A member posted an issue with his rather new H&D - some pretty serious problems - and while he shouldn't have suggested that no one buy H&D because of his own problems, he also didn't deserve to be burned at the stake. That's exactly what happened. I deleted the thread. But I want to give the original poster the opportunity to better explain himself because I'd like to know how he plans on getting the guitar repaired. It's a shame because Jim Merrill of Merrill Guitars, who rarely posts, had some insightful things to say. Essentially, that every piece of wood is unique and that no guitar maker is immune from an occasional problem. He's a class act for supporting another luthier. I agree with him entirely. It's possible that the OP's issues are real and we should be able to hear his story, and offer advice where possible. Some people followed that path. Others hung 'em high for trying to start trouble. I guess I'll be the judge of that, and in my opinion the real trouble didn't come from the OP. The words he choose for his subject line were extreme and certainly not indicative of his real opinion, but I've been similarly angry at a product enough so that I might have said something so ridiculous.

But we will no longer be ousting people who say things that we don't agree with. This was once a place where you could come with your issue and you'd be supported and assisted. That's changing. And so the forum will be changing to ride with the tide. I will issue a warning for posts that I deem inappropriate, then another if it continues, then you'll find that your login doesn't work anymore.

This is a great place and it will continue to be so.

Sorry for the rant.
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Now if anyone would like to discuss H&D with regard to quality, the rest of us are listening.

My advice to the OP - call your dealer. They will assist you. If they do not, call H&D. I'm 100% sure that H&D would be very interested to know that there's such a problematic guitar out there which bares their name.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: elambo,

thanks elambo, for reviving this thread. i've never played a H&D, but have heard good things about them, and i'm interested to see how they respond to a customer complaint. i think jim merrill made a good point: sometimes the materials that are used in making a guitar are not quite what they should be, and are beyond a luthier's control.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: peter p,

My apologies to any and all I may have offended. I took offense at someone denigrating a group of dedicated hardworking builders. If the instrument was defective I'm sure H&D will make it right.

Mr. Moderator,

Thank you for taking the high road and for your actions to keep the spirit of this forum where it needs to be. Personally, I am rather sick and tired of negativism and it is so easy to go there. There is nothing perfect in this world and we are constantly inundated with bad news and down turns and smear campaigns that this forum should be an oasis from the "ordinary". I support you in your bold decision.
Jim Merrill Jr.

It is always a pleasure to hear from one of the top Luthiers in the world. Thank you for being a friend to this forum and for the wonderful guitars that you build.

This is THE Jim Merrill of Merrill Guitars? Fantastic intruments. I played one of your OM-28 Models....great guitar I could not afford at the time.
I almost bought a 2003 Huss and Dalton DS, from HCG, one one very fine guitar, which is why I think that the rep of Huss and Dalton instruments
can survive negative feedback of one person. I know that company would make it right if that were the case. I still think a person, to a degree, has a right to say what he or she wishes regarding thier personal experiances with an instrument. A reader who has a shred of common sense should be able to decipher on thier own the difference between opinion and fact. Elambo:
I think you did an excellent job of trying to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. MY money is on the fact you wont hear from the original poster again. HE did a good job of starting up a hot thread!

quote:

Originally posted by Dredpicker:
This is THE Jim Merrill of Merrill Guitars? Fantastic intruments.

...

MY money is on the fact you wont hear from the original poster again. HE did a good job of starting up a hot thread!

Yup, that's THE Jim Merrill. He has many, many fans lurking throughout this forum. I'm one of them.

We may never hear from the original poster again, that's true. I searched his history and he doesn't come often, but each time he's been here he's offered a valid contribution (yes, the H&D thread might be the exception) and was helpful. It's the reason he received the benefit of the doubt from me. Even so, just as you said yourself, a person should be allowed to voice their opinion, as long as it's within reason.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Merrill Jr.:
Mr. Moderator,

Thank you for taking the high road and for your actions to keep the spirit of this forum where it needs to be. Personally, I am rather sick and tired of negativism and it is so easy to go there. There is nothing perfect in this world and we are constantly inundated with bad news and down turns and smear campaigns that this forum should be an oasis from the "ordinary". I support you in your bold decision.
Jim Merrill Jr.

I really appreciate that Jim! I've had a lot of discussions about Merrill guitars over the past couple of weeks (and friend and fellow forumite just bought an OM-28) and I've had it in my mind that I will one day own one myself. Your wooden masterpieces are just that, and you've showed what kind of a guy you are. I have the utmost respect for you, your product, and your service.

AMEN!!!

Please build me a Dread. Adi/Braz.

I owned a H&D TDM. Finest dred I ever played. The build and quality was equal to any of the builders. In a confused moment I sold that guitar. I think many of us have let go of a guitar that haunts us. The H&D TDM is the one I wish I had back. Bought it new too. Please tell me I am not the only one to do this.

Papi, We are offering a special on green sunburst C-28 models. Of course we will build one in boring vintage amber tops as well...
Jim

Wow. the Steve Vai 28. They'll sell like, uh, cold cakes. Come to think of it, I'm boring, vintage, and sorta amber myself.