Big Gibson Disappointment

[Medford Guitar]

Originally Posted by Railroad Bum

I guess that 55-point inspection took a smoke break when your $3,000 Gibson was on the bench, lol? That's disappointing, but at least you were able to fix it fairly easily. I am not badmouthing Sweetwater; I just think it's funny that some of these companies advertise stuff like that, and it's obviously BS.

I was thinking the exact same thing...

[Rolph]

Originally Posted by Railroad Bum

I guess that 55-point inspection took a smoke break when your $3,000 Gibson was on the bench, lol? That's disappointing, but at least you were able to fix it fairly easily. I am not badmouthing Sweetwater; I just think it's funny that some of these companies advertise stuff like that, and it's obviously BS.

You just did badmouth them. I've bought quite a few guitars from S/W and their setups are superior to the posers around my area that have the audacity to call themselves luthiers. You need to communicate with the salespeople, exactly how you want your guitar set up. BS is asking Gibson or Fender to stand behind their inferior products when they fail quickly after you buy them new, and these two companies don't assume any responsibility for what they build.

[broy]

yep, a K&K fan here, but regardless - a Gibson Songwriter is a nice guitar... I hope (expect) now that you've got this taken care of you will bond with it nicely.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Railroad Bum

I guess that 55-point inspection took a smoke break when your $3,000 Gibson was on the bench, lol? That's disappointing, but at least you were able to fix it fairly easily. I am not badmouthing Sweetwater; I just think it's funny that some of these companies advertise stuff like that, and it's obviously BS.

Sweetwater's "55 point inspection" is designed to check the guitar against what the manufacturer specifies as acceptable.

That's exactly what they do, and they don't look over an instrument for details that they might determine could be done in a better way.

The "tangled wires" are most likely the result of how that particular manufacturer does the installation of the pickup system and may be done intentionally to prevent a loose loop of wire contacting the guitar and creating noise or buzzing against a internal brace or wood surface.

There are excellent Youtube Sweetwater tours where the 55 point inspection is explained. It's not a "look at 55 points and improve everything we think could be done in a better way" inspection for any guitar selling for $300 and up.

Another point about the "55 point inspection" is that it is NOT a setup. Sweetwater has a professional level repair and setup department and its services are available as an additional cost option for someone wanting a true setup of a guitar that is purchased.

[jaymarsch]

I had the exact same problem with the battery holder coming loose in an Alvarez guitar that I purchased from an online dealer about 10 years ago. It happens regardless of the maker or dealer.
The adhesives that are often used for these kinds of things can degrade as they undergo changes in temperature and humidity.
No matter the quality control of the maker or the number of points in a dealer inspection, the guitar still usually has to travel unattended through a variety of circumstances to get from the factory to the dealer and from there to the customer. Sometimes these things aren’t discovered until the player is playing the guitar and it settles into its home environment. It’s a drag but us human beings just don’t get to be in control of everything all of the time as much as we might think we would like to. :-)
Enjoy your new guitar!
Best,
Jayne

[Monty Christo]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

It happens regardless of the maker or dealer.
The adhesives that are often used for these kinds of things can degrade as they undergo changes in temperature and humidity.

No matter the quality control of the maker or the number of points in a dealer inspection, the guitar still usually has to travel unattended through a variety of circumstances to get from the factory to the dealer and from there to the customer.

Nice to hear a voice of reason amidst all the caterwauling about this molehill of an issue.

[rollypolly]

Not sure I’d categorize that as a big disappointment. Some sticky tape failed, not a loose brace or anything.

[Denandannie]

Originally Posted by Gasworker

Gibson may appreciate you writing an FYI to let them know. Whatever process they’re using to secure the battery may be flawed. Untangling pickup wire for an hour is a concern and they may have a new person doing the install that needs a little training.

The untangling is difficult as you can't see once your hand is in the sound hole. You take a look with the flashlight, try to determine which way to untangle and give it a try. You keep repeating the process until its free.

[dwalton]

Originally Posted by Denandannie

The untangling is difficult as you can't see once your hand is in the sound hole. You take a look with the flashlight, try to determine which way to untangle and give it a try. You keep repeating the process until its free.

Maybe you know this, but you can use your smart phone to take wide angle pics on the inside of the guitar using the flash. It works really well for seeing what's going on in there.

[dwalton]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

Not sure I’d categorize that as a big disappointment. Some sticky tape failed, not a loose brace or anything.

I disagree. In fact, it's an issue that's so deeply disturbing that although it's not even my guitar, I'm already climbing out a 10th story window.

[martingitdave]

Yeah, that's annoying. Sometimes the oils from the wood or manufacturing contaminate the adhesive on the velcro. But the upside is that you or a future owner can remove that pickup entirely and won't be stuck with a built-in battery box.

[HogsNRoses]

Did the sticky tape have a thin foam layer? The Baggs bags have that foam layer, and it’s tenacious.

It might also be the wood. One guitar I have always dropped its Velcro, until I stopped using my own tape and dredged up a piece of foam backed tape from a Baggs bag. I also cleaned the surface with alcohol.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by hubcapsc

I bought a set of strings from them. They called me, emailed me and sent
me candy!

-Mike "I think they might have texted me..."

Agreed. The few times I’ve been displeased with a purchase, one phone call and they were all over it.

[Moldstar]

it's a bummer but not that big a deal. I get all my electronics removed anyway. Sweetwater will probably send you free strings for your hassle or something.

[Br1ck]

I don't like either the battery bag or the Taylor type endpin outside loading battery solution, which is why I have Dazzos in my guitars. I also think my SunnAudio DI is better than the typical onboard pre.

I'd make an exception for a Cole Clark.