So if I were to do a repair book....

[thecajunboy]

Greg,

Please do something. Just do it. I think you should go with what you do best, and obviously your work is top notch, but I feel that your true gift is in relaying the story to the reader. Techno fucktard geekos like me just eat up the information you provide in a bench report. Be it a special tool or jig to get the job done, or details on how the instrument came to be in a state of disrepair. Like others have said, your mission shouldn't be to teach stringed instrument repair. I'd include roadie stories, mishaps, and all the little things that go on in the life of the guitar player. When I get done reading your book I wanna know what it's like to be where you;ve been, do what you've done, and of course, seen the boobies you've seen. In other words, reach to a broader audience.

Good Luck,

[Wrecks]

It's right here in front of me.

...which leads me to my follow-up question, which is:

What is it doing on your workbench, and why was it not put back in the guitar case when you shipped the Sunburst back to me?

I'd like to get my mitts on that pickup, just for the sake of originality.

As you can see, Platzer concurs that there are a lot of people who would like to get their mitts on it. Especially for free.

[holLoWskull]

I just thought maybe you could elaborate on some secrets like chapstick to lubricate nut slots, simple green to clean stuff, etc.. I'm sure you have tons more...

+1 on the "stuff you may already have lying around the house" types of guitar repair tips and tricks. I personally think knowing what you need special tools for and what you can safetly use good old "American ingenuity" on helps give the do-it-yourself guys who'd be buying your book a better idea of what they can realistically attempt at home and what they should bring to a professional luthier to have done right the first time. Please keep us posted on the status of your book, I'll be buying a copy!

[BCR Greg]

It's right here in front of me.

...which leads me to my follow-up question, which is:

What is it doing on your workbench, and why was it not put back in the guitar case when you shipped the Sunburst back to me?

I'd like to get my mitts on that pickup, just for the sake of originality.

As you can see, Platzer concurs that there are a lot of people who would like to get their mitts on it. Especially for free.

Thank you for having the class to do this privately.

Your obvious attempt to discredit me is groudless. There was no attempt at theft, and the deal was many years ago. We have talked many times since then, and you never brought this up.

Feel free to talk to me about it at any time, you know how to reach me.

[KeyOfZ]

Quote: "So if I were to do a repair book...."

I would pay good money for it.

I have seen the stuff Greg pulls off and a lot of it is not for the squeemish. While I don't think I would ever attempt to repair a headstock, I would definately be interested in all the stuff he has to say about everyday guitar care and maintenance.

I would be looking forward to this mucho.

[DaveH]

Hey Greg,

I've enjoyed everything I've seen in your bench reports so far. As for new ones, I believe it might be cool to see something along the lines of, oh, I don't know, maybe a broken off and/or missing headstock? That would be really cool!

Hole plugging/finish matching/touching up would be an added plus.

Anything you end up deciding to go with will be interesting and educational, I'm sure.

[hikarateboy]

Welcome back Wrecks! It's been a while.

I do agree that this could have been handled offline instead of be played out in the kangaroo court which is the hfc.

[Guest teefus2]

don't forget to document with photos the "3 month long scratch/drop fill job for the newport pro top". i have been dying to see that one.

[Wrecks]

Welcome back Wrecks! It's been a while.

I do agree that this could have been handled offline instead of be played out in the kangaroo court which is the hfc.

Fine.

Platzer, send the Dimarzio you admitted stealing from me to Tom Terrific; he owns the guitar now, and he should have it if he wishes to return the guitar to "original".

Tom, if you ever remove the Rio, I'd appreciate it if you would give me first offer.

Everyone else...as always, thanks for playing "Don't f#ck with BCR on his messageboard".

You know where to find me.

[BCR Greg]

Stealing is a strong word, mister.

There was no stealing. I stored that guitar while you were "away" and when you finally contacted me, I explained everything in detail, which you ACCEPTED.

Tom can have the pickup, no problem.

Nice try, Jay. Lines are drawn.

[killerteddybear]

Sorry Greg, ya gotta write three (3!) books. Better get started.

If you want to do a book for the 'average guitarist' (this is a bass player talkin') you're going to need large type, short words, and colorful illustrations (with bOObies to keep the interest level up)... maybe printed on vinyl or something else that can be wiped off easily.

Seriously, you could consider doing a book like "The 17 Adjustments That Will Make You Rock Hard(er)". Basically a short list of the adjustments, repairs, and/or upgrades that give you the best bang for the buck. Hell, I'd want that for my instruments.

