What actions can I take to recover my guitar from a luthier?

[CrossHair]

Long story but basically I downloaded a guitar setup and repair video starring Mark Arnquist. I was impressed with it so much that I emailed him and let him know the video helped me out. Anyway we emailed each other back n forth and he sure knows what he's talking about... sent me pics of his guitars etc.... We also spoke on the phone and I agreed to send him my $3500 Quicksilver for a complete makeover (electrical, fret dressing, setup, cleaning) whatever it would take to get this guitar to be usable. Now its been over 3 months and his voicemail is full, doesn't answer my emails. Last we spoke the first thing that came out of his mouth was "Its on its way Monday" and "you'll be recieving the bill via email, and its not much", he said. I'm confused but see really no recourse... and I'm afraid that I lossed this guitar. Around the 2 month mark, he sent me photos of him being in the hospital and that may be the case right now. I seriously can't see him stealing my guitar. But you would think he'd have an assistant that will handle loose ends, I dont know. What can I do... I'm in Michigan and he's in Seattle. Am I to fly out to ****in Seattle and try and locate sheeesh!
THx,
Ken
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/misc/progress.gif

[slopeshoulder]

Send a certfied or registered letter (ask the PO) demanding guitar and explanation. Then send a letter from a lawyer, mentioning mail fraud and interstate grand larceny and how they are felonies. Then 1. bring charges and 2. sue.
But he may be in the hospital.

[Nick Patterson]

Maybe there is a Seattle TGP'er that can check on it for you.

[DiazDude]

Hey Ken,
Next time keep it local.

Dave Collins is GREAT...he's in Ann Arbor & a TGP member.
http://www.collinsluthiery.com/

[da-boogieman]

Things can change, but Mark has a long and reputable standing on many forums. He has been very giving of his time and information and I've never heard anything but praise for him and his work. I think if you search his name here, you'll see he's respected.

It sounds like you are trying to be patient. All I can say is this seems completely out of character from the Mark Arnquist who I came to know on the Rickenbacker forum several years ago. Hopefully some locals who know Mark will join in here and help resolve this.

If he is having health problems, I wish him a speedy recovery. I also hope you accomplish a timely resolution that you are happy with.

[CrossHair]

Great replies guys thanks, this is the first time I had this problem and now I have an idea of what to do. He may very well be in the hospital but he ought to have someone handling his customers, I got to do something.
Oh sure Dual kick a man while he's down lol. The $3500 Quicksilver is another embarrassing story. Oh and its hard to "squeeze his balls more n more" when his voicemail is completely full ALL THE TIME and he doesn't respond to email, boy that would be great if someone knew him in the Seattle area!
Thanks again,
Ken

[voodoovox]

Have heard only good comments about Mark. He posts from time to time at the www.beatgearcavern.com (http://www.beatgearcavern.com)

[MOJO]

sorry to hear about your problem..like the others say..just stay on top of him and ratchet up the pressure ( it is possible he had some unforseen medical problems come up ..it does happen to the best of us ) but he should have had better communication with you regarding any issues that arrived

unusable?....please tell me your not another "victim" of Roman's shenanigans.... (been there myself)

[CrossHair]

Oh I hear ya about the respect I have for the man and his knowledge about guitars, I wouldn't have sent my $3500 (even though pos) guitar across the country to someone I never met if I hadn't saw the great respect and kudos given by other guitar players on forums etc.... Despite what my freinds say I truly deep down feel he had another heart problem which landed him in the hospital... like I said he actually sent me a pic of him in the hospital the first time he went. But after he got out he actually answered my phone call and the first thing he said was " its on its way" seeing that it was me on his caller id. Confused but got to be patient for another couple months I guess.
Ken
Yea got taken by Roman no doubt about that.

[larry1096]

It must be frustrating to have to worry about gear that cost that much.

That said, most luthiers work solo. If you end up in the hospital, it's up to family and friends to handle communications with customers, and they may or may not be up to the task. (They may not even exist...)

I tend to trust human nature. If a person has been honest and helpful for years, I tend to think they'll stay that way. Coupled with the info that Mark's in the hospital, I really think you'll get your guitar back, albeit much-delayed from when promised. I sincerely hope so, for what that's worth.

Best of luck!


Larry

[CrossHair]

Thanks Larry

[cffluntouch]

You could probably also contact some guitar shops in Seattle and see what they know. Chances are he gets referrals from someone in that area and at least they could track down some people that know him, and may know what's going on. I am sure someone knows him. Good luck!

