American Airlines Broke My Martin Guitar Pt6

[@davidgillespie7954]

I am still sickened each time I watch this series but I really appreciate you documenting this. I wish you luck with this.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, David! Appreciate it!

[@garyculley5587]

He's the man....That was Marks D-35 in the back he was talking about. It now plays like a bran new guitar with that wonderful Martin sound. Thanks for keeping us up-dated!!!

[@LionelCartwright]

I wondered if that was Mark’s. Thanks for pointing me to Manuel! And thanks for the support!!

[@-DILLIGAF]

Lionel I've been following this documentation. My heart goes out to you. Keep up the good fight and hold them accountable. Unfortunately you may have to start cross-posting in forums and asking other musicians to share across as many social media platforms as possible. The airlines will hate the negative PR.. There are lessons to be learned here even if you're not an aggressive person and don't mean anyone harm it may take a very squeaky wheel to get them to turn. I had a contractor work on my commercial building that I own they did $30,000 worth of damage when my ceiling collapsed in the rain. Their insurance company rakes me along for 11 months until I told him I was getting a lawyer I literally had a check in the mail within Forty-Eight Hours. Have you considered contacting a lawyer in approaching them?

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Very helpful! I’m currently reaching out to lawyers and being “raked along” by AA. Appreciate your support!

[@-DILLIGAF]

@@LionelCartwright worthy of note I also sold a guitar on eBay once. It arrived damage to its destination. FedEx denied responsibility they said the case was not damaged and therefore were denying my claim. Just like in your situation. Luckily I had date-stamped pictures that I took of the guitar before I listed it literally days before it sold. I told them "why would I smash a perfectly good guitar and then sell it and ship it?" I had them dead in the water. They knew it and cut me a check even though the case did not show damage. Do you have any pictures of you playing the guitar at the gig? Anything that might substantiate the guitars condition days before it hit the airline's? You have a bunch of witnesses obviously that saw you perform with it. Maybe you could try a similar approach in your defense?

[@LionelCartwright]

@@-DILLIGAF Wow… That’s really insightful and super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@reubensylvester8818]

Sorry to hear about your most valuable guitar, what a beauty it really is. Manuel is so honest and knowledgeable. Looking forward to seeing it fixed up. All the very best!

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Reuben! Much appreciated!

[@michaelparks3106]

My heart goes out to you. I have a '77 D-35 that I've had since new, and while it isn't worth what a Brazilian rosewood is, it's still invaluable to me. On a trip from Chicago to Orlando I carried it down in a car, and for the trip back I took a 24 hour bus ride instead of flying just so I could carry it with me. Even though it's in a blue Martin hard shell ABS case, I would not check it as baggage on a plane. I've seen baggage handlers throw luggage from a plane and sometimes the guy on the ground catches it, and sometimes not. As a bonus, on the bus ride I took it out and we had a sing-along in the back of the bus!

[@LionelCartwright]

Nice!! Thanks for the story and your support, Michael!

[@charmainesauer115]

Wow, he really explained it well. It keeps getting more evident how American Airlines didn't give a hoot how they treated a valuable instrument. In fact, it was total disregard, I would even say abuse as it had to be thrown or dropped from significant height. It just burns me up Lionel & I know you're just sick about it. Keep fightn' cuz. 🤺

[@LionelCartwright]

That’s my plan! I’m gonna stay on it! Thanks for the support, cuz!

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

Clearly there is a Ramp Ape deliberately smashing guitars. There’s probably only one guy, and he’s been at it for years. He obviously works at the Nashville Airport. He works the AA line. Everyone probably knows exactly who it is. The only people showing “disregard” is AA management. THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHO THE GUITAR SMASHER IS AND THEY ARE COVERING IT UP because it would bring AA DOWN.

[@brianrust6139]

Just saw where someone said to contact Martin Guitars. That the best idea I’ve heard about yet. They might can replace the broken pieces to original specs and with a more seasoned wood that will help maintain its original sound. Good luck Lionel!❤️

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks so much, Brian!

