Any Cafe Members in Northern Virginia?

[journeybear]

So, because of overwhelming interest, and my own interest in keeping those interested informed, it behooves me to do so by saying that I'm having her shipped via UPS with the local UPS store guy handling it. We confirmed all the arrangements this morning, and she is all packed and entered into the system, shipping to commence today, with an arrival date estimated for Friday. Packing inside the case involved judicious use of what he called "dish foam," so that it is firmly held in place without overstuffing, putting pressure on either the instrument or the case - which he said was in surprisingly good condition, so that's another plus. The case is inside a couple of plastic bags, and then packed tightly into a cardboard box, with at least an inch of packing around the case on all sides. It all sounds reasonable and responsible, and is even perhaps better than I would have done myself - if that's any standard. It may be a bit pricy, but I figure it's good to have it done by a professional with experience, and also to have it be accountable every step of the way. Lastly, I decided it wouldn't have been fair to burden a Café member with bearing the responsibility in case of anything untoward occurring - knock on wood.

So let the nail-biting commence!

[journeybear]

I was wondering, though ... Should I use lighter strings than usual? I've always used D'Addario 74s ever since ever, even on my plain As of the same vintage. I've used light strings on my electrics to enable bending, but I understand light strings don't project as much. (Not an issue with electrics.) I haven't noticed any damage like top sinkage. The hazardous conditions have been produced by the user, not the strings, as far as I can tell. I'll see what's on it. But I do want to take a bit more care with this one, and want to be sure. I wish I could get even a little history about it.

[Bob Gnann]

Correct my if I'm wrong but my understanding is that a UPS store is a franchisee. Not to say they aren't good but I'm not sure who's liable for damage, the store or the actual carrier UPS. I don't have an answer for you.
I sincerely hope all works out well JB. Not sure if that Gremlin of yours could have made that round trip!

[journeybear]

Not sure about the legal hairsplitting between UPS and UPS stores. Hope I don't have to.

The Gremlins were the 80s, sir. Ancient history. That said, remember, the Mustard Custard did make it all the way out west and back, including Chaco Canyon. So mostly highway miles up and down the Eastern Seaboard would be a walk in the park. These days it's a Chevy van, which has already made the trip up and back with no problem. No worries on that score.

[fatt-dad]

My paddle head has been on mediums for decades. Never tried lights on her.

Last set were actually the 74cm's, which have a touch heavier A and E strings.

f-d

[journeybear]

I've always gone with the J-74 mediums, myself. It's probably because they were the first I saw from D'Addario in the early 70s. They had a mock sticker on them that said, "David Grisman picks these strings." That was good enough for me. I liked them, being a vast improvement over the only local option, Black Diamonds, and I've stuck with them ever since. I used to hitchhike 100 miles from where I was going to school in Wisconsin to Chicago and go to Wurlitzer's to get them. That was a thrill, a music emporium like no other, seven floors of all manner of music. Now, of course, we have internet orders sent by mail. Much more convenient.

I just want to treat my new baby gently, that's all. BTW, she passed through Richmond overnight.

[journeybear]

Well, she arrived today, in great shape. Survived the drive just fine. She's seen some wear over the years, but looks and sounds very nice indeed.

All the fretting and pestering and making sure of everything I could paid off. I believe this thread has run its course. Time for a new one.

I'll see about some new photos ... tomorrow.

[Bill McCall]

Beautiful. I love that cherry finish.

Congratulations.