[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Hello Brent, I think David's reply is on the mark. My sense is that lute makers of any skill are generally very busy trying to fill orders for new instruments. While feeling obligated to do repair work on instruments they've built, this work is secondary to the new work they've contracted for. As frustrating as it is to be without an instrument, I think nothing will be gained by pushing the maker about the repairs, though an occasional polite inquiry should be ok. A recommendation, though, since you rely on your instrument for work; if you can possibly afford it get a second instrument. There are many things that can happen to a lute to make it temporarily unplayable. Having a backup seems prudent. Best wishes, Ned On Jun 22, 2011, at 1:52 AM, David Smith wrote: Hi Brent, I have a little experience in both getting repairs and ordering instruments. My experience is that luthiers must juggle many different demands on their time and repairs are prioritized amongst all their other demands. One year ago I had a bridge on a couple of year old 10 course lute come off. I contacted the luthier and fedex'd the lute to him overnight with the expectation that the repair could be done quickly. It took around 3 months. It was done beautifully and I love the result. I did not pay for it until it was finished. The communication of expectations on the other hand was not done cleanly. The luthier is a master builder but not necessarily a fantastic PR person. In the same vain I have an 8 course lute (from a different luthier) that was ordered last October with the expectation that it would be available sometime around January. In March I was informed that it was almost done and paid the remaining amount. I am still waiting. I have discussed this with the luthier and there are many reasons why time does not flow as predictably as I would like. This is an internationally recognized luthier with a fantastic reputation for quality and reliability. I have no complaints except that I expect production line timing from a craftsman - the expectations do not match and I get to reset my expectations. If your luthier is reputable (which I assume he is) then it will happen when it happens. I would love it if communication could be clearer but I have not seen that. The response you received from the luthier sounds like someone under lots of demands and unable or unwilling to provide time estimates. This is one of the joys of owning a work of art (and there are really many when you consider the living instrument in yours hands created from blocks of wood). So, while I agree that it is getting near time for your repair to be done and you are justified in your desire to have more precision in the responses it is not surprising to me. I would approach the luthier with understanding of his constraints but also continue, on a regular but not bothersome period, to ask for an update. I hope my experiences help some. Regards David -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of brentlynk Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 5:15 PM To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Lute Repair? Hello, I am new to this list, but I have been playing the 10-course lute for a couple decades... :-) I have a problem and I am not sure how to handle it -- I really need some advice and guidance from people who know the lute-world better than I do (I play, but am pretty much solo secondary to geographical constraints, LOL...). I sent my lute off to a reputable luthier (who built it about 15 years ago...) for repairing a cracked soundboard and rib, and I have had some difficulty getting it back. It has been five months since I sent it in for repairs, and the luthier was paid in advance (over $800) for the repairs... But when I last asked about getting it back because, like anybody, I want it back, and on top of that, I am missing gigs and losing money, the luthier simply responded: you'll be the first to know when it is finished. Well, that response kind of bothered me because I have been so patient and the luthier told me that it would be ready soon a couple months ago... I realize that everyone is busy, etc...and I want to be a nice guy -- I certainly don't want to burn any bridges, etc...(which is why I am not mentioning names!). But I am just wondering what an acceptable amount of time is for getting such a repair done -- if it is 10 months and I am complaining about it at the 5 month mark, I will be TOTALLY ashamed of myself Please, anybody who has had experience with such a situation, I need guidance! Warm regards, Brent To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
In my opinion no self respecting Luthier should take 8 months to repair a cracked soundboard and cracked rib.A Unless the extent the crack is disastrous, they are relatively simple to repair, even if they have to remove the top.A A Bruno On Wed, Jun 22, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Edward Mast [1]nedma...