Recommendation for repairs

[johnnymando]

I've got a 2003 Sam Bush that needs either leveling or replacement of some frets, and I'd like to have it set up also. I've heard good things about David Harvey, Lou Stiver,
Hans Brentrup,Sim Dailey.
Any input or ideas on who I should ship it off to? Is there a benefit in sending her back to Gibson? (out of warranty).
I prefer to not have it take too long if possible....
Also any rough cost estimates would be appreciated.
Thanks

[james condino]

Where are you located?

j.
www.condino.com

[mandolooter]

NYstate

[sunburst]

I searched "New York" in the Cafe builder database and found this.

Seems to me a local luthier is better than shipping, if you can find someone close.

[Tom C]

I would think independent luthiers would rather spend their time on their own instruments. Building, rather than re-fretting others builder's mandos. I know Mando Bros has about a 2 month wait and charges a ridiculous $550 for a total re-fret. They will not do partials. So Ben Wilcox I'm sending mine back to Ben Wilcox who built mine.

[Avi Ziv]

Tom - I had the same experience with Mandolin Bros. I actually bought my mandolin there and like dealing with them but they do not make it easy to get service done. In addition to the long wait, they would not call me to bring my mandolin in. I would have to leave my mandolin in their shop for the entire duration - which I simply could not do. I ended up getting a partial re-fret down at Lark Street Music, who did a good job within one week and at a reasonable price.

Avi