Next up the evolutionary ladder could be a book documenting repairs etc as cajunboy has suggested. More repairs, less bOObies...

At the top - full hardcore repair, no bOObies anywhere, just technique and balls. What would really grab people is explaining how you approach a repair intellectually; obviously you're doing some pretty elaborate planning to pull off some of these saves.

[BCR Greg]

Lots of great ideas here. I can tell you that it will not be a boring book, boobies will appear and my little jaunts and stories will be in between each bench report.

Keep the ideas coming, all are valid and appreciated.

[hikarateboy]

Everyone else...as always, thanks for playing "Don't f#ck with BCR on his messageboard".

You know where to find me.

Please read the whole thing before replying

Read into it what you will but there is nothing there that wouldnt be done or hasnt been done for anyone else. Just saying that if your intent were to address a situation where you felt that you had been done wrong why not go to the source directly? Seems logical.

If I were trying to right a wrong or fix a situation where I were done wrong I wouldnt come out great guns cause it doesnt help. Trust me my dryer has been broken for a week and I screamed and swore at it for an hour but nothing changed. Kicking it only put a dent in the side panel and hurt my foot.

back to your post. I think the intent was evident to even the casual vistor. If you have a beef with me I am happy to talk with you about it on the phone.

For the record:

I have never purchased anything from BCR Music

I have never purchased anything from Lost Art Vintage

I have shared a hotel room with El Duave for 4 nights at NAMM without sufficating him with a pillow even though he snores like a mutha piece. Thank you modelo

So in synopis I say buy all your korina Hamer sustain block elduave burst dog eared juniors from rocketeria (cause dave sold me a mandolin once) or the dealer of your choice.

Bickering on this board doesnt get anyone anywhere so why waste time doing it. If you need to get something straightened out with greg or anyone else do it but leave the rest of us out of it.

[DaxT1138]

rebind and binding repairs, you can use my guitar once i get off my duff and send it to you. oh man, i have an SG i got in a trade you should have fun with too

[Guest galejt]

For the record I have purchased from Elguapo and Elgreggo and several other fine examples of Brotherhood on this BBS. I've also purchased from each of the three major guitar stores in my area (GC being one of them). I've taken my guitars, acoustic and electric, to a local luthier whose looks could charm the rust off a three legged bar stool. I just bought a used Audi TT from my Godson's father. It's real nice. Today I'm going to purchase a sammich from the sammich shop across the highway. They have an exceptional chicken salad that is chock full of meaty chunks of fowl and dill and just a touch of onion. I think the onion sets it off real nicely and I don't really care for too much dill. Oh and I recently purchased a nice echo from HHB. Someone please buy the rest of his offerings. He is a really nice guy and I hate that he is suffering right now. Someday I hope to meet him. He lives near Ashville and I think I might retire there, but you never know. Gwayne says he is a really nice guy and I purchased a really nice guitar from gwayne although he is probably going to be upset that I am considering selling it soon to fund a custom order. Anyone care to purchase a trans-red spruce top Newport from me? It has many nice modifications done to it.

In closing I'd like to say God Bless and may all your chickens come home to roost. Especially in one of the sammich shop's fine roosted chicken sammiches.

Jim

[Wrecks]

For the record I have purchased from Elguapo and Elgreggo and several other fine examples of Brotherhood on this BBS. I've also purchased from each of the three major guitar stores in my area (GC being one of them). I've taken my guitars, acoustic and electric, to a local luthier whose looks could charm the rust off a three legged bar stool. I just bought a used Audi TT from my Godson's father. It's real nice. Today I'm going to purchase a sammich from the sammich shop across the highway. They have an exceptional chicken salad that is chock full of meaty chunks of fowl and dill and just a touch of onion. I think the onion sets it off real nicely and I don't really care for too much dill. Oh and I recently purchased a nice echo from HHB. Someone please buy the rest of his offerings. He is a really nice guy and I hate that he is suffering right now. Someday I hope to meet him. He lives near Ashville and I think I might retire there, but you never know. Gwayne says he is a really nice guy and I purchased a really nice guitar from gwayne although he is probably going to be upset that I am considering selling it soon to fund a custom order. Anyone care to purchase a trans-red spruce top Newport from me? It has many nice modifications done to it.

In closing I'd like to say God Bless and may all your chickens come home to roost. Especially in one of the sammich shop's fine roosted chicken sammiches.

