Is he?? How can you make a judgement on the POSSIBLE playability of this guitar from a builder with no reputation?? If it doesnt play AT ALL, he has been 'ripped off'. Your comparing a company with decades of history, tens of thousands of quality guitars, a dealer network, and staff, to a guy who was just 'happy' to do a job for 'free' to learn how to build guitars (or at least get a bit more practice).
Personally, i say chalk it up to experience, and dont make the mistake of taking on ANY jobs that arent for you personally, until you are more equipped to handle clients. Prime example of getting involved with something when you arent ready to. The fact he isnt paying you (essentually) means he doesnt value your work (and you dont either).
point taken.
i just figured i'd throw that in there as the current bc rich custom shop stuff is absolute garbage (for the price). whereas, if the guy paying for this mockingbird paid at most a couple hundred bucks, he's still getting (what appears to be) a pretty awesome guitar.
i'm completely with you, rhoads, when it comes to taking on clients. i've only been on this board a short while (and haven't even built anything for cryin out loud), but this is at least the 3rd time i've seen something like this.