Another hawg coming to the pen...UPS advice needed

[12 string]

My fellow geezers,

Short story long. I frequently travel back and forth between CA and GA visiting the vibrantly 94 year old Mama ' Strang in Peachtree City. Quite a few years ago I took My F-112 there and left it so I would have a nice guitar to play there without having to travel with a guitar. On this last visit (just returned home) I was amazed at how long my arthritic hands could play in a single session and the total amount of playing time I could get into a day. So I've been continuing this little red hot playing streak but there's no denying it, the smaller F-112 is way more comfortable and for both hands. So...I spotted a 1970 F-112 on ebay and snagged it. The auction ended yesterday. This means I will be a bi-coastal F-112 player. However, this does not mean I will buy Coastie an F-112. I still love to play the jumbos but having a more comfortable workout guitar will be a good thing. It has been shipped via UPS and will arrive in a few days. I've always had good luck with shipping guitars, but I've also read a lot of horror stories, so...


How do I protect my interests receiving a guitar?
Should I document the opening with any kind of photography?
Should I try to make the driver wait while I open the box and case?
What else have I forgotten?

I supposedly have ebay, paypal and credit card protection and the seller has a 3 day return policy, FWIW.

Thanks for any help,

' Strang

 

[spiderman]

Strang
With digital cameras it is easy. I photo all sides of the unopened box as received with closeups of any labels, then I do the same for any dents, tears etc. of the unopened box. I then open the box and snap the packing without removing anything. I then remove the case and photo that with more closeups of any possible damage. Take out the guitar and do the same. A bit anal but it works for me. If all is cool, delete a year later

Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired), Alvarez AC60S 2008, Eastman AC320ce 2008 "Hybrid", Guild GAD-JF30E(blonde) 2008, Guild JF55 1997, Guild D25M 1974, Martin Grand J35E 2009, Martin D12-20 1970

 

[capnjuan]

What spiderman said; also ... if it isn't too late, do anything you can to keep the seller from shipping UPS-Ground including paying an up-charge. UPS is still busy earning its reputation for refusing damage claims.

 

[SMan]

UPS Drivers will rarely agree to wait for any package opening. If you notice damage on the package I would point it out to him and insist on it or have him call a supervisor from his truck.

Spiderman gave good advice, although in the absence of packaging damaging, I would try to wait as close to 24 hours before opening the case on a guitar coming from one climate to another.

 

[adorshki]

This means I will be a bi-coastal F-112 player.

HEY! Thought this was 'sposed to be a family-friendly forum!

 

[taabru45]

You didn't know he was a player??? :lol: Steffan

 

[adorshki]

You didn't know he was a player??? :lol: Steffan

I could let that go by but that bicoastal thing's just takin' it to a whole 'nother level.....I bet he said that on purpose for the shock value! 'Specially since the Supreme Court spanked the FCC on free speech the other day! :lol:

 

[jgmaute]

How far are you from the nearest UPS station? If it's possible, and you've got the tracking #, see if you can contact UPS and have them hold the guitar at the nearest station. That will save the time in the delivery truck, plus when you pick it up you can open it there. (My '53 Martin came via FedEx and I had them keep it at the station...but then again the island is only 12 miles long so it wasn't that far away.) Good luck, and of course, we're all anxiously await a report and pictures! joan

 

[Bill Ashton]

Now, I try to be as open minded as any one, and though it rubs me the wrong way, try to get along with that "Bi-" thing...

But "'GEEZERS" ?????

I resemble that remark...

 

[12 string]

Thanks for the help everyone!

Joan's idea was the best, unfortunately UPS won't allow a destination change without the approval of the person who shipped it, and I decided not to rock the boat. I'll wait for it here at home, scheduled delivery is Tuesday pm. Either it will work out or not, in the meantime I have lots of other toys to play with.

The fact that I am anticipating having an East Coast F-112 and a West Coast F-112 was all I meant with the "bi-coastal" thang. I was quite surprised at the reaction to this. To me it seemed kinda...bi-postal...:wink:

' String

 

[chazmo]

Strang,

I don't have much to offer, just good wishes for the cross-country shipment via UPS. Snap a pic when it arrives for us!

 

[capnjuan]

... I was quite surprised at the reaction to this. To me it seemed kinda...bi-postal...:wink:

... or bi-polar :wink: Good luck w/ the shipment!

 

[12 string]

Either it will work out or not...

:x :shock: :x :!:

It didn't. It's going back.

It looks good but there are "issues"...

I don't want to talk about it.

I'm still in the market for a Guild F-112 12 strang.

' String

 

[capnjuan]

Sorry Maestro ... Have you looked at This?

 

[adorshki]

... I was quite surprised at the reaction to this. To me it seemed kinda...bi-postal...:wink:

... or bi-polar :wink: Good luck w/ the shipment!

Hi String: Just playin' up the old confusion of terminology humor. No harm intended. Frat-boy humor from a geezer...thought you'd get a chuckle. Sincerely sorry to hear it didn't work out. I actually thought it was a neat idea.
"Bi-postal"...I Like it!

 

[12 string]

No problems here, Adorshki. That guitar was bi-toastal, but there may be another in the chute soon.

' Strang

 

[chazmo]

Best wishes, Strang! Sorry to hear it didn't work out for ya'.

 

[12 string]

Sorry Maestro ... Have you looked at This?

Incoming!

I had noticed it and exchanged a few emails with the seller; just pulled the trigger a short while ago. I think this one is going to work out okay. I have advised others looking for a particular model just to be patient and one will turn up by and by. Time to follow my own advice.

' Strang

 

[Treem]

Congratulations 12 Strang!

 

[evenkeel]

Congrats. Hope it works out.