got my caps and pots back from the tech

JPizzzle · 02-12-2008, 12:40 AM

Hey all,
I got my gibby lp standard back from the tech today. Had some rs super pots, cts pots, and a pair of original 50's bb's put in (thx HG!). In regards to sound I couldn't really pump up the volume yet due to it being a little late here and I live in an apt. I did notice something wrong though. The knobs seemed a little high off the finish and when i turned them they kinda looked like the were curving up and then back down. When i took the knobs off i noticed that the tech in fact broke the tip of the one volume pot and also squeezed together the tip of the other. he melted some black rubber it looks like to the broken one (the other half of the tip is in the knob, and had tape around the second one. The knobs stay on, but one comes off pretty easily will a little effort. What would you guys do? Can this effect the pot in anyway other than how tightly it is attached to the knobs? Should I call the tech and ask for some money or even get new pots and have him take apart the wiring and reinstall? Is it worth it? Also is the height that the knobs are off the finish normal, or do you guys think they are high? Sorry i'm freaking out a little, I just payed good money and this guy screwed up, so i'm a little upset. I attached some pics. Any advice would really be appreciated. Thanks all

Eddie · 02-12-2008, 01:55 AM

That is bogus, bro. If I did that, I would have offered to set it right with you whether it would be no charge for what's done, or I'd replace the parts. He broke it, he fixes it. Period.

Especially bogus not to tell you about this and let you find out later!

LPSol93 · 02-12-2008, 06:09 AM

I have heard of folks having a hard time getting the knobs back on when switching to the RS pots. Not an excuse for the tech not telling you what happened though.

***b-squared*** · 02-12-2008, 06:25 AM

That's a crappy thing to do...and dishonest. He should have told you when you picked up the guitar, then give you the option to play it for a week...bring it back for a free fix if it bothers you.

My dos pesos...

BB

loneguitar · 02-12-2008, 06:55 AM

By all means, take it back and talk with the tech.
If he denys doing it, then I would find another tech, that is not professional and deceitful to say the least.
Let us know how y'all make out bro

shotgunlew · 02-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Wow dude , thats some bogus shit there...id make sure nothing else is wrong with the axe ( dents scuffs dings ) then i would take the guitar back show him what he did, and if he lied again and says he dident do it....there would be issues....

dwagar · 02-12-2008, 10:51 AM

make him replace the broken one, but not with something off the shelf. Have him order the replacement from RS so you get what you paid for in the first place.

Squeezing the tip so the knob will fit isn't a big deal. The broken one is.

JPizzzle · 02-12-2008, 12:26 PM

Well thx for the advice guys. I actually got the job done at guitar center from a tech they outsource who sez he's gibson certified. The tech and the manager are not gonna be in today but I had the assistant manager leave a message for the manager who will be in tomorrow, and the tech will be in thursday. I pretty much asked for the pot replaced from rs (I think I prob have to order it and get money back on my credit card from my repair) and the installation of that one pot. When I told the assistant the story he was even surprised the guy did that, claiming that he's usually good or something. I guess i'll be hearing back tomorrow and let you all know how it goes. Thx for the advice all, i'm gonna go place an order with rs.

***b-squared*** · 02-12-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPizzzle

Well thx for the advice guys. I actually got the job done at guitar center from a tech they outsource who sez he's gibson certified. The tech and the manager are not gonna be in today but I had the assistant manager leave a message for the manager who will be in tomorrow, and the tech will be in thursday. I pretty much asked for the pot replaced from rs (I think I prob have to order it and get money back on my credit card from my repair) and the installation of that one pot. When I told the assistant the story he was even surprised the guy did that, claiming that he's usually good or something. I guess i'll be hearing back tomorrow and let you all know how it goes. Thx for the advice all, i'm gonna go place an order with rs.

So...another GC story unfolds...

Tell Billy/Paula I (BB) said hello when you call.

BB

shotgunlew · 02-12-2008, 01:30 PM

Hmm im noticeing a guitar center pattern...

Roman Rist · 02-12-2008, 02:03 PM

GC techs? oh gawd! it gives real luthiers a bad name.

You paid for new parts not broken ones, get reimbursed and go elsewhere.

