Members Delmore Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 I open up the case to my 1975 D-35 Martin and the headstock is broken off! BASTARDS! It was packaged not only in the hard shell case but in another huge rectangular box that was heavily insolated with cardboard. HOW HARD DO YOU HAVE TO SMASH IT TO BREAK THE HEADSTOCK! Luckily it was insured for $2000 USD. The break was pretty clean and about 5inches from the nut going in an arrow like shape. I'm more concerned about the sound and if it would be the same if I had the neck replaced. Do you think it would be worth fixing or taking the money?? Has anyone had there neck broken and then fixed?
Members Tony Burns Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 tell them you want both , because the guitar is worth more than 2000 and tell them that even with a repair ( if possible ) its value is almost zip. I am sorry that happened to you. I know how hard it is to wait for something you dreamed about, and have something like that happen to you- hope it all works out for you my friend .
Members kwakatak Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 Sorry to hear that, man! Good luck with getting UPS to cough up any money though. I recall reading a post somewhere recently that what UPS offers isn't technically "insurance" and they're really slick about splitting hairs to get out of paying for their own incompetence. I've heard the best way to go is to get third-party insurance because guitars aren't even fully insured even if they're itemized under your homeowners insurance policy.
Members Delmore Posted February 10, 2006 Author Members Posted February 10, 2006 I just called and got 2 different pieces of advice:Martin Headquarters Customer Service:"If you sent it back he we would put on a brand new neck and dont recommend fixing it" I didn't bother asking the $$ it would cost because I'm never shipping a guitar again in my life. Martin Authorised Repair in my city - It would cost between $125-$1000 depending on the break and it would not affect the sound. Not effect the sound huh? WHAT? I'm at a loss. I can't wait until the UPS adjuster comes over to my house!!
Members bjorn-fjord Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 Man, that totally sucks. I can't imagine the feeling you had when you first opened the case. What a kick in the crotch. That said, as long as the break was fairly clean the guitar can be fixed. It's quite a common repair, although it's usually Gibsons that suffer this fate because they are weakened by the excavation for the truss rod nut. Children, this is an example of why I think two piece necks are superior to one piece necks. On a two-piece neck the scarf joint between the headstock and the neck is much stronger than the "short grain" in the area between the headstock and the neck on a one piece neck. Good luck with UPS. I've heard horror stories and I sincerely hope you fare better.
Members Call me Ishmael Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 Originally posted by Delmore I just called and got 2 different pieces of advice: Martin Headquarters Customer Service: "If you sent it back he we would put on a brand new neck and dont recommend fixing it" I didn't bother asking the $$ it would cost because I'm never shipping a guitar again in my life. Martin Authorised Repair in my city - It would cost between $125-$1000 depending on the break and it would not affect the sound. Not effect the sound huh? WHAT? I'm at a loss. I can't wait until the UPS adjuster comes over to my house!! mention nonchalantly a couple times how you sought advice from all the HC forumites...all 10 gazillion of em. He just might stop and think about those of us that might choose a non-ups method of shipping.
Members rhythmdoctor Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 Dude, that's horrible. I truly feel for you and hope everything works out the best way for you.
Members Freeman Keller Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 Delmore, ask that over the UMGF - there are a lot of guys that work on Martins as well as some horror stories like yours. I would also recommend asking Bryan Kimsey, Frank Ford, and Steve Kovacik. Ford's website Frets.com has some pictures of fixing broken headstocks. There was a long thread on UMGF about someone trying to get restitution from UPS - it would be good for you to see what they did. If you need linking information PM or e-mail me btw - I feel your pain
Members Marlin in Minn Posted February 10, 2006 Members Posted February 10, 2006 That's terrible!! I hope that some how that this works out for you in the long run.
Members Gretsch Fan Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 I cannot even pretend to understand your pain. Good luck getting that all worked out.
Members 58flame Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 UPS just broke the headstock off my Larrivee C-19 that I had shipped to me when I bought it. It took 3 months, but I got the money. File a claim, they will pay you. I think the 3 month delay was actually due to an oversight on the sellers end, but I did get my money, and had NO problems from UPS themselves. It's quite simple, if they ask if can be repaired (and they will ask you), tell them no. After all, you didn't BUY a BROKEN guitar. Hang in there, you'll get your 2 G's.