@aol.com wrote: Hello Brent, I think David's reply is on the mark. A My sense is that lute makers of any skill are generally very busy trying to fill orders for new instruments. A While feeling obligated to do repair work on instruments they've built, this work is secondary to the new work they've contracted for. A As frustrating as it is to be without an instrument, I think nothing will be gained by pushing the maker about the repairs, though an occasional polite inquiry should be ok. A recommendation, though, since you rely on your instrument for work; if you can possibly afford it get a second instrument. A There are many things that can happen to a lute to make it temporarily unplayable. A Having a backup seems prudent. Best wishes, Ned On Jun 22, 2011, at 1:52 AM, David Smith wrote: Hi Brent, I have a little experience in both getting repairs and ordering instruments. My experience is that luthiers must juggle many different demands on their time and repairs are prioritized amongst all their other demands. One year ago I had a bridge on a couple of year old 10 course lute come off. I contacted the luthier and fedex'd the lute to him overnight with the expectation that the repair could be done quickly. It took around 3 months. It was done beautifully and I love the result. I did not pay for it until it was finished. The communication of expectations on the other hand was not done cleanly. The luthier is a master builder but not necessarily a fantastic PR person. In the same vain I have an 8 course lute (from a different luthier) that was ordered last October with the expectation that it would be available sometime around January. In March I was informed that it was almost done and paid the remaining amount. I am still waiting. I have discussed this with the luthier and there are many reasons why time does not flow as predictably as I would like. This is an internationally recognized luthier with a fantastic reputation for quality and reliability. I have no complaints except that I expect production line timing from a craftsman - the expectations do not match and I get to reset my expectations. If your luthier is reputable (which I assume he is) then it will happen when it happens. I would love it if communication could be clearer but I have not seen that. The response you received from the luthier sounds like someone under lots of demands and unable or unwilling to provide time estimates. This is one of the joys of owning a work of art (and there are really many when you consider the living instrument in yours hands created from blocks of wood). So, while I agree that it is getting near time for your repair to be done and you are justified in your desire to have more precision in the responses it is not surprising to me. I would approach the luthier with understanding of his constraints but also continue, on a regular but not bothersome period, to ask for an update. I hope my experiences help some. Regards David -Original Message- From: [2]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:[3]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of brentlynk Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 5:15 PM To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Lute Repair? Hello, I am new to this list, but I have been playing the 10-course lute for a couple decades... :-) I have a problem and I am not sure how to handle it -- I really need some advice and guidance from people who know the lute-world better than I do (I play, but am pretty much solo secondary to geographical constraints, LOL...). I sent my lute off to a reputable luthier (who built it about 15 years ago...) for repairing a cracked soundboard and rib, and I have had some difficulty getting it back. It has been five months since I sent it in for repairs, and the luthier was paid in advance (over $800) for the repairs... But when I last asked about getting it back because, like anybody, I want it back, and on top of that, I am missing gigs and losing money, the luthier simply responded: you'll be the first to know when it is finished. Well, that response kind of bothered me because I have been so patient and the luthier told me that it would be ready soon a couple months ago... I realize that everyone is busy,
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
This makes no sense. If the repair takes that long, there's something wrong! If the maker is too busy to attend to the repair, he should not take the job. This all brings Luciano Faria to mind. Joseph Mayes From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Edward Mast [nedma...@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 8:19 AM To: David Smith Cc: 'brentlynk'; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: Lute Repair? Hello Brent, I think David's reply is on the mark. My sense is that lute makers of any skill are generally very busy trying to fill orders for new instruments. While feeling obligated to do repair work on instruments they've built, this work is secondary to the new work they've contracted for. As frustrating as it is to be without an instrument, I think nothing will be gained by pushing the maker about the repairs, though an occasional polite inquiry should be ok. A recommendation, though, since you rely on your instrument for work; if you can possibly afford it get a second instrument. There are many things that can happen to a lute to make it temporarily unplayable. Having a backup seems prudent. Best wishes, Ned On Jun 22, 2011, at 1:52 AM, David Smith wrote: Hi Brent, I have a little experience in both getting repairs and ordering instruments. My experience is that luthiers must juggle many different demands on their time and repairs are prioritized amongst all their other demands. One year ago I had a bridge on a couple of year old 10 course lute come off. I contacted the luthier and fedex'd the lute to him overnight with the expectation that the repair could be done quickly. It took around 3 months. It was done beautifully and I love the result. I did not pay for it until it was finished. The communication of expectations on the