Gibson fretboard issue

kswilson89

Hi

I've just bought a 2019 ES-335 P90 and the fretboard end appears to not be square. Here's a pic:

http://imgur.com/gallery/lqs9gaW

Are issues like this normal? Is it even an issue? It's a bit frustrating as I like absolutely everything else about this guitar, maybe I just need to look past it but it catches my eye every time I look at it.

Thanks

designerseye88

Personally I'd either send it back or want some money off. It may affect it's re-sell value if you did sell it in the future and it's obviously an issue for you. 

Babones

I'd say it's not unusual for a Gibson. I see a good few with fretboard issues - tooling marks or uneven sides, or in this case, end.

TINMAN82

I’d send it back for sure

Roland

kswilson89 said:

Are issues like this normal? Is it even an issue?

Not at the dusty end of the bass side of the fret board.

johnl

I wouldn't call it normal. Tooling marks etc. are often seen but that's a bit more dramatic. I'm sure wherever you bought it from would accept a return if it bothers you but if you enjoy how it plays then ask for a small discount and get back to enjoying it

ArchtopDave

If this is the only thing that should not be, then it really depends on how much you like the guitar overall. If you like it a lot, then try getting some money back from whoever you bought it from ( I once ordered a Gibson Custom Shop guitar, which took 3/4 months to arrive. When it arrived and was taken out of it's packaging, it had been sent with a short scratch in the finish on the lower bout, but the guitar was otherwise fine. The particular shop was honest and offered either to reorder, or give me £250 off the price - I took the discount). Otherwise return it and get a replacement.

ICBM

Normal for Gibson.

If you like the rest of the guitar and it plays and sounds good, keep it. A replacement will not have that same specific issue, but it could have other similar ones *and* be a worse guitar.

maltingsaudio

I think it’s appalling, but have to ask did you buy it from a shop or over the internet? If you bought it from a shop how on earth didn’t you notice that at the time of purchase?

CeeJay

Here's some Epiphone workmanship from 2018. Only you can decide if you're happy with the Gibson.

idiotwindow

I know that harsh flash lighting and a close-up photo can exaggerate any finish problems but this is pretty piss poor workmanship by any measure.

bbill335

somebody careful could probably even that out with some delicate sanding. might be a small gap afterwards but if it's the *only* thing wrong with it, might be worth having it fixed under warranty.

that said, plenty of good guitars out there without problems like this. like the epiphone above...

SteveRobinson

Looks like it could have been a router slip whilst cutting the pickup cavity? I'm not sure how they rout the cavities though.

This one at Peach was painted by someone who just didn't care that much:

andy_k

If it is the only thing wrong with the guitar, and it bugs you, I would recommend filling the gap rather than sanding. It looks like you could simply wedge something like a credit card in the gap, which would act as a fence to allow a fill of wood dust and glue, then a light sand and oil afterwords would get me over it.
If it is new, you should have some form of warranty but  a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush--etc...

wrinkleygit

There was a time when Gibson had a QC dept that this would have been marked as a “second” denoted as a 2 above the serial number & sold at a discount. If you’re happy with it otherwise, ask for a discount before a rejection.

longjaw

That's terrible workmanship.

Blaendulais

I'd say if it plays like a keeper its a keeper.

kswilson89

maltingsaudio said:

I think it’s appalling, but have to ask did you buy it from a shop or over the internet? If you bought it from a shop how on earth didn’t you notice that at the time of purchase?

I bought it over the internet. Alas it's gone back to the shop and they were very understanding and helpful. It just amazes me that Gibson can let these guitars out the door.

ICBM

The joke goes that in the old days, they used to stamp a '2' on the seconds, but mostly you could never actually find the fault which caused it to be one. Now, it's the other way round...

Musicman20

I think sending it back was the right thing. Sends a message to the retailers and Gibson that it isn't acceptable. 

ICBM

Musicman20 said:

I think sending it back was the right thing. Sends a message to the retailers and Gibson that it isn't acceptable. 

It won't get back to Gibson. The retailer or the distributor will send it to someone else to get rid of.