Luthier' statement of work.

[denwing]

Is it appropriate to ask for some sort of statement of work from the Luthier describing what was done to a guitar & to keep with it for future documentation ? I decided to have a Gibson LG1 worked on (bridge replaced /neck reset), and the Luthier doing the work is highly respected & was recommended by several high end acoustic guitar dealers in my area.
Although I plan on keeping the guitar & handing it down .. I thought it might be a good idea to have some documentation of work wither the Luthiers name on it. Maybe it's standard practice that they have something all written up ?

 

[C-4]

I would find it totally appropriate to keep any papaerwork, such as you are describing about a guitar, just as some people keep immaculate car records.

 

[Tom Wittrock]

You should ask for it. Many don't provide it, but possibly would if you ask.

 

[Jurius]

Hell yes it's appropriate to ask for an itemization of services performed. If you're a gigging musician you'll need it for taxes. If it's a collector, you'll need it for the documentation.

It's just good business to keep good records.

 

[DrewB]

I give an itemized description of what I've done to every guitar to come to me for work. Since I have a lot of repeat customers, it's helpful for me as a reference to know what I did last time and how the guitar is "weathering." I think of it as sort of a patient's chart.

 

[DannyBoy]

I provide written estimates and detailed accounting of repair as part of every transaction. I use carbon copy. This way the customer knows exactly what he's "getting", repairs in the future will be easier as the luthier will know what materials and methods were used to solve problems; and it provides a bit of provenance.

It should be SOP, but then again in the USA any string changer can set out a shingle with the word Luthier on it...