New Les Paul Tv Special binding separation, wood cracking or normal?

[Paulman9507]

I bought a new tv special at guitar center today, the tech over there told me it was fine and it looks like they finished it however they did-sealed it. I’m new to gibsons with binding hence why I got a tv special after having a tribute for a few years. Wondering if this is normal though, the other side is perfect and nice, clean everything, the side where the cutaway is. Topside is a little rough looking but I just need to know if it’s completely ok or something to return it.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

Normal no , yes imperfections happen at Gibson .





If you can't see beyond this imperfection most likely the issue will continue to be a bother ,

These new LP special guitars are fabulous, you should feel good about owning this guitar .

Imo you took the time to join the LPF photo the guitar start a thread have dealer provide a new guitar for inspection .

Welcome to the Les Paul Forum please post guitar Thread .

Wrap tails lets see what you have any flavor !​

 

[Wise Guy]

This definitely shouldn't be like that and if it's bothersome I'd return it. For the price you pay you shouldn't even have to question this.
Still doesnt mean I support Gibson switching over to poly finishes though. I don't mind dealing with the nuances of nitro.

 

[LyleGorch]

I have a finish issue with a ‘50’s standard i bought, but that is awful.

 

[Paulman9507]

Picked up around 7 Epiphones throughout the Chicagoland area, various shops. While the neck of a SG traditional 2021 wasn’t my favor picked up 2 others of the same model felt better so in that instance a little setup issue more than likely, however all Epiphones I seen, about flawless minus some minor factory tooling I’ve seen anywhere really. Even this Gibson. Minor no issues. Every Paul though felt great generally. Modern LP was great. Double cut LP Del Rey I can attest to neck feels so much like the Gibson tv special. Only wish shop xyzabc carried the black finish for the del rey. Would’ve never gotten the Gibson tbh. Just dismaying to see so many Epiphones even the Muse line for crying out loud, more quality control out of there than Gibson. And I can knock Asian pacific a bit, had an RG pocket crack out of the box. Local pop shop returned it no issue. This however is big box chain xyz store. I got 24 month warranty. I’ll try another I guess hope I don’t get the bro bro buck passed around with these fellas. Otherwise off to Epiphone maybe. Haven’t seen anything I didn’t like there yet.

 

[DutchRay]

If it were me, I'd return it. It might be structurally fine but this is not a 'normal' Gibson QC issue and might give you trouble if you ever want to sell it down the line.

 

[Paulman9507]

If it were me, I'd return it. It might be structurally fine but this is not a 'normal' Gibson QC issue and might give you trouble if you ever want to sell it down the line.

Thank you , and all for that matter

 

[Paulman9507]

Little backstory for the fun of it; while they were fetching the ugly puppy for me in shop I asked if they had a Dsl40cr in stock. I was told no man sorry, oh wait actually we have this defected tolex white Marshall, for 50 off. Had no room in my car for it. Call the store on the way home hey man I was just in there ya know the one with the Les Paul tv special yada yada. “Yeah bro hold on a second, lemme get that for you” type of deal, was retrieving the card and info. Another person answered the phone real snarky like a nerdy-cool guy esque attitude saying “yeah BRO you gotta come in here and do that BRO we can’t do that over the phone BRO” staring at my family member in shock in the car they’re like what’s wrong? I’m like they’re totally rude chicken f-‘ers with an attitude being jerks! Total shock to be honest. Call the 866 line tell the lady what just occurred she was supposedly sorry, got me a brand new Marshall for the same sale price as the defected one on sale in store. However I am suspicious slightly. Why tell me no amp in stock in store; to find two in front of my face a white busted one and a new one? I get an email this morning saying it’s already in stock which I find even more suspicious! So they don’t have any stock but have floor models? But get mine to arrive in less than a day? I called now and asked, if it was new in box or if they’re just giving me the floor model now. Supposedly it’s new. I feel like these guys are absolutely playing games with me now, and yesterday didn’t want my money after spending 1,799 with them plus $40 that day in store on a book, plug, picks. Seems they don’t want to do business to be honest.

