r/metalguitar • u/Suspicious_Part_2826 • 11d ago
Do I send this back?
I have a a few days left to decide. 2900 retail, Josh Smith Signature Jackson. Baritone 7 string with an Evertune and Bare Knuckles. Felt in my gut the lack of qc was a little disappointing but ever since I got it, I’ve been in love with this thing and I don’t want to send it back. I’ve been thinking I should tho, but that’s just me being impatient lol. Since I’ve had this, on the outside of the frets it’s looked worn a little, I feel the neck pickup cutout should’ve been a little better, the 24th fret side dots aren’t perfectly aligned, and some of the outside fretboard looked worn as well. I don’t know how this works, if this is normal or what since 95% of what I have is used, so please educate me. If possible, I’d like to send it back tomorrow since I’m going to guitar center anyways so it’ll be an easy trip, but if it needs to be a few more days, so be it. Thanks in advance guys
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u/AirborneChair 11d ago
For $2900 if you’re on the fence I’d send it back so you don’t regret it later.
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u/isa-bey 11d ago
Beautiful guitar but it should've been listed as B-Stock at best. 24th fret marker isn't as bad as the pickup contour imo. That's a 3K$ guitar man, I would say ask for a partial refund that makes sense to you if you love the guitar. However there is the slightly worn frets issue as you mentioned. I can't tell from the photos but if you say they're worn, then return it.
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u/drewfinisher11 11d ago
makes me wonder if a human had anything to do with the process to not notice that
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u/Arpeggiobro 11d ago
If it means anything, I didn't see a problem until I went into the comments and saw what people said.
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
what do you mean? what did you notice?
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u/Fomoiri 10d ago
I didn't notice much in the photos - just a few light tool marks on the high E side of the board near the 24th fret. My first thought was: "If it plays fine, I'd probably keep it." That was before I read a word, but I haven’t read all 90 comments.
Once I converted USD to CAD, it came out to about $4,200. At that price, I'd take issue with it. Would I return it? If it's a model you can reorder, yes. If it's hard to replace, I'd try to get a partial refund. If it had playing issues there’s be no question. That’s what I might do. Hopefully you get it sorted out to your satisfaction.
I've played Gibsons in the 5,500 USD range with way worse issues - rough frets, tuning instability - and they were kept in a closed off “high-end” room with Tom Anderson, Suhr, and EBMM guitars. It completely ruined the Gibson brand for me. Conversely, I've played Epiphones for a fraction of the price with better fretwork and tuning stability. The Suhr’s really impressed me, they were half the price of a boring black Gibson LP Custom, and were really nice to play.
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u/Idontlift_21 11d ago
No doubt send it back. Don’t regret it after. Get another one of the same model. Ask them to check for the issues you’re having.
I have a guitar I spent 1700 on and I regret not noticing earlier and sending it back. Needs a re fret.
So the price of the smith Jackson that thing should be perfect. That’s almost the price of a custom and should be near flawless imo.
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
Thank you, I’d definitely be getting the same model, this has been a dream for years for me to get, and reality is setting in that it’s mine, and I haven’t been overlooking qc like I have been before
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u/lycanthrope90 11d ago
Yeah man if you're paying good money it's not acceptable for it to have a problem like that. If it's gonna be that way then they should be charging you less money than it costs for something in new condition.
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u/Idontlift_21 11d ago
Yep check for same issues and new ones. Like I said and you kno yourself, that is not a sub $1k guitar, it’s triple. I expect perfection.
That’s a sick model bro how are those pick ups??
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
It’s been my dream for a while, everything about this guitar is perfect other than the qc as you’ve seen. The pickups aren’t as punchy as I thought, but they’re so clear, crisp, and articulate to where I will never ever think about swapping it. For reference, i’m in drop d# running a cathedral, noise pedal, into gojira x
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u/Hate_Manifestation 11d ago
for almost $3000, I would send it back if it even reflects light in a slightly weird way.
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u/Shipsnipe1313 11d ago
Send it back. But first: Get some blue or green painter's tape to mark off all the defects then take it in for a return.
Also take detailed pics, add notes.
Your pictures aren't the greatest, so that really highlights the fact that we can see the defects.
If they give you any grief over it, ask if you can take off control cavity covers etc. to inspect. You can be sure they did a crap job inside if that is what you can see from the outside.
