Today I received what should have been a like new Doc Fossey Model 2 w/ case via UPS. PROBLEM: The neck was cracked during shipment from nut down both sides of the neck. Peg head is still attached. Trying to decide what to do.......1) keep it and repair and ask for a reduction in price, or 2) return for a full refund. Value is substantially reduced because of the crack and have no idea how much to ask for reimbursement. Total cost with shipping and tax $1400.00. Music store said they can try a damage claim through UPS. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I would return it and ask the seller for a refund. They will get the pleasure of making the UPS claim.
Bob Smakula
Send it back! The crack is certainly repairable, but it will forever be a damaged banjo, with reduced value, and the possibility of the crack opening up again in the future. If it were a vintage or used instrument a repair might make sense, but a new or like new instrument should not be accepted with that sort of damage. Either UPS or the seller should accept responsibility for a damaged instrument.
If it was sent insured. Make a claim or send it back and let the seller make a claim. It’ll always be a banjo with a cracked neck even if repair is done.
Return for a full refund. The sender is responsible for filing claims.
This type of damage is from the headstock whiplashing inside the case. Just a reminder to everyone that the back of the neck and both sides of the headstock must be made immobile in the case with packing. Some high end cases have a wedge shaped cushion added at the end of the case to reduce the chance of this happening.
I’d return it. If you purchased an expensive vase and it was broken in transit due to inadequate packing I’m sure you’d return it for a refund or exchange it for a properly packed one. Seems like the same principle applies here.
