Col F Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 Before you agonize further over this matter (and it sounds like agony), do you still have a Return Privilege from the dealer that you purchased from? If so (and I would certainly hope so), you might be much more satisfied to exchange the guitar. The notion of the Gibson factory placing the bridge a full 1/8" off (scale being "off" by that amount), seems implausible. Gibson scale length is 24-3/4".
paul2112 Posted August 21, 2008 Author Posted August 21, 2008 I bought it from Musician's Friend. I thought I had 45 days to return it, but was told anything over 2000.00 needs to be rturned within 10 days, so that's not an option anymore. Big mistake buying from them. Never again. Also, one of Gibson's Customer Service reps was giving me some legal mumbo jumbo about possibly voiding my warranty by moving the bridge. Heck, I didn't do it. I only took it to an authorized Gibson repair center like Gibson recommended. Yes, I'm agonizing over this.
Col F Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 Sounds like you need to pursue this with Musician's Friend (Guitar Center subsidiary/acquisition). You need to speak with a Supervisor. Ask nicely for his assistance in properly rectifying this situation by making an exception to their 10 day policy resultant from these unusual circumstances. If you don't receive satisfaction, nicely ask for the next level of management (referred to as "escalating" the matter). I would pleasantly try pursuing this as high as possible in the MF organization, including potentially sending a registered letter to the CEO... but always remaining nice.. However, be specific as to the resolution you are seeking; the exchange of a defective Gibson that due to 10 day policy was referred to authorized service center that was not competent and did not fix the defect. If they push you off to Gibson, remind them that they can get satisfaction for the bad guitar from Gibson far easier than you. Worst case; you might just have to send it to Gibson after obtaining an RMA from Gibson Customer Service. The factory can fix anything, including the top cap of the guitar. They make them. They have the best resources. Good luck! Don't give up... pursue MF until either satisfied or refused at every level.... then resort to Gibson repair... Pleasant and reasonable customers who stay reasonable typically get the best treatment (in my experience).
loneguitar Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 I've purchased 3 major guitars from MF a 335, lp custom and a classic, and they never had a problem with the return????, ask to speak to the mgr. or get Gibson directly involved. For the money someone should make it right. As far as the bridge beeing 1/4 " off I doubt it, Gibson would not have let it out at that. IMO
paul2112 Posted August 21, 2008 Author Posted August 21, 2008 I'm going to RMA it to Gibson. MF didn't seem interested in helping. I talked with Rame Eskridge at Gibson, & he seemed willing to help, so time will tell.
Murph Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 This smells funny to me. You can't just re-drill for 1/8 inch. You need to fill. A lot. Was the top then refinished? I would have noticed intonation problems in 10 seconds. What repair shop did the repair? THE NAME OF THE SHOP? End of thread. Murph.
Ken Rayba Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Exactly, how bad was the intonation? Did you check the neck to see if it may need adjustment? What gauge strings were you using? How high was your action? Could it have been a problem at the nut vs. the bridge, or a combination of both? Was it off at the 12th fret, what positions on the neck? I believe any of these above mention items could possibly have played a role in the bad intonation. Maybe other people can add to this possible intonation problem list. To bad you had a problem. I ordered a ES 335 back in 05 from Musicians Friend, tuned perfectly. It came with 10's and that is what I still use. I was worried sick about ordering a guitar thru Mail Order, it worked out for me, don't know if I would do it again!
bobv Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Paul, you mentioned twice that you took it in "as Gibson recommended." Did you have any communication with Customer Service before you brought it in? Did Gibson specifically steer you to this repair center, or did you get it off the web listings, or did the center simply represent to you that they're authorized? Or did Musicians Friend recommend you? Anyway it seems that sending it back to Gibson is your best bet. good luck. But really, who was the repair shop and what makes you think it was not the proper repair?
paul2112 Posted August 22, 2008 Author Posted August 22, 2008 The action at the nut was much higher than I enjoy, but the intonation was way off for sure. I've owned many guitars over the past 30 years, but this one wasn't enjoyable to play for my tastes. I took the advice given earlier & talked very nicely to Supervisors at both Gibson & Musician's Friend recently. Both companies have now proven to be quality companies & seem to be customer friendly. I don't want to bad mouth anybody at this time, & I'm just glad it seems to have been resolved with a return. Don't think I'll be buying guitars online anymore. It's kind of like buying shoes without trying them on first. Everyone's help has been very much appreciated. Thank you. "but it goes to 11"
Col F Posted August 24, 2008 Posted August 24, 2008 I'm glad that it worked out well for you... Just wondering, are you returning the guitar, or having it exchanged, since it is really unlikely that a second piece would be defective? Regards... (and best of luck)!
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