[Unburst]

I think to say he "stole" your guitar is a little heavy handed and probably libelous, if he's been in hospital it's not surprising he doesn't answer emails or check his machine too regularly, maybe he's really sick?

Not to be insensitive to your predicament, but as a well respected luthier, why would he choose to ruin his reputation by stealing YOUR guitar?
I'm pretty sure he's had more valuable and prestigious instruments in his care, no offense.

[CrossHair]

You're right I should've entitled this thread "How to recover my guitar from a luthier", I'm sorry Mark if you ever read this... I'll change the title now. Guess, after this long sought after respectable luthier had it for 4 months as of April 1st, doesn't respond to my emails nor phone calls and tells me "the bill has been sent to my email address" and "The guitar is shipping out Monday" he's got me and my freinds thinking how niave and foolish I am to trust someone that far away. He's got to be in the hospital there's no way he stole, lol, my quicksilver from me! Or maybe he did cuz he actually knows how valuable an Ed Roman guitar is. :) j/k
Ken (i'll try and change title now)

[Unburst]

Way to be cool Ken :AOK

Hope you get your axe back stat.

[CrossHair]

Sheeesh, here it is May 20th and still haven't heard from him... guess I got to get a freakin lawyer now! FOOK I hate loose ends.
Ken

[photoguy]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Mark has done work for me and was very professional and timely with my job. As was mentioned, check over at BeatGearCavern. I haven't been there for a while, but MA was a regular poster there. If nothing else, there might be some discussion as to what's going on. The webmaster over there is a good guy and recently sent his Ric to Mark for some work as well,maybe if you contact him, he can shed some light.

Good luck-

[52ftbuddha]

I cant believe Dr Quist stole your guitar, he has been a fountain of good knowledge on the Beat Gear Cavern. I hope this is a misunderstanding but you are correct to be pissed. I would page him on the Beat Gear Cavern forum. I am up here in Wa.
rob

[redragon]

Here is the point that most folks have missed. The problem is not what has happened with the guitar, it's the lack of communication. This creates doubt and confusion, and ultimately, anger. If the gentleman had simply said, "I'm sick and I cannot do anything with your guitar until I am well.", it would have been preferable to false promises. My feeling is that honest people give honest answers, like the above.

I also find it humorous that people have "gotten to know" this guy through forums. To me, it is a REAL stretch to say that you know a person's character via what they type onto a message board. It seems a wee bit naive.

[Rick51]

1. Hire a private detective. Invest 100 bucks in finding out where this guy is. He'll be very easy for a pro to find unless he's hiding.

2. Try calling the cops. Whatever else is happening, he has effectively disappeared with your guitar. And the unkept promises in the last email are alarming. It could be sitting in a pawn shop, right?

3. Conclude this immediately. The man's behavior is bizarre and out of character according to those who know him, and you are missing your guitar. This one will not improve with age.

Most attorneys will give you a free consultation to discuss a problem. You could try that for more advice.

Best of luck

[sw686blue]

Is there no TGP member who lives in the Seattle area that can go to the guys shop and see what's happening?

[avincent52`]

Geez, guys, lighten up.

I've had work done by the absolute best luthiers in the acoustic world, guys who work on guitars that cost more than I paid for my house. They said "Oh, it'll take a couple of months." It turned out it took closer to a year.

I never thought for a second that they had "stolen" my guitar. And while I wanted it sooner rather than later, I also wanted it done right. So I waited, nudged them gently, and was rewarded with perfect work, and valuable friendships that continue to this day.

If I had followed the advice given here, I would have three broken guitars, three sworn enemies, a pile of bills from lawyers and private detectives, and a stash of canned food huddled in the corner of my bunker where I would sit with my back to the wall.

It seems to be the nature of the luthiery business that, with the best of intentions, that work gets promised sooner and delivered later.

And this was just under normal circumstances. It seems like this guy is having a legitimate health crisis. I'm self-employed and I can only imagine all the things that would fall through the cracks if I were in the hospital.

If you want assistants and secretaries and receipts and money back guarantees take the guitar to your friendly neighborhood Guitar Center. And you'll deserve what you get.

Think about this for a second. A pro guitar tech with a good reputation can make a very nice living working on guitars. Why, on earth, would he give up a lifetime's career with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of potential future earnings, and risk going to jail, just to steal your $3,500 guitar, which he might possibly be able to pawn for $1,000?

