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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | The kid is bummed. He opened up his new (to him) 1619 only to find the so called "finish crack" was actually all the way through the top, there was an additional finish crack (not a big deal), the heel was all chewed up, cracks where the neck meets the headstock, and a cracked TRC.
I asked about the condition over a series of several phone calls and even went so far as to tell them to have their tech check the crack out to be sure it wasn't through the top. I was assured it was only in the finish, and that the rest of the guitar was in great shape.
Anyone have thoughts on a best course of action? I arrived home after their work hours, so I haven't talked to them yet, which is probably a good thing. It gives me time to cool down and think about what I'm going to say.
I was also wondering if someone could let me know approximately what a top replacement would cost if we chose to do that, and with the cracks in the neck, is it even worth trying to fix?
I'm sure they have a return policy, though I'll probably be out the cost of shipping it back, plus I'll be having a bummed kid too.
I'm into it for $420 as it is.
BTW, if they don't do good I'll be sure every music related forum knows about:
MUSIC GO ROUND®
14025 Grand Ave S.
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 952-435-3003
Or is this thing still worth every penny we paid? It plays wonderfully. I'd better go plug it in though.
Advise is appreciated.
pics...
Big crack
Finish Crack
Heel
TRC
Headstock/neck
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City |  |
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Posts: 3969
| Ouch! Finish cracks are one thing, but their not disclosing an obvious wood crack is quite another. They either deliberately withheld knowledge of the crack, or they're completely incompetent in not being able to tell a finish crack from a through crack. Either way, they need to work with you.
I've been leery of them ever since a member here checked out a 1658 for me they had advertised in MI. The ad description and pictures made it seem like it was in pretty good shape, but in reality it had several through cracks and was in much worse condition than represented, especially for what they were asking.
I'd be very firm with them about what I wanted them to do. A top replacement would probably set you back about what you already have in it. They need to either take it back (at their expense for shipment) for a full refund, or return a significant discount.
Sorry, man. That blows. |
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Damon ,
That absolutely sucks. Did you use a credit card? If so, have the charge challenged if the seller doesn't make it right.
I'm sure others will chip in with helpful suggestions. But that is really a shame considering it's your son's b'day present!
Take a deep breath, count to ten, then kisk azz!
Edited to add: Those are some great pics. That git was ridden hard and put up wet... Feel for you my brother! |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Lots of finish cracks at the base of the headstock. Does it look like the headstock/neck is cracked? Just curious. I think you could get him a good CL for about $700 or so and g8r is probably about right on the repair. I'd return it. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Take immediate Action... Stop Payment if Possible.
Report fraud to your credit card company or Pay Pal or whomever. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | The thing plays pretty good. Actually, I just got finished setting it up, took out 2 shims, there's still 2 left. The sound is good. The action's great.
If they refunded a bit of $, I might be OK. I'm not positive if the wood is cracked at the neck, but what about the top? Will the top hold even with the split?
I just got done playing it some, and it might be the best player out of the group, even over my 1778LX.
It's a '75 or '76 I think. I can see why they were so popular. Didn't this evolve into DiMeola's model?
If it'll hold together... |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Send it back and find him one in premo condition... |
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Damon67:
it might be the best player out of the group, even over my 1778LX. Well, it has 'opened up'. 
I gotta agree with the 'return and wait'. |
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Location: Jet City | According to their website, I'm out the $ on shipping.
Return Policy
If the customer is not satisfied with the product(s) for any reason, they must call the originating MUSIC GO ROUND store for return authorization instructions within 48 hours of the date of receipt. The customer is required to pay all return freight charges except in an instance of product damage due to shipping. A refund OR EXCHANGE may be issued only AFTER the product(s) are returned with all original contents, PACKING MATERIALS and in the same condition as at the time of purchase from the originating MUSIC GO ROUND store only. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Report fraud to your credit card company or Pay Pal or whomever. Damon, 'fraud' scares the crap outta retailers. Use it!
Man, I feel as though this has happened to me. I wish I had the 'magic bullet' fer ya! |
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Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Damon,
Man that really sucks! So sorry you have to deal with that. What ever happened to "good Faith"??
Definitely go after them! DON"T let them get away with it. Good Luck! |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | The bad feelings about the guitar will last much longer that missing the shipping fees.
If your not happy... send it back.
I concider incidents like this as just part of doing business over the internet. You can shop the world, get good deals, but sometimes something like this happens. Overall you're still probably ahead in the game. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | If they claim the crack did not go through the entire top, and now it does, why not refer to the terms of their own return policy and avoid the return shipping charges because the damage must have occured, ahem, in shipping? The obvious repaired neck crack would bother me as well. |
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Location: south east Michigan | The spider web like lines at the head stock looks like just finish cracks to my eye.
