Tech: Garrison Guitar Experiences?

Subject: Tech: Garrison Guitar Experiences?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 05:52 AM

Now that they've been around for a few years, has anyone got any experience of the longevity or otherwise of the bracing system in Garrison guitars? They play beautifully and seem well made, but I can't help wondering if there are ill effects if the wood and fibreglass components expand and contract at different rates. I know Chris Griffiths gets to see Mudcat posting, so any observations concerning claims under the guarantee?

Subject: RE: Tech: Garrison Guitar Experiences?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 07:21 AM

There was a girl who the lead guitarist in my daughter's first band knew. She bought a Garrison in London. It was about £350ish.

After a month or so a big crack appeared in the side. It seemed to be due to the wood shrinking as it dried and the fibreglass of course did not, so the wood pulled itself apart.

I advised that she had certain legal rights, and since I heard nothing more I imagine the instrument was replaced by the shop.

Subject: RE: Tech: Garrison Guitar Experiences?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 01:31 PM

I've always had concerns about this type of construction as has my repair guy. If it breake or cracks you can always glue or splice wood but fibreglass is a different animal altogether. Does their advert not stress the benefits of a one-piece bracing system?

Subject: RE: Tech: Garrison Guitar Experiences?
From: number 6
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 05:56 PM

I'm with Guest, Ray in regards to the type of constuction, I also question how the environment would affect it with the fiberglass bracing, e.g. humidity and dryness wood with the synthetic bracing .... the cheaper models (offshore) are ok for a 'beater', a friend of mine bought one for that purpose and he's happy with it. Overall I hold some skeptism in regards to their higher end models.

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