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Jason Kessler
Nov-15-2005, 8:15am
My first mandolin was an Oscar Schmidt (oops! Almost left out the "m" in Schmidt!). It played pretty well, with surprisingly good intonation all the way up the neck, but had little in the way of sound.

Due to either a rough, dry New York City winter or "defective materials and workmanship," the top sunk until the instrument became unplayable.

I've just found out that this mandolin has a lifetime warranty. I'd like to resurrect it if I could, because it has a Fishman pickup in it and would be handy in certain electric situations.

However, some of the things not covered include "instruments that have been subjected to extreme humidity or temperature conditions," and "instruments that have been modified," (the Fishman).

My long-winded question is: is it worth my time and trouble to ship the instrument to the manufacturer? Are these stated strictures merely *ss-covering by the legal department, or will they be used to deny service?

Any help or past experience sagas will be appreciated. Thanks.

glauber
Nov-15-2005, 9:05am
Sorry for stating the obvious, but why don't you try asking the manufacturer? You can probably get away without mentioning that dry winter, but they'll notice the pickup. Since the pickup can hardly be the cause of the sunken top, you may have a chance.

Mike Beatty
Nov-15-2005, 4:28pm
Sorry for stating the obvious, but why don't you try asking the manufacturer? You can probably get away without mentioning that dry winter, but they'll notice the pickup. Since the pickup can hardly be the cause of the sunken top, you may have a chance.
Too late, the manufacturer already knows about your dry winter besides it's the first thing we ask when someone calls with a cracked and/or sunk top esp. this time of the year. However we may be willing to overlook it. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Give me a call at the number below and we'll see what we can do.

Mike Beatty
Customer Service Manager
U.S. Music Corp.

847-643-5172

glauber
Nov-15-2005, 4:37pm
Ooops! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

DryBones
Nov-15-2005, 6:42pm
hahaha...I love this site!

glauber
Nov-15-2005, 10:14pm
That was pretty impressive customer support.

Jason Kessler
Nov-16-2005, 8:23am
That was pretty impressive customer support.
Nice try, Glauber, but you're still in the sh**house! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Seriously, though; that WAS pretty impressive. I'll call him today and keep you posted, but my current impression is that once a top has sunk, you're sunk.

I really would like to resurrect that puppy, though. It'd be perfect for my electric needs (I play a lot or rock and reggae on my mando), and I wouldn't have to fool around with fitting the Fishman into my Eastman, thereby voiding the Gianna Mandovoodoo spell.

I'll keep you updated.