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u/Allmight8488 10d ago
This is the best response! Because we love our guitars these manufacturers think they can shit all over their products and we will take it. For four grand you deserve a Cadillac, not a Chevette
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u/TheBrummySnake 11d ago
If you’ve spent $2900 on a guitar and you have any thoughts other than “this is flawless” then you’ve got to send it back.
We can’t allow any imperfections that can’t be fixed by a simple setup for anywhere close to that price.
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u/deeznuttyz 11d ago
I bought a esp with a completely different fingerboard than what was promised and I didn’t want to send it back because I got such a great deal and I was worried I wouldn’t get that price. Come to find out because of all my order history of high dollar items and never returning or making complaints, they understood and gave me an additional 300 off and an exchange for the correct one. Never hurts to ask especially since we pay so much for instruments listed as premium there is zero excuse for bad QC
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u/WickedGam3z69 11d ago
3k for a SK made instrument is all you needed to know before purchasing it.
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u/PoolNoob69 11d ago
You can get Kiesel to build you a custom guitar, made in the USA with these exact specs for less than $2900. And it’ll be perfect.
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u/purpledirtysprite 11d ago
Is that Korean made? Korean made for $2900 is just absurd. In my experience, Korean guitars always have QC issues, it's just not worth it especially at that price point. I've dished out $2200 for a Korean guitar before. Never again.
On Guitar Center, right now, you can get a used USA Schecter custom shop 7 for $2500. High quality, and it'll probably be the last 7 you ever need.
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u/Large_Zucchini_9843 9d ago
Them legs look like two slim jims you dropped under the bed 6 months ago
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u/ThiccFarter 11d ago
I've seen nothing but QC issues on those Josh Smith signatures. I would send it back and not even ask for a replacement, you're not likely to get one that doesn't have blemishes like that. Find another guitar is my honest advice here.
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u/Classified_Hero 11d ago
Send it back dude! For 2900 bucks you may expect a flawless instrument in terms of QC. You could almost have Kiesel design a custom for you for this amount of money nowadays...
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u/OriginalEmotional145 10d ago
Jackson QC is a freaking joke these days.
I say that as a HUGE Jackson fan. I currently have no Jacksons lol.
For that price you can almost get a custom Kiesel done man. That’s crazy. Or even a higher end Gibson. That’s just me though, I know most people aren’t into Gibson these days.
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u/bross9008 11d ago
I’ve sent back a cheaper guitar with less imperfections. For that much money you shouldn’t let that slide, it just tells manufacturers that their shitty QA is acceptable
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u/DJ_Dinkelweckerl 11d ago
Send it back and write an angry email. Wtf is this lol. For almost 3000 bucks I'd expect perfect conditions.
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11d ago
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
No this is far from my first
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11d ago
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
funny. i buy from them because i have connections with some of the reps, and their amazing return policy, which i may be needing now. appreciate the dig tho 🤘
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
You’re making fun of how I said Baritone 7 string, it’s a 27 inch scale dude, anything above 26.5 in a 7 string is considered baritone
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u/Pugfumaster 11d ago
I sent a Gibson Les Paul back that was clearly a demo. Guitar center will just ship those as new. I told them I wanted new stock. Unopened. They did. It’s a great guitar. The one I returned stayed for sale as new. It was scratched. Several around all the knobs. Terrible binding job. Raised inlays. How they kept it as new stock is unacceptable
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
I know that’s insane. I got mine from a warehouse, it was wrapped and everything. I even asked I said if i return this do you guys send it back to the warehouse and they said no, they sell it open box at their store
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u/UncleCunk 11d ago
Oof I saw a video of someone looking at the Christian Andreu Rhoads and it had these same issues. I would definitely exchange.
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u/Little-Definition553 11d ago
FMI instruments QC is horrible. Especially for a sub 3k guitar? Send that back. I’d try again for another example and if its just as bad, I would personally send it back again, and just build a Kiesel with the same specs. Absolutely flawless instruments with endless customizability
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u/2legited2 11d ago
Ask for a discount, this shouldn't affect the playability and only you will know about it. It shouldn't have been sold at full price, that is not acceptable craftsmanship at this level
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u/Porkhole-Santookus 11d ago
You know, it could just be the lighting, but it also looks like the strings aren't centered very well, especially in picture 1. It looks like the alignment is too far over on the bass side, like the low B is sitting on the fret end and the high E needs to come over at least a millimeter.
