ESP M1 flaw, would this bother you?

[frogman81]

Hey guys, I just took out my less-than-a-month old ESP, and noticed what I consider a pretty significant finish flaw. I'm 99% positive I couldn't have missed it at first unboxing, so it must be do to humidity/acclimatization.





Basically a groove in the paint that runs from about an inch below the bridge up to the neck pocket. The paint isn't split anywhere, so I don't think it's a crack. I suspect it's a groove in the actual wood grain that formed as it dried??

It's down the middle of the body, and it's a three piece neck-thru, so it doesn't seem to be on a wood joint.

What do you guys think? I doesn't REALLY bother me, it's more that this was the first "top quality" guitar I've purchased and also the only guitar I've had this happen to. Kinda like "Dammit Universe, I thought I did everything right here!"

 

[-42-]

It's a seam between two pieces of wood (presumably the top).

 

[1b4n3z]

If that was a two piece maple cap I'd guess it's just thin finish sinking into the center seam, but I suppose M-I doesn't come capped like that.. Is the groove perfectly straight?
But yeah, most likely it's due to finish settling. In the winter I saw a couple of M-I's with the fretboard cracking quite impressively here in Finland, both presumably from the same batch. The winter up here is quite relentless and especially gruel to guitars, but they were a special case regardless. I guess the woods weren't dried thoroughly before finishing.

 

[guitaristguy20]

Yeah, I wouldn't be to happy about a groove like that on a new guitar. I would contact the dealer you bought it from or ESP directly about warranty service or replacement.

 

[frogman81]

If that was a two piece maple cap I'd guess it's just thin finish sinking into the center seam, but I suppose M-I doesn't come capped like that.. Is the groove perfectly straight?
But yeah, most likely it's due to finish settling. In the winter I saw a couple of M-I's with the fretboard cracking quite impressively here in Finland, both presumably from the same batch. The winter up here is quite relentless and especially gruel to guitars, but they were a special case regardless. I guess the woods weren't dried thoroughly before finishing.

Yeah I don't think there's a top on an M1. I'm hoping to get the pickup taken out today to get a better look. The groove is perfectly straight from neck pocket to bridge, then curves ever so slightly near the end, making it look sorta like natural grain.

 

[danger5oh]

Unless that guitar feels like "the one" and flaws be damned it plays exactly how you imagined it would when you coughed up the money for a genuine ESP, I'd return it or exchange it.

 

[Daf57]

Oh man, that is weird ... yeah, I think that would bother me. Please do keep us updated.

 

[Pikka Bird]

Unless that guitar feels like "the one" and flaws be damned it plays exactly how you imagined it would when you coughed up the money for a genuine ESP, I'd return it or exchange it.

Second.

 

[ArtDecade]

It bothers me and I don't even own it...

 

[Sleazy_D]

yeah send it back.

 

[Andromalia]

I'd live with it if it was used, but new, no, not from them.

 

[knagy0325]

Sure it would bother me, especially on a new guitar. Plus this decreases the value you could sell it for later.
Ask for another guitar or your money back. Hope it works out fine for you!

 

[capoeiraesp]

This sort of issue is definitely covered under ESP's warranty. You'll have no problem returning or exchanging it.

 

[sol niger 333]

Yeah it's a factory second dude. RETURNDATSHEEEEAT

 

[davedeath]

yeah return it

 

[AxeHappy]

If I buy a guitar new and it's not *absolutely flawless* I would return/exchange it.

No excuses whatsoever.

 

[jl-austin]

I own an M1, and short answer, yes that would bother me.

 

[Metal-Box]

For the amount of money and ESP costs, you return that thing right now. That would bother the crap out of me.

 

[frogman81]

Well I don't feel so OCD anymore!

I just emailed the ebay dealer I bought it from (directmusiconline). I'm suddenly a little concerned that they might be selling factory seconds as someone mentioned. It was listed as a new "demo" model... I guess buyer beware on the interwebz... We'll see what they say.

When I can get my hands on a screwdriver (staying in a hotel) I'll investigate the pickup cavity.

It does play really awesome, so I won't lose too much sleep to keep it, but maybe 20% off would be nice.

I'm losing a little faith in ESP though. My (used) EC-1000 has a neck angle that my guitar tech of choice figured must have been at the limit of their tolerances, because the bridge is lowered to its absolute limit on the high E side to get an acceptable string action. Then the headstock on my LTD bass was so hideous that I eventually to a saw to it and reshaped it to something less offensive to me. I'm thinking my future hard-earned instrument funds will be going to Jackson....

 

[drgordonfreeman]

I'm losing a little faith in ESP though. My (used) EC-1000 has a neck angle that my guitar tech of choice figured must have been at the limit of their tolerances, because the bridge is lowered to its absolute limit on the high E side to get an acceptable string action. Then the headstock on my LTD bass was so hideous that I eventually to a saw to it and reshaped it to something less offensive to me. I'm thinking my future hard-earned instrument funds will be going to Jackson....

I have had horrible experiences with LTDs. I have had great experiences with ESPs. I wouldn't let LTD qc issues deter you from ESP. I'm also a big fan of Jackson, and you can't really go wrong there, either.

Hopefully, the seller will give you a refund. Let us know how it turns out.