Jim

I think the chickens are coming home to roost in Lemoyne, PA.

Ted, this is not an "Alpep (who?) vs. BCR vs. El Guappo vs. Wilcutt vs. Godzilla" thing.

I see posts regarding poor customer service from various guitar and amp dealers (that includes GC) on here all the time, with others chiming in about shared experiences.

Read Greg's first response to my post again.

Because I didn't question, for a time, that he sent me back a guitar he repaired without the rare PU that was replaced (and for the record, it was NEVER agreed on that he could keep it), it's NOT stealing?

Greg, I give you permission to tell everyone here what I paid you for that repair....you know, the "discount" you gave me as a customer and an "HFC friend".

Go ahead, tell 'em the story. Include the part where you wouldn't let me pay you with a credit card (even as a customer and an HFC 'friend') so I could retrieve my guitar from your workshop. Include the part where you offered my guitar to another person on this board (who contacted me immediately because he knew something didn't seem right about the transaction).

Include the part about your storage/interest fees for the HFC "friends" you solicit from this MB and the "deals" you give loyal customers.

Dang, scan my receipt and post the jpg here, if you like.

Let's clear this up....you wouldn't want me to harbor any resentments, would you?

[Jem]

For the record I have purchased from Elguapo and Elgreggo and several other fine examples of Brotherhood on this BBS. I've also purchased from each of the three major guitar stores in my area (GC being one of them). I've taken my guitars, acoustic and electric, to a local luthier whose looks could charm the rust off a three legged bar stool. I just bought a used Audi TT from my Godson's father. It's real nice. Today I'm going to purchase a sammich from the sammich shop across the highway. They have an exceptional chicken salad that is chock full of meaty chunks of fowl and dill and just a touch of onion. I think the onion sets it off real nicely and I don't really care for too much dill. Oh and I recently purchased a nice echo from HHB. Someone please buy the rest of his offerings. He is a really nice guy and I hate that he is suffering right now. Someday I hope to meet him. He  lives near Ashville and I think I might retire there, but you never know. Gwayne says he is a really nice guy and I purchased a really nice guitar from gwayne although he is probably going to be upset that I am considering selling it soon to fund a custom order. Anyone care to purchase a trans-red spruce top Newport from me? It has many nice modifications done to it.

In closing I'd like to say God Bless and may all your chickens come home to roost. Especially in one of the sammich shop's fine roosted chicken sammiches.

Jim

I think the chickens are coming home to roost in Lemoyne, PA.

Ted, this is not an "Alpep (who?) vs. BCR vs. El Guappo vs. Wilcutt vs. Godzilla" thing.

I see posts regarding poor customer service from various guitar and amp dealers (that includes GC) on here all the time, with others chiming in about shared experiences.

Read Greg's first response to my post again.

Because I didn't question, for a time, that he sent me back a guitar he repaired without the rare PU that was replaced (and for the record, it was NEVER agreed on that he could keep it), it's NOT stealing?

Greg, I give you permission to tell everyone here what I paid you for that repair....you know, the "discount" you gave me as a customer and an "HFC friend".

Go ahead, tell 'em the story. Include the part where you wouldn't let me pay you with a credit card (even as a customer and an HFC 'friend') so I could retrieve my guitar from your workshop. Include the part where you offered my guitar to another person on this board (who contacted me immediately because he knew something didn't seem right about the transaction).

Include the part about your storage/interest fees for the HFC "friends" you solicit from this MB and the "deals" you give loyal customers.

Dang, scan my receipt and post the jpg here, if you like.

Let's clear this up....you wouldn't want me to harbor any resentments, would you?

Firstly, I'm not going to get into this but don't you lot over there EVER give it a bloody rest ? Ted must be sick to the back teeth with this, it's like being at frigging school....actually it's worse, it's like being in a band the size of an orchestra !

Anyway, Greg, with regards to a book. You've probably either read / got or sell the vast majority of relevent books that are on the market. I'd study and decide on a niche that's perhaps just as much of an amusing read as it is a repair manual. Lets face it the amount of publications from Dan Erlwine / Stew Mac etc is quite giddying and 'just another repair book' may just fall into that catagory.

Jem

[HAMERMAN]

>I'd like to see something about fretwork...levelling, dressing them, etc.

Big time. The Erliwine book is kind of light here, almost as if to say "if you REALLY want to know about this stuff buy the videos".

