40 posts
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Post by jhscofield on Oct 22, 2015 3:04:27 GMT
I thought I'd inquire here before bothering Harley Benton, in case I'm asking a stupid question as I do not wish to waste their time responding to an email. I appreciate any opinions/advice on this.
In the last couple months (less than 3), I bought the 450 gold top. It is an excellent guitar and I have done nothing to it to modify it other than polishing the frets to a shine with micro mesh papers. My only issue with this otherwise amazing guitar is the really thick neck. I have had 2 fretting fingers surgically reattached after a woodworking accident and while having relearned to play despite expectations the surgeon had for me, the thickness prohibits me from enjoyable playing.
I do not want any type of refund, but am interested in perhaps an exchange for a different guitar with a more comfortable neck profile. I also can't afford shipping it back from the states to Germany anytime soon.
Do you think HB would be open to such an idea? has anyone here ever done an exchange like that and if so, what should I do and plan to see transpire if I contact HB regarding this?
You guys are always helpful and I greatly appreciate any and all useful feedback.
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211 posts
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Post by riemersma on Oct 22, 2015 14:58:37 GMT
I don't have any experience with this sort of thing, but the entire business model of Thomann is to offer products for less money than competitors and providing the best service they can. So in that regard, this might be achievable.
Or... I am not sure about this, but you could take it to a luthier who could alter the neck profile for you. I don't know if this is possible though, maybe blablas knows.
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Post by kodiakblair on Oct 22, 2015 19:15:56 GMT
No harm in asking,if they can't help then having the neck shaved is no big deal.
I hope Thomann can offer a solution.
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40 posts
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Post by jhscofield on Oct 23, 2015 8:17:14 GMT
I sent HB a polite, detailed email, even suggested the Harley Benton TE-52 NA since it's the same price and my guitar is in mint condition, just restrung and intonated. Crossing my fingers they will work with me, wish me luck! If anyone here has some pull with these folks, toss me a bone, eh?
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1,481 posts
Disclosures: Everything I don't like I can modify.
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Post by blablas on Oct 23, 2015 9:06:19 GMT
Or... I am not sure about this, but you could take it to a luthier who could alter the neck profile for you. I don't know if this is possible though, maybe blablas knows. It is possible, the only unknown factor is that you don't know how deep the truss rod sits inside the neck, there is a risk in how much you can take of the back of the neck before hitting the rod channel.
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40 posts
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Post by jhscofield on Oct 23, 2015 9:09:59 GMT
Or... I am not sure about this, but you could take it to a luthier who could alter the neck profile for you. I don't know if this is possible though, maybe blablas knows. It is possible, the only unknown factor is that you don't know how deep the truss rod sits inside the neck, there is a risk in how much you can take of the back of the neck before hitting the rod channel. Not to mention the removal of the glossy finish and wood stain as well. I've only had this guitar less than a month, so hopefully they will allow an exchange.
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40 posts
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Post by jhscofield on Oct 23, 2015 14:20:13 GMT
Well, turns out I'm just screwed....HB is willing to give a refund but I must pay postage a 2nd time, this time from the states back to Germany. Don't know how they shipped it for $30, but to send it back will cost me about half what I paid for the damned thing so looks like I'm stuck with an axe I can't play. Anybody here interested in a gold top in new condition, new strings and polished frets at cost, LOL?
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Post by JAC on Oct 28, 2015 22:14:40 GMT
Sorry to hear that you need to pay shipping back. What part of the states are you located in? If I hear of anyone looking for an HB over there I will send them your way.
BTW, you can also post an ad in the classifieds section of the forum, not much movement there, but you never know.
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