Thanks for sharing the story, Robert. I'm sorry to hear about your trouble. It goes to show that H&D, like other manufacturers, can't bat 1000 all the time.

My very first Collings had trouble after only a couple months. The top wood split towards the very bottom of the guitar. I was blamed for under-humidifying the guitar by my dealer and I nearly started throwing his own tools at him. Not right away, only after I explained my situation only for him to continue insisting that the blame was mine. I had been incredibly diligent about humidity, investing nearly $1,000 in a humidifier for the room where the guitar was kept. Humidity in that room very steady - between 42 and 44% humidity at all times. The dealer said that they could fix it, or they could send it to Collings. That decision was easy.

Collings replaced the top without any questions and upgraded my bridge at the same time (it was around the time that they switched to unslotted pins - mine originally had the slotted pins).

But the guitar never sounded the same. Better in some ways, worse in others. I wasn't immediately happy about the new top, but since then it has been played intensely and has opened up beautifully.

My point - even a top-notch company like Collings has their occasional problem. What counts, to me, is how they handle the situation.

In reference to the original thread - the unacceptable posts within were less about guitars and more about personal politics. It was deleted.

I dont post often here (unless its about GAS related topics), but wanted to touch base and say what a refreshing change it is hanging out here than our other prewarish forum. One can find logical discussions about the instruments that we all love so much, coming from educated, successful people. We also have the opportunity to discuss other instruments made by independent luthiers, which at times may be better (for the individual poster's ear anyway), without being banned or admonished by the moderators.

Its been nice not to be inundated with "personal politics" as elambo noted, and to hear discussion from real guitar players. I'm glad to be here, and have enjoyed it.

Group hug everyone. I may be biased, but I'll say it: The Collings Forum is the best, period.

Just got a Merrill OM, and the frets needed dressing, now, and a few of the frets were loose. I have taken a deep breath, and I'm sure once we figure out how to adjust the neck since Jim doesn't use a standard neck adjustment nut, all will be well.

Sorry to hear that, Michael. A guitar that expensive, that new, should be tip-top.

Have you talked to your dealer and/or Jim Merrill?

Thanks Erik. I just had my tech dress the frets, fix the loose ones. I just wanted it done. My guy talked to jim M ad the gang at the Podium about unusual neck adjustment wrench needed, and we're on that now. I just figure I have to be patient and know that I have a great guitar that needed some initial adjustment. A few years go I would have flipped. Now I just smile.

Guys, I go through great pains to make sure that every detail is right before a guitar goes out the door. I do not understand the loose fret issue as I have a special foot operated press to install frets evenly. I match the fretwire to the slots and I level the frets myself. When leveling the frets, a "screeching" sound can be heard when loose frets are encountered. I have not had that happen in a long, long time. I use the Stew Mac hot rod two way truss rod with 1/8" ( .125" ) nut.
I am sorry for the problem you had MFSTOUT and if you will contact me, I will reimburse you for the work you had done.
Jim

Jim my friend, no worries. You don't need to reimburse me. I just feel like I'm learning more and more about guitars. It's real wood, and there's humidity and reality and new guitars still stretching their wings and I'm ok with that. I gotta tell ya, we'll get it right. I bang hard on those smaller guitars (probably because I'm more of a writer than a guitar player). But I love the woodiness and bass of your guitar, the honduran rosewood is THE most beautiful and toneful I have ever heard, period. You're a good man and I truly appreciate your talent and passion. I cannot wait to get that thing back in my arms. Your guitar got me playing again after a long spell of writing a book I just finished. So please, don't take it wrong. It was a small adjustment and I'm happy to make it. When we get the neck tweaked it's going to be so sweet. I support all luthiers, but especially those who put their heart and soul into it. You are one of those rare few. That's why I bought one of your guitars. I can hear it, buried in the wood. That sound you work so hard for. It's an honor to play something so extraordinary. Full of so much heart. My guitar tech in Chicago handed me the guitar back, and it was like he was handing me the holy grail. Thank you for your skills Jim. It's all good.

sparky

Jim and Sparky, Bravo! Exemplary, to say the least.

Joe

quote:

Originally posted by Joe Egge:
Jim and Sparky, Bravo! Exemplary, to say the least.

Joe

My thoughts exactly! It's great to see this kind of communication lead to a resolve, as communication often does.

These kinds of things do happen from time to time and it's less important to find a person to blame and more important to find a mutual remedy and resolve. I'm very impressed by the gentlemen on both sides of this issue.

I can speak for Sparky since I've talked to him quite a bit about this guitar, before and after the sale -- he certainly does have the utmost respect for Jim, which is probably why he was willing to offer so much slack and tolerance. And wouldn't you know... Jim Merrill steps in personally, and quickly, and proves why people like Sparky SHOULD have such respect.

In the crazy world we live in we are all so lucky to be here, safe, buying extraordinary guitars. So what do I have to complain about? Plus I love that Jim Merrill actually reads these threads. That's passion for ya. Elambo, you're gettin' a big hug at Wandawega. Might even half to bring that geeter along.

sparky

quote:

Originally posted by mfstout:
Might even half to bring that geeter along.

Considering our usual proximity to the largest bonfire in Southern WI in late July, and our typical state of embarrassing and foggy inebriation, would you really want to run the risk that some unsuspecting not-necessarily-so-innocent bystander might search a little too close to your guitar case when seeking out wood for that bonfire? Your issues with the fretboard might become moot when the neck of your guitar is used as a cooking vessel for marshmallows and/or hot dogs. And, of course, when you set that work of art down, there's reason to think that someone, in the blinding darkness of midnight, might see it as a great resting place for a pint of ale while they finish off their last game of bags (only to lose to me, of course).

Me? I'm bringing my $99 Gretsch Wildwest Sweethearts geetar. (Nah, probably a Collings )