You don't need a lawyer, you need a little compassion and a little common sense. You should be sending this guy a get well card and a fruit basket, not threatening letters.

Remember, that what goes around...

best
Allen

[sw686blue]

Geez, guys, lighten up.

I've had work done by the absolute best luthiers in the acoustic world, guys who work on guitars that cost more than you paid for your house. They said "Oh, it'll take a couple of months." It turned out it took closer to a year.

I never thought for a second that they had "stolen" my guitar. And while I wanted it sooner rather than later, I also wanted it done right. So I waited and was rewarded with perfect work, and valuable friendships that continue to this day.

If I had followed the advice given here, I would have three broken guitars, three sworn enemies, a pile of bills from lawyers and private detectives, and a stash of canned food huddled in the corner of my bunker where I would sit with my back to the wall.

It seems to be the nature of the luthiery business that, with the best of intentions, that work gets promised sooner and delivered later.

And this was just under normal circumstances. It seems like this guy is having a legitimate health crisis. I'm self-employed and I can only imagine all the things that would fall through the cracks if I were in the hospital.

If you want assistants and secretaries and receipts and money back guarantees take the guitar to your friendly neighborhood Guitar Center. And you'll deserve what you get.

Think about this for a second. A pro guitar tech with a good reputation can make a very nice living working on guitars. Why, on earth, would he give up a lifetime's career and risk going to jail, just to steal your $3,500 guitar, which he might possibly be able to pawn for $1,000?

You don't need a lawyer, you need a little compassion and a little common sense. You should be sending this guy a get well card and a fruit basket, not threatening letters.

Remember, that what goes around...

best
Allen

Maybe you should reread his post. He was told that the guitar was alright shipped to him when it was not. If the guy is in fact in the hospital, someone from his immediate family should maybe re-record his voice mail stating that he's in hospital and offer a phone number to get more information. If I was in this guy's shoes I be pretty f*cking pissed too. A "pro" lutherie would not leave his customers blowing in the wind.

[avincent52`]

Maybe you should reread his post. He was told that the guitar was alright shipped to him when it was not..

I read it the first time, and re-read it, and invite you to do the same.

Guess, after this long sought after respectable luthier had it for 4 months as of April 1st, doesn't respond to my emails nor phone calls and tells me "the bill has been sent to my email address" and "The guitar is shipping out Monday"

What the post said is that Mark said would be shipping the guitar out soon, not that it was already shipped. And perhaps between Thursday and Monday is when he ended up in the hospital.

It's not like the guitar in question is a 1959 Sunburst Les Paul. I've never heard of Mark before, but I feel reasonably certain that Ken will ultimately get his guitar back, likely sooner rather than later.

Consider his career choices: petty thief or master luthier? Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Sure, in a perfect world, Mark or someone in his family would have done a better job of keeping his customers in the loop. But it's not a perfect world, now is it?

best
Allen

[alanbass1]

Reading this thread only makes me conclude that I should only take my guitars to a local luthier for work to be done. There are enough around in all locations and I'm afraid that whatever the reputation of people, this goes to show how such poor customer service can ruin it for a lot of other more 'customer centric' luthiers.

[CrossHair]

Its most definately the lack of communication and false promises that have me worried. You're right I should've gone with someone local so I could at least drive there if there became a no-comm situation. And I did get in touch with someone in the Seattle area that refers Mark on their website but he responded saying "he always did seem a bit shady to me". Nevertheless! This is so bizarre... I just can't swallow the fact that he'd rip me off... there's NO WAY! But I'd sure like to hear from someone soon.
Thx pals,
Ken

[johnrea_77]

Hard to believe it has been over a month since you posted this....

I hope this comes to a good conclusion, but the longer it goes, the harder it seems to be optimistic. Good Luck!

[JeffreyET]

It is possible he shipped the guitar, but it was lost or stolen in transit.
If you can find and contact any family members, I'm sure they would be anxious to help straighten this out if he is ill or worse.

[Rick51]

"Geez, guys, lighten up."

You guys must not see the variety of people that I do. I have seen a lot. I have seen good people encounter big problems, and I have seen good people go bad. The lack of communication is troubling. I'm not trying to judge this guy, maybe he's got problems. Speaking only for myself, I couldn't tolerate not knowing. So my point was, find out now. If I was willing to spend a little money, I would know in less than 24 hours.

