VOS, scratched and scuffed?

[eda123]

Hi All,

I just recieved my first LP - lefty R9 VOS, new - not used. I see quite a few scratches and scuffs-- are these expected? I figured that VOS was a dull/aged look, rather than a "relic" look.

Here are some photos- does this look like something you'd expect on a new VOS?

Thanks!

• See the two lines going straight out from the 17th and 19th frets, towards the top of the upper bout
• Three scratches in the headstock between the high E and B strings (remember this is a lefty )
• Lots of scuffs on the back, around the backplate near the edge of the guitar

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4170479420_a53e2c7a3a_o.jpg

 

[pearly gates 015]

Hit it with some polish and it will be good to go. You want to get the gunk off of it anyways.

 

[eda123]

Thanks- my question is more "is this expected". While its VOS i wasnt expecting to see this degree of scuffing, or any scratches at all. Im concerned mainly with resale value- if this is expected, then all is good. If this is not expected and can take away from a "mint" rating, i want to know this.

Not sure if i want to get the gunk off of it, i bought it partly due to the dulled/aged look!!

 

[John Potter]

I believe it is NOT to "be expected". It should be finished as any other Les Paul, just "dulled".

 

[nevizzzy]

Have you tried buffing the marks on the body out? They look to be merely soft marks through the VOS coating. The marks on the headstock are fuck all.Probably done when putting the strings on. Unless you plan on barely touching your guitar you'll probably have a few more within 6 months. The marks on the body whilst probably not that common appear to be nothing a good buffing wont cure. The VOS guitars miss the final buffing stage so have more marks on them then gloss ones. They also have a substance (which can be polished off) spread on them.

 

[Lenny]

there are a couple of scratches in my Page Custom VOS. I bought it used but I think the previous owner hardly ever played it so it looks "genuine". I love that actually, I never worry about abusing it some more

 

[jalevinemd]

I've found that VOS stands for "Very Often Scuffed."

 

[Trans-Am]

I've found that VOS stands for "Very Often Scuffed."

....or in other words?:hmm

V= Verified O= Over S= Scuffed? It looks as if it's part of the MOJO!!:headbange

Cheers!:salude

 

[Callaway]

I was looking at the Gibson forum a couple night ago and a guy wanted to know what polish he should use and if he could use the polishing cloth that came with his VOS. Some guy from their Custom Shop indicated he should not use the traditional Gibson polish or even the polishing cloth they send along because it would harm the VOS finish process and to only use a micro fiber cloth like you wipe plasma TV screens with for just a wipe off. That kind of came as a shock to me they would even send that stuff out with these guitars. Another guy indicated he had almost taken the VOS off his more or less by accident and if there was anyway to reverse the process at home the CS guy indicated nope other than send it back to factory. Guess they figure if you want something to look worn that's what they provide with the VOS. Your's I might add look a little beyond what Gibson had in mind however I would see Mr. Dealer.

 

[ashbass]

No, not part of VOS treatment. Yes, part of bad treatment.

 

[nevizzzy]

I give up:rip

 

[eda123]

Thanks everyone-

I did try buffing them out gently with a microfiber cloth, and NO chemicals/polishes. No change at all. I don't really want to remove the VOS "gunk".

I know that within a few months of playing, i will no doubt add to these blemishes, and I know that VOS adds a coating that can be buffed off. However when buying new, I expected I will be the one to add ALL blemishes, and each one is my doing. I didnt expect to see these on a NEW un-played guitar, and sounds like this isnt an unrealistic expectation to some of you.

I'll follow up with the dealer...

 

[D'Mule]

I don't think it should be scuffed up.

 

[markguitar]

Most VOS guitars look just like your pictures as far as the scuffs go and that's the norm. And the plastic is usually all scratched and scuffed up. Sometimes there are also some light scratches in the finish but I'm not sure about the scratch on yours near the switch. I've had well over 1000 VOS guitars since they came out in 2006.

 

[raph]

Guitars have scuffs. It's normal.

Put it behind glass and nobody will even notice. :rip

 

[rbuse]

Most VOS guitars look just like your pictures as far as the scuffs go and that's the norm. And the plastic is usually all scratched and scuffed up. Sometimes there are also some light scratches in the finish but I'm not sure about the scratch on yours near the switch. I've had well over 1000 VOS guitars since they came out in 2006.

Het Mark ! How many of them had Brazilian Boards ? :rofl

 

[eda123]

Guitars have scuffs. It's normal.

Put it behind glass and nobody will even notice. :rip

This is my first LP, but by no means my first guitar. Ive owned many guitars over 22 years of playing, both poly and nitro finishes, and none have come to me with scuff and scratches NEW.

 

[LBR7]

Virtuoso polish got the buckle rash off the back of mine. It takes a bit of time, elbow greese, and a few coats, but it shined up really nicely.

 

[johnny73]

I think this is normal with the VOS finish. My left VOS has some scuff marks like that. I believe it is just in the VOS layer though.

 

[markguitar]

This is my first LP, but by no means my first guitar. Ive owned many guitars over 22 years of playing, both poly and nitro finishes, and none have come to me with scuff and scratches NEW.

A little research would have showed you that a VOS guitar would be like that, and if that wasn't to your liking then you could have opted for a full gloss finish guitar with shiny parts.