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Post by archiekidd on Apr 19, 2014 23:32:46 GMT
Dear M.M and forum users in general,
I have acquired a 2009 Republic 331 , Parlour, in an aged bronze style finish.
I am very happy with the sound, and playability - but have had to address a few issues. Please help if you can ??
Firstly I would appreciate anyone's opinion on the NECK.It appears to have what could be lacquer cracks on a slight run both sides of the nut, or more worryingly, something 'structural' going on with the wood itself ?? I will try to attach photos, though this is my 'cherry' on a forum. Who's going to take it ? Ha ha .
Two luthiers have looked at it and tried to ease my mind, saying they are pretty damn sure it is just lacquer and a cosmetic thing. I am never concerned with cosmetics on my guitars. But I am a worrier. Body is great. Oh, the first fret is also 1 mm out, a discrepancy from one side to the other, i.e not lined up to the nut/ parallel . I'm trying to make myself clear but it's late.
Please advise ?
Archie.
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 19, 2014 23:38:17 GMT
Having problems getting the photos on, apparently too big. Can anyone help with this also ? (apart from saying make them smaller !! )
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 4:59:25 GMT
Are the photos bitmaps? They don't work. Upload jpegs, and uploading photos on a PDF works too.
Uploading them from your PC should be straightforward by using the 'reply' icon (not the 'quick reply' icon). Then use the 'add attachment' icon and browse for the pics / file.
TT
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 6:38:02 GMT
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Post by Michael Messer on Apr 20, 2014 9:02:32 GMT
Hi Archie,
Welcome to our forum.
I will do my best to answer your questions. First of all, it is not easy to advise you properly without seeing detailed photos. If they are too big, make them smaller. They need to be less than 1mb.
Your first question is unclear > It appears to have what could be lacquer cracks on a slight run both sides of the nut, or more worryingly, something 'structural' going on with the wood itself ??
I am really not sure I understand this question. Does it have lacquer cracks, lacquer that has run, or a structural problem with the wood? Please could you explain this so I can understand what you are asking.
If two luthiers have looked at the guitar and said that it is not structural, what makes you doubt the word of two professionals - there must be a reason?
Your second point about the first fret being 1mm out of line, is by far a more important problem than a bit of runny neck varnish. If it really is out of line, you cannot play your guitar in tune. It needs something to sort that problem out.
I hope I have been helpful
Shine On
Michael
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Post by gaucho on Apr 20, 2014 18:33:09 GMT
On the neck issue, be advised that Republics (and some other far eastern manufacturers) use 3 piece necks, unlike National and other more expensive guitars where the neck is carved out of a single piece of wood. Maybe what you see are the joint seams?
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Post by Nickel on Apr 20, 2014 20:32:52 GMT
I would be interested in seeing these photos too. Probably can't offer any help but just curious as a Republic owner.
There is a free app that can be used called Reduce that I have used successfully on a different forum for downsizing photos to be able to upload to sites. Could be worth a look.
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 21, 2014 19:18:04 GMT
    Hello all... Thank you so much for responding. I will clear things up a bit, with some photos. I take your point 100% Michael , RE: fret versus finish worries, the Republic I have must have slipped through the quality control net. I DO have the option of returning it, with a refund, even though it's an ebay buy. The gentleman has been very good about the issues I have, and I'm sure he would not have noticed, or, was solely playing slide, in which case the fret problem would not be of issue (as I understand things in my befuddled mind). I finger pick and slide of course. I have previously owned a tricone Republic(which was finished I might say ,rather better,but not being judgmental here RE; makes and models)... but wanted to opt for a parlour type, simply because I like the feel and looks. I also use a Simon & Patrick Woodland parlour for slide, and this is bullet proof and has never let me down. I love resonators(obviously)... and like many people on here, would be appreciative of advice...advice on a budget ! If I receive my cash back, I'm on a budget of around 600 English Pounds (my currency button's buggered). As a footnote I might add that the lacquer/and/or wood crack is on both sides,but as previously stated , two luthiers are ALMOST certain it's lacquer. BUT I AM NOW BEARING IN MIND MICHAEL'S EXCELLENT POINT (which I had also brought up with ONE luthier, who told me, quote- 'you'd have to have a great ear to notice the tuning issue' , unquote .  Help me ?? !! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2014 20:22:22 GMT
Frank from republic has a reputation for not being really great with QC - that fret looks like a 'schoolboy error'. That aside, I'd be loathe to return a guitar that plays and sounds great (I assume yours does), but I would return it if the tuning was so noticeable as to bug me when I pick it up.
As for the lacquer, I heard recently that 'lacquer melts into lacquer', so if you decide to keep it, maybe applying a smidge of laquer to those lines would sort it? If not, maybe its the wood.
I'm not an expert of course...
TT
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Post by Michael Messer on Apr 21, 2014 20:50:37 GMT
Hi Archiekidd,
It is only my opinion from looking at your photos, but I think the neck has split from a shock during the shipping process. I have seen this before in exactly the same place. It is easily repairable.
The first fret is well out of line. You need to seek advice from a luthier about whether the fret can be replaced and the wood filled, or whether it needs a whole new fretboard. Apart from being played 100% as a slide guitar, it will never play in tune as it is.
I hope that is helpful.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 21, 2014 20:57:29 GMT
Thank you DEUCE ... Every bit of advice is very welcome. I think I can certainly be a little neurotic , but only in so far as trying to get the best for my money. If i can see any potential problems on the horizon (with guitars) , I like to address them as soon as I can... Obviously it is always best to 'try before you buy', but sometimes something comes along that I have to take a punt on, buying it 'blind'. No blues pun intended. I am pleasantly surprised being a forum newbie at how helpful and responsive people are being. A big THANK YOU.
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 21, 2014 21:04:45 GMT
Michael , you are a true gentleman, and this message has made up my mind. I don't really have the budget to be paying luthiers to sort out troublesome frets , or fret-boards. If I read you right, and reading between the lines, it might be that you'd concur with my refund idea ... ? That way, I can source a guitar from scratch, one without any inherent 'troubles'.
sincere thanks,
Archie.
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 21, 2014 22:13:27 GMT
I'm hoping this will all turn out for the best. Thank you again everyone. I seem to have amassed enough information to feel a little more confident in any action I take.
Back to work tomorrow...another day, another bag of peanuts.
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Post by Michael Messer on Apr 21, 2014 22:24:02 GMT
Hi Archiekidd,
There is nothing written between the lines, I am only commenting on what I can see in those photos.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by archiekidd on Apr 28, 2014 11:05:47 GMT
Sure Michael. Thank you again. It wasn't my intention to put words in your mouth, so to speak. I know you are merely giving your opinion on the bare information provided.
And I realize that one has to be particularly careful, on your own forum, not to misguide or even give the slightest hint of anything that could be misinterpreted.
Cheers... Archie.
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Help me ?? !!