2 strikes here. He broke your stuff, and he withheld it.

dwagar · 02-12-2008, 02:14 PM

maybe GC should be forced to use a term other than technician.

maybe just 'the guy in the back'

inxs996 · 02-12-2008, 03:50 PM

You know, i just got back into playing after 20 years and i have to say you guys are right on the money about GC, first off , you try the guitar hanging on the wall, then you like it, only to find out that there isn't another new untouched guitar in the back you have to buy the one that had scratches on it, been beat up by people and no warranty card for it...

You call them up and inquire about a guitar they tell you it is in stock provide you with its price, you show up to see it or buy it , either the guitar wasn't really in stock or the price is much higher then you were told...

The best is , they offer to order you what is not in stock, only to tell you that they can't guarantee when it will be in, but they are fast to charge your card...

Then if you drop off a guitar without a case or gig bag, they tell you that they are not responsible for any damage that might occur to it, cause you didn't provide a means to protect it...

Are you kidding me, you take my pristine guitar and tell me your not responsible for damage that might occur when its in your care...

Maybe i might be showing my age, but their sales and service reminds me of a store that once existed called " Crazy Eddies ", now out of business...

The real problem with the guitar buying thing is that where else do you go to hear, see and touch the guitars we want to buy, not many ma and pa stores left out there and forget mail order or the internet, you never know what you will get with them people.

Redfish · 02-12-2008, 07:03 PM

Buy a soldering station and learn how to do this stuff yourself. It's not rocket science and nobody will take better care of your guitar than you. When I got into guitar many years ago I was reluctant to do any work on my own guitar because hey, I'm a musician not a tech right? I soon learned that every time I took it someplace to get something done they buggered up two other things and gave it a free relic job to boot. There are good techs out there but it's like finding a needle in a haystack and you never know when the store is going to give your guitar to the new kid to learn on. I've seen some real horror stories. Once I took the plunge I found out that I love tinkering with my guitars and now I can't wait to work on every new guitar I get. Now with the internet you can always find a how to page for just about anything you want to try. Fret jobs are the only thing I won't tackle. I know my limitations.

DBCooper · 02-12-2008, 07:08 PM

Redfish, I'm tempted. What kind of permanent damage can a guy with absolutely no game (imagine a complete idiot whose biggest "technical" accomplishment is changing his oil) do to his axe with a soldering gun?

***b-squared*** · 02-12-2008, 07:24 PM

If you're careful the worst you can do is goop it up with solder and have to get someone to redo it.

Buy some cheapie pots from radio shack (or get some freebies from a buddy or a tech) and practice.

I'm a newb at it myself, and am finishing wiring some EMG pickups into a buddies Ibanez tonight.

BB

inxs996 · 02-12-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBCooper

Redfish, I'm tempted. What kind of permanent damage can a guy with absolutely no game (imagine a complete idiot whose biggest "technical" accomplishment is changing his oil) do to his axe with a soldering gun?

Redfish is right, i do all maintenance on my vehicles , home, and guitars, only time i don't attempt some project is when i don't have the required tools and they can't be rented, which is nearly impossible...

The biggest mistake you can do is possibly burn your guitar finish with the soldering tool, but if your careful that won't happen..

Look at it this was, buy books on what you plan to do, read them, and give it a shot, worse thing that can happen is if you do it wrong and can't correct it then you can pay someone to do it, but if you get it right you will be ahead of the game, you learned how to do something else, and you know is was done right.. nothing can't be fix if you make a mistake..

What you are paying for when you hire someone is experience, and how did they get that experience, by reading and doing it...

loneguitar · 02-12-2008, 08:48 PM

Guitar Center!!!!!! WTF bro, I wouldn't take my buddies Kay to them, I asked the local tech at the guitar center here if they carry wound G strings, and he justed stared at me, No Pun LOL, I also asked if he set the intonation during a set-up and he said no that was extra....... again WTF

inxs996 · 02-12-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loneguitar

Guitar Center!!!!!! WTF bro, I wouldn't take my buddies Kay to them, I asked the local tech at the guitar center here if they carry wound G strings, and he justed stared at me, No Pun LOL, I also asked if he set the intonation during a set-up and he said no that was extra....... again WTF

loneguitar, that is why i bought a book on guitar maintenance , just for that reason, rather learn and do it myself

JPizzzle · 02-12-2008, 09:31 PM

Hey guys,
Yeah I know that there were a million reasons not to go to GC. I guess I went cause it was convenient and didn't know of to many other places to go to. What really sealed the deal was that the tech said he was gibson certified. I dunno, maybe it's an easy title to get or something. I even called and talked to him about the whole project before I brought it in. I'm in the philly area and don't know who to trust. Anyway I ordered some more pots from RS, hopefully he won't break this again cause I don't have any backups. The tone pots are fine, one has some tape on it and is squeezed in but it's not broken, so it's normal. I just want compensation for the new pot w/shipping and installation. Oh well, lesson learned.

