, until I can justify getting new rings. Or the paint marker thing that was suggested.

[Rev2010]

Originally Posted by Nicki

All I'm saying is that written communications can end up being written MIScommunications.

I hear ya, but L1ghtChaos and I aren't arguing and neither of us seem to be upset with one another, we just posted our opinions, it's all good

Originally Posted by Nicki

Anyway, I think I may go have that drink you suggested (yep, I'm well over legal drinking age).

Always a good idea, go for it Hope everything works out.


Rev.

[KiD Cudi]

Maybe I'm too lenient but it just looks like a little chipped paint on a guitar that wasn't that pretty or decorative to begin with. I understand you're probably just clinging to principle and pissed about their poor service but suing? They are definitely bigger fish to fry but it's your right and decision obviously so good luck friend.
I wouldn't do that shit though...

[cap-tan]

Leave the chip. It adds character. I take care of all of my instruments but they get dinged time to time, and yes, sometimes by a tech. Fact is, this kinda stuff happens. The guitar still plays and you obviously like the way it sounds, a couple years down the road the chip will be nothing more than a story to tell about the guitar. But with that said, to each his own. I personally would not go through all the hassle and if I really cared about the finish that much I'd Sharpie it. Not like someone out in the audience (if you play live) is gonna sit there and be all like "man that band would've been killer if that guitarist didn't have a chip on his guitar." Good luck with whatever you decide to do depending on the options the shop offers you.

[Jason_Clement]

I'm with cap-tan. Dings add character. Honestly, pristine guitars scare me. I am afraid to hold them.

[blister7321]

i only have one thing to say about this
it was a pup swap right, how did they chip the paint even in the slightest ive never heard of or seen such an occurrence can anyone shed some light on possibilities cuz im confused

and to the op sorry to hear man id be furious

[flint757]

My guess is when they screwed the new screws in. If it was a tight fit it can happen, but yes if there is already a hole it isn't likely to happen on a guitar with a solid paint job so it is a tad perplexing.

[cap-tan]

My guess is that when they were turning the screw the screwdriver may have slipped off the head and whala. theres a chip. but thats just my guess

[L1ght]

See, I'm all for justice and everything, but will someone please explain to me how a paint chip that wasn't caused by you or your awesome playing... adds character? If I brought this guitar to a tech, and then he chipped it... the only thing I would think of every time I saw that paint chip would be, how ....ing incompetent some people are with even the simplest of tasks.

So to be honest, while I don't agree with some of the incredibly ridiculous ideas Nicki has come by, I sure as hell do not agree with the fact that this very paint chip adds "character" to his guitar. He should be entitled to a fix, plain and simple.

However, as I stated before, rightfully, he is only entitled to how much the damage is actually worth. If they can't make this right without refinishing the entire guitar, then they SHOULD refinish the entire guitar, free of charge, since THEY were the ones that screwed up the paint job in the first place. Worst comes to worst, I believe the should refund him the amount they charged for the pickup change.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by Nicki

I'm hoping that having Ibanez refinish the guitar is an option that's open.

That is never going to happen,

Are they going to ship it back to Japan? No
Is Ibanez going to allow it into LACS? No

The only hope here would be that the Canadian supplier of Ibanez is big enough to do refinishing as part of their warranty repairs, but that's very unlikely for the following reasons,

it would only cover damage in transit of brand new guitars to the stores, as soon as it leaves the store damage would count as the customers fault,

it's extremely cost prohibitive and they would probably just expect the shop to sell damage in transit guitars at a discount in the store (at best the supplier would have a set rule of how much they will reimburse the shop for such sales, say 10% of the cost price, and even if a system like that existed the supplier would expect notification of damage very shortly after delivery to the store and so would not cover your 2nd hand guitar)

The logistics and cost of Ibanez sending out every colour of paint they ever make to all the suppliers in the world, and teaching the painters the exact order of colour coats to achieve the final finish? Extremely unlikely.


The list goes on, I'm not raggin on you, I'd be pissed off too, I just don't want you thinking refinishing by Ibanez is going to happen,

Just hope they either giving you a sum of money as compensation, or they swap out the guitar for a new one and sell yours at a discount in their store.