[loudboy]

We also spoke on the phone and I agreed to send him my $3500 Quicksilver for a complete makeover (electrical, fret dressing, setup, cleaning) whatever it would take to get this guitar to be usable.

Ken

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/misc/progress.gif


Anyone else find this a little weird?

If I spent that much $ on a guit, out of the box it would have to not only play itself, it would also have to wash my car and mow my lawn...

Loudboy

[avincent52`]

Anyone else find this a little weird?
If I spent that much $ on a guit, out of the box it would have to not only play itself, it would also have to wash my car and mow my lawn...

Yup, but I figured that particular piece of livestock had walked through the barn door and was now hitching a ride to Abeline.

Given the level of distrust here, I find it shocking that anything ever gets sold on the Classifieds. Seems to me that someone's got to send funds or gear to someone they don't know.

Anyone know a good private detective?

best
Allen

[Darth Tater]

You paid $3500 for a guitar that is unplayable? This 'Quicksilver' wouldn't happen to be an 'Ed Roman' Quicksilver would it?

[sukisyn]

I thought all Quicksilvers were built by Ed.

[Marty]

Whewewee, this is amazing... Guys takes guitar. Says he will return it doesn't and we give the owner greif for complaning about it. We further compound our audacity by hinting at means testing the problem. Meaning if it only cost $3500 and was built by foos-ball-j-ruckus it doesn't count. Then we say the owner is distrustful. Boolllsheet. This is a case of business not friendship. You cut friends a break. This luthiers business practices suck. Period. He can be sick, not his fault. Lying is another matter.

-marty

[JakeELee]

Crosshair,
I'm sorry for your hassle man. I remember reading your post when you first bought that Quicksilver from Roman. I thought to myself "oh shit, no he didn't drop 3 1/2 bills on a Roman." I was hoping though that it turned out ok for you 'cuz you seem like an allright guy.

So what was wrong with the fiddle, if you don't mind my askin'?

[Rick51]

Allen, you are 100% right. Back in the day, a classified ad transaction was executed face-to-face. With on-line classifieds, you might as well just hand your money to the first person you meet walking down the street - you don't know them, either.

Like crossing the street blindfolded.

[avincent52`]

Whewewee, this is amazing... Guys takes guitar. Says he will return it doesn't and we give the owner greif for complaning about it. We further compound our audacity by hinting at means testing the problem. Meaning if it only cost $3500 and was built by foos-ball-j-ruckus it doesn't count. Then we say the owner is distrustful. Boolllsheet. This is a case of business not friendship. You cut friends a break. This luthiers business practices suck. Period. He can be sick, not his fault. Lying is another matter.

I am new here in US of A, but in Kazakstan, we do thing different. When she is done milking bull--NOT!--I make my wife read threadpost out loud so I know what other cybermen are meaning.
Then I excuse myself to barn and have sexy time with favorite sheep who is much like Pamela Anderson in fur coat---niiiiiice! Then I make my sister, who has joyously moved up to number two ranking in all of Kazakstan, computer type my message in way that my American friends can understand. If government authorities read my post and think not that it can be sense making, I will be execute.
Are you maybe from Uzbekistan? Would you like to marry my sister? She make much money for you and you can have her for cheaply. Only two blind goats. Three one-legged chickens. And one electrical guitar. Fix or not. We will include sheep that looks much like large woman who is loser on your American Idol show. She has, as you say, nice personality and sings much like your Betty Midler.
You will like.
With all respecting of you and your Supreme Warlord George W. Bush,
B. Sagdiyev

P.M.S: You are not gypsy, are you?

http://kumulus.free.fr/borat.gif

[CrossHair]

Thanks Borat lol,
Yes I did spend $3500 for this Ed Roman Quicksilver and yes I probably did spend another $1000 using a couple local luthiers to set it up trying out various pickups. It wasn't working out for me so I did send it to Mark... everything was going great at first, we talked often. He was sending me photos of its progress and mentioned that he did solve the dead fret issue. But here's the last email he sent me with a pic of him laying in the hospital, well here's the pic of him anyways:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/CrossHairSB/Heartepisode3-2007notfun.jpg
This is what he had to say in the email:
just to let you know ...had a few days like in the photo with days of running around doing test trying to figure out what happened . Heart rate fell from 115 to 20 for a minute .... then back up .
This happened twice .
Is anyone in the Seattle area that could help me out? Is he dead?
Thx,
Ken
at this point I would just like my guitar back... you understand.

