JPetrucelli Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Gentlemen, I traded in my LP Classic Plus this past weekend for a new 2012 LP Standard at my local GC. When I purchased the Classic (also new), I noticed that there were perfectly spaced lines in the finish perhaps 1 inch from the top strap button and also on the lower edge of the horn on the cutaway. You could not feel the marks with your fingers, and you had to have the light just right to see them. I did not think much of it and buffed them out with a little 3M Finesse-it II and a clean cloth. Once I got the 2012 Standard home, I noticed the same exact lines in the same exact spots. Again, you can’t feel them and you have to be looking just right to see them. Now, I can see this happening on one guitar, but this is the second one I’ve seen with this issue in the past 2 months. Has anyone else seen or noticed this on any new Gibson LP’s they may have purchased recently? I’m tempted to call or email Gibson and say what gives, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that big a deal. I’m just curious if I have bad luck or this is a know QA problem at Gibson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I'm guessing it is where it was held for painting, left a ridge. I've never looked for such things, I could be wrong. rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work in Progress Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I went to the Dallas guitar show a couple weekends ago and talked to a guy who had just gotten back from the Gibson factory. I believe the term they are calling it at Gibson is "case burn" but I might have that slightly wrong. Either way, I was told they are turning out hundreds of guitars each day and the guitars are going into the cases too quickly. Gibson has considered alternative cases but as far as I know at this point there hasn't been a solution that has been settled upon. The 2012 LP Standard I bought in Fireball had the same marks but the Light Burst I exchanged it for this past weekend didn't (or at least to my naked eye). Anyway, I think the nitro is somewhat pliable when it is put in the case, thus causing the marks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUSHian Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 My 2012 LP Studio is dated 4/9/2012 which to me is very fresh. I'll have to look for those marks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted April 30, 2012 Author Share Posted April 30, 2012 I went to the Dallas guitar show a couple weekends ago and talked to a guy who had just gotten back from the Gibson factory. I believe the term they are calling it at Gibson is "case burn" but I might have that slightly wrong. Either way, I was told they are turning out hundreds of guitars each day and the guitars are going into the cases too quickly. Gibson has considered alternative cases but as far as I know at this point there hasn't been a solution that has been settled upon. The 2012 LP Standard I bought in Fireball had the same marks but the Light Burst I exchanged it for this past weekend didn't (or at least to my naked eye). Anyway, I think the nitro is somewhat pliable when it is put in the case, thus causing the marks. Thanks for the info, that makes a lot of sense. I could not fathom how they could have a problem which cuts across several lines of products and not have someone in QA notice it, but if it’s perfect when put into the case and the case interior is causing the issue, that would explain it. Looks like it’s time to break out the Finesse-it II again! Just out of curiosities sake, why did you return the first Standard? Thanks again for the information, it is greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work in Progress Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Thanks for the info, that makes a lot of sense. I could not fathom how they could have a problem which cuts across several lines of products and not have someone in QA notice it, but if it’s perfect when put into the case and the case interior is causing the issue, that would explain it. Looks like it’s time to break out the Finesse-it II again! Just out of curiosities sake, why did you return the first Standard? Thanks again for the information, it is greatly appreciated! It was an impulse buy. I haggled a pretty good price on it (I'm sure I could have done better). I was so excited about the price that I bought it without even testing it on an amp. I do not really love black on guitars. It tends to show swirling on the back and hides the flame on the front. If I'm buying a AAA maple top, I want the flame to show. I thought about just taking it back to get my money back completely but when I plugged it into my amp at home, I was blown away by the burstbuckers and the versatility of the coil taps. I called around and was able to find a place that had a Light Burst and a Teaburst (as well as Trans Black). They all looked great but I have a Traditional in Ice Tea and don't need the same thing again, though it was gorgeous . So, there was nothing wrong with the Fireball, I just didn't LOVE the black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted April 30, 2012 Author Share Posted April 30, 2012 It was an impulse buy. I haggled a pretty good price on it (I'm sure I could have done better). I was so excited about the price that I bought it without even testing it on an amp. I do not really love black on guitars. It tends to show swirling on the back and hides the flame on the front. If I'm buying a AAA maple top, I want the flame to show. I thought about just taking it back to get my money back completely but when I plugged it into my amp at home, I was blown away by the burstbuckers and the versatility of the coil taps. I called around and was able to find a place that had a Light Burst and a Teaburst (as well as Trans Black). They all looked great but I have a Traditional in Ice Tea and don't need the same thing again, though it was gorgeous . So, there was nothing wrong with the Fireball, I just didn't LOVE the black. I hear you. I started out with a LP Studio Deluxe in Vintage Sunburst and while I loved the coil tap, I could not get used to the black on the edges. That led me to the Classic in Heritage Cherry, which had a nice top but no coil tap on the pups which in turn led me to the Standard in Light Burst. Much nicer top and more coil tap and phase switching options than I’ll ever need. Love the Pleak set up too! Only thing I would trade it in for would be the same guitar in a quilt top. That would be the ultimate LP… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyBillyBob1 Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I purchased one in Light Burst and cannot find a flaw at all. Believe me I have looked long and hard to no avail. The only thing I see is that the headstock has wings and the input jack plate is metal as opposed to the plastic I have seen in some pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishIStillHadThatOne Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Can you post some pics? I think my classic custom has that. Almost a triangle shape with separated lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 I purchased one in Light Burst and cannot find a flaw at all. Believe me I have looked long and hard to no avail. The only thing I see is that the headstock has wings and the input jack plate is metal as opposed to the plastic I have seen in some pictures. Thanks for looking. I guess it’s a hit or miss thing. If you don’t mind me asking, did you get it from the GC in Manchester? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Can you post some pics? I think my classic custom has that. Almost a triangle shape with separated lines. I will try to get some pix tonight when I get home. Not sure I’ll be able to as you have to look at it just right, but I’ll try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work in Progress Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I purchased one in Light Burst and cannot find a flaw at all. Believe me I have looked long and hard to no avail. The only thing I see is that the headstock has wings and the input jack plate is metal as opposed to the plastic I have seen in some pictures. In regards to the input jack, both of the 2012 Les Pauls I played had almost an internal lock to them. It really requires some force for me to pull the cable out of the guitar. Have you experienced this? My LP Traditional isn't like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 In regards to the input jack, both of the 2012 Les Pauls I played had almost an internal lock to them. It really requires some force for me to pull the cable out of the guitar. Have you experienced this? My LP Traditional isn't like this. I’ve not had to exert any undue force when unplugging my 2012 Standard. There’s not a lot to the 1/4 inch jack, so I can’t see what would cause it to grip it so tight. Maybe remove the jack and slightly press on the copper tab to bend it so it does not contact the tip of the cord as aggressively as it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Obscure Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I’ve not had to exert any undue force when unplugging my 2012 Standard. There’s not a lot to the 1/4 inch jack, so I can’t see what would cause it to grip it so tight. Maybe remove the jack and slightly press on the copper tab to bend it so it does not contact the tip of the cord as aggressively as it does. My new (2011) LP Special doublecut is the same way, VERY tight grip on the plug. I've had this happen before, and rather than adjust the jack I've found that they loosen up over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Could the marks on these tops be due to the lack of the silk liner they used to provide. You can buy these on ebay though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Could the marks on these tops be due to the lack of the silk liner they used to provide. You can buy these on ebay though. The marks are not on the top. The tops on both the Classic and Standard are flawless. The marks are on the side where the guitar is real tight when put into the case. I will try to get some pix tonight so you can see what I’m talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I will try to get some pix tonight when I get home. Not sure I’ll be able to as you have to look at it just right, but I’ll try. Please add some pics. I have received two new Ebony Classic Customs that have been returned due to to quality issues. The scuffs though were present on both, not as noticable on one, and very noticable on the other (you could actually feel the indentations). One was an inch or so away from top strap button, and other was on the horn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Pics of mine aren't the best, but you get the idea.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dg77 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Hmmm I did notice some of these marks on my lp trad plus I got in feb or march. It's on the side of the body at the bottom cutout, like above pics show. Buffed most of it out with a soft cloth without any cleaner. I have no clue what it's from. It almost looked like a slight imperfection in the finish. Didn't really bother me much though. Did the 3m finesse stuff work for you JP? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketman Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Wow that is not good. I'd contact customer support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Wow that is not good. I'd contact customer support. I'm not too happy, and both guitars went back. Guitar 1, the second time I played it, the top strap button ripped out. The diameter of the hole was same as the screw, so a repair is necessary. I've done the tooth pick / match stick repair numerous times in the past, but never on a brand new $2000 Gibson (same guitar came with a broken off toggle selector cap). Guitar 2 (which is pictured above) had a hell of a scratch on the back of the neck that is very noticable when playing. I have always had good luck buying Gibson Guitars online, but I feel as my luck may have run out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Here is the neck scratch....This was the "inspected" replacement guitar.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anaconda Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I have those same marks on my les pual and my sg. it is from the case for sure and non cured paint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Here are the pix of the marks just below the strap button. These marks were identical to the ones on my LP Classic. You cannot feel them and you have to look just right to see them. Does this look like the “case burn” that the Gibson rep was talking about? If I put a drop of 3M Finesse-it II on it and rub it in with a clean cloth, the mark will be gone forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPetrucelli Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Hmmm I did notice some of these marks on my lp trad plus I got in feb or march. It's on the side of the body at the bottom cutout, like above pics show. Buffed most of it out with a soft cloth without any cleaner. I have no clue what it's from. It almost looked like a slight imperfection in the finish. Didn't really bother me much though. Did the 3m finesse stuff work for you JP? Yes, the 3M Finesse-it II works like a champ on any nitro finish. One of my buddies who is into refinishing old juke boxes and furniture turned me on to it years ago. Just a little bit, a nice clean lint free cloth and light pressure and it’s like magic. Your absolutely correct, the marks make no difference to playability but they just bug me for some reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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