Hold on.....
While I appreciate the "condolences", it is not my intent to throw the builder under the bus. Gil is without a doubt, the undisputed master luthier of '59 Replica's. The guitar itself is beautiful and the neck is to die for. I am sure it sounds and plays as good as it looks. I have talked to both parties and we will no doubt work something out amicably. As it stands now, it was my decision to send it off to someone I trust to make a repair worthy of this guitar. When it comes back, if I am not satisfied, it will be replaced. If it is something I want to keep, then there will be some restitution paid, as it clearly devalued my investment and there's the repair and shipping costs to recover which no doubt will be honored. Yes, I am extremely disappointed and gutted with the delivery of the guitar. The "lacking in packing" was a bad judgement call and all I can say he has been extremely lucky in the past with shipping. But, there's no hard feelings. Shit happens. We'll get it sorted out - just its gonna be another couple months before I can play the bitch. I know who all has new builds in play, and have advised them about considering sending their own case. Gil may be limited on what he can get due to location. Anyway, its all good.
Steve