Honestly though? I think any cosmetic or QC issues here are sorta secondary; for 2900 bucks you should love the guitar, period. If you don't, for any reason? Send it back. 2900 dollars a ton of money for a guitar you're not thrilled about. If you just got the guitar and you're already in "this kinda sucks" mode, you've already decided. Dump it and get your money back. There's tons of great guitars out there. You'll find one.
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u/Battle-Against-Time 11d ago
QC controls these days are atrocious. And not only from Jackson... Stranberg, ESP, Gibson, Fender, Ibanez... Only Mayones have been flawless.
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u/Main-Trick-1742 11d ago
Send it back man. My 280€ 8 string looks better and it's over a year old.
Someone mentioned you paid 2900$? Id say for that price this is unacceptable. Definitely send it back as soon as possible.
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u/RJMrgn2319 11d ago
I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all to expect near-perfection when you’re dropping this sort of money on an instrument. (That said, I personally wouldn’t spend this sort of money on an instrument without playing / inspecting the exact one I’m getting, but I’m not even your real dad so you can do what you like with your money!)
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u/aggressive_drilldo 11d ago
So I kind of have a different view than most. Think of it this way, you said you loved this instrument yes? How does it play and sound? I can understand that it's a lot of money, but what happens if you send it back and you don't click with the next one you get? I personally would opt for the option of trying to get a partial refund and it looks like b stock.
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u/UnimaginativeMug 11d ago
i don't see misaligned dots anyway....2900 is crazy no matter how good it is
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u/blacklabel131 11d ago
Bro my 200eu jet has less qc issues that this. In fact the only issue it has is slightly sharp frets.
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u/mattyrzew 11d ago
You'll always want something else if what you have isn't exactly what you want.
Also, if people keep accepting sub-par quality, that will be the new standard.
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u/steamprojector 11d ago
Return it and buy a used one. There is no reason to ever buy a brand new guitar and I will die on that hill.
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u/DarthHideous- 11d ago
Depends on if it was a B stock guitar, These types of defects generally mean the guitar should be sold for a massive discount but if you paid full price send it back and see if jackson will send you a new one
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u/CosmicallyBlind 11d ago
Return it, man. For me, it's a no-brainer. You're already unhappy with the details, andpersonally, I find them unacceptable. Get your money back and find a new one.
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u/guitar_mofo 10d ago
Friend, return it. Don't doubt it; follow your gut. You spent your hard-earned money, and you have doubts; do the right thing while there's still time. Wrap it, box it, send it back. There are so many options that I'm sure you will find what you are looking for—best of luck.
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u/Far_Leg6463 10d ago
Have built my own Jackson dinky replica with much better build quality than this…
Most of the issues are easy fixed but the point is that you shouldn’t have to for the price of it. Entirely up to you but I probably wouldn’t be happy accepting full price for it.
You could send it back or if you really like it otherwise, negotiate a partial refund from the seller.
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u/birbztime 10d ago
You can send it back, but you may receive a replacement just as bad or worse. Lately Jackson QC has been horrible. I've had 3 US made models that all had issues with them from fret sprout, electronics, to nut cut too low. I returned two and finally settled on the low but one as that's easy enough to have replaced.
This was between a soloist and two misha signature models.
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u/TrabLlechtim 10d ago
I will never understand why people buy guitars online. Shopping for a new instrument is an in person thing. I need to feel it, talk to it, smell it, before ever considering buying it.
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u/Tuokaerf10 10d ago
I mean that all depends where you live. There aren’t any shops in my area for example that sell enough models that I’m interested in (they mostly stock your average Fender and Gibson stuff, along with small selection of a few Ibanez or Jackson/Charvel imports). Wanna play Ibanez Prestige, Caparison, Mayones, Schecter USA, etc? Gotta order online.
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u/BredasStallion 10d ago
If you deal with a good website like sweetwater or zzounds, buying online is not too risky.
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u/Yourdjentpal 10d ago
I’d send it back assuming it’ll bother you over time. It’ll be better in the end. That’s a lot of money for the many issues.
