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steve davis - Posted - 10/31/2009: 14:33:07
A person I met at last week's jam handed me his banjo and wanted my
opinion. This is a Hohner LE Artist...Thick wreath inlay peghead and a kind of fancy fingerboard inlay.Multi-ply rim and 2 piece fl./flathead.
The bridge on it was a Grover w/inserts just 7/16 to the bottom of the notches.
The string clearance at the 1st fret was over .020
The tone at the jam was quite thin and brilliant and I told him it could sound fuller.
He asked me to take it home and try and make it better.
He also wanted one of my bridges and 2 spikes.
When I got it home I couldn't reasonably adjust the neck for a taller bridge.
This heel cut doesn't fit the pot very well...flange and head bead bumping
against the neck.I got out my box of wood scraps and found a mahogany
strip 1/32 inch thick.
I used this for shims either side of the top lag and trimmed them to be flush
with the heel sides.Rods secured and neutral nuts.
It then accepted one of my 11/16 comped bridges with very nice action on
the neck and strong clear notes all the way up the neck.
This thing actually now has some neck and resonator vibrations that weren't
there before.
I filed the nut notches for a 1st fret clearance of .012.I run mine at .010,but
I was feeling a little nervous with someone else's banjo and stopped just shy
of .010. It plays and sounds a lot better than it did.
I'm going to charge the guy $75.
steve davis - Posted - 10/31/2009: 17:07:16
It's quite pretty with fancy binding,double res. rings,2 legged armrest
w/a stamped "engraving".
I hand it back to him Tuesday at the Solon jam.
I think he's going to be happy with it.
Gomer - Posted - 10/31/2009: 21:40:42
If you ask for $150, he may pay you in which you could pay me $75 for the advice!
( )=====’==::
Abundant Opinions - Speculative Advice - Marginal Judgment
The Old Timer - Posted - 11/01/2009: 07:33:20
Steve, you might want to check with Gary Filgate at Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham NH to see what he would charge for that kind of work. I'm sure you don't mean to start a set-up business that unintentionally underprices his shop. I'm thinking just out of professional courtesy.
Ask yourself how many hours of work you put in on this banjo.
The Old Timer
I can win the attention of most any girl, wherever I may roam -- But singing and playing on a banjo alone, won't work against a trombone! Uncle Dave
Getzik9009 - Posted - 11/01/2009: 08:38:58
I have been repairing wind instruments for 16 years. My dad and I have a flat rate of $65 per hour. I give very few fixed price estimates. By the time the bills are paid including taxes there's not much left. What ever time you spent times what your services are worth including materials will always be a fair price. Worry about what you call a fair price not the store down the street.
Kenneth Logsdon - Posted - 11/01/2009: 09:05:52
 I would have thought better of you Steve, Now you've made it work! and have to sweat out the obligations and responsiblitys.. The days of having fun with your banjoing are over..
KL
deuceswilde - Posted - 11/01/2009: 14:01:34
quote:
Originally posted by The Old Timer
Steve, you might want to check with Gary Filgate at Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham NH to see what he would charge for that kind of work. I'm sure you don't mean to start a set-up business that unintentionally underprices his shop. I'm thinking just out of professional courtesy.
Ask yourself how many hours of work you put in on this banjo.
The Old Timer
I can win the attention of most any girl, wherever I may roam -- But singing and playing on a banjo alone, won't work against a trombone! Uncle Dave
Don't they call that "price fixing?" -Joel Hooks Success always comes to those who have the money to buy it. -The Adventures of a Banjo Player, 1884 p.26
steve davis - Posted - 11/01/2009: 15:57:10
I told him I'd try and do what he wanted for $75.
It is my first one and nothing was very difficult or frustrating.
When I tried it out after all adjustments I was pleased.
As I gain experience I will charge appropriately.
KE - Posted - 11/01/2009: 16:14:10
If you do a good job and treat your first few customers fairly, word will get around. If you charge what seems fair to you instead of what you could get away with, people will think well of you. That is how to attract clients.
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