Official Luthiers Forum!

The very point of the legal system is to elevate disputes above, "he said, she said" or rounding up a posse and heading out. It may be a frustrating and imperfect system, but once you need a third party it's still probably the best.

I would exhaust every direct contact option before bringing in a third party, but document all communication going forward from here.
I think sending him a copy of a clear, non confrontational letter he has to sign for would be my next step. It would at least convey how serious you take it without incurring legal fee's yet.

I like Dennis's idea of working with him even if it is a payment plan. Do you know if he got the guitar back in good condition or at least got the guitar back. Does he have a business facebook page you can message him?

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http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com

Again I suggest that you get this off the internet -- type/say the wrong thing and you could have the tables turned. Actually I would not be surprised if Lance pulls this thread.

http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/civ ... ernet.html

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

"Do you know if he got the guitar back in good condition or at least got the guitar back"

"The very point of the legal system is to elevate disputes above, "he said, she said" "

"Again I suggest that you get this off the internet -- type/say the wrong thing and you could have the tables turned. Actually I would not be surprised if Lance pulls this thread."

Ken brings up a very good point. Without solid documentation, some of which might be hard to come by, publishing a defamatory statement might cost you more than the price of the guitar. I'm sure the situation is very frustrating for you, and if the person is truly a crook you may not have much recourse. A lawyer might be able to tell you what your options are, but your wife may have given you the best advice so far. Unfortunate situation. Best of luck!

I would send a letter of demand by registered mail.

It should probibly start with " This is to be considered a letter of demand prior to filing a lawsuit"
Then go on to state what you are demanding. Then see what happens. If that doesn't work. You may have to make a date in small claims in the state in which the sale took place.

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Michael F Smith
Goat Rock Ukulele
http://goatrockukulele.com

I did offer an installment but no reply. Finally I sent an email asking to send the guitar back. Id fix the problems and sell it at a loss to at least get some money out of it. But he wont be a man and tell me what the situation is and how he can fulfill his obligation.
Anyway before I completely gave up I thought Id ask on the forum. Thank you all for your ideas. I just cant see anyway to get him to respond to me.

I've intentionally not responded, but this is a legitimate small claims issue. In small claims you're not expected to be savvy and the judge will probe the issues by questioning both of you and reaching a decision.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Assuming you don't have the guitar or a refund, and you have given him an opportunity to remedy the situation, I would file a small claims court action here in California. It will cost you a filling and serving fee. Probably around $100.

Be sure to keep all paperwork including correspondence such as a copy of letters and emails, and dates of each, and a reciept for return postage. Good Luck

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I dont think that is really the purpose of this forum?

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

This does not belong here and the rules explicitly indicate that the OLF is not a forum to resolve disputes with vendors of any sort (including other members...).

We don't come here on a Sunday morning to read about two people who's deal went south..... Now that you have also indicated that you are posting this with the hope of some kind of community pressure being brought to bear this thread should be deleted and should have never been started.

It's also a good thing for you that you have not named this person yet. If you don't understand why consult an attorney..... John Smith..........

I've been wanting to say this for three days now but this morning my IBS got the best of me....

Truth be told and this is why.... this should not be posted on the forum.... you are not blameless here either.... When you contract for something from an inexperienced source what they hell to think might happen? You also contracted for something that I call "futures" with no examples of their work to personally evaluate over time prior either.....

Now you are here with the intent of pressuring and threatening someone else even if tacitly and that just plain sucks. What sucks the worse about it is that you are oblivious to the well being of others here who may not come here to hear about YOUR poor judgement....

Now do you see why these matters don't belong here???? Some nasty old fart like me may find you culpable as well and let you have it. Sheesh......

Anyone see SNL last night?

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Ann Arbor Guitars

Missed SNL last night, Hesh. I was at a friend's sampling a bottle of Arran single malt, instead!

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

I was not asking for the forum to intercede in this matter. I was asking for ideas from people that are knowledgeable and more experienced in guitar agreements before I quit trying. Im sorry if I have offended anyone and I will desist. I am encouraged by the possibility of filing in CA and the letter of demand ideas which will pursue. Thank you all for your willingness to help.

I don't think most of us were offended and your posts explained your situation in a polite fashion. We are for the most part amateur luthiers (not lawyers - with a few exceptions) so our advice is bound to be only as good as the average man on the street.
That your difficulties arose from dealing with a member of the forum is unfortunate, in that it reflects unfairly on the rest of us. It is important to remember that forums such as this one are primarily used to exchange information about building, not buying musical instruments. There is no "extreme vetting" and participants from around the world are welcome, regardless of their abilities and to some extent their (unknown) moral fiber.