other hand was not done cleanly. The luthier is a master builder but not necessarily a fantastic PR person. In the same vain I have an 8 course lute (from a different luthier) that was ordered last October with the expectation that it would be available sometime around January. In March I was informed that it was almost done and paid the remaining amount. I am still waiting. I have discussed this with the luthier and there are many reasons why time does not flow as predictably as I would like. This is an internationally recognized luthier with a fantastic reputation for quality and reliability. I have no complaints except that I expect production line timing from a craftsman - the expectations do not match and I get to reset my expectations. If your luthier is reputable (which I assume he is) then it will happen when it happens. I would love it if communication could be clearer but I have not seen that. The response you received from the luthier sounds like someone under lots of demands and unable or unwilling to provide time estimates. This is one of the joys of owning a work of art (and there are really many when you consider the living instrument in yours hands created from blocks of wood). So, while I agree that it is getting near time for your repair to be done and you are justified in your desire to have more precision in the responses it is not surprising to me. I would approach the luthier with understanding of his constraints but also continue, on a regular but not bothersome period, to ask for an update. I hope my experiences help some. Regards David -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of brentlynk Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 5:15 PM To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Lute Repair? Hello, I am new to this list, but I have been playing the 10-course lute for a couple decades... :-) I have a problem and I am not sure how to handle it -- I really need some advice and guidance from people who know the lute-world better than I do (I play, but am pretty much solo secondary to geographical constraints, LOL...). I sent my lute off to a reputable luthier (who built it about 15 years ago...) for repairing a cracked soundboard and rib, and I have had some difficulty getting it back. It has been five months since I sent it in for repairs, and the luthier was paid in advance (over $800) for the repairs... But when I last asked about getting it back because, like anybody, I want it back, and on top of that, I am missing gigs and losing money, the luthier simply responded: you'll be the first to know when it is finished. Well, that response kind of bothered me because I have been so patient and the luthier told me that it would be ready soon a couple months ago... I realize that everyone is busy, etc...and I want to be a nice guy -- I certainly don't want to burn any bridges, etc...(which is why I am not mentioning names!). But I am just wondering what an acceptable amount of time is for getting such a repair done -- if it is 10 months and
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Hello everyone who kindly responded to my request for help! Indeed, you are all wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can say right now that I agree with ALL of you and can see where everyone is coming from!!! (I love the lute community! :-) To clarify: The luthier is definitely reputable and I totally understand (and have always understood...) the time constraints on people (including luthiers). I know this is not a shady character I am dealing with...no worries. The cracked rib and soundboard were totally minor issues -- barely able to photograph the cracks for insurance purposes because they were so minor. The luthier informed me that it is not a big deal. The lute was totally playable and in no danger if the repairs hadn't ever been embarked upon (which is why I am second guessing whether or not it was a good idea to get them done in the first place, now! :-) I just didn't like knowing I had those two minor cracks which I knew would get longer and more severe over time... Yes, the soundboard/top will have to be partially removed to properly address the issues (thus, the $800 charge...). The luthier did NOT ask for, or require payment in advance -- I filed an insurance claim and made sure the luthier was paid asap because I figured the sooner the luthier was paid, the sooner I would get my lute back. The insurance company knew that I would need the lute for gigs as well, and they did not want to have to pay extra to cover lost revenue (which I am insured for...) so they stepped up to the plate, and I can honestly say, they did their job VERY well! I now realize (at this point) that paying (having payment made) in advance was probably a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it (no good deed goes unpunished, LOL :-). I was just more concerned about the insurance company paying than I was about the integrity of my luthier. I must also say that not all insurers are as evil as they are perceived to be, because they did pay up when the time came for them to (I had the policy for 15 years as well, and never filed a claim before -- I can tell you that they have still made well over $1,000 off of me after paying my claim! :-). Indeed, I identify with the comment about the luthier just not wanting to have to give a firm delivery date...Probably too busy and such, and I totally understand. But again, it has been 5 months and I was told that it would be ready soon a couple months ago. When I first sent the