JPizzzle · 02-12-2008, 09:36 PM

I was also considering doing the project myself but was a little stand offish due to the fact that its my my only guitar, it's a gibson lp standard, and I would be installing vintage 50's bb's spec'd at .022 by HG. So I invested a good deal of money and didn't want to screw it up. If anyone is in the philly/south jersey area and knows how to do this kind of job hit me up-Who knows if i'll have to take the whole thing apart again after this next attempt.

P.s. Also the tech said that he had to take the whole plate off instead of just being able to take out the pots, is this normal? He said it brought up the price.

***b-squared*** · 02-12-2008, 10:49 PM

Post-script on my rewiring project.

I got the EMGs in, put a couple of string on, and tested it.

It works, first time out. You gotta like it!

If I can do it...you SURELY can.

BB

diceman · 02-12-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBCooper

Redfish, I'm tempted. What kind of permanent damage can a guy with absolutely no game (imagine a complete idiot whose biggest "technical" accomplishment is changing his oil) do to his axe with a soldering gun?

Look at my thread "Soldering for Dummies" - I gave soldering a whirl and installed my Vitamin Q caps having never touched a soldering iron before... It went well - although VERY frustrating, but I was also very careful with my axe, which isn't guaranteed if you take it to some place like Guitar Center...

Soldering For Dummies (Help!)

Redfish · 02-13-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBCooper

Redfish, I'm tempted. What kind of permanent damage can a guy with absolutely no game (imagine a complete idiot whose biggest "technical" accomplishment is changing his oil) do to his axe with a soldering gun?

You really can't do any damage as long as you don't burn your guitar. Just lay a couple of towels on it with an opening like you were doing surgery. Take a digital picture of your control cavity in case you forget where things were originally. Basically just replace one thing at a time and it's pretty tough to screw up. My one recommendation is to buy a soldering gun or if you can afford it a soldering station. A cheap Wal-mart special soldering pencil is not going to get hot fast enough and will cause you nothing but aggravation. I've heard that if you keep the heat on the back of a pot for too long you can ruin the pot but if you have a good soldering utensil that won't happen. I've never had it happen to me even when I was a rookie but I read about it alot so it must be possible.The money you save on your first install will pay for the equipment and you'll be set from then on. Hell, from the sound of Jpizzles' experience you would have to try hard to screw it up worse than that "tech". If you can change your oil you can do this.

DBCooper · 02-13-2008, 11:54 AM

Sold! Besides, I think it's on the list of things that every man, or at least every guitar player, should know how to do. I realized that if I screw up, my 75-year old father or my neighbor (who are both handy and own soldering guns) can clean up my mess. I'm actually really excited. From what you are all saying, it kind of sounds like painting a room. As long as you don't spill paint on the rug or sofa, any mistake can be fixed, and no one is going to be as careful painting your house as you. Thanks guys. I'll order the RS wiring kit ....are there any other wiring kits that I should consider? (Now that I'm doing the work, I can budget a little more on a wiring kit).

02-12-2008, 01:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
Eddie V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ft Walton Beach, FL Posts: 549 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech That is bogus, bro. If I did that, I would have offered to set it right with you whether it would be no charge for what's done, or I'd replace the parts. He broke it, he fixes it. Period. Especially bogus not to tell you about this and let you find out later! __________________ Eddie 1991 LP Classic (WB H&G Habaneros) 2003 Faded DC Special 2003 B7 Custom Black Beauty (WB Custom Tuned set) 2004 R7 (WB/Wolfetone Custom St. Jude's Charity 6707 set) 1999 FujiGen Epi LP Custom Black Beauty

02-12-2008, 06:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
LPSol93 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 281 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech I have heard of folks having a hard time getting the knobs back on when switching to the RS pots. Not an excuse for the tech not telling you what happened though. __________________ SHE with the most guitars wins! http://www.youtube.com/Noitpure