 

[Sol]

When you saw the crack what did the sales people tell you ? I'm asking because I can't believe that this guitar was considered fit for sale.
Take more images of the crack to support your case and return it for a full refund.

 

[Paulman9507]

When you saw the crack what did the sales people tell you ? I'm asking because I can't believe that this guitar was considered fit for sale.
Take more images of the crack to support your case and return it for a full refund.

as I was in the shop I saw a tech working so I talked to him he said he had one and loves it nothing wrong with his etc said it was fine, took a brush to it but then hesitated and didn’t want to do more for whatever reason because if it was truly ok you could sit there and brush it all day like a Barbie doll. So, almost like he did recognize something was wrong but maybe didn’t want to admit maybe a process for these fellas. As he’s inspecting it, he’s working on a strat. Bumps the strat headstock into the body of the Les Paul, hear a nice ding through the body. Looked at the body close last night and there is a definite little indentation where the headstock hit. Maybe I’m being a “Karen”

 

[DutchRay]

as I was in the shop I saw a tech working so I talked to him he said he had one and loves it nothing wrong with his etc said it was fine, took a brush to it but then hesitated and didn’t want to do more for whatever reason because if it was truly ok you could sit there and brush it all day like a Barbie doll. So, almost like he did recognize something was wrong but maybe didn’t want to admit maybe a process for these fellas. As he’s inspecting it, he’s working on a strat. Bumps the strat headstock into the body of the Les Paul, hear a nice ding through the body. Looked at the body close last night and there is a definite little indentation where the headstock hit. Maybe I’m being a “Karen”

Depends on the price you paid...

 

[Sol]

Paulman9507,
What does 'take a brush to it' mean ? Do you mean he took a brush with lacquer on it to seal it or something.?

 

[Paulman9507]

Paulman9507,
What does 'take a brush to it' mean ? Do you mean he took a brush with lacquer on it to seal it or something.?

Just like some detail dust brush to get little particles off. Was running that through there and just seeing what was up I suppose

 

[Paulman9507]

Depends on the price you paid...

1799 , through chat online. straight up

 

[Sol]

Okay, put the guitar on a firm surface the kitchen table will do. While looking at the crack press down on the end of the fretboard with your thumb. Your looking for movement... Do you see any ? Can you make the crack narrower, or smaller as you press down ?

 

[DutchRay]

I have no idea what the dollar-euro rate is these days but Thomann has them listed for €1390,-

 

[Paulman9507]

Okay, put the guitar on a firm surface the kitchen table will do. While looking at the crack press down on the end of the fretboard with your thumb. Your looking for movement... Do you see any ? Can you make the crack narrower, or smaller as you press down ?

I can tell you what, had I take a spatula or even a thin razor to that little spot I’ll tell ya what that binding and connections whatever is holding it seems it would be gone fast. Not even joking. Just running my nail into it I’m like without any disrespect, a sight disadvantaged person even myself with my thick lenses could’ve cut and done better. As if gosh I don’t know..neck was shoved, binding or neck something here shrunk , not sure. Wasn’t glued right or properly or sealed right. Can run my thumb nail in there and still have room for another buddy to snuggle up. Could fit a few finger nails in the entire thing.

 

[Paulman9507]

I have no idea what the dollar-euro rate is these days but Thomann has them listed for €1390,-

Probably around so, a good Grand and half little more.

 

[Sol]

Take it back get your refund and remember.. Everyone needs an all Mahogany Les Paul with P90s.
And, oh as someone already mentioned. Welcome to the forum !

 

[Paulman9507]

Take it back get your refund and remember.. Everyone needs an all Mahogany Les Paul with P90s.
And, oh as someone already mentioned. Welcome to the forum !

Im on the fence now about to scoop up this Epiphone Les Paul modern once I get it all situated.