First, thanks for the kind responses. Another member posted a similar issue and was told by some members there was no defect, that it was HIS fault, his technique. Fortunately, with years of experience WE know when something is wrong.
I really, really love the sound and feel of a les paul, nothing comes close, in my opinon. The replacement les paul should be here in the next day or two. I'm praying it's all good. I really hated to send the first one back, cosmetically it was perfect, not a single flaw. But, the e string issue and resonance issue were unacceptable.
dcooper830: A new