[photoguy]

Just checked. Looks like he's still posting at BeatGearCavern.com...maybe you can reach him there?

[CrossHair]

Thanks,
I'm awaiting verification to be registered now. Would you happen to know his username?
Ken

[photoguy]

pm sent

[suttree]

You might want to try and find him before you let it get out of hand and cost you more money. Maybe he is laid up for medical reasons or something more trajic.

I put in a call to Bill at Soldano, he has heard of him and said he would give him a call and if he answers the phone he will tell him he has a customer that needs dealing with here on the gear page.

Maybe you should try Ed Degenero at THD, they are in that area as well and I'm sure Ed would know who he is. Maybe he can get a message to him as well.

Good luck and keep us posted
JS

nominated for "class act of the year". good show, john.:AOK

try posting on craigslist, a calm description of your dilemma, and see if there's a concerned musician out that way who can pop by and help out. i totally understand your strong language, 4 months is a long time to wait for the return of a major investment. as to the "lighten up" guy, i can't personally wait that long for my gear, so what i do is book an appointment with the luthier, with the understanding that when the appointment time comes around, my guitar gets top priority. i'd rather do the waiting with my guitar in hand, personally.

i drive truck, but i don't seem to get out that way very often. if it does happen though, i'll see if i can take a moment to pop by his address, or at least give a phone call to the guy and ask. if he has call display, he might be screening your number, have a family member call for you (prefereably from another area code). i'm sure that at the bottom of this all is just that he's had a ton of work pile up that is more immediate (read: lives in town) than yours, but that is no excuse, part of being a businessman (person, for you PC types) is delivering on your promises, and if you can't, keeping the lines of communication well open. best of luck with this.

[CrossHair]

I'm registered at the Beat Cavern now and sent a message to Mark. He hasn't gotten back with me yet but see he's a regular poster over there. His last post was May 31st 2007, WHAT THE HELL GIVES! Seems I know a couple people in the Seattle area that are going to find out how far away he lives from them, maybe they can pop in. If anyone else lives near the

5700 Ann Arbor Ave NE
Seattle Washington 98105

area, could you possibly find out whats going on with Ken Pasque's Quicksilver? I'm really reaching at this point and am really embarrassed at the fact that 1) spent so much money on an Ed Roman guitar that needed help and now 2) A luthier whom I respected ends up kidnapping my guitar for 6 months while cutting all comm lines we had. Hell I can wait THE SIX MONTHS or MORE JUST SO LONG HE KEEPS ME POSTED! I'm frustrated ... talk to ya later.
Ken Pasque

[lscottk]

Hi Ken,

I live less than a mile from this address (5700 Ann Arbor NE). I don't know the guy who has your guitar and I don't have any personal experience working him. However, if you want someone local, I'm probably about as close to this guy as you're going to find.

I'd want to talk with you a bit more before dropping by his house. If you think that I can help then drop me a note and let's talk on the phone. If you give me an email address I'll send you my phone number.

Take care,
Scott

[robbph37]

Ken man I am sorry to hear this. This kind of thing is bad business anyway you look at it. I hope Mark is OK which it sounds like he is if he is posting on another site. I almost bought a Quicksilver and a Gary Jacobs guitar about 2 years ago. I simply did not know any better. They are slick over the phone to those who dont know any better. Thank GOD in his kingdom that I did not go for it and got more info before buying. I read nothing good about Ed Roman, Never end of story. Oh by the way my first purchase was a Warrior that was nice but was not worth what I paid so I paid the price of learning anyway. Good luck, I hope this ends well.

[frostbitefalls]

I'm sorry to read of anyone's problems, but DANG!, this is more riveting than most TV. I'm following to the end, DON'T leave me hanging....

[avincent52`]

I'm sorry to read of anyone's problems, but DANG!, this is more riveting than most TV. I'm following to the end, DON'T leave me hanging....

I guess you've been watching American Idol and not the last couple episodes of the Sopranos.

best
allen

[CrossHair]

Yay! the guitar is shipped and should have it by the 13th or so. About time! I had help from a couple people, Mark Barnes at The Beat Cavern and Scott from TGP. I want to thank everyone who helped in this matter, your concern and advice as to what to do meant alot to me. I'll let you know how this Quicksilver plays now etc....
Thankyou,
Ken Pasque

[Strat]

hw was doing you a favor by keeping the Roman turdcaster

[bigeric]

hw was doing you a favor by keeping the Roman turdcaster
I am lmao! this is too funny. Ed Roman Turdcaster! First off I am glad to hear of your resolution of this matter. Second this is the best thread yet. I applaud your tenacity.
Ed Roman Turdcaster I want one!

