Crap Service!

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Hey guys! Just thought I would ask your opinion on this matter and also see if anyone else has some good stories about the crappy service they have received from a music store.

So, I brought my guitar to the local store to get about half of the frets replaced and an overall setup. For whatever reason, the tech was unable to replace any frets so without my permission he went straight ahead to just doing a setup and any other little things that needed to be done. The only reason I brought the guitar there is to get about half of the frets replaced. Having this guy go ahead with a setup and not replacing any frets is like having me flush money down the toilet. I am more than capable of doing my own setups and I feel the amount these guys charge for a simple setup is ridiculous. Now I will have to take it elsewhere to get the frets replaced and pay again to have it setup.

So what would you do in this situation? If I was told the refret was not going to be done I would of just asked for my guitar back without any work done. Why was it sent to this guy in the first place if he isn't able to replace the frets.

Oh and actually I'm not really sure what has been done. I simply received a message saying it was done and the total cost. Given the total cost of $90, I'm pretty sure, not a single fret was replaced. I am assuming he only did a setup and some wiring work. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow and just wanted to get some opinions on the matter before I do and prepare for the worse.

Hell, maybe he did replace all the frets that needed it and did an amazing setup all for $90. Then I'm going to look like a douche for making such a post, lol. But for $90, I just don't see it happening.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I'm sure that he didn't replace the frets lol.. A fret job is upwards of $500... Maybe he replaced one or two of them, or did a full fretboard levelling but there is no way they did that for $90. BTW $90 for a setup is highway robbery unless they had to go in and actually do more work. Cut your losses and take your guitar here.
http://ewartguitars.flyingvweb.com/
He's the best luthier in BC IMHO... He ghost builds guitars for rockstars for big companies. You know that SICK 7 string V that Devin Townsend plays that Peavey made? Yeah, he built that for Devin and Peavey made the production model based off of that guitar. He'll replace your frets, put a new roof on your house and do your homework for you... I would NEVER take my guitar to a store for a re-fret... That's like taking your custom Ford Mustang Funny Car to a Ford dealer to get an oil change. Laughing

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Yeah I was asking you about that guy before because I was worried about taking it to someone local. I didn't have a lot of cash and didn't want to pay to ship it to your tech so I bit the bullet and brought it to a local tech. Now I am wishing I didn't.

There were only 7-9 frets that really needed replacing but I would still assume to pay a fair bit over $100 for that.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

dan_plus_o wrote:

Yeah I was asking you about that guy before because I was worried about taking it to someone local. I didn't have a lot of cash and didn't want to pay to ship it to your tech so I bit the bullet and brought it to a local tech. Now I am wishing I didn't.

There were only 7-9 frets that really needed replacing but I would still assume to pay a fair bit over $100 for that.

Yeah I would guess that it would be a few hundred dollars to replace that many frets professionally. Just take the ferry over and bring it to Barry. Call him first to set up an appointment.

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:46 am

dan_plus_o wrote:

Hey guys! Just thought I would ask your opinion on this matter and also see if anyone else has some good stories about the crappy service they have received from a music store.

So, I brought my guitar to the local store to get about half of the frets replaced and an overall setup. For whatever reason, the tech was unable to replace any frets so without my permission he went straight ahead to just doing a setup and any other little things that needed to be done. The only reason I brought the guitar there is to get about half of the frets replaced. Having this guy go ahead with a setup and not replacing any frets is like having me flush money down the toilet. I am more than capable of doing my own setups and I feel the amount these guys charge for a simple setup is ridiculous. Now I will have to take it elsewhere to get the frets replaced and pay again to have it setup.

So what would you do in this situation? If I was told the refret was not going to be done I would of just asked for my guitar back without any work done. Why was it sent to this guy in the first place if he isn't able to replace the frets.

Oh and actually I'm not really sure what has been done. I simply received a message saying it was done and the total cost. Given the total cost of $90, I'm pretty sure, not a single fret was replaced. I am assuming he only did a setup and some wiring work. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow and just wanted to get some opinions on the matter before I do and prepare for the worse.

Hell, maybe he did replace all the frets that needed it and did an amazing setup all for $90. Then I'm going to look like a douche for making such a post, lol. But for $90, I just don't see it happening.

What I just read: I brought my guitar to this guy to replace half my frets but he doesn't replace frets so why the hell did he charge me 90 bux to not replace the frets but I think he replaced some frets.
Is this accurate Question

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 12:18 pm

$500 for a fret job??? They charge about $300 here

Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 4139 Location: southern ohio

$300 is high in my part of the world...lol We have a great guy local that will do a refret for right at $150....maple fretboard being a little higher.

Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 956 Location: D.O.A. 04-00341

The thing is, while he very well may have not replaced the frets you said you are assuming he did not. At least go to the store and find out maybe he did? I doubt it but at least find out before you trash the guy.

I charge $175-$225 and that is pretty average in the states so $500 is very high.

And if you replacing almost half the frets I would suggest just having them all replaced. Your going to pay $10-$15 per fret replaced anyway plus a set up charge. Most places dont charge additional for a setup on a full replacement, but will if a few are replaced.

Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 721 Location: Greenwood, IN

Just to echo what others have said, $500 seems really steep for a re-fret. Locally, a full re-fret runs $200-$225 depending on whether the fretboard is bound or not. But I guess prices could be higher in Canada.

Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 3197 Location: UK

Personally i would have found out what work was done.

Ask the person what work have you done to it?

If the guitar plays fine now, ask why they did not replace the frets.

Personally i think they have have levelled the frets dressed and set it up. For $90 that service aint bad nothing to cry about.

Yet if they have done nothing other than set the guitar u then i would not pay them anything. The reason for this is they did not carry out the work you asked for. You asked for a fret replacement regardless of their set up they failed to provide you with your agreed service.

Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 2740 Location: Southeast MI

Maybe it doesn't need the frets replaced? Just throwing that out there. If you went in specifically and said you wanted the frets replaced and they didn't though, I would do everything I could not to pay.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Bryan wrote:

Just to echo what others have said, $500 seems really steep for a re-fret. Locally, a full re-fret runs $200-$225 depending on whether the fretboard is bound or not. But I guess prices could be higher in Canada.

It's got nothing to do with Canada. I'm guessing what it would cost because of a quote he gave me for the Buddy Blaze I got last year that was in horrible shape and needed new frets and a fretboard planing. I know Barry's work and how amazingly detailed he is at what he does. He'll go in and round off the edges and have them perfectly polished. I have seen some re-fret jobs that are nice and some are butchered, all at different prices. We can only assume that Dan needs new frets... The neck could be warped, the fretboard could have lifted... We don't know for sure.

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

bassmantim71 wrote:

What I just read: I brought my guitar to this guy to replace half my frets but he doesn't replace frets so why the hell did he charge me 90 bux to not replace the frets but I think he replaced some frets.
Is this accurate Question

Yeah pretty much! You have summed up my post quite nicely Very Happy

I'm just really stressed and full of all kinds of crazy emotions right now mainly due to final exams I have in a few days (one of them being Calculus). I just wanted to vent a little and see if you guys had any opinions on the matter.

To clarify, I talked to the tech personally about a week ago and made it clear that I wanted the really bad frets to be replaced. He agreed with me and did say the frets were pretty bad in spots. Maybe he did just do a level and fret dressing and maybe it plays really nice now, but that is not what I asked for and not what we both agreed upon. If he did decide that it only needed a level and fret dress than why wasn't the customer contacted to verify the change in plans.

I was stuck at school all day and was not able to pick it up the guitar or phone to verify the work done, but given the price of $90 I think it's safe to say none of the frets were replaced.

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 5:22 pm

dan_plus_o wrote:

bassmantim71 wrote:

What I just read: I brought my guitar to this guy to replace half my frets but he doesn't replace frets so why the hell did he charge me 90 bux to not replace the frets but I think he replaced some frets.
Is this accurate Question

Yeah pretty much! You have summed up my post quite nicely Very Happy

I'm just really stressed and full of all kinds of crazy emotions right now mainly due to final exams I have in a few days (one of them being Calculus). I just wanted to vent a little and see if you guys had any opinions on the matter.

To clarify, I talked to the tech personally about a week ago and made it clear that I wanted the really bad frets to be replaced. He agreed with me and did say the frets were pretty bad in spots. Maybe he did just do a level and fret dressing and maybe it plays really nice now, but that is not what I asked for and not what we both agreed upon. If he did decide that it only needed a level and fret dress than why wasn't the customer contacted to verify the change in plans.

I was stuck at school all day and was not able to pick it up the guitar or phone to verify the work done, but given the price of $90 I think it's safe to say none of the frets were replaced.

You're probably right, but don't go ballistic until you know for sure. Some people can replace frets very easily and 'cheaply'.

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

I just got it today. No frets replaced, no call to confirm change of plans.

I really can't deal with any extra stress right now. I decided to not make a fuss about it and just paid.

There are a bunch of other little things I am not pleased about (including some added damage). Overall, a pretty poor setup in my opinion. Even has some fret buzz on the high E string and a strange rattling noise coming from the bridge area when I pick the low E really hard.

Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 721 Location: Greenwood, IN

dan_plus_o wrote:

I just got it today. No frets replaced, no call to confirm change of plans.

I really can't deal with any extra stress right now. I decided to not make a fuss about it and just paid.

There are a bunch of other little things I am not pleased about (including some added damage). Overall, a pretty poor setup in my opinion. Even has some fret buzz on the high E string and a strange rattling noise coming from the bridge area when I pick the low E really hard.

Dude, don't be a sucker. Get your money back. If they couldn't provide the service you requested, then they had ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS accepting the guitar in the first place. Call the manager or owner and POLITELY explain why you feel it was wrong for them to do what they did. Tell him you'd like to give him the chance to resolve this issue by either A) performing the service originally requested, or B) refunding your money. If he refuses to make things right then you should tell everyone you know to avoid that shop. Get on your Facebook account and post a message about your experience and ask your musician friends to share your post to help get the word out. You can also post a negative review of their business on Google.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

This is Canada not some country where you get whipped for complaining. Take the guitar back, tell them the job wasn't done to your liking. Tell them to look at the client request form you filled out when you made the appointment and show them that what you requested wasn't done. Show them any damage that was done while they had it. Demand your money back or they fix it and make it right. Next time go to a private luthier with a good history and references.

