Why do people who aren't handy, always think they are?

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:45 pm

I get so irritated when I see this sort of thing, perhaps because I've seen so much of it.....

This guy decided to use a Dremel too to "just smooth the end of the nut a bit" You can see the results by following the link, and then clicking on the photo that is second from the bottom on the left. I'd just insert the picture in question, but you need to see how good the finish looks on the rest of the instrument to really appreciate this: http://web.mac.com/ericjungemann/iWeb/S ... aroka.html

kkrell · Post by **kkrell** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:24 pm

"Some finish wear on neck"

Kevin Krell

Unseen122 · Post by **Unseen122** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:01 am

Now that is a sandpaper or file job no doubt. Kevin that had to be my favorite line in the description. I would still buy it (if I had $900 laying around) as Webers are NICE.

fearfaoin · Post by **fearfaoin** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:11 am

Loren wrote:This guy decided to use a Dremel too to "just smooth the end of the nut a bit"

I can just hear the cursing that ensued when that Dremel slipped!

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:56 am

Oddly enough, I didn't get the feeling the guy was too broken up about it: Here's what he wrote to me:

"The finish wear on the neck was caused by me . . . some over- industrious smoothing of the new nut with a dremel buffing attachment."

I just can't imagine why one would think that using a 5000-35,000 rpm power tool for such a task, particularly in that area, would be a good idea

For the sake of defenseless instruments everywhere, I'm tempted to mail the guy a narrow, fine cut, pillar file - at least he'd have to work a lot harder to cause that much damage next time

Loren

BrassBlower · Post by **BrassBlower** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 10:16 am

Loren wrote: For the sake of defenseless instruments everywhere, I'm tempted to mail the guy a narrow, fine cut, pillar file - at least he'd have to work a lot harder to cause that much damage next time

Loren

Probably a good idea.

alespa · Post by **alespa** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:07 pm

I think he should knock the price down by half!!! And sell it to me. The thing is that you need to protect that area by refinishing it, or moisture can get into the wood over time—right? Otherwise a beautiful mandolin.

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:46 pm

Unfortunately he's firm on the price. Between getting the damage repaired, and the cost of a set-up and switching the mando back over to rightie (it's set-up southpaw now), plus whatever fret wear there is........ There are probably better deals out there. Too bad though, it appears to be a nice instrument otherwise, and even has a radiused fretboard.

Loren

alespa · Post by **alespa** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:49 pm

tisk, tisk, too bad for him. I have a friend that kept his eye on a Weber that sat for a year before he got them to come down on their price. It was a lefty . . .

Cynth · Post by **Cynth** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 1:47 pm

Loren wrote:Oddly enough, I didn't get the feeling the guy was too broken up about it: ....
Loren

No, I doubt that he would be. Otherwise he wouldn't have gone as far as he did. The problem isn't one of not being handy, it is one of having no respect for the object.

When I worked in book conservation, if I had caused damage of that sort I would have shot myself. You had to figure out everything ahead of time, practice the techniques, try them out in insignificant teeny places on the book, be on guard constantly for a problem, etc. I was fairly handy and it was really interesting, but I couldn't work fast enough because I was so worried about causing irreversible damage to the object.

I can't imagine taking my hand to an instrument like that. It seems a shame that merely having money enables a person like that to own a nice instrument. There should be an ownership qualification test!

Not for musical ability, but for proper attitude toward the instrument.

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 1:51 pm

Don't think I'm not saving his email

I'd love to get an Absaroka - I like the x braced sound (played one when I was in Boulder a few years ago) and the more traditional vibe looks wise. This one even has a radiused fingerboard, which I much prefer. However even if I sold my Breedlove to buy this Absaroka, I'd be way in the hole after attending to the items mentioned. Doesn't matter though, I'm happy enough with what I've got at the moment

Loren

harpmaker · Post by **harpmaker** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:19 pm

That goes far beyond "some finish wear on the neck"!

missy · Post by **missy** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:47 pm

note to self -

*have harpmaker's sister take his dremel tool away before he finishes my next dulcimer*

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:48 pm

Cynth wrote: When I worked in book conservation, if I had caused damage of that sort I would have shot myself. You had to figure out everything ahead of time, practice the techniques, try them out in insignificant teeny places on the book, be on guard constantly for a problem, etc. I was fairly handy and it was really interesting, but I couldn't work fast enough because I was so worried about causing irreversible damage to the object.

Ah yes, someone who can truely relate!

Loren

Screeeech!!! · Post by **Screeeech!!!** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:34 am

Here's another...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-APX4A-elec ... dZViewItem

Just love the bit about spray paint.

Chiff and Fipple Forums

Why do people who aren't handy, always think they are?

Why do people who aren't handy, always think they are?

Re: Why do people who aren't handy, always think they are?