Seasons Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I am not sure if I am just being critical of my brand new Les Paul. I want it to be as perfect as I can get as I paid so much. I paid a lot for a students budget...I am not very rich so I don't think being overly critical of what I am spending my money on is bad. The spacing on the tuners is off on one side...? I mean it's not SUPER noticeable...I know they drill their holes by machine so I am baffled how it is even possible for it to be off centered unless that is how they normally are. It is minimal maybe a half a mm. Is this normal/serious? Also there is a paint flaw. I'm just not sure...the paint flaw isn't THAT bad...but :s A noticeable skidmark in a brand new guitar. The fretwork...lastly looks like the side of a sawblade completely jagged everywhere on it. (Which isn't a hard fix if I take it to someone but I'm just pointing it out) Would you personally return it for another one if you were in my shoes maybe I'm just being a stickler cause I'm a broke college student? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angellus Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 yeah i can see what you mean about both. it looks like the drill template for the headstock was off centre when they plotted the holes. major problem? not really dodgy finishing on the side - again not a major problem when it comes to being a fully functioning guitar but if your unhappy then take it back, they are expensive and you wouldnt accept it for a £200 - £500 guitar so why accept it from a Gibson? most accept it because of availability of Gibsons especially in the UK and if the playability and tone are right then fair enough its only cosmetic. Go back and talk to your dealer and see what your options are then decide what you want to do. thats my oppinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strat-o-steve Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 The tuners on my 2010 Les Paul Standard Trad Plus are more off center than yours....by alot! It is the only thing on the whole guitar I am not pleased with. Everything else is perfect. I only have about 1 mm clear between the tuner washer and the edge of the headstock! Surprisingly it took me a month before I even noticed this! As long as the wood is strong enough to hold the tuners and the tension of the strings, I try not to worry about it.....much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOSTVENTURE Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 If you are not completely happy with the guitar, take it back now. I'm assuming that the store that you got it from has a decent return policy. It doesn't matter how much the thing costs, if you are not happy with it now, it's not going to get any better later. I'm tyhe same as you, in wanting my guitars flawless. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojjett Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 Wow! Did you get that from an authorized dealer? That's just plain sloppy. I wouldn't accept that from a Gibson. What model is it? Gibsons should be near flawless for the cost. It begs the question whether it's genuine. It's hard to tell, the pics are not too clear. In any case I would take it back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasons Posted August 12, 2011 Author Share Posted August 12, 2011 I bought it from musicians friend. I called them and asked for an exchange and they were happy to assist me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 What is acceptable is very much a personal thing. Could say the same thing about "perfect". Regardless, the guitar has to be good to YOU. Even if it seems there is not a single flaw, if you don't like the thing or it doesn't turn your crank, it isn't worth the price tag. The problem with buying online is that you don't get to experience the guitar until you have it. It is far easier to do it at a shop. I tend to overlook finish flaws because I figure I will get dings anyway. I look for other qualities. But, some might want it to remain new for a long time. But, the jist is that what is good for you is different than good for me. If you ARE going to buy online, the reality is that you limit what you can choose from to the one being good or not as opposed to which one is the best from many. You can make it easier if you know what you want personally and can communicate that to the dealer, so he knows better WHICH of the many he has to send you. When you buy with a return policy based on if you like it or not, you don't need an excuse if it doesn't fit YOUR standard. But, it really is yourself you are limiting if you choose to not use a shop if you have access. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojjett Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 What is acceptable is very much a personal thing. Could say the same thing about "perfect". Regardless, the guitar has to be good to YOU. Even if it seems there is not a single flaw, if you don't like the thing or it doesn't turn your crank, it isn't worth the price tag. The problem with buying online is that you don't get to experience the guitar until you have it. It is far easier to do it at a shop. I tend to overlook finish flaws because I figure I will get dings anyway. I look for other qualities. But, some might want it to remain new for a long time. But, the jist is that what is good for you is different than good for me. If you ARE going to buy online, the reality is that you limit what you can choose from to the one being good or not as opposed to which one is the best from many. You can make it easier if you know what you want personally and can communicate that to the dealer, so he knows better WHICH of the many he has to send you. When you buy with a return policy based on if you like it or not, you don't need an excuse if it doesn't fit YOUR standard. But, it really is yourself you are limiting if you choose to not use a shop if you have access. Agreed, The more I hear of online purchases of guitars, the more I'd be reluctant to do it. I know