Gents, this is my first posting on the Gibson forums. I'm a long time acoustic player who put down the electric decades ago and then last year joined a working band. Since then I've been playing a Taylor T5, two Strats and an old Robin Wrangler. The ES-339 sounded like a great idea, so I ordered one through Guitar Center. This is the first guitar I've bought sight unseen. Scheduled delivery is in one hour, and I'm waiting with bated breath, praying that the guitar they sent will be free of the quality problems that I've read about on virtually every 339 review.
I have one comment and one question. First, the question:
Gibson must monitor these forums and reviews and be well aware of the quality problems on this production line. I've heard of varnish drips and overlaps, file marks, fret problems, neck binding problems, nut problems, pickup angle problems, bridge alignment problems, with everyone expressing dismay that GCS could let shoddy stuff like this out the door. But I haven't seen one response from Gibson saying, "We hear you, we're aware of these problems, people have been let go, and we're taking corrective actions." Is anyone out there aware of such a statement from Gibson responding to all these quality problems on the 339?
The comment:
Having said the above, even with the "fit and finish" problems, virtually everyone is thrilled with the sound and feel of this guitar. Thus my decision to buy, and, if necessary, get a luthier involved to get the guitar up to speed. Since I was aware that people were forking over an extra $75 - $200 to get the guitar set up, I negotiated with Guitar Center to throw in the setup if the factory setup is not to my liking. Of course, I'll still tip the guy to do it right.
The other thing I like about Guitar Center for these delivery orders is that you can return the guitar to your nearest store if there's something wrong with it, and not have to pay freight.
I'll let you know tomorrow how it went!
Cheers,
Luke[-o<
