Gibson finishing standards...

imalrightjack · July 2016

I've read bits and pieces on here about Gibson's finishing standards and, having only bought one USA made new until recently (Midtown, which required a setup to my tastes, the nut cut and the frets given a level/polish), I'm a bit surprised at some the flaws on my new toy, a Les Paul Classic 'Rock'.

The little bit of untidy work on the fretboard/binding isn't massive but the unfinished lacquering on the neck joint and the tailpiece are really, really poor for a guitar that retailed at $2,399. I'm pleased to say the seller was very understanding and offered a full refund but, given the difficulty in getting another, I took a goodwill gesture in return. I just need to get it to a friend who is a luthier to try and get it tidied up.

Any similar experiences?

sweepy · July 2016

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

imalrightjack · July 2016

sweepy said:

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

I'd expect it more from a Studio but less so an LP Classic.

sweepy · July 2016

As a tech to a lot of the local musicians, I see a fair few Gibsons and you see some shocking build/finish combos, but it's part of the charm

Richardj · July 2016

I don't understand how Gibson sends out so many improperly finished instruments and why people accept it, especially given how much they cost.

You don't find it with Fender, Paul Reed Smith, Musicman etc.

murraypops · July 2016

Exactly why everyone's looking for Tokai just now.

Sassafras · July 2016

If I was spending 2.5 thousand bucks I'd expect better. I wouldn't call that kind of cash the budget end.

imalrightjack · July 2016

Sassafras said:

If I was spending 2.5 thousand bucks I'd expect better. I wouldn't call that kind of cash the budget end.

Precisely. They should have far better QC standards. I've emailed Gibson themselves for their view.

Nerine · July 2016

I'd be surprised if it left the factory like that, to be fair.
Did the seller buy it from a shop or mail order?
I'd be returning that if I received it that way. I wouldn't buy it off the peg if it looked like that, either.

So either the seller didn't exercise a great deal of dilligence, or that has been caused by himself. IMO of course.

All the Gibsons I've played lately have been real good. I think the poor QC thing is at this point, a bit of a fallacy that stuck from when they did go through a bit of a lapse a while back.

Could be wrong of course.

imalrightjack · July 2016

Nerine said:

I'd be surprised if it left the factory like that, to be fair.
Did the seller buy it from a shop or mail order?

It's very difficult to know. Although I don't see how the lacquer could come off from around the tailpiece in transit. It's not buckle-rashes or showing any signs of shop wear.

I got it from DV247 and it was despatched from their German warehouse. I understood it to be factory sealed but found the truss rod tool, warranty and user guide were missing - and that the box was actually from a 2016 standard (after peeling away stickers applied on top). I could have sworn the seal was 100% intact when I received it, which is very odd.

skippy76 · July 2016

Agreed not great.

In fairness though my CS Fender had the odd finishing issue.....

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr186/tobycordery/IMG_6274_zpsb2sqis6y.jpg

Neil · July 2016

imalrightjack said:

sweepy said:

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

I'd expect it more from a Studio but less so an LP Classic.

TBH it is just like a Studio, no neck or body binding.

Classics have both.

imalrightjack · July 2016

Neil said:

imalrightjack said:

sweepy said:

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

I'd expect it more from a Studio but less so an LP Classic.

TBH it is just like a Studio, no neck or body binding.

Classics have both.

It's black binding, @Neil.

Nerine · July 2016

Ah right. When you said "seller had offered a refund" I assumed it was a private sale. Apologies. I'd send it back if it were me, but I'm assuming it's a bit beyond that.

That guitar still looks a bit "played" though.

And as shady as Gibson sometimes seem, I don't think that would get through QC like that if it was brand new.

DanR · July 2016

The reason why they let it go is because you have kept it with its flaws.

If they kept being returned they would fix it.

It's all down to costs if the returns they get are low enough we as consumers are saying we accept it.

It's all down to us they have no incentive to finish to a higher standard.

TTony · July 2016

imalrightjack said:

I'm a bit surprised at some the flaws on my new toy, a Les Paul Classic 'Rock'.

Surprised??

Gibson are famous for their QC!

Best finish I've seen on a Gibson is on my BFG

Jack_ · July 2016

I got it from DV247 and it was despatched from their German warehouse. I understood it to be factory sealed but found the truss rod tool, warranty and user guide were missing - and that the box was actually from a 2016 standard (after peeling away stickers applied on top). I could have sworn the seal was 100% intact when I received it, which is very odd.

Well that would concern me.

Seems like someone bought it and returned it, have they sold it to you as new?

imalrightjack · July 2016

Jack_;1139496" said:
I got it from DV247 and it was despatched from their German warehouse. I understood it to be factory sealed but found the truss rod tool, warranty and user guide were missing - and that the box was actually from a 2016 standard (after peeling away stickers applied on top). I could have sworn the seal was 100% intact when I received it, which is very odd.

Well that would concern me.

Seems like someone bought it and returned it, have they sold it to you as new?

Certainly possible. But I'm not fussed at the price I paid. It plays well and is electronically sound. Pretty sure it can be tidied up too.

Neil · July 2016

Double post

Neil · July 2016

imalrightjack said:

Neil said:

imalrightjack said:

sweepy said:

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

I'd expect it more from a Studio but less so an LP Classic.

TBH it is just like a Studio, no neck or body binding.

Classics have both.

It's black binding, @Neil.

That's binding?

I thought it was some particularly horrible piece of wood.

Still, seems like you are keeping it anyway.

imalrightjack · July 2016

Neil said:

imalrightjack said:

Neil said:

imalrightjack said:

sweepy said:

To be fair, they are the cheaper end guitars and are finished to a budget though my 335 CS, has orange peel, shrunken binding etc, I wouldn't swap it

I'd expect it more from a Studio but less so an LP Classic.

TBH it is just like a Studio, no neck or body binding.

Classics have both.

It's black binding, @Neil.

That's binding?

I thought it was some particularly horrible piece of wood.

Still, seems like you are keeping it anyway.

The flaws don't affect its sound or performance (both excellent), they're niggles - and legitimate ones, in respect of the RRP. But ugly*? Eye of the beholder and all that, eh?

* - my girlfriend thinks it's hideous.

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