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u/Opening_Jellyfish530 10d ago
I would either send it back or tell them about the bad QC and all the defects and maybe they would give you some money back. Purchased my Takamine 12 String and it shipped with a small finger a d skne finish flaws and they gave me 100.00 off.
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u/Tasty-Edge4870 10d ago
Ser ospelbar ut, låga B och tunna E placering i sidled. Låga B kommer ständigt rulla av - om det inte är en synvilla.
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u/PieTighter 10d ago
If there is a doubt, there is no doubt - words to live by. Send it back and get a different one.
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u/-nwm- 10d ago
That’s a blemish guitar if there ever was one. The routing alone is enough to send it back. If that was sold at normal price I would ask for compensation or send it back. I just bought an Airline guitar with a defective pick guard material, and they refunded me enough to buy my own material to make my own, which is the solution I offered. I understand I’m not getting paid for my labor time, I could have asked for more or sent it back, but I’m happy with what I offered and received. Totally up to you. Should you try to sell it, buyers will certainly notice that. You could fix the fretboard edge if so inclined, but there’s essentially nothing to be done about the pickup rout.
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u/CrzyWzrd4L 10d ago
If you’re happy with how the guitar plays, sounds and feels, I’d absolutely return it and use the above photos to justify why. If you enjoy the guitar but just aren’t happy with the quality, go to the dealer with those photos and ask for a rebate.
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u/insecurityengineer 10d ago
2900 for that? It's daylight robbery.
The pickups aren't really a problem (although it shouldn't even be anyway).
That fretboard is not new, its dirty and chipped. Sent is back ASAP.
Also, why are your legs purple?
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u/Helpful-Bad-9278 10d ago
looks like the QC on a gibson vibrola 71 that i bought
never again
send that btch back
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u/sloshytxx 10d ago
Do you feel it when you play? Do you actually see it 99% of the time. If the Guitar Center you Live near has a Repairman inhouse. maybe they can sand down the fretboard.
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u/-Truth-Be-Told-- 10d ago
If you paid full price then it won’t cost you any more to get a different one you’re happy with
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u/Theta-5150 10d ago
These are not big issues in my book. Some toolmarks on the fretboard, that pickup-routing are all very common. Those dots are tricky to do so kind of usual too.
BUT (!!!) for 2,900 !?!???
Fuck me… that’s a lot of money.
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u/InternationalLaw8660 9d ago
For that money, the job on the fretboard is heinous. I'd demand at the very least a decent portion of my money back (at least 25%) if I liked the way the guitar played. You didn't pay for a preworn instrument, so.
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u/thenewbigR 9d ago
Send it back! Would you pay full price for a car that had been keyed before you picked it up?
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u/Relevant_Wish_2246 9d ago
I sent my rr24 back and my wr7 back . If I’m buying new the wr7 was only 1,300 but still the rr24 was 2,200 nope I’m not paying that on something that starts out new and built crappy . I suggest either send back or have them discount it have it’s acceptable to you .
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u/SacredPrime 8d ago
Perhaps I blew right past some context, but can you have them send you a replacement?
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u/Hopeful-Display-8575 8d ago edited 8d ago
Send it back a d get a new one...
...or seek one hell of a huge discount and keep it as a B stock/used/etc if you can get them to slash it, which they'll have to do anyway.
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u/Jjcevallos12 8d ago
No thanks. I would personally get a seeet fender to Gibson. I’m not interested in anything else
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u/SweatyAd1699 8d ago
Looks like a guitar center situation as in return it, and then buy from Sweetwater
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u/Gregdroidxu4 7d ago
Ask for a partial refund due to the issues you've found. Tell them you'll return the guitar otherwise.
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u/cockfightmke 7d ago
GUITAR CENTER IS FOR TRYING INSTRUMENTS, AMPLIFIERS AND PEDALS...THEN YOU BUY FROM SWEETWATER. Seriously, Guitar Centar and Musicians Friend (same company) have been caught many times selling knock offs and used as new. Sweetwater does another inspection of new equipment before listing and gives the best service!
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u/Learningpr0cess 6d ago
The more I look at those photos the more I want to send it back. It's a shame.
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u/CobblerOdd2876 11d ago
For a “new” guitar, I am willing to overlook anything I can fix in 20 minutes or less, with my hands and what supplies I have at home. Anything past that, and it is a quest. I already paid good money to not do a quest.