[@joannjonescopeland8032]

Perhaps the right person to bring your guitar back to life has been revealed to you in Manuel... I sensed a strong spirit in his voice and demeanor Prayers continuing 🙏🏻

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks Jo Ann!

[@michaelmccrary5037]

George Gruhn would be the best source to determine the value of your guitar. I've seen a couple of 1967 Brazilian D-35s for sale for somewhere between $6-8 thousand, but George will be the authority on value. Sounds like your guitar is a favorite, so I would get it repaired. I have a couple of guitars that I would be glad to spend more than their current value to repair just so I could keep playing them. After you get your guitar repaired, if you are going to travel with it, get a Calton Case (or comparable). If you don't need to travel with that particular guitar, get something else to travel with (and get a Calton Case) or rent a guitar at your destination. I believe your preparation for travel is more important than leaving things up to the airlines. I hope you get your baby back into good playing shape.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Michael. Appreciate the support!

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@LionelCartwright i can't believe you are still carrying it in that crappy case. please get a leaf or carlton case.

[@danielgay4924]

Somehow this video came into my viewing and then my heart broke to dee the damage of that magnificent Martin D35. I hope you were able to get it fixed.

[@LionelCartwright]

Everyone I've taken it to says it definitely can be repaired. Grateful for that! Thanks, Daniel!

[@joeyoungs8426]

And this is why I buy a seat for my guitar and it travels in a SKB waterproof case. They’re nearly bulletproof. My guitar is probably worth half that Martin but priceless to me. I’m heartbroken for you and I definitely feel your pain. Best of luck to you and especially that guitar.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the support, Joe!

[@imannonymous7707]

Alright im in. I have to see this through. I want to see how it works out....really sorry about your guitar. I think you made a good choice taking it to martin delgado. Respect

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks much!

[@57Techboy]

my heart sank when the case opened, such incompetence on the part of American airlines. I just hope that they will do right by you and that your instrument can be salvaged. Best of luck.

[@LionelCartwright]

It can def. be repaired. I'm just asking they at least help with that expense. Thanks, Perry!

[@MurderHornetProductions]

That gentleman sounds very knowledgeable to me. I hope this works out well for you.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the support! Appreciate it.

[@terryjohinke8065]

I can relate to that. I had an autographed Brian Austen Surfoard thrown onto a plane in 1979 and required a fin and a channel for the fin and aholding screw. That board was the price of a new Telecaster $650 AUD at the time. This Martin is a shock as Brazilian Rosewood has beenonthe CITES endangered list since 1969. It is ,literally, irreplacable.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Terry. Interesting story about your surfboard! Appreciate your input.

[@mars6433]

I'd send it back to Martin, see if they can help. Good luck !

[@brianrust6139]

Good idea I’d start there😉👍

[@LionelCartwright]

I've been tagging them in these videos. Would love to hear input from them! Thanks for your input, Quentin! www.martinguitar.com

[@michaelg.damons6229]

Richard Starkey is also a great guitar repair man he worked in CF Martin Factory for years he lives at 305 Highland Ave. In Franklin TN.

[@LionelCartwright]

Good to know! I’ll keep him in mind. Thanks, Michael!

[@michaelg.damons6229]

@@LionelCartwright Richard Starkey is honest he works at his house, type his name on KZbin and listen to him pick some he does an interview on one you can hear his history.

[@alexcortez8909]

Very knowledgeable guy. I would trust him with my guitar.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Alex!

[@danwebb4418]

When it is repaired it might be wise to only use it for local and no flight gigs ..vintage instruments are a big responsible to the owner...Best of luck to you, and wishing a speedy recovery to Martin D35.......Ireland..Eire..

[@LionelCartwright]

Definitely. Thanks Dermot!

