Why Is This Man Crying?

[s_wood]

  This past Saturday, I finished the gig on 3 strings.  Why?  Because I broke the G string on the Music Man Stingray 4 string I borrowed from the guy in the next band 30 seconds into the first song of the set.  Why was I playng a 4 string Stingray?  Because my 5 string Series II fell off a guitar stand just before I picked it up to start the show, and when it hit the stage floor it decided to do a Steinberger impression.    

 

  This bass is -- was -- 7 months old.  She is on her way back to Alembic for what I fear will be last rites.  Luckily, she was fully insured through Heritage Musical Instrument Insurance against all loss and damage, so with any luck the claim will be paid without too much hassle and I will be able to replace her.  Moral of the story: I already knew that gig bags sucked (see the Broken Bass in the Series II gallery). Now, I know that guitar stands REALLY suck.  (Message edited by s_wood on January 08, 2006)

[adriaan]

Ooops can't begin to describe it.

[David Houck]

Steve; I guess you've already talked with the folks in the shop, but it looks to my layman's eyes that a scarf joint repair would make it good as new.

[hb3]

I bet it's fixable.

[s_wood]

I hope you are right, and I am anxious to hear from the folks in Santa Rosa when they see the bass in a couple of days.  I guess the question is does repair cost plus refin cost (which I assume will be necessary) plus reduced resale value make a repair foolishly expensive, as compared to a new bass with the electronics and parts from this one?
 
I am surprised at how calmly I took the whole thing.  Of course, smoke was coming out of my ears when it happened, but The Show Must Go On, right?
Then, when I broke the string on the borrowed bass less than 5 minutes later (which is the first time in 30 years that has ever happened to me on a gig) I just laughed and relaxed...like the late HST said, when the going gets weird the weird turn pro!

[hb3]

oh well, no one needs a G string anyway. [insert joke here]
 
actually I saw some crazy bass from Japan that was a ONE STRING bass. I really, really wanted one.

[richbass939]

I hope that it can be fixed or at least the insurance company comes through for a new one.  Those pictures surely make your stomach drop to your knees.
Rich

[pinchdawg]

Like something out of a bad horror movie........................very sad.                                                                                                                                                                                                       Jim

[2400wattman]

Hello Steve, could you direct me to where I could find out info. on that insurance company you mentioned? I know the feeling of things gone really wrong at a gig(this case is heart breaking & catastrophic) but I do believe this could be fixed with nothing to worry about.

[hb3]

he's talking about
 
http://www.heritage-ins-services.com/
 
I'd be interested in hearing how they come through as well.

[hb3]

speaking of bad horror movies, that must've looked like some sort of squiggly alien chest bursting thing, what with all the strings flying and all...

[keith_h]

Ouch. I really feel for you. I am sure that it can be fixed. Other than apologizing to the person you borrowed the bass from I don't think 3 strings is a problem. Remember that at one time Tony Levin was playing a 3 string bass on purpose.  
 
Keith

[malthumb]

I know this is after the fact, but.......
 

 
Here's how I avoid such tragedies.
 
Peace,
 
James

[worldfamousandy]

It can definitely be fixed.  My headstock broke off several years ago, and they were able to repair it without much difficulty.  After getting it back, it plays better than it ever has.  They were able to do some beautiful (hardly visible) woodwork.  My break was not as clean as yours looks to be, and they simply replace the headstock, along with the top 4 or so of the neck.  Your bass will have a small scar.  As they say, scars are tattoos with stories.

[kungfusheriff]

Aaaaargh! Good luck!
Mine gets laid in her case...