Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
Putting aside some of the strong feelings this has roused already, there are as has already been said, two sides to every story. I know Dayne Marshall and he's a nice guy, and I know Tyrone from the forum only. I was not party to any of the conversations and my only knowledge of the situation comes from Tyrone itself, so most of what is written below is based purely on what has been said here.
It's not defamation to say they lost the guitar while it was in their care, it's a simple fact. Tyrone is free to say that here on this public forum as much as he is entitled to say it out loud to someone without it being regarded as slander. That they are "useless" is his opinion only (although an understandable one in the circumstances as given) and telling us not to take our guitars to them likewise (I do draw the line at calling them "tossers" though Tyrone). And given the circumstances, there will be those that agree with him (and those that don't). Like it or lump it, that's freedom of speech, so there is no need to discuss that further.
To be honest, I'm sceptical whether a 10 year old instrument can be regarded as an "heirloom" (although I think an EKO would be older), or whether one can assign a monetary value to it above and beyond the intrinsic value - that would be for a court to decide.
HOWEVER - regardless of the value, real or perceived, Tyrone entrusted an instrument to their care and it is gone. In my opinion I think he is entitled to demand a replacement. Offering R200 is not replacing it - even the cheapest secondhand 12-string will cost him five times that, so if he accepts that, he loses out badly. Offering a hefty discount on something else is also not a solution - that also requires him to pay money in to replace what he had and they lost through no fault of his own. I certainly wouldn't be happy in the same situation. If they found a Cheap Cort and gave it to him they would be seeing him right. Sure, that may cost more than the EKO was worth, but that is - in all fairness - their problem not his.
Think of it this way - if it was your beat up old Mex Strat and they offered you R2 500 or a hefty discount on another guitar, would you be happy? You couldn't replace a Strat for that either.
Tyrone, just be aware that once it goes legal, there is no turning back. You may not be able to discuss it further here once it does until the issue is resolved in a court of law or by agreement (check with your lawyer).
All the above strictly my own opinion.
Very well said.
I think Tyrone let it go on for too long...it should have been resolved after a few weeks, not years.
The longer you let it go on the less urgent it becomes, IMO.