lute in for repairs, I didn't ask about if for over a month. Then, I asked a month after that. Then, I started asking every two weeks and have been continuing to ask every two weeks ever since. I have always been very nice (because I am! :-). The ONLY thing I regularly said to my luthier is as follows: -- Howdy, xyz, I hope all is well for you and yours... I am just checking up on my lute's status... Warm regards, Brent -- Hey, I am human and I am flawed, LOL -- I just always try to do unto others as I would have them do unto me...I realize I might have been being a bit obsequious, or, on the other hand, not putting on enough pressure -- I really was trying to maintain the middle ground. As far as having a backup lute, that is a GREAT idea, but I can't afford it. I have a huge bass lute and my student lute -- I can't play either in public because the bass lute can't be used for the music I am usually asked to play and the student lute is just NOT up to par for public performance. I also have a hurdy-gurdy, some recorders and crumhorns (LOL, all insured...), but I am a lutenist first and foremost, musically (just ask my cats -- they freak out when I play the gurdy and crumhorns, LOL!)... I last asked for an update about my lute (I affectionately call her Bertha) a couple weeks ago, and then, I asked again on Monday. Finally, out of frustration, I also (kindly) asked that if the repairs are going to take too terribly much longer, I would like a letter to my insurance company explaining why it is taking so long so that they will begin to reimburse me for lost gigs, because that is why they paid so fast in the first place, and I already missed the local renaissance festival, church gigs, restaurant gigs, etc...but I couldn't ethically file a claim for lost revenue for the past several months because I knew I couldn't commit if I didn't have my lute... All true -- honesty is the best policy -- I didn't commit to playing because I didn't have my instrument/lute (no, nobody wanted me to play crumhorn as a replacement, LOL... :-) Yes, I have another job, so I am not a lutenist as my sole means of support, but I still do play for money and I do depend upon that revenue... Long story short -- sorry this is so long! I was just thinking that in the business
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Thanks, Franz, LOL, no I won't die of hunger... :-) I have looked into renting a lute though! I am just trying to find out what amount of time is acceptable to wait for such a repair... I don't want to start trying to put undue pressure on my luthier if the average wait time for repairing two minor cracks (tragic accident -- Bertha got bumped!!! :-) is 10 months. If that were the case, whining about 5 months would make me terribly ashamed of myself... Warm regards, Brent __ From: Franz Mechsner franz.mechs...@northumbria.ac.uk To: brentlynk brentl...@bellsouth.net Sent: Wed, June 22, 2011 11:55:32 AM Subject: AW: [LUTE] Re: Lute Repair? Hi, There may be lutes available to rent, from lute societies (I know that for sure for the German lute society) and also sometimes from luthiers. Maybe it's worth checking out. Even if you might not be formally eligible (which might be the case with the German society, but I don't exactly know), people might well be willing to help you in that special case where a lutenist is going to die from hunger if he would not get a lute soon. Best regards Franz Dr. Franz Mechsner Reader (Associate Professor) Northumbria University, Dept. of Psychology Northumberland Building Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST (UK) Tel: +44(0) 191 227 7479 Fax: +44(0) 191 227 3190 __ Von: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu im Auftrag von brentlynk Gesendet: Mi 22.06.2011 17:50 An: Edward Mast; David Smith Cc: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Betreff: [LUTE] Re: Lute Repair? Hello everyone who kindly responded to my request for help! Indeed, you are all wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can say right now that I agree with ALL of you and can see where everyone is coming from!!! (I love the lute community! :-) To clarify: The luthier is definitely reputable and I totally understand (and have always understood...) the time constraints on people (including luthiers). I know this is not a shady character I am dealing with...no worries. The cracked rib and soundboard were totally minor issues -- barely able to photograph the cracks for insurance purposes because they were so minor. The luthier informed me that it is not a big deal. The lute was totally playable and in no danger if the repairs hadn't ever been embarked upon (which is why I am second guessing whether or not it was a good idea to get them done in the first place, now! :-) I just didn't like knowing I had those two minor cracks which I knew would get longer and more severe over time... Yes, the soundboard/top will have to be partially removed to properly address the issues (thus, the $800 charge...). The luthier did NOT ask for, or require payment in advance -- I filed an insurance claim and made sure the luthier was paid asap because I figured the sooner the luthier was paid, the sooner I would get my lute back. The insurance company knew that I would need the lute for gigs as well, and they did not want to have to pay extra to cover lost revenue (which I am insured for...) so they stepped up to the plate, and I can honestly say, they did their job VERY well! I now realize (at this point) that paying (having payment made) in advance was probably