MichaelM - Posted - 01/16/2010:  13:53:57

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I've had this Gold Tone PBS for about 2 years and I noticed that the neck was becoming detached about a month ago but it is getting worse, I took these pictures while the strings were tuned to G but I removed the strings because it looked like it was getting worse, what should I do about this?

I have posted photos in my photo album on my member page.

Thank you

rmodel - Posted - 01/16/2010:  15:31:45

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I had the same problem with a GT PBSD. I checked with GoldTone about the neck attachment. They responded quickly and said that it utilizes a dowel pin attachment. It should not get much worse but it sure does make them look bad. I had bought mine direct from Beard Guitars, and in less than a month mine developed the same problem. I contacted Beard and talked to both Chet and Howard, they were willing to fix the problem but I opted to trade up to a "real" Beard R model. Had to scrimp and rob Peter to pay Paul, but have had the R model for about a year now with no problems and am very happy with all aspects of the Beard. Those that I talked to all asked if I had a low humidity problem due to winter heat in Vermont but instruments are in a room with a humidifier and the GT was the only one that had a problem. If it doesn't affect playability then soldier on. Playability was not effected on mine but looked sorta like lip stick on a pig. Maybe some of the luthier members will have some advice.

resopluker - Posted - 01/16/2010:  17:47:14

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....ummmm darn fella I hate to read this :( It is good to know the folks at Beard will stand behind things! A class act as I have heard many times...

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/16/2010:  17:53:13

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Maybe this is a problem and Beard knows about it. It would be worth giving them a call.

Dean

Grizz - Posted - 01/16/2010:  19:26:52

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Disclaimer: I have no affiliation to Beard.
Call Beard. I believe they Will take care of it for you.

Let me add this. I am not trying to be smart but I was a business owner for over 30 years. How many things have you bought that were perfect? How many things have you bought that needed repair before you thought they should? We live in an imperfect world. Personally I am more concerned with a company that stands staunchly behind their product and will provide you with top notch customer service. From all the research I have done Beard is this type of company. I have seen guitars that cost a lot more than the Gold Tone that had issues. I will not mention any names.

Hey resoplucker, you ever get an instrument? If so what and where? Just curious.

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Edited by - Grizz on 01/16/2010 20:35:40

resopluker - Posted - 01/16/2010:  23:58:47

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Hi Ya Grizz......

...nah I am still sorting through it in my head believe it or not but am feeling like I am close to a decision. Just not going to rush it (been there done that). Thanks for asking!

Mbradford6288 - Posted - 01/17/2010:  02:13:31

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This is a problem that should not develop. Gold tone should have a warranty that covers it.

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/17/2010:  03:18:56

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There is a Gold Tone in the classifieds on r-n that has separation of the binding. I always thought they sounded good, but I do not know about how well these imports are put together.
Dean

badger - Posted - 01/17/2010:  05:53:51

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These instruments fly off an assembly line at the speed of light - not realistic to expect the QC and attention that Beard puts into their US-built line. Consider the price point. If it doesn't affect playability, I'd expect to live with it. FWIW, I've had one apart, and build quality was good overall.

Grizz - Posted - 01/17/2010:  06:43:19

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The one on RN is really minor. Slight separation of the binding on the bottom or the lower bout. The only one that would probably notice it is the owner. I would be willing to bet Beard will take care of it no charge. Of course you have to wait until they get back from NAMM If not Matt there is a luthier. Come on Matt fix it for him.

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Edited by - Grizz on 01/17/2010 06:46:34

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/17/2010:  06:57:09

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quote:

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Originally posted by badger

These instruments fly off an assembly line at the speed of light - not realistic to expect the QC and attention that Beard puts into their US-built line. Consider the price point. If it doesn't affect playability, I'd expect to live with it. FWIW, I've had one apart, and build quality was good overall.

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I agree with Badger. I think the Gold Tone sounds great, my instructor actually has one and he can make that sound better than I can with my reso that cost a lot more. It is a really good looking guitar and I doubt that it can be beaten for the money. That said, the quality and attention to detail does not, nor shoud it be expected to, be as high as on a hand built guitar. Just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions

Dean

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Edited by - Dean Upson on 01/17/2010 06:57:43

Grizz - Posted - 01/17/2010:  07:04:34

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Dean, Play that sucker!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at Willie's axe. Bet if you wanted it you would have to pry it from his cold dead fingers and imagine what it would be worth.

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Edited by - Grizz on 01/17/2010 07:07:10

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/17/2010:  07:38:47

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Right, I've seen that guitar up close several times and it sure looks like it has been around. I am not sure of the brand, but it sure held up well and must have witnessed a lot in it's career

Dean

MichaelM - Posted - 01/17/2010:  11:27:01

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I think it should be fine if I leave it in D tuning, kinda like Jerry's old Weissenborn.

Mbradford6288 - Posted - 01/17/2010:  14:33:22

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Just speaking from experience, guitars tend not to fix themselves. It can't hurt to contact Gold Tone, and they'll probably send you to someone local and you'll have a free repair and an instrument you can tune however you want. In these situations, the longer you leave the instrument damaged, the more difficult it becomes to repair.

Beard Guitars - Posted - 01/18/2010:  06:27:16

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Good Morning folks..

I don't want to diagnose without looking at the guitar. It could be one of several things:

The Gold Tone neck and body are attached before finishing and spraying. There is usually a LOT of finish where the neck heal joins the body. Any stress on the neck (even normal stress) may result in the finish developing cracks. In this case the fix, if desired, is cosmetic and pretty easy to remedy..or not.

In very rare cases the dowels connecting the neck to the neck block may have insufficient adhesive and the dowel may pull. This is a tougher call. We or Gold Tone really would ideally like to have the guitar for inspection in order to determine the next step. As many of you are aware Dobro, with the traditional neck stick attachment, moves a lot and there are those guitars out there with almost 1/4 inch neck separation. It does not effect playing although it is unsightly.

Bottom line...If you bought the guitar from us or one of our dealers we'll take care of you. If the guitar was purchased through the Gold Tone dealer channel you should contact Gold Tone. If you are uncertain about how to handle any Gold Tone issue I rather that you call me and I'll point you in the right direction.

301-733-8271 if you need to find me.
e: howard@beardguitars.com

cheers

h

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Edited by - Beard Guitars on 01/18/2010 06:42:21

Beard Guitars - Posted - 01/18/2010:  06:41:01

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I just want to clarify (and forgive me if you already know this):

Beard guitars does not touch every Gold Tone resonator. In fact, Gold Tone sets up and sells the vast majority of these guitars, with Beard internals provided by us.

We do buy a small number of bodies from Gold Tone that we set up in our shop. These guitars are sold directly by us and/or our dealers. Gold Tones that are purchased DIRECTLY from the Beard shop may be traded, with FULL retail credit, towards a hand crafted Beard Guitar. It's a "perk" for buying from us.

One of the reasons why we ask what the "parentage" of a particular guitar is ;-)

Any questions? Just call or email. We'll figure it out.

h