I am (or was) the proud owner of a drop-dead-gorgeous 1982 Newson A mandolin with ridiculously flamed maple, a fine aged patina, and amazing woody tone, that needed some repairs. I contacted and eventually shipped it out to Paul Newson, who did a spectacular job on the repairs for a reasonable price, and sent it back to me a few weeks ago. The shipper, unfortunately, did not do such a great job, and it arrived with the neck horribly broken at the wrist. The HS case it was shipped in was apparently undamaged, but the cardboard shipping box had a noticeable dent in it. It was insured for $4000 (replacement cost), and Gruhn Guitars provided me with a written appraisal of $3500 pre-damage (it had a repaired crack in the top as well). I've already submitted the insurance claim with all evidence and pics, but I still have two questions: 1) does anyone have any insurance claim success stories, and if so, what do you think helped the most? Also, how long did it take? And 2) if I don't get the full payout on the claim, should I try and find a builder that will put a new neck on what's left of the old body and end up with a frankenmando (Paul's not keen on rebuilding), or purchase a decent but lesser instrument for about the same price?
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