New CS, am I being too picky?

[garywright]

It would be silly to downgrade just because of a bump or a scratch.

my post #11 was a direct quote from the OP …I should have used quotation marks

 

[lakeside]

Am I just being too picky? It is a Gibson after all and not a PRS. ..maybe you should get a PRS then ?

It's not really a PRS versus Gibson thing—it's that I bought new, but it was in used condition. Regardless of whether it's a Gibson, a PRS, or even a new cell phone, I don't feel like I should pay new prices for a used item. Regarding Gibson vs PRS, both brands make wonderful instruments (I've owned many high-end examples of both) in my opinion. However, in my experience, there's more of an X factor with Gibsons—finding a great one—than with PRSs, which have been more consistent in fit and finish.

 

[fretout]

This has already been resolved, and while I would have kept it, I do think the way the OP handled it is correct.

If a store is going to sell a guitar as “brand new”, then it should be free of any wear, whether it’s worn plating on the hardware, worn down frets, or dings in the body.

I’d imagine the guitar was a new guitar that had been test driven by someone with acidic sweat. If this was the case, the guitar should have been sold as a floor model. In which case, the OP’s guitar was in remarkably good shape for a tester model.

By the OP calling out the flaws in what was marketed as a “new” guitar, I think it helped us as a community. Going forward, the shop will employ scrutiny when selling a Gibson (hopefully). And, this could also lead to more great guitars being sold as “floor/tester” models.

OP, I hope you get a guitar that “ticks all the boxes” soon!

 

[charliechitlins]

Guitars that used to hang on the shop wall looked like that.
If they didn't, they looked like that after 2 weeks because you loved it so much you played it night and day.
If you go at guitar like it's stamp collecting (which is fine...many, if not most, do), send it back.
If you're going to pick it up and PLAY it every time you see it because you love it, keep it and get on with business.

 

[TBurst Std]

Lots of good advice here, but I never heard from the OP on how it played and sounded.
If it rang a bell, then negotiate more off. If not , refund.

 

[lakeside]

I agree that if it was a super awesome guitar, I'd have kept it and asked for a discount. Reality is that my R8, R9 and R0 lesters are far superior in my opinion. So, for both the fact it was used, and I have much better guitars already than this one, it went back. Simple decision, and clear reasoning. Case closed. Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions.

 

[gmann]

Play more worry less.

 

[Billy Porter]

Play more worry less.

Agree. As Mick Ronson said/sang 'Play don't worry'.

 

[Tommy Tourbus]

If it's a keeper in terms of tone and playability I wouldn't return it over minor stuff like that. Couldn't hurt to complain though and see if they'll give you a small rebate. If the guitar is just OK and not exceptional though I might use that as an excuse to return

 

[El Gringo]

It's not really a PRS versus Gibson thing—it's that I bought new, but it was in used condition. Regardless of whether it's a Gibson, a PRS, or even a new cell phone, I don't feel like I should pay new prices for a used item. Regarding Gibson vs PRS, both brands make wonderful instruments (I've owned many high-end examples of both) in my opinion. However, in my experience, there's more of an X factor with Gibsons—finding a great one—than with PRSs, which have been more consistent in fit and finish.

I disagree with the X factor with Gibson USA and Gibson Custom today , as I feel there overall quality is a homerun . Versus the Norlin era .

 

[El Gringo]

Lots of good advice here, but I never heard from the OP on how it played and sounded.
If it rang a bell, then negotiate more off. If not , refund.

I agree yes how about a tone report OP please ?

 

[jb_abides]

I agree yes how about a tone report OP please ?

FYI: OP stated dealer took it back earlier in the thread.

 

[El Gringo]

FYI: OP stated dealer took it back earlier in the thread.

oops

 

[lakeside]

The tone on it was just ok, didn't measure up to my '12 R8 or my '23 R9. Additionally the weight and general neck feel wasn't as nice as my other options either. So, it turned out to be convenient that the guitar wasn't in new condition - made it easy to return.

Maybe... this is the reason it sat on the wall so long at the store? If it was a great player and tone monster, I wouldn't have returned it due to scuffs and dings. But, that wasn't the case, so I pulled trigger to return it.

 

[LCW]

If it’s a ‘23 and it’s a shop that keeps its inventory out on the floor for people to try, then it could still be “new” but clearly played a bit over a year’s time.

They probably didn’t take a close enough look before sending out.

Glad it’s being taken of at least.