[@lowellcalavera6045]

I use SKB travel (ABS) cases with the TSA latches, fly internationally, 3-4 times a year, and have never had any damage. I recommend them.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Lowell. Appreciate the insight.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

@@LionelCartwright De nada. I’m very sorry about your guitar….😑 Best of luck with it.

[@jrwojo9195]

Sorry, but I would have walked out of that shop when he was holding a D35 and asking if it was pre-war.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks JR. Appreciate your input!

[@geraldfitzmorris205]

I like the dog he is beautiful

[@geraldfitzmorris205]

I hope the problem is solved

[@cherishnorgord1403]

That was really interesting. Seeing the damage still makes me sick to my stomach, though. Ugh. Hopefully something good will come out of this. 🙏🏻

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Cherish! Gonna keep going!

[@tmaciol]

I am so angry and hurt. Even though it`s not my baby. I wasn't aware that it had Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Oh, man. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the support-and empathy. I share those emotions, but am resolute to stay the course. Appreciate your comments!

[@dknyisles]

It seems to me that his amazing company history, and similar experience with his guitar, is a ton of fuel for your battle with AA. This video would weaken any attorney from the airlines. His black light section was fascinating.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Doug. Agreed. More coming. ;)

[@melvinparker3661]

Thanks for the update. This is absolutely disgusting that american airlines cares so little for their customers. Anyone should know a guitar don't need to be abused like they do our luggage. I've had luggage damaged with them. So sorry for you.

[@louiscyfer6944]

it was Lionel's job to protect that guitar. he should have it in a road case, not that crappy little case. also, you buy the guitar a seat.

[@melvinparker3661]

@@louiscyfer6944 watch the other videos his original flight had to be changed.

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@melvinparker3661 i have. it doesn't matter. you buy a seat and have it in a strong enough case. how can you justify having a guitar like that in a crappy case?

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Melvin. Appreciate the support!

[@mountainbushcraftersallian8654]

Wow! I would have laid down in the Terminal and Cried.....be like the loss of a family member, in a sense...following up with ya..

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks man. I went into a kind of shock I think. Appreciate the support!

[@mountainbushcraftersallian8654]

@@LionelCartwright I can't say I understand, it's never happened to me but I know I'd be both furious and hurt with emotions, I don't know hiw you handle this, I'd hope to think I'd be calm....appreciate you

[@MrAgentEcho]

His salvage title analogy is perfectly apt. It’s a black mark on a car. It ruins the value.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks Cherry. Agreed.

[@chrisannebaker1631]

Mr. Delgado really knows his business. Thank God for that guy. Pepper needs to bite some baggage handlers. Also knowledgeable about flying with musical instruments. 2500 dollars is alot of money. I hope the repair will look great. Next time take Pepper too.

[@LionelCartwright]

Haha! Thanks, Chrisanne!

[@jerryrush8167]

I love your song Be My Angel! Was this the guitar you played in that video?

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Jerry! I actually played my 1990 Taylor 915-C in that video, which I used a ton in the 90's and have brought back into service now that my Martin is out for a while. Appreciate it!

[@markturner1534]

Lionel, it didn't look like the case was damaged. Did I miss something or was it possible that the guitar was out of the case when it was damaged?

[@LionelCartwright]

I’m not ruling anything out at this point, Mark! If you watch the previous videos (I think Pt1?), it shows the hooks on the latches that were missing. Strange. Thanks for checking in!

[@markturner1534]

I'm so sorry that this happened. I loved how that Martin sounded.

[@zoompatrol]

He was very impressive in his comments. YEARS of experience. Are you sending any of these videos to American? Keep up the fight!

[@LionelCartwright]

All of them! Haha. Thanks!

[@zoompatrol]

@@LionelCartwrightGood! I was going to tag them in a post. LOL. Keep up the fight and I'll keep praying!

[@Carllizard]

I flew once with my guitar and i was allowed to put it on a spare seat on the plane with it buckled in, but thats only if a seat is spare otherwise you have to book that seat. Kinda funny, you should of seen this woman’s face when she couldn’t sit next to the window bc my guitar had that seat lmao. So sad about your guitar dude, i feel your pain honest, heartbreaking

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Carl! Great story!