[photoguy]

Glad to hear that it's resolved.

[DiazDude]

Glad to hear that it's resolved.

Not resolved until he has the guitar in hand!!!

[CrossHair]

Well after 5 1/2 months she's home and pleased with the turnout. He sent me a list of 20 repairs he did to it (some minor, some big). I initially told him to go with those Zakk Wylde .060-.010 strings, wish I could've gotten in touch with mark cuz I since then changed my mind. Doesn't matter though she's plays great. He also sent me around 15 photos of its progress which is very professional. Although I'm pleased with the work he did ... there's got to be another respectable luthier in the Michigan area that someone could lay on me? I should at least have the option to drive over to the luthier's shop instead of asking someone on TGP to go over lol... thank's Scott.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/CrossHairSB/CompletedJune2007.jpg

[DiazDude]

David Collins in Ann Arbor. I trust nobody else. Acoustic or Electric.
Link in my sig line.

[CrossHair]

Thanks,
I sent him an email the last time you suggested him and he never got back with me... oh well I'll try his phone. Appreciate it though, I got this flying V that I'd like gone over.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/CrossHairSB/guitarVpics027.jpg
Ken

[michael.e]

Thanks,
I sent him an email the last time you suggested him and he never got back with me... oh well I'll try his phone. Appreciate it though, I got this flying V that I'd like gone over.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/CrossHairSB/guitarVpics027.jpg
Ken

Uhh! That V looks beyond repair! I will take it off your hands for, say, $325.00 :AOK

Glad this all worked out!

M.E.

[slipbeer]

I'll go $350 on it. Don't let him lowball you.;)

[ford]

What the heck, I'll throw in 400 bucks for the amp. I'm sure you don't want to keep it, it has lots of purple on it! :BEER

rock

bford

[rockinlespaul]

there's got to be another respectable luthier in the Michigan area that someone could lay on me? I should at least have the option to drive over to the luthier's shop instead of asking someone on TGP to go over lol... thank's Scott.



Tom Pellerito

[slorinczi]

Sadly, I am in the same predicament. Arnquist has had a guitar of mine for 2 1/2 years and refuses to return phone calls or emails. I contacted him early this year through an intermediary; he was very courteous and apologized for the delay, but this was 8 months ago and still no guitar. I have never in this process expressed anger or threatened him in any way, but after all this time I am really stumped; I now have a call in to the Seattle Police Dept. and we'll see what they can do.

Since dropping off the guitar, I have heard of all kinds of incidents like this from colleagues of Arnquists: "Hanging on" to customers' guitars, removing valuable parts from customers' guitars and switching out cheap replacements. Wish I had known beforehand, to say the least.

I'd drive up to his house but I have a wife and 18-month-old daughter depending on me and I can't just take the time and money to go on a wild goose chase whenever I feel like it.

If anyone has any advice whatsoever, I'm all ears.

-Seth

[zomkee]

there's got to be another respectable luthier in the Michigan area that someone could lay on me?

Bryan Galloup in Big Rapids (http://www.galloupguitars.com/repair/acoustics.htm). Not only a great teacher, one of the finest repairmen around.

[sw686blue]

What kind of guitar did you send him? Your best bet is to get the police involved like you have. Is he within driving range? Maybe you can visit him with a police escort and collect your guitar.

[bsuite]

Elderly intruments should have a few compitent techs

[dr.morton]

Don't you have some sort of russian debt collection?

[cswanston]

You're in different states. That's a problem. Have an attorney send the guy a letter letting him know that there won't be any trouble if he returns the guitar within 20 days, but that if he continues to be nonresponsive, you'll have no option but to resort to judicial process.

If the guy won't voluntarily surrender the guitar, you'll have to compel him to do so by court order. Getting jurisdiction over the guy in Michigan involves a complicated analysis of the guy's business contacts with the state. That analysis may become necessary because if you proceed in Michigan and obtain a default against the guy (becvause he fails to take care of business in the Moichigan courts, which will liely be the case), he can always challenge the default judgment by challenging the basis for personal jurisdiction over him. That's kind of complicated, but if you send him the judgment with a letter explaining that you will institute contempt proceedings against him if he fails to comply, the guy might simply respond by sending you the guitar.