a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it (no good deed goes unpunished, LOL :-). I was just more concerned about the insurance company paying than I was about the integrity of my luthier. I must also say that not all insurers are as evil as they are perceived to be, because they did pay up when the time came for them to (I had the policy for 15 years as well, and never filed a claim before -- I can tell you that they have still made well over $1,000 off of me after paying my claim! :-). Indeed, I identify with the comment about the luthier just not wanting to have to give a firm delivery date...Probably too busy and such, and I totally understand. But again, it has been 5 months and I was told that it would be ready soon a couple months ago. When I first sent the lute in for repairs, I didn't ask about if for over a month. Then, I asked a month after that. Then, I started asking every two weeks and have been continuing to ask every two weeks ever since. I have always been very nice (because I am! :-). The ONLY thing I regularly said to my luthier is as follows: --- --- Howdy, xyz, I hope all is well for you and yours... I am just checking up on my lute's status... Warm regards, Brent
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Hi Brent, Sad to say, but at this point I think you've done all you can reasonably do. The luthier knows how much you need the instrument, so I remain of the opinion that contacting him too often won't have the desired effect. Patience is required, though mine would be sorely tested in you situation! I am encouraged to hear that your insurance company was so cooperative. I'm sure all here wish you good luck and that you will soon be reunited with your lute. Warm regards, Ned On Jun 22, 2011, at 11:50 AM, brentlynk wrote: Hello everyone who kindly responded to my request for help! Indeed, you are all wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can say right now that I agree with ALL of you and can see where everyone is coming from!!! (I love the lute community! :-) To clarify: The luthier is definitely reputable and I totally understand (and have always understood...) the time constraints on people (including luthiers). I know this is not a shady character I am dealing with...no worries. The cracked rib and soundboard were totally minor issues -- barely able to photograph the cracks for insurance purposes because they were so minor. The luthier informed me that it is not a big deal. The lute was totally playable and in no danger if the repairs hadn't ever been embarked upon (which is why I am second guessing whether or not it was a good idea to get them done in the first place, now! :-) I just didn't like knowing I had those two minor cracks which I knew would get longer and more severe over time... Yes, the soundboard/top will have to be partially removed to properly address the issues (thus, the $800 charge...). The luthier did NOT ask for, or require payment in advance -- I filed an insurance claim and made sure the luthier was paid asap because I figured the sooner the luthier was paid, the sooner I would get my lute back. The insurance company knew that I would need the lute for gigs as well, and they did not want to have to pay extra to cover lost revenue (which I am insured for...) so they stepped up to the plate, and I can honestly say, they did their job VERY well! I now realize (at this point) that paying (having payment made) in advance was probably a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it (no good deed goes unpunished, LOL :-). I was just more concerned about the insurance company paying than I was about the integrity of my luthier. I must also say that not all insurers are as evil as they are perceived to be, because they did pay up when the time came for them to (I had the policy for 15 years as well, and never filed a claim before -- I can tell you that they have still made well over $1,000 off of me after paying my claim! :-). Indeed, I identify with the comment about the luthier just not wanting to have to give a firm delivery date...Probably too busy and such, and I totally understand. But again, it has been 5 months and I was told that it would be ready soon a couple months ago. When I first sent the lute in for repairs, I didn't ask about if for over a month. Then, I asked a month after that. Then, I started asking every two weeks and have been continuing to ask every two weeks ever since. I have always been very nice (because I am! :-). The ONLY thing I regularly said to my luthier is as follows: -- Howdy, xyz, I hope all is well for you and yours... I am just checking up on my lute's status... Warm regards, Brent -- Hey, I am human and I am flawed, LOL -- I just always try to do unto others as I would have them do unto me...I realize I might have been being a bit obsequious, or, on the other hand, not putting on enough pressure -- I really was trying to maintain the middle ground. As far as having a backup lute, that is a GREAT idea, but I can't afford it. I have a huge bass lute and my student lute -- I can't play either in public because the bass lute can't be used for the music I am usually asked to play and the student lute is just NOT up to par for public performance. I also have a hurdy-gurdy, some recorders and crumhorns (LOL, all insured...), but I am a lutenist first and foremost, musically (just ask my cats -- they freak out when I play the gurdy and crumhorns, LOL!)... I last asked for an update about my lute (I affectionately call her Bertha) a couple weeks ago, and then, I asked again on Monday. Finally, out of frustration, I also (kindly) asked that if the repairs are going to take too terribly much longer, I would like a letter to my insurance company explaining why it is taking so long so that they will begin to reimburse me for lost gigs, because that is why they paid so fast