>I would like to see a chapter devoted to EMG installation.

LOL!

>Problem: Can't play for $hit

>Solution(s): ?

I need this part of the book!

>I'd include roadie stories, mishaps, and all the little things that go on in the life of the guitar player.

Agreed.

Also:

Be sure to include your Floyd setup trick.

A "tools to live by" (no jokes please!) section would also be valuable. By this I mean what tools get used all the time and are essential to doing proper work. It would also be reasonable to say why some tools aren't needed if that's the case.

[Guest JackButler]

I agree on set ups and short cuts for dealing with all types of bridges and I'd like to see an honest and simply worded guide to soldering/installing pup's..gotta keep it simple for us blondes..

Basic fretwork issues coverd would be a plus.

As far as tools of the trade..how about affordable, easily aquired tools to get the job done that the working musician can/could afford/find...those kind of solutions to getting the job done right. And maybe some nice little tips on improvising/Maguyvering tools and household objects to get a specific job done..like making a back rest for setting up a recessed floyd or what have you.

Something low on the high mathematics and techno speak so that us knuckle dragging apes can easily understand.

[Steve Haynie]

Include all kinds of gluing techniques with all kinds of glues. Also go over creating jigs and proper clamping.

[polara]

From a designer/advertising/filthy lucre point of view...

Make it simple. Look at those "for dummies" books and the "worst case scenario" books, for example. Not that it has to be "Guitar Repair for Idiots" but if you can break the information down into short, dpecific chapters, going from the simple to the complex, and keep the text easy to read it'll move off the shelves. Most people buy after leafing through jsut a few pages of competing books. And I'd rely more on illustrations (the medical illustrator point was great) than photos so that proper emphasis can be put on the task at hand rather than the photo of a specific case.

I'd buy it!

[jujisque]

I'd suggest putting in the repairs and leaving the "bOObies" out. You don't want your book to have to come off regular viewing stacks because it has "pornography" in it . . .

[Guest galejt]

blah, blah, blah chicken sammich, blah, blah, blah

blah, blah, blah BCR, blah, blah, blah

Why do you hate chicken sammiches so much? And what does BCR have to do with lunch meats? I'm confused. Chicken sammiches are very American. And BCR is a music store, not a lunch counter. I'm confused.

[Zoner]

I'm all for the Boobies no matter what, but would strongly suggest covering the quickest route from "just pulled out of the pawnshop/dumpster/gramma's attic" state to "this is a righteous ride, dude" finale. I always tear down any new guitar that hits my door - there have been a couple hundred over the last 3 years much to my wife's dismay, and have developed a streamlined approach that lets me clean (cosmetics and electronics), touch-up and set up a guitar or bass in about 2 hours. For the less experienced player or total newbie, if they buy a guitar from Evilbay or a pawnshop, or even most large music retailers, they won't be able to realize full value until the guitar is at least set up for their preferred string guage and action preference. So, show us set up and adjustment briefly, maybe using a real dog someone just got from Ebay or something. Drop fills and buffing are easily done and can go a long way towards making a turd look more highly polished, so those should be included. I'd go real heavy on easy mods like pickup swaps, rewiring, installing(or removing!) trems or piezo systems, changing tuners, etc. - these are all things that can really help make any guitar a long term thing instead of an "almost" solution. Finally, for those of use who are familiar with the tools and materials, get into the gory stuff. Body breaks/cracks. Fingerboard delaminations. I wanna see a headstock split that goes through the tuner holes, a couple standard headstock breaks, and a total decapitation, all in full color detail. Then fix 'em. Your communicative writing style should be employed - make it just like a posting here, and include as many pics and drawings and boobies as $$ permits. If you fix my Scarab, you can include it in the book and I can photograph my boobies too. Z

[thecajunboy]

Include the part about your storage/interest fees for the HFC "friends" you solicit from this MB and the "deals" you give loyal customers.

Maybe my experience has been different, but for the record, I'm a friend of Greg's, and he never solicited a sale or friendship from me. Our relationship was built from great customer service when I was only a potential customer. You're offering the notion that Greg isn't on the up and up all the time. The way I see it is that he toes the line all the time. For example if I buy something from him and pay with a check, he's gonna hold the merchandise until it clears. I'm not terribly happy about that even if I'm a friend, HFC member, or what have you. It's his policy for everybody, and it's been his consistency (from what I've seen) in these matters that has earned my respect.