Hello, I am new to this list, but I have been playing the 10-course lute for a couple decades... :-)
I have a problem and I am not sure how to handle it -- I really need some advice and guidance from people who know the lute-world better than I do (I play, but am pretty much "solo" secondary to geographical constraints, LOL...). I sent my lute off to a reputable luthier (who built it about 15 years ago...) for repairing a cracked soundboard and rib, and I have had some difficulty getting it back. It has been five months since I sent it in for repairs, and the luthier was paid in advance (over $800) for the repairs... But when I last asked about getting it back because, like anybody, I want it back, and on top of that, I am missing gigs and losing money, the luthier simply responded: "you'll be the first to know when it is finished." Well, that response kind of bothered me because I have been so patient and the luthier told me that it would be ready "soon" a couple months ago... I realize that everyone is busy, etc...and I want to be a nice guy -- I certainly don't want to burn any bridges, etc...(which is why I am not mentioning names!). But I am just wondering what an acceptable amount of time is for getting such a repair done -- if it is 10 months and I am complaining about it at the 5 month mark, I will be TOTALLY ashamed of myself!!!! Please, anybody who has had experience with such a situation, I need guidance! Warm regards, Brent To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