You might be able to do this in small claims court without an attorney. I don't know about Michigan, but in California, small claims damages can go as high as $7,500, and the small claims courts can award equitable relief, meaning an order requiring the guy to do something other than pay money--an order requiring him to surrender the guitar to you.

You can also file in Washington (or Oregon, I forget where the guy is). If there's an attorney you know and like in Michingan, he can appear "pro hac vice" in Washington if he knows someone in Washington who will vouch for him. Don't worry. He probably won't have to actually physically show up. "Appear" simply means to interact with the court. Otherwise, contact an attorney in Washington who deals with creditors claims or probate (I say this because recapturing personal property that is not in the hands of its rightful owners come up more often in these areas of the law than in others). It's not cheap, filing fees alone exceed $300 in California, but that might be what you are stuck with.

You know, it's kind of a flier, but you might even try calling the cops. If you put together a sumamry explaining the situation, provide them with photos proving you own the guitar, some other proof demonstrating that you did not give the guy the guitar, but simply entrusted it to his care so that he could repair it, and letters or something showing that the guy is not responding to your inquiries, they might make a call or stop by the guy's shop. Just tell them that you believe the guy has stolen your guitar. If they say (which will likely happen) that this is a "civil matter," as opposed to a criminal matter, tell them that what the guy has done amounts to "larceny by trick," which refers to a situation in which a person has appropriated your property after inducing you to voluntarily relinquish possession.

Good luck.

[cswanston]

One more suggestion after seeing that number of people have had problems with this guy. If each of the individuals who have lost guitars to this guy puts together the same package that I suggested be provided to the cops, and each sends them not only to the cops, but also to the district attorneys office in the county where the guy resides, the district attorney might either persuade the cops to get on the guy or might institute a prosecution himself. Send the same thing to the Washington attorney general's office. You can try the F.B.I. and the U.S. Attorney's office (if interstate mail or wires were used in any of these transations, which is certainly the case, then federal alws will have been violated), but they have a anrrow range of cases they will get involved with.

But you never know. A suprising number of attorneys are guitar players. They might get a little excited about the opportunity to get involved in a case that is a little outside of the norm of what they usually see and also involves a subject in which they have an intense personal interest.

But, numbers are important. So, the more people who send packages to the same decision-makers, the better your chances that someone wil take notice and then take action.

Good luck.

[bluesgolfer]

Well after 5 1/2 months she's home and pleased with the turnout. He sent me a list of 20 repairs he did to it (some minor, some big). I initially told him to go with those Zakk Wylde .060-.010 strings, wish I could've gotten in touch with mark cuz I since then changed my mind. Doesn't matter though she's plays great. He also sent me around 15 photos of its progress which is very professional. Although I'm pleased with the work he did ... there's got to be another respectable luthier in the Michigan area that someone could lay on me? I should at least have the option to drive over to the luthier's shop instead of asking someone on TGP to go over lol... thank's Scott.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/CrossHairSB/CompletedJune2007.jpg


Mike Koontz in Ferndale Michigan on Hilton. Many will claim there is nobody better. A real perfectionist.

[robyogi]

Guys, just a heads-up - this is a 2-year old thread. The OP who was looking for a tech in MI has not been active since 7/08. There apparently is another member who is having a similar problem with the same tech in WA that the OP had issues with.

[Johnnysavant]

Mark Arnquist has had my 69 Gibson EB-3 for over a year and has not responded to my calls or emails. So, I contacted the WA Attorney General's Consumer Proteciton Office. (complaint form online). They sent him a letter. HE IGNORED THEM!!!

They will not pursue it as a criminal matter until they can determine that it's "a pattern of illegal behavior." A few more complaints will indicate a pattern.

Please, if you've ever had a problem with Arnquist, or if you currently are, notify the WA AG's office.

http://http://www.atg.wa.gov/fileacomplaint.aspx

[Luke]

Why not just call the police in the town in which he resides?

Or file a small claims lawsuit in you district, win by default and have a collection agency exercise a writ of execution on your behalf?

[jeff h]

NO EXCUSE for not communicating with a customer who has entrusted you with his, or her, baby. I understand personal problems, but a phone call or e-mail explaining the situation is not too much to ask! I would have a local attorney file a replevin action for the return of the property. I would also see if the local District Attorney would file embezzlement charges. Good luck guys!