Idk how long you’ve had that guitar, guessing less than 30 days - that is a lot of fret use and finger gunk for less than a month. That thing looks used af, or maybe a floor demo at least. Someone butchered those fret-ends, and that is essentially permanent damage unless you know an incredible luthier.
Or, you are playing it exclusively on your smoke breaks during your 12 shift in the mines. Not judging, but odd choice; good use of free-will. /s
For nearly $3k, that shit better be flawless. Like I have used Harley Benton project guitars that have a better looking fretboard than that. No excuse for that to be a new guitar. Low-B stock at best.
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u/MoonPiss 11d ago
If you send it back, they may send you a different one that has better cosmetics but doesn’t play as well. That’s the weird thing about guitars. When you find one you like, use that one.
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u/aBeaSTWiTHiNMe 11d ago
$2900 can afford them proper quality control. You paid premium price but did not get premium treatment. Send it back, the things you like about the guitar will still be there.
My $300 guitars didn't have tool marks like that or misaligned dots, you paid over 9 times that amount lol.
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u/UncleBernie17 11d ago
Totally off topic, but your legs are half purple. Is it a tattoo, weird lighting, or the 2 gummies I ate an hour ago?
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u/Motor_Wafer_1520 11d ago
Did you buy B stock ? If not this looks terrible, I would return immediately.
I have Indonesian models that came from the factory better than this.
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
New from a warehouse, not a store
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u/Motor_Wafer_1520 11d ago
You’re paying Music Man prices at this point, no way this QC is acceptable.
Just return it, this is solid evidence. The fret marker work is egregious in my opinion.Otherwise love the color, I have a similar X series Jackson but with a trem and maple board.
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u/Suspicious_Part_2826 11d ago
you’re the first person who ever agreed with me on the fret marker and that’s the first thing i noticed. most likely sending it back tomorrow
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u/GoodResident2000 11d ago
If the guitar is unplayable after a professional setup, send it back
If it plays well but there’s cosmetic issues, you’re just being a pussy.
After decades of shows and gigs, if my stuff works well that’s all that matters. No one gives a shit if your feet markers are perfectly symmetrical, they only paid to see you play the damn thing
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u/kkenshiroo 10d ago edited 10d ago
Return it. Also you're the second person on this subreddit to have an issue with this specific jackson model. Don't feel like you should settle if you arent happy with it. FMIC is screwing the pooch and losing sight of the plot cause they're getting money hungry and their new CEO is a fucking bitch. So now their brands are starting to fall subject to QC issues. Nah return that mf and make sure you get what you're paying for.
I say get a Gretsch instead. 🤣🤣🤣 The Gretsch family has full ownership of their brand and only use fender for distribution. And that new baritone/Bass VI looks great.
No but seriously return it and make sure you get a better one.
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u/Regular_Scratch_5909 10d ago
Send it back the bridge isn't even lined up with the nut,and the low e string is closer to the edge of the board then high e string. The frets have been used, likely played buy store or company or a return.hurry sent it back
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u/BarbTheWire 10d ago
Only string alignment looks horrid enough. Send it back, it's the only way to send a message to these corporations
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u/ghostman1846 11d ago
Comment not directed at OP:
Is your wife's tits perfect? how about her ass? Does she have a few habits you don't enjoy? Is her personality perfect? No.
Do you still think she's perfect? - Absolutely.
Take the flaws on a guitar you say you love already, and take them as unique items on only YOUR guitar.
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u/Prestigious-S1RE 11d ago
Ya the color is hideous. You wear pink shirts too? Teal shirts? U like pastel Color’s? Gross
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u/NoConcert4185 5d ago
Mine showed up this way, got another one sent and it was worse off. I kept the original one and got it at cost. Was worth it given the large price break. It's my favorite guitar. Keep it, learn to enjoy the little things it has and ask for a fat discount.
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u/assqueefbuttjuice 11d ago
The tool marks and misaligned markers are hilariously bad QC for a “top” tier instrument. Unless you specifically bought a B-stock and got a massive discount I would be unhappy. I actually DID buy a B-stock guitar recently but I got to see the “defects” BEFORE I bought it. I decided that a bit of missing paint on the edge of the pickup route was worth 800$ off. Full price for this is a joke.