MF has an excellent return policy, but still. Hardware, pedals, multi effects, etc. I would risk it, but not guitars. When I bought my LP Studio from a shop, it was a display model & it had a small ding on the lower back of the horn, but everything else about the guitar was good, so I bought it instead of an out of the box flawless wine red model. Obviously I don't know the story behind this guitar, if it was sent out from the factory as a factory second or what, but IMO that kind of sloppy craftsmenship isn't accetable, even if it plays well, not from a prestigeous name as Gibson. :angry: Not even at a substatial discount. It's an eye sore. My MIM Strat was 1/3 of the price of my LP & it was flawless. I hope somebody from Gibson will see that pic & take notice for prides sake if nothing else. BTW Seasons, good luck on the next one. ;) cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 . As has been pointed out, buying a guitar in person - hands on, eyes on - is always the best way to make a purchase. But let's not forget: Some folks have little choice and buy online because of availability issues and/or their location. In those cases, buying from a online retailer with a good return policy is the best way to make a purchase. Regarding returning the guitar - Yes, as Seasons said - "I want it to be as perfect as I can get as I paid so much." . . For me personally, I would weigh the playability and sound/tone into the decision - if the guitar was a great player with great sound/tone I might be willing to overlook a flaw or two, depending on how bad/noticeable the flaws are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 . As has been pointed out, buying a guitar in person - hands on, eyes on - is always the best way to make a purchase. But let's not forget: Some folks have little choice and buy online because of availability issues and/or their location. In those cases, buying from a online retailer with a good return policy is the best way to make a purchase. I totally agree and I get that. That is why I think if a buyer does not like the guitar, they should use the return policy as it was meant and not feel guilty or feel they have to justify sending it back for another, ESPECIALLY if they think they can get a better sample they like more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasons Posted August 13, 2011 Author Share Posted August 13, 2011 Ya I learned my lesson with online purchasing. I feel a little bad for musicians friend. I will still do business with them as they are an excellent company just maybe not with guitar purchases. It's a little inconvenient to have to send it back in but oh well. Hopefully the next one I get will be better quality. -crosses fingers- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angellus Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 yes thats the thing having to return it an then wait for the next one to arrive in hope that it will be better. bought my SG online big mistake looked great lacked tone. lesson learnt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 thats why if I HAVE to buy online, I buy from Sweetwater ! using their "guitar gallery" I can look at the EXACT guitar i'm considering from many different angles and positions. i've passed on guitars w/crooked tuners, or poorly grained fretboards, and the next one like it turned out perfect! also, w/Sweetwater, your sales engineer will INSPECT/SET UP/and PLAY your particular guitar/amp before shipping it (free 55 point inspection on guitars), and will try out any guitar you're seriously curious about, then call you back with the results of the test drive. I got the EXACT American Deluxe Strat I wanted, and even got to pick the most desirable neck grain using the gallery. other guitars, I was able to verify build quality etc. before purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anaconda Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I am not sure if I am just being critical of my brand new Les Paul. I want it to be as perfect as I can get as I paid so much. I paid a lot for a students budget...I am not very rich so I don't think being overly critical of what I am spending my money on is bad. The spacing on the tuners is off on one side...? I mean it's not SUPER noticeable...I know they drill their holes by machine so I am baffled how it is even possible for it to be off centered unless that is how they normally are. It is minimal maybe a half a mm. Is this normal/serious? Also there is a paint flaw. I'm just not sure...the paint flaw isn't THAT bad...but :s A noticeable skidmark in a brand new guitar. The fretwork...lastly looks like the side of a sawblade completely jagged everywhere on it. (Which isn't a hard fix if I take it to someone but I'm just pointing it out) Would you personally return it for another one if you were in my shoes maybe I'm just being a stickler cause I'm a broke college student? the finish flaw in your picture is really common i have seen it on many sg's. including mine. i think its from the case. the put the guitar in before its fully cured. if not that then it must bee from a rack they store them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkflydxx Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I also have seen a few LP's with the same marks. Look at this one that I saw on eBay for sale. There must be something going at at the factory that causes this as they seem to be almost identical in shape and location. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Traditional-Plus-Desert-Burst-2010-/190565215685?pt=Guitar&hash=item2c5e926dc5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil White Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 MF is really good about replacements. When I ordered my goldtop it wasn't perfect so they exchanged it and the next one was. I know it's a little hassle ordering online but I saved about $500 and I got exactly what I wanted so I can't complain too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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