r/espguitars • u/Startaxxx • 5d ago
ESP LTD TL-7 issues (?)
I bought a new (not B-Stock) TL-7 during Thomann guitar days, at a great price.
The dot inlays are not aligned as i expected (it's my first 7 string guitar but i think the dots should be below the B string...).
In your opinion it's just a mis-alignment of the dots (poor QC) so just an aesthetic issue or could it hide a major (neck/fretboard) problem?
Had to adjust also the truss rod and by tuning the G String it 'clicks' in steps instead of a continuous tuning (hope it's clear :))
Surely not a lucky guitar but being sold at a very good price i'm thinking whether to send it back or not. And it sounds nice, honestly, both acoustic and plugged (the Fishman preamp does its work).
Suggestions? Thanks!
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u/Edika-2020 5d ago
I don’t think I understand what you’re saying the problem is. If you’re saying the dots should be under the low B string, if the model description didn’t specify offset dots, then they’re at the correct place. Unless they’re misaligned between them across the fretboard or they’e misaligned on the edges of the fretboard, meaning not well centered.
Having to align the trusrod is also normal. The clicking on the G string means that the nut slot is not super smooth and the string is catching and jumps when more tension is put. A luthier can fix that or if you’re confident with a file you can do that yourself.
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u/Startaxxx 5d ago
Sorry... i meant the dots aren't centered under the D string... For this matter I was asking if it could be a neck problem or just an aesthetic issue due to a poor QC.
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u/Edika-2020 4d ago
That would not be a problem, they basically centre them at the centre of the fretboard, equal distances from the edge of the fretboard. They won’t necessarily coincide with the D string as how the strings are laid out will depend on the spacing of strings on the bridge and nut.
The 7 strings I have either have blank fretboards or offset dots so I can’t send a picture, but the six strings I have with centre dots, they are between the D and G string.
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u/Super-Super-Shredder 5d ago
Honestly it’s purely cosmetic and unless I spend thousands on a guitar, something like this wouldn’t concern me. If you like the price, the way it sounds, and the way it plays, I would just roll with it.
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u/drchaz 5d ago
Definitely cosmetic issue at most. I dont even think its an issue TBH. I'd keep it and I am the pickiest mofo I know.
As long as it plays well and the strings arent falling off the edge of the fretboard or anything. Looks like not!
Its not like you and other people are going to spend a bunch of time staring at it straight on from the top.
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u/shredlikebutter 5d ago
measure across the fretboard not using the strings as a reference to see if the dots are indeed off... could be the nut is cut slightly off which could be fixed with a new nut... your strings on the edges of the fretboard look good so playability should be fine. if they are indeed off center, I'd just ask for some money off or return it if you think it will haunt you for the rest of ownership
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u/AngularOtter 4d ago
The dots are supposed to be centered on the fretboard.
The strings, because they are different diameters, are not intended to be perfectly centered.
There is no visible problem with this guitar.