Help! - Guitar Repair Gone Wrong!!

[a1214u]

Dear all,

I am writing to ask advice on some issues that have arisen since I had a guitar in for modification with an independent “specialist” or luthier.

 

The guitar came back with a variety of issues and the job was clearly not performed correctly on closer inspection. The issues that have arisen are due to poor workmanship, lack of attention to detail and general negligence.

 

The guitar was worth around £1700 but has had its value significantly reduced due to the luthiers' poor workmanship.

 

It will cost quite a bit to get it put right – potentially a very big job.

 

I now need to either:

 

1. Get the guitar in proper order,
   
2. be adequately compensated for the loss in value or
   
3. receive a new guitar.
   

Thus far I have managed to cancel the cheque for £150 that I made as payment for the work.

 

I would not consider giving him the guitar back to try and correct his mistakes.

 

I wrote the cheque because I had not had chance to take a close look at the guitar which revealed many issues.

 

Do I need to see a solicitor?

 

The person is operating from home under a company name and was recommended to me.

 

I would be very grateful for any advice I could receive on how to proceed with this matter.

 

Thank you.

Edited September 9, 2013 by a1214u

[a1214u]

Apologies for the formatting errors!

 

Thank you all in advance...

[renegadeimp]

Can you give more info please?

[a1214u]

I am writing to ask advice on some issues that have arisen since I had a guitar in for modification with an independent “specialist” or luthier.

The guitar came back with a variety of issues and the job was clearly not performed correctly on closer inspection.

The issues that have arisen are due to poor workmanship, lack of attention to detail and general negligence.

 

The guitar was worth around £1700 but has had its value significantly reduced due to the luthiers' poor workmanship.

 

I now need to either:

 

 

 

1. Get the guitar in proper order,
   
2. be adequately compensated for the loss in value or
   
3. receive a new guitar.
   

 

 

Thus far I have managed to cancel the cheque for £150 that I made as payment for the work.

I wrote the cheque because I had not had chance to take a close look at the guitar which revealed many issues.

 

It will cost quite a bit to get it put right (much more than £150) – potentially a very big job.

 

Do I need to see a solicitor?

 

The person is operating from home under a company name and was recommended to me.

 

I would not consider giving the guitar back for him to do any further damage.

 

I would be very grateful for any advice I could receive on how to proceed with this matter.

 

Thank you in advance.

Edited September 9, 2013 by a1214u
formatting

[a1214u]

What would you like?

[renegadeimp]

Background on the issue, possible repair costs, have you discussed this with the repairer? basically whatever you can think of. The reason i say this is because, if he isnt willing to accept blame or repair it correctly, then you may have to take legal action. If that ends up being the case, then you will need as much info and evidence as possible ( including photos), to back up your claim.

[steampowered]

The key thing with a dispute like this is evidence. Make sure you get good photos of the guitar and any other evidence you can find before making repairs.

 

In an ideal world you would approach the repair person with proof of what has gone wrong and try to agree a solution. If he has genuinely not performed the service with reasonable care and skill, and he refuses to put it right, then you would have to bring a county court claim in the small claims track.

[a1214u]

Sorry forget what I last posted!

 

Yes I will be gathering evidence. Also the professionals who have seen the guitar said they will back up my claim.

Edited September 9, 2013 by a1214u

[a1214u]

Not discussed yet but have sent him a letter detailing the issues.

I've had other professionals look at it and the are as appalled as I am. They are willing to back me up and state it was an unsatisfactory job.

I will be taking detailed photos.

The job coast £150 (but I canceled the cheque). To put it properly right will be well in excess of that.

Should I get a quote from some other repair man?

 

Cheers

[renegadeimp]

Get an independant report done and keep a copy. You then need to contact the repairer, supply them with the report and give them a timeframe to fix the item to your satisfaction. Failure to do so will result in legal action. You also need to keep everything in writing. Do NOT use the phone.

[a1214u]

OK thank you.

Can we write via email?

I just dont really want him to know where I live if I dont have to.

 

Cheers

[renegadeimp]

You can do. Make sure you get a read receipt and save all messages both sent and received.

[honeybee13]

Hello there.

 

I'm merging your two threads so the information stays together. This will help the advisers here.

 

My best, HB

[renegadeimp]

Make sure you keep the letter short and sweet, concise, and do not ramble on.

 

Simply state what happened, and what you want in resolution. Give them a timeframe to do this. Normally 7/14/28 days but entirely your choice ( you have to give them the opportunity to rectify the problem). Then once the time frame has elapsed, you can use MCOL and get the legal ball rolling.

[a1214u]

Thanks for that advice.

 

I am currently unemployed so would I qualify for legal aid if necessary?

 

Cheers

[steampowered]

Not likely you would get legal aid for something like this. However bringing a small claim yourself is not that difficult, as long as you take care to comply with court deadlines and have evidence to back up what you are alleging.

[a1214u]

So would I take it through a small claims court?

 

Thank you all for your responses so far.