[@BillBrown101]

20k for a 67? Way off. He actually thought it was pre war at first, guess he’s not a Martin guy

[@LionelCartwright]

Right. The process has been enlightening. More realistic numbers are coming in as I get hard appraisals. Thanks for your input!

[@MrAgentEcho]

If they said it wouldn’t fit in the overhead (which was a lie) they should’ve allowed you to pay for another seat just for the instrument. I’m thinking someone took it by the handle. Swung it over their head (from between their legs) and then threw it overhead so that it fell on the latch/handle side.

[@LionelCartwright]

Right. Turned out there was plenty of room in the overheads, and it would have fit just fine. Thanks for your input!

[@johnthemachine]

2:21 Right then I'd have taken it to someone else. He should know what a pre-war martin looks like if he's gonna repair your 67. Gruhn would know who to take it to for instance.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the input!

[@johncaputo5538]

I agree. He was sharp, but, you are right, he should have known.

[@kentonkirkpatrick5225]

Working for TSA in Las Vegas, saw a "swamper" (guy who handles luggage) take an acoustic guitar case off the transport cart and chuck it over the airline's customer-service counter to the inbound luggage belt. Just a total swine.

[@LionelCartwright]

Wow... so sad. Thanks, Kenton!

[@NikolajHansen]

Smashed guitar - pristine case? Someone took this out of the case and swung it into the ground by the neck. On purpose

[@LionelCartwright]

I’m struck by and will be processing your hypothesis. It turns the evidence that AA is using against me (accusing me of lying; that the guitar was damaged before I flew the guitar) and points to intentional abuse at some point between the time I handed over the guitar and they handed it back to me. The guitar was not damaged before I relinquished it. I used it the night before on a show. Easy to prove. Though the case did show peculiar signs of damage (2 of the hooks on the 4 latches were missing), it does suggest the possibility of intentional abuse. Thank you for your input. Helpful.

[@UAL320]

You’re off your rocker. Let’s not speculate on conspiracy theories. Think about a day in the life of a bag moving through and airport. It happened in a baggage sorting system (most likely) or it fell off a cart that was traveling at significant speed across the airport ramp. Some of the tugs can get up to 45 mph on the airport property.

[@johncaputo5538]

I read an article in Acoustic Guitar magazine awhile ago that said to check your guitar at the gate. You might get some push-back, but insist. It's then stowed by hand and returned to you also at the arrival gate (not the carousel) when you deplane, similar to baby strollers, etc. Still a risk, given the idiots who handle your instrument, but much lower risk.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for this input, John. Good to know. Appreciate it!

[@redalaska]

Guitars fit in the overhead compartment. I fly with mine all the time. Never check it.

[@joetowers4804]

I am reminded of "United broke my Taylor guitar"

[@LionelCartwright]

Love that video! Thanks, Joe!

[@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo]

Interesting series here....Sad, but interesting.... I guess I will start leaving the old D-18 at home.... :/ Sorry bro!

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks so much for the support. Appreciate it!

[@redalaska]

Bring it but carry it on. Do NOT check it.

[@LionelCartwright]

@@redalaska 100%!

[@TheOtteroo]

Delta Airlines flat out stole my Alvarez 12 string and then never compensated me a dime for it. I was traveling home for military leave time, I sat there in my uniform watching the baggage handler take it right off the conveyer belt. I sat there at the right window seat knowing it was gone and I couldn't do a thing about it. That ruined my leave, it spoiled a whole litany of plans to play guitar with family and friends. That was back in 1983. I have ever flown Delta Airlines since, and I never will.

[@LionelCartwright]

That's maybe the saddest story I've heard yet! So sorry for your loss, Rich. Thanks for sharing!