Members Stophe88 Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 that's messed up they better plan on replacing that... or i would egg the ups truck every day
Members 54merk Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 I am truly sorry to hear about your misfortune. That really does suck. Fortunately it is insured for full replacement value. That guitar is worth about $1500-$1800 on the used market, and a new one goes for about $2K. Elderly has a map price of $2099 which is the lowest they can advertise, but they sell for less than that. http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/D35.htm Of course it won't sound as good as yours until it's broken in but it will have new warranty. Broken headstocks are frequently repaired, but of course that detracts from the value, so stand firm for the full insured value. As for a new neck, that is an option if you collect $2000 and get to keep the guitar, but I suppose the insurance company will take it. http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Structural/BrokenHeadstocks/LongBreak/longbreak.html BTW, it is important to put packing material (newspaper, bubble wrap, foam) around the headstock.http://www.shorelinemusic.com/faq/guitarshipping.shtml
Members HD28HLA Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 "...That guitar is worth about $1500-$1800 on the used market, and a new one goes for about $2K..." Practically any new Martin, with lifetime warranty, can be had for 40% off list from any number of reputable dealers (including Elderly) making the "street" price for a new D-35 $1709.40. The rule of thumb price for a nearly new Martin(without warranty) in great condition is 50% of current list or around $1425.00. UPS is aware of these things so good luck getting $2000 out of them. Settle up with UPS before you have any work done. I'd send it back to Martin and let them put a new neck on it. Authorized Martin Repair people are not necessarily the best place to have non-warranty repairs done.
Members lalatingstrings Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 UPS just totally aint equipped to handle guitars.they left one on my front porch in a blizzard once.the entire soundboard warped.i sent it back and they DID IT AGAIN! with the second one.the bridge popped of of it as soon as i opened the case.this is why i dont order guitars thru the mail.i go to the store,if they dont have what i want i have them order it then they have to deal with all the sh!!
Members HD28HLA Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 "UPS just totally aint equipped to handle guitars." I know it must seem like that when it happens to your guitar(s) but overall, they do a fine job. Otherwise, the major manufacturers and dealers wouldn't use them. Over the years, I've shipped and recieved hundreds of guitars using UPS and the only problem I've had was when they left the item (which I sold on EBAY) on the porch and the recipient said he didn't get it. I filed the claim with them and it was promptly paid.
Members Mr Handman Posted February 11, 2006 Members Posted February 11, 2006 Originally posted by HD28HLA "...That guitar is worth about $1500-$1800 on the used market, and a new one goes for about $2K..." Practically any new Martin, with lifetime warranty, can be had for 40% off list from any number of reputable dealers (including Elderly) making the "street" price for a new D-35 $1709.40. The rule of thumb price for a nearly new Martin(without warranty) in great condition is 50% of current list or around $1425.00. UPS is aware of these things so good luck getting $2000 out of them. Settle up with UPS before you have any work done. I'd send it back to Martin and let them put a new neck on it. Authorized Martin Repair people are not necessarily the best place to have non-warranty repairs done. +1 *I'd send it back to Martin and let them put a new neck on it. Authorized Martin Repair people are not necessarily the best place to have non-warranty repairs done...
Members jrheavymetal Posted February 12, 2006 Members Posted February 12, 2006 And the A$$es destroyed a computer a friend shipped to me through them...how do they manage to stay in business, anyway? HiClick this link to check out this page on the Rock House Method website:http://www.rockhousemethod.com/?friend=18879
Members daklander Posted February 12, 2006 Members Posted February 12, 2006 That's tough to take for sure.I purchase some items and tracked it. I packages got to the local distribution center here in LoCal so I expected to see the stuff the next day. NOPE!. After the no show I kept checking and they sent it from the local distribution center to NoCal. So, what should have been in my hands in a week took nearly two weeks. Hell, I could have walked it in in that time. Another package sent from Phoenix took 10 days. It's a 350 mile trip.I use the good old USPS priority shipping for most things I ship.
Members Jessz1 Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 I bought an ibanez electric not to long ago. Wanted a beater that I really didn't have to be extra carefull with. it was shipped in a gig bag with a super heavy duty box. USPS... broke it. They would not pay a claim without first me sending the guitar to st louis... They also would not pay for a new neck... just replace the complete guitar. I was pissed. Keep us informed, Iam curious to see how this works out for ya.
Members omegaman Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 All it takes is a short drop to jar the headstock where it meets at the neck, the weakest point with the most pressure on the guitar, to break a headstock. UPS is famous for this. They did one to me on a Les Paul Custom I shipped. I use USPS Registered only from now on. It is by far the safest way to ship and is stamped as received by a dozen different handlers before it reaches its destination,hence why you can't use plastic tape on it, only paper so the stamp takes. I use Heritage to insure but it still gives me peace of mind to ship the safest way. Best of luck...I am sorry to hear of this for you.
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