I am a repairer of musical instruments (woodwinds are my specialty).
There is only one thing I dislike about the business: the assumption
by the customer that I *am* going to overcharge them and I *am* going
to rip them off.

Hey, folks -- accidents _do_ happen.  I can also understand why the
repairer in this case may have not said things "exactly right" when
explaining the situation.  I'm personally not very good at talking
with customers and more than once have been misinterpreted.

I would assume that you checked out references for this repairer.
I assume the references indicated him to be a good person.  I find the
idea of "take your money and run" to be personally offensive.

At least give the guy a chance -- set some boundaries and stick to
them, making clear you will accept no excuses.  If he's out to rip you
off it will not go very far.  My guess is that he's gonna go out of his
way to make you (reasonably) happy.

Jon Miller
Saint Paul MN