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
I did not pay for it until it was finished. To me, this is one of the keys to managing a person without adequate business skills. If they already have the money, what is left for motivation? A down payment for a new instrument order is reasonable, but it seems to me that the final payment should not be until the instrument is done and shipped. This just seems like a normal business practice. If the builder cannot afford to proceed on building the lute, or repairing a lute, without money for materials, then this speaks very poorly of his management of his business. The communication of expectations on the other hand was not done cleanly. The luthier is a master builder but not necessarily a fantastic PR person. And of course, one of the problems here is that the poorer the business skills and organization, the more the communication skills are needed to cover it. Better to run a good business with weak communication than to run a bad business, even with good communication. I have no complaints except that I expect production line timing from a craftsman - the expectations do not match and I get to reset my expectations. ... This is one of the joys of owning a work of art (and there are really many when you consider the living instrument in yours hands created from blocks of wood). The idea that an artist or craftsman is allowed to be poor at the business end of what he/she does is bunk. For a major anniversary, my husband and I commissioned an internationally known fiber artist to make us a work of art. He knew his process, he controlled his materials and their production and stocking, and he knew his production schedule. From our first contact with him he could tell us when it would likely be done. And he was dead on. Down payment at order, balance on delivery. Solid business. Because of what he was doing, he wasn't rich from his business, but he was making it ok. I think that a broad array of skills, including sound business skills and decent communication skills, is what it actually takes to succeed as an artist or craftsman today. To allow them to do less and get away with it and keep their reputation as a good luthier is just wrong in my mind. My 2 cents. Suzanne To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Thanks, Ned! I am going with your advice...it is exactly what I needed... La roque and roll on! :-) Warm regards, Brent - Original Message From: Edward Mast nedma...@aol.com To: brentlynk brentl...@bellsouth.net Cc: David Smith d...@dolcesfogato.com; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Wed, June 22, 2011 12:09:31 PM Subject: Re: [LUTE] Re: Lute Repair? Hi Brent, Sad to say, but at this point I think you've done all you can reasonably do. The luthier knows how much you need the instrument, so I remain of the opinion that contacting him too often won't have the desired effect. Patience is required, though mine would be sorely tested in you situation! I am encouraged to hear that your insurance company was so cooperative. I'm sure all here wish you good luck and that you will soon be reunited with your lute. Warm regards, Ned On Jun 22, 2011, at 11:50 AM, brentlynk wrote: Hello everyone who kindly responded to my request for help! Indeed, you are all wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can say right now that I agree with ALL of you and can see where everyone is coming from!!! (I love the lute community! :-) To clarify: The luthier is definitely reputable and I totally understand (and have always understood...) the time constraints on people (including luthiers). I know this is not a shady character I am dealing with...no worries. The cracked rib and soundboard were totally minor issues -- barely able to photograph the cracks for insurance purposes because they were so minor. The luthier informed me that it is not a big deal. The lute was totally playable and in no danger if the repairs hadn't ever been embarked upon (which is why I am second guessing whether or not it was a good idea to get them done in the first place, now! :-) I just didn't like knowing I had those two minor cracks which I knew would get longer and more severe over time... Yes, the soundboard/top will have to be partially removed to properly address the issues (thus, the $800 charge...). The luthier did NOT ask for, or require payment in advance -- I filed an insurance claim and made sure the luthier was paid asap because I figured the sooner the luthier was paid, the sooner I would get my lute back. The insurance company knew that I would need the lute for gigs as well, and they did not want to have to pay extra to cover lost revenue (which I am insured for...) so they stepped up to the plate, and I can honestly say, they did their job VERY well! I now realize (at this point) that paying (having payment made) in advance was probably a mistake, and I take full responsibility for it (no good deed goes unpunished, LOL :-). I was just more concerned about the insurance company paying than I was about the integrity of my luthier. I must also say that not all insurers are as evil as they are perceived to be, because they did pay up when the time came for them to (I had the policy for 15 years as