Vixen,

I'd fix it for you for free! (but I'm in continental Europe!)

I'm planning a musical trip to the US East Coast next year with two UK 'Catters (almost certainly to take in New England). If it isn't sorted by then....I'll still fix it for free!

All in all, from the descriptions you've given, I don't think this is a major job or a reason to go out and splash out a lot of money on a new instrument (unless you actually want to!)

Peace,

moo

moo