02-12-2008, 06:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
*b-squared* The Velvet Hammer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: About 15 minutes from the LOU...(STL) Posts: 6,616 Thanks: 45 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech That's a crappy thing to do...and dishonest. He should have told you when you picked up the guitar, then give you the option to play it for a week...bring it back for a free fix if it bothers you. My dos pesos... BB

02-12-2008, 06:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
loneguitar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Memphis Posts: 1,135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech By all means, take it back and talk with the tech. If he denys doing it, then I would find another tech, that is not professional and deceitful to say the least. Let us know how y'all make out bro __________________ " Without a song The road would never bend, Without a song, A man ain't got a friend, Without a song, The day would never end Without a song So I keep singing a song "

02-12-2008, 09:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,782 Thanks: 28 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Wow dude , thats some bogus shit there...id make sure nothing else is wrong with the axe ( dents scuffs dings ) then i would take the guitar back show him what he did, and if he lied again and says he dident do it....there would be issues.... __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew

Today
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02-12-2008, 10:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
dwagar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,592 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech make him replace the broken one, but not with something off the shelf. Have him order the replacement from RS so you get what you paid for in the first place. Squeezing the tip so the knob will fit isn't a big deal. The broken one is.

02-12-2008, 12:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
JPizzzle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 279 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Well thx for the advice guys. I actually got the job done at guitar center from a tech they outsource who sez he's gibson certified. The tech and the manager are not gonna be in today but I had the assistant manager leave a message for the manager who will be in tomorrow, and the tech will be in thursday. I pretty much asked for the pot replaced from rs (I think I prob have to order it and get money back on my credit card from my repair) and the installation of that one pot. When I told the assistant the story he was even surprised the guy did that, claiming that he's usually good or something. I guess i'll be hearing back tomorrow and let you all know how it goes. Thx for the advice all, i'm gonna go place an order with rs.

02-12-2008, 01:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,782 Thanks: 28 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Hmm im noticeing a guitar center pattern... __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew

02-12-2008, 02:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
Roman Rist Master Luthier V.I.P. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: LA Posts: 2,934 Thanks: 0 Thanked 37 Times in 7 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech GC techs? oh gawd! it gives real luthiers a bad name. You paid for new parts not broken ones, get reimbursed and go elsewhere. 2 strikes here. He broke your stuff, and he withheld it. __________________ Factories build guitars for profit, Luthiers build them for players http://www.ristguitars.com/ http://www.myspace.com/ristguitars www.wbpickups.com www.bcrmusic.com http://www.vintagerestorations.net/ http://www.maxguitars.com/pages/649910/index.htm

02-12-2008, 02:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
dwagar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,592 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech maybe GC should be forced to use a term other than technician. maybe just 'the guy in the back'

02-12-2008, 03:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
inxs996 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights Posts: 755 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech You know, i just got back into playing after 20 years and i have to say you guys are right on the money about GC, first off , you try the guitar hanging on the wall, then you like it, only to find out that there isn't another new untouched guitar in the back you have to buy the one that had scratches on it, been beat up by people and no warranty card for it... You call them up and inquire about a guitar they tell you it is in stock provide you with its price, you show up to see it or buy it , either the guitar wasn't really in stock or the price is much higher then you were told... The best is , they offer to order you what is not in stock, only to tell you that they can't guarantee when it will be in, but they are fast to charge your card... Then if you drop off a guitar without a case or gig bag, they tell you that they are not responsible for any damage that might occur to it, cause you didn't provide a means to protect it... Are you kidding me, you take my pristine guitar and tell me your not responsible for damage that might occur when its in your care... Maybe i might be showing my age, but their sales and service reminds me of a store that once existed called " Crazy Eddies ", now out of business... The real problem with the guitar buying thing is that where else do you go to hear, see and touch the guitars we want to buy, not many ma and pa stores left out there and forget mail order or the internet, you never know what you will get with them people. __________________ Guitars: -Epiphone Les Paul Custom, 07 -Epiphone Zakk Wylde Bullseye, 08 -Epiphone Zakk Wylde Buzzsaw, 05 Amp: -VOX - AD100VT-XL Pedals: -Boss TU-2 -MXR M108 Equipment Wishlist: -Epiphone Zakk Wylde Camo -Gibson Zakk Wylde ZV -Marshall 2003ZW Half Stack