well, and never filed a claim before -- I can tell you that they have still made well over $1,000 off of me after paying my claim! :-). Indeed, I identify with the comment about the luthier just not wanting to have to give a firm delivery date...Probably too busy and such, and I totally understand. But again, it has been 5 months and I was told that it would be ready soon a couple months ago. When I first sent the lute in for repairs, I didn't ask about if for over a month. Then, I asked a month after that. Then, I started asking every two weeks and have been continuing to ask every two weeks ever since. I have always been very nice (because I am! :-). The ONLY thing I regularly said to my luthier is as follows: -- Howdy, xyz, I hope all is well for you and yours... I am just checking up on my lute's status... Warm regards, Brent -- Hey, I am human and I am flawed, LOL -- I just always try to do unto others as I would have them do unto me...I realize I might have been being a bit obsequious, or, on the other hand, not putting on enough pressure -- I really was trying to maintain the middle ground. As far as having a backup lute, that is a GREAT idea, but I can't afford it. I have a huge bass lute and my student lute -- I can't play either in public because the bass lute can't be used for the music I am usually asked to play and the student lute is just NOT up to par for public performance. I also have a hurdy-gurdy, some recorders and crumhorns (LOL, all insured...), but I am a lutenist first and foremost, musically (just ask my cats -- they freak out when I play the gurdy and crumhorns, LOL!)... I last asked for an update about my lute (I affectionately
[LUTE] Re: Lute Repair?
Thanks, Suzanne, Duly noted! I appreciate your two cents and even though I fear some people might not like the discussion I brought up (although, I have had no sign of that yet, phew...), I do think that these kinds of things are important for people to know/realize...One day, most people on this list will probably have to get a lute repaired. .. I just knew this was the right place to ask for guidance. :-) What I learned: 1) Don't pay upfront (I am with you on that one -- my bad -- takes the motivation away!) 2) Be honest and upfront about your situation -- needs/expectations. 3) Don't bother your luthier too much (I haven't and won't thanks to advice received here...). 4) It is probably wise to get an estimated repair date on paper right at the beginning, especially if you made the mistake of paying up front. 5) If in doubt, reach out to the lute mailing list at Dartmouth before taking more actions! :-) Warm regards, Brent - Original Message From: Suzanne Angevine suzanne.angev...@gmail.com To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Wed, June 22, 2011 11:14:51 AM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Lute Repair? I did not pay for it until it was finished. To me, this is one of the keys to managing a person without adequate business skills. If they already have the money, what is left for motivation? A down payment for a new instrument order is reasonable, but it seems to me that the final payment should not be until the instrument is done and shipped. This just seems like a normal business practice. If the builder cannot afford to proceed on building the lute, or repairing a lute, without money for materials, then this speaks very poorly of his management of his business. The communication of expectations on the other hand was not done cleanly. The luthier is a master builder but not necessarily a fantastic PR person. And of course, one of the problems here is that the poorer the business skills and organization, the more the communication skills are needed to cover it. Better to run a good business with weak communication than to run a bad business, even with good communication. I have no complaints except that I expect production line timing from a craftsman - the expectations do not match and I get to reset my expectations. ... This is one of the joys of owning a work of art (and there are really many when you consider the living instrument in yours hands created from blocks of wood). The idea that an artist or craftsman is allowed to be poor at the business end of what he/she does is bunk. For a major anniversary, my husband and I commissioned an internationally known fiber artist to make us a work of art. He knew his process, he controlled his materials and their production and stocking, and he knew his production schedule. From our first contact with him he could tell us when it would likely be done. And he was dead on. Down payment at order, balance on delivery. Solid business. Because of what he was doing, he wasn't rich from his business, but he was making it ok. I think that a broad array of skills, including sound business skills and decent communication skills, is what it actually takes to succeed as an artist or craftsman today. To allow them to do less and get away with it and keep their reputation as a good luthier is just wrong in my mind. My 2 cents. Suzanne To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] CD / blog post
To All: We're pleased to announce that our new CD, Sfumato, is now available: We have a new blog post with a little background information and links to sample clips. [1]http://mignarda.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/sfumatorelease/ Best wishes, Ron Donna -- References 1. http://mignarda.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/sfumatorelease/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