[@Jonathan-L]

After what United Airlines did to Dave Carroll's Taylor guitar, I would have thought that all other airlines would take good care of their passenger's gear.

[@johncaputo5538]

People who handle baggage (and MOST people) have no idea what musical instruments are worth. I bought my Martin in 1999 for well over $2K. A new one now, same model, is over $4K. When I tell ppl what it's worth, they are amazed. Most think acoustic guitars are a few hundred $, maybe, and some believe those fancy electric guitars cost more. Forget anyone knowing what vintage instruments are worth. Those triple back Brazilian rosewood models are classic Martins. Just beautiful.

[@MGScarlet]

I suppose it's possible somebody threw the case or otherwise purposely damaged the guitar but it's far more likely it got hit by the automatic sorting machines when it went through the bowels of the CLT airport. Not all sorters are the same but at least some use a very aggressive hydraulic 'battering ram' to knock bags off one conveyor belt onto another. I'm not surprised AA isn't paying (yet). I worked there for 32 years and it's all about "The Rules". Even if the claims manager was 100% sympathetic and agreed with you, if "The Rules" say 'no compensation if no damage to the case', he has no authority to just do the right thing. You'll have to go way, way above that guy's pay grade to find someone who actually does have the authority to Do The Right Thing. Sorry.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks so much. Helpful info! Appreciated!

[@UAL320]

15 to 20 grand? Not a chance.

[@LionelCartwright]

Right. Chasing that down. Got some appraisal videos coming soon. Thanks for the input.

[@matthewgreco7489]

15-20 grand is not even close. I have a 1966 D-28 worth $8,000. Way too much dramatics here. Pre-war? Maybe. Not a 67 D-35. Emotional attachment does raise value.

[@eddyj3862]

I have experienced it myself and actually whatched from a distance away from the plane, the baggage handler throw one of my band mates guitars from a great height onto evrything else. I am convinced it is an act of pure and utter jealousy.....BASTARDS!!!!!!! Do not let this go my friend!!!!!

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Eddy! I have an update coming next week.

[@eddyj3862]

@@LionelCartwright Ah np problem Lionel!!! I am broken hearted for you!!!

[@jamiemorgan4146]

I will only take my guitar’s on the plane. I’ve never had a problem with a stewardess putt it in their closet or behind the last seat...

[@LionelCartwright]

I'm a little late for joining this club, but I'm definitely a card carrying member from now on! Thanks, Jamie!

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

AMERICAN AIRLINES Nashville Airport management knows exactly who the Guitar Smasher is, but they’re covering it up because of what the negative press would do, and because they’ve known about him for years and they never did shit about it.

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

In 2010 I flew in to Nashville. On the bus out of the airport, the guy next to me showed me his broken guitar. He said the airport guys did it. I couldn’t take it in. Apparently it happens all the time. I worked at an airport as a “ramp ape” for a couple of weeks. They were ignorant dip shits. I quit in disgust just to get away from the vile cretins.

[@LionelCartwright]

Nice name! Thanks for your story and support.

[@brianreed7422]

Iam crying right now

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the empathy, Brian!

[@andrewdog-gonewaylon5915]

All the airlines just treat your guitar as just another item. Not just the American Airlines, they're all the same. They don't care how important that is to the musician. They break it, and they just goes like "oops", and that's it. It's unbelievable how that would happen even inside a hardshell case. They should be responsible for the repairment and pay for it (at least).

[@LionelCartwright]

At least acknowledge some responsibility, yes. Thanks, Andrew!

[@RJsCave]

One singer songwriter wrote a song about how united told him he was s.o.l. so he wrote a song, it went viral here on YT and they finally capitulated and paid him what he was owed.

[@LionelCartwright]

The morning I opened my (undamaged) case in the airport, a musician came up and told me his friend was behind the "United Breaks Guitars" video. Love that story. Thanks, RJ!

