Guys, I wanted to share with you all my recent journey in relation to
getting my new guitar. I almost thought at times, I was going mad, or was
it just me type thing. I told you all, going back about 6 weeks or so ago,
that Id ordered a new PRS guitar from Andertons. This long saga started
when I received it and, although a beautiful guitar finished in a black
cherry burst, there was a big problem with the volume pot. I play a lot
using a technique where I fade chords in for which I use the volume on the
guitar. This one, when doing so created a somewhat broken signal and the
guitars volume jittered when fading in. This was a SE Custom 24 and they
exchanged it for the same model but in a different finish. This one arrived
and after plugging into the amp, I discovered that the tuning was terrible.
I tried all the usual techniques such as trying to stretch the strings etc
but nothing worked. Once it was tuned to a chord, playing any other chord
sounded well detuned. This was again changed and, although I went this time
for a different model in the PRS range, this one was a Pauls SE guitar which
I ended up having to pay considerably more for as this model wasnt
discounted but, the previous two models were exactly the same price as this
one only in a sale. What they did agree to was to sell me the Pauls guitar
at the same price I pointed out to them that GAK were selling it as. So,
£80 less! Anyway, guitar 3 comes along and initially, this seemed to be
fine. A little bright sounding I thought but pretty versatile. Over the
course of a couple of weeks, admittedly, I hadnt played a lot during these
few weeks with some other commitments, I noticed that the tuning was going
out quite easily. To the point that it could slip even during playing a
song. On further inspection, I discovered that applying even the slightest
pressure on the neck or on the body of the guitar would knock it out. We
all know the effect you can pull off if youve no trem where applying a
little pressure will give you a bit of a wavery shimmer. This was way more
than that. Although the shop was ok about things they did give me the
impression that they thought I was just either an idiot or trying it on!
Ive played guitar for over 35 years now and know if a guitar is not right.
Anyway, they again exchanged it but this time, I refused any PRS guitar as
Ive basically had a guts full of PRS. They are meant to be quite an elite
company but, I certainly didnt see any evidence of quality control.
Perhaps theyd had a batch of defective models? I dont know. This time
though, Ive decided to go for a much more traditional model. This is the
latest, inspired by Gibson, Epiphone Les Paul Modern. And what a difference
it is. Its basically a completely different class of instrument. Its
build quality is incredibly strong and solid. As a Les Paul, it has a
chambered body to give it some weight relief because it is a solid heavy
beast! Its all gloss black and plays beautifully. So so much more richer
and warmer. But, equally capable of delivering some devastating high gain.
I was just interested to see if anyone else has had any issues with buying
instruments and having issues? Was the shop helpful? Towards the end of
last year I bought an Ibanez bass guitar from GAK and when it arrived, there
was a large chipped out section at the bass. They exchanged it immediately
and without any problems. As a gesture of good will. They also knocked off
about £25 off a Hiscotts hard case for it. They were also fantastic when I
bought the new Katana amp.
Interested to hear your stories.
Best wishes
Steve