Joined: 29 Mar 2011 Posts: 357 Location: Calgary Alberta

dan_plus_o wrote:

I just got it today. No frets replaced, no call to confirm change of plans.

I really can't deal with any extra stress right now. I decided to not make a fuss about it and just paid.

There are a bunch of other little things I am not pleased about (including some added damage). Overall, a pretty poor setup in my opinion. Even has some fret buzz on the high E string and a strange rattling noise coming from the bridge area when I pick the low E really hard.

Where in Canada are you?

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

tmdazebassplayer wrote:

dan_plus_o wrote:

I just got it today. No frets replaced, no call to confirm change of plans.

I really can't deal with any extra stress right now. I decided to not make a fuss about it and just paid.

There are a bunch of other little things I am not pleased about (including some added damage). Overall, a pretty poor setup in my opinion. Even has some fret buzz on the high E string and a strange rattling noise coming from the bridge area when I pick the low E really hard.

Where in Canada are you?

BC

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2012 7:52 am

Sorry to hear this.., get them to fix it right or try to get a refund.

Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 1268 Location: Easton Ma

The service I get at my local store is great
I chew the fat with the two old timers, get advice on how to adjust or fix my gear, and buy a few packs of string/picks,
Im just easy going I guess

Joined: 21 May 2008 Posts: 259 Location: 509 USA

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

This is Canada not some country where you get whipped for complaining. Take the guitar back, tell them the job wasn't done to your liking. Tell them to look at the client request form you filled out when you made the appointment and show them that what you requested wasn't done. Show them any damage that was done while they had it. Demand your money back or they fix it and make it right. Next time go to a private luthier with a good history and references.

I 100 percent agree. Do this.

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5598 Location: phoenix az.

[quote="Lanning is Killdozer"]I'm sure that he didn't replace the frets lol.. A fret job is upwards of $500... Maybe he replaced one or two of them, or did a full fretboard levelling but there is no way they did that for $90. BTW $90 for a setup is highway robbery unless they had to go in and actually do more work. Cut your losses and take your guitar here.
http://ewartguitars.flyingvweb.com/
He's the best luthier in BC IMHO... He ghost builds guitars for rockstars for big companies. You know that SICK 7 string V that Devin Townsend plays that Peavey made? Yeah, he built that for Devin and Peavey made the production model based off of that guitar. He'll replace your frets, put a new roof on your house and do your homework for you... I would NEVER take my guitar to a store for a re-fret... That's like taking your custom Ford Mustang Funny Car to a Ford dealer to get an oil change. Laughing

[/quote

well if in phx u can get a total fret replacement for 275 at precision guitar or a fret dress for 60.but things are a little more pricey in canada .

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

It has nothing to do with Canada. Going to Barry is like having a pro NASCAR pit crew giving your car a tuneup... It would cost more but you're hiring the best to do it. Barry ghost builds for major companies for actual big named rock stars. They come to see him. So getting service from him costs more. His setups are $75 but are beyond precise and he goes the extra mile. I don't go to him anymore because I have my own guy to do any major work who I trust. I recommended Barry though because you're leaving your guitar with one of the best in the industry. It would be like leaving your Marshall with Bob Bradshaw for minor work. Yeah it's going to cost more but he is the best out there. There are plenty of guys that can do the job for less. I know guys locally that will do a fret job for less but I can't guarantee the quality compared to what Barry will do.

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:24 pm

Lots of metaphors in this thread.., it's like taking your post on the Dean Guitar Forum and having William Shakespeare proof read them for you...

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

bassmantim71 wrote:

Lots of metaphors in this thread.., it's like taking your post on the Dean Guitar Forum and having William Shakespeare proof read them for you...

Sometimes you need to connect the dots to get though to people. And sometimes I'm just wasting my breath Laughing

It's like giving advice to someone who just wanted you to qualify their own method and it differs so your advice falls on deaf ears. (Chew on that one)

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:02 pm

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

bassmantim71 wrote:

Lots of metaphors in this thread.., it's like taking your post on the Dean Guitar Forum and having William Shakespeare proof read them for you...

Sometimes you need to connect the dots to get though to people. And sometimes I'm just wasting my breath Laughing

It's like giving advice to someone who just wanted you to qualify their own method and it differs so your advice falls on deaf ears. (Chew on that one)

Well..., you did give him valuable info, and how to contact a pro in BC.

We'll see what happens with this one..., you can always lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Razz

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14458

IF
- you took a guitar to a shop
- and asked for specific action
- and they didn't perform the specific action
- and billed you too much for what actions they did take

THEN
- you take it back to the shop
- ask them to clarify exactly what they did perform
- and ask why they didn't follow your direction
- and get the whole thing resolved
- probably take that shop off of your list of service providers

The same approach works with Escort Services.