Probably took a sideways fall. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | A crack in the wood really should be fixed. Finish doesn't matter that much. |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | The factory can re-finish the top. I have a 1619 that was given the full spa treatment. I've posted photos here many times. IMHO the old 1619's with truss rods are the best wood-topped O's ever made.
Send it to the factory. |
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Posts: 15665
Location: SoCal | I agree with Mitch. Send it to the factory. $420 is dirt cheap for a guitar like that. In really good condition, it should be worth $800 plus ($1000-$1200?). Get some money back from the seller and send it to the factory. For another $4-$500 (ballpark), they will work their magic and you'll have a great guitar for the low end of the price scale...... |
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Location: Jet City | Well the kid loves the guitar, and I must say I can't blame him.
He doesn't care about the crack, but he and I both are concerned about the structural integrity. It plays and sounds good.
I've never had a top crack, so I am a bit ignorant. Can we just have it repaired instead of replaced?
The misrepresentation still bothers me though. If they do nothing about this other than say fine ship it back, I think I'll let all my forum friends, in each and every one the forums I'm a member of, know about:
MUSIC GO ROUND®
14025 Grand Ave S.
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 952-435-3003
And thanks folks, the responses are appreciated. |
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Posts: 13988
Location: Upper Left USA | College Degree but no Life experience - $5,000 - $50,000.
Living Life and learning - Priceless!
Let the seller know what you know and try to get a partial refund. In the Seattle area you have a lot of really good Techs that can stabilize the crack for a minimal fee. Then play the stuffing out of it and start saving on the next Ovation... |
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Location: NJ | At least get the crack stabilized.
If it continues on the course it's on, the integrity of the bridge is in danger . . . |
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Location: SoCal | The crack can easily be fixed by a good tech with some glue and a brace inside (or maybe just some glue.
If you send it to the factory, a new top would be the last resort as it also means a new bowl. In all likelihood, they would fix the crack, then resurface the top. You'd see it, but wouldn't be able to feel it. They could also fix any other problems the guitar might have, cosmetic and structural.
But if the top crack is all you're worried about and the rest doesn't bother you, then have somebody local fix it. It's a good cheap solution..... |
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December 2006
Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | I must say you all rock. THanks for the comments and advise, both private and public.
I think he definitely wants to keep it, so we'll see what these folks have to say. After this conference call I have to get on, I plan on making the call. |
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Location: Jet City | Of course the manager's not in till tomorrow. |
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Location: Jet City | Talked with folks from their Corporate office. They didn't argue the fact that it was obvious a top crack and that it was obviously there before, and not a shipping issue.
I received deepest apologies, and was told I could return it at their expense. The guy was actually good natured about it and said they would try to find a comparable replacement.
I called the store after and they're going to send a call tag. I guess they want to find someone else who will buy it in this condition for the price.
The search is back on. Zach really liked this thing. Oh well. I would rather they had just coughed up some of the $ so I could use it towards the repair. |
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Location: NJ | There are Others . . . |
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Location: Jet City | I think it's a sign that the kid shouldn't have a nicer guitar that his dad. |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | Originally posted by cliff:
There are Others . . . Perhaps . . .
The older 1619's with truss rods are getting hard to find these days. Too bad that the seller won't offer something towards the repair instead of just taking it back.
On the positive side, your son did get a chance to appreciate the marvelous craftmanship of an old Custom Legend. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Damon, do a search here for Custom Legend. Seems like someone was looking for one a few months ago and got a bunch of responses. One of those leads might still be open. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by cliff:
There are Others . . . ...Ovations and suckers that would roll over without a challenge. That's why they want it back; to reel in someone that won't fight. Pizzed...
Damon, best of luck with your continued quest!  |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
Damon, do a search here for Custom Legend. Seems like someone was looking for one a few months ago and got a bunch of responses. One of those leads might still be open. Not finding anything on the Custom Legends withing our budget. Something will pop up though. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | That's consistent with what's left of my short term memory. Now that he's seen the bling of a CL he might not want to go for a regular Legend. Those you could find fairly easily in the same price range. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | Yep, finding that out. I think he will be happy with a regular ol' Legend that's structurally sound. We're tied to a budget on this one (actually we went beyond it for the CL).
There's still a possibility the Music Go Round will come up with a Legend in good order and just trade straight across, at least that's what I suggested, and they do have a 1617 burst.
We'll see what happens. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Damon67:
they do have a 1617 burst. If it's in good solid shape, the top should really be breathing by now, not 'opened up' like the last one.
I truly love the Legends' burst!  |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I regularly kick myself for passing on my neighbor's offer to sell his 1977 Legend in great shape for $300. That was before I had GAS and realized what a good deal that was. He ended up giving the guitar to his son. Imagine that! I saw what seemed to be a good Custom Balladeer in a burst on Craigslist last night for a bit over $200, but I can't remember where. A Balladeer in really good shape might better fit your budget and his taste than a Legend or CL. |
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Seeking advise on damaged 1619