02-12-2008, 07:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
Redfish Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 193 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Buy a soldering station and learn how to do this stuff yourself. It's not rocket science and nobody will take better care of your guitar than you. When I got into guitar many years ago I was reluctant to do any work on my own guitar because hey, I'm a musician not a tech right? I soon learned that every time I took it someplace to get something done they buggered up two other things and gave it a free relic job to boot. There are good techs out there but it's like finding a needle in a haystack and you never know when the store is going to give your guitar to the new kid to learn on. I've seen some real horror stories. Once I took the plunge I found out that I love tinkering with my guitars and now I can't wait to work on every new guitar I get. Now with the internet you can always find a how to page for just about anything you want to try. Fret jobs are the only thing I won't tackle. I know my limitations.

02-12-2008, 07:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
DBCooper Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Redfish, I'm tempted. What kind of permanent damage can a guy with absolutely no game (imagine a complete idiot whose biggest "technical" accomplishment is changing his oil) do to his axe with a soldering gun?

02-12-2008, 07:24 PM	#16 (permalink)
*b-squared* The Velvet Hammer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: About 15 minutes from the LOU...(STL) Posts: 6,616 Thanks: 45 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech If you're careful the worst you can do is goop it up with solder and have to get someone to redo it. Buy some cheapie pots from radio shack (or get some freebies from a buddy or a tech) and practice. I'm a newb at it myself, and am finishing wiring some EMG pickups into a buddies Ibanez tonight. BB

02-12-2008, 08:48 PM	#18 (permalink)
loneguitar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Memphis Posts: 1,135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Guitar Center!!!!!! WTF bro, I wouldn't take my buddies Kay to them, I asked the local tech at the guitar center here if they carry wound G strings, and he justed stared at me, No Pun LOL, I also asked if he set the intonation during a set-up and he said no that was extra....... again WTF __________________ " Without a song The road would never bend, Without a song, A man ain't got a friend, Without a song, The day would never end Without a song So I keep singing a song "

02-12-2008, 09:31 PM	#20 (permalink)
JPizzzle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 279 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Hey guys, Yeah I know that there were a million reasons not to go to GC. I guess I went cause it was convenient and didn't know of to many other places to go to. What really sealed the deal was that the tech said he was gibson certified. I dunno, maybe it's an easy title to get or something. I even called and talked to him about the whole project before I brought it in. I'm in the philly area and don't know who to trust. Anyway I ordered some more pots from RS, hopefully he won't break this again cause I don't have any backups. The tone pots are fine, one has some tape on it and is squeezed in but it's not broken, so it's normal. I just want compensation for the new pot w/shipping and installation. Oh well, lesson learned.

02-12-2008, 09:36 PM	#21 (permalink)
JPizzzle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 279 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech I was also considering doing the project myself but was a little stand offish due to the fact that its my my only guitar, it's a gibson lp standard, and I would be installing vintage 50's bb's spec'd at .022 by HG. So I invested a good deal of money and didn't want to screw it up. If anyone is in the philly/south jersey area and knows how to do this kind of job hit me up-Who knows if i'll have to take the whole thing apart again after this next attempt. P.s. Also the tech said that he had to take the whole plate off instead of just being able to take out the pots, is this normal? He said it brought up the price.

02-12-2008, 10:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
*b-squared* The Velvet Hammer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: About 15 minutes from the LOU...(STL) Posts: 6,616 Thanks: 45 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Post-script on my rewiring project. I got the EMGs in, put a couple of string on, and tested it. It works, first time out. You gotta like it! If I can do it...you SURELY can. BB

02-13-2008, 11:54 AM	#25 (permalink)
DBCooper Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: got my caps and pots back from the tech Sold! Besides, I think it's on the list of things that every man, or at least every guitar player, should know how to do. I realized that if I screw up, my 75-year old father or my neighbor (who are both handy and own soldering guns) can clean up my mess. I'm actually really excited. From what you are all saying, it kind of sounds like painting a room. As long as you don't spill paint on the rug or sofa, any mistake can be fixed, and no one is going to be as careful painting your house as you. Thanks guys. I'll order the RS wiring kit ....are there any other wiring kits that I should consider? (Now that I'm doing the work, I can budget a little more on a wiring kit).