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

It’s ONE GUY. AA KNOWS EXACTLY who this monster is, but they’ve never done shit about it. They’ve known about this dude for years, but it’s too late to do anything about it now, because an investigation would easily prove that AA management knew about it - and exactly WHO it is - for YEARS and neglected to do anything about it.

[@strophish]

Happened to me in 2000. Thank god it was pre 9/11 because I lost my mind and would very likely not be allowed on planes to this day. 😵‍💫

[@LionelCartwright]

Haha. Sorry it happened to you. Thanks for your input!

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

Be careful not to hurt your case with anything you post. They will try and use it against you.

[@LionelCartwright]

Good word. Thanks much!

[@frootmates420]

Sorry bout your guitar..

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks so much!

[@jerryrobbins5013]

air tran flew my martin to dallas. and me to asheville lol

[@LionelCartwright]

Haha. Crazy. Thanks, Jerry!

[@jerryrobbins5013]

@@LionelCartwright When I flew with an expensive guitar, I always took a picture of it beside a copy of that day's USAToday, and one inside at the ser#. Before 9/11, you could usually carry it on and sweettalk the flight attendant into sticking it in the closet in the front of the cabin...

[@eddyj3862]

Get the bloody Airline company to pay for everything, period!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Bobby007D]

Phrygian heartbreaking .

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the empathy, Chinietzche!

[@Bobby007D]

@@LionelCartwright Yeah , FedEx shipping broke a Les Paul & my Martin D-35 !? USPS isn't any better . The system is on overload !?? What to do ????

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

The guys who do this should be imprisoned for LIFE.

[@scottdean8576]

Thus the reason I do not fly on American Airlines.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks, Scott. Appreciated!

[@tommym9735]

He hasn't a clue about Martin guitars if he had to ask if a D35 with a three piece back was pre-war. lol. The D35 only started in 1965 and anyone that knows Martins would know that instantly. His valuation is ridiculous too as a 1967 D35 wouldn't be anymore than 6k, 7 in mint condition so he's way off and 15 to 20k is just hilarious. I hope you didn't get him to do your repairs as he's way off the mark on so many things that it's actually embarrassing to watch and the price he is quoting for repairs is extortionate. Do not go back to that shop.

[@prosegold]

I would kill some one if they did this to me You are a much kinder man than I my friend After the initial shock ? I would start looking for the people who did this lol

[@LionelCartwright]

Haha. Thanks, friend!

[@kellyc2425]

A couple thoughts... First, I will NEVER fly American Airlines. This is just horrible. Second, and I'm not trying to be mean, but your repair guy has WAY over valued it at $18,000 to $20,000. If it had no damage, you're looking at $6000 - $8000 on a good day 1967 is close to the transition to East Indian rosewood. Keep in mind how many were made. (Lots in 1967) And every Martin from the D-21 up was made with Brazilian rosewood until 1969.

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for your input! I value all perspectives. Yeah, I he other estimates I’ve gotten are more in line with your estimate.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Plus he thought it was pre-war.

[@imspartacvs]

Terrible... Did you put in an insurance claim?

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks much!

[@thefreese1]

I hated to see this .. almost made me cry.... I'm sorry to say it but this was more than likely done on purpose. In other words ,these people handling the packages intentionally slam guitars and other things they know are fragile, on purpose... and then hoke about it... they do it at UPS , FEDX DSL .. I have seen them brag about it.... They ruined a piece of history and think nothing of it... orjer than it was funny to them... When confronted they make up excuses like , they are overworked, or they dont get paid enough... as if these are excuses to destroy otjer peoples stuff.. Ive always wanted a d-35 or 45 . BUT I'll never afford one... Too bad you don't have camera footage of this so they'd loose their job... But I think they need to have cameras...because people handling packaging today have no respect for anyone else or the people who employ them... And I think there could be criminal law suits placed against them for vandalism ... before they get fired... and that would stop a bunch of this sort of thing..

[@LionelCartwright]

Thanks for the support! I have an update coming next week

[@thefreese1]

@@LionelCartwright yes.. keep us updated