r/Guitar•
Briznow

[GEAR] Issues with used Music Man Silhouette Special purchased from Guitar Center.

I purchased the guitar from a Guitar Center in a city other than my own. It was labeled as being in excellent condition which, according to Guitar Center, means it is "in 'like new' condition and shows little to no signs of use. Free from blemishes, scratches, and user wear. All controls are completely functional."

So I get it, and the first thing I notice is the 5-way switch is so loosey-goosey that I can't even tell where one position ends and the other begins. It even stops on a spot that provides no output. Obviously this is unacceptable.

Furthermore, I noticed some cosmetic issues. Now, I don't know if these are actual issues (bearing in mind their description above), or if I'm just being too picky.

First, I noticed that the pickguard isn't lying flat between certain pairs of screws. I know this isn't terribly uncommon, but should I expect it on a "like-new" instrument?

Second, I noticed yellow adhesive on the ends of the nut. It looks sloppy to me, but having never played another Music Man guitar, I don't know if it's to be expected.

I contacted Music Man's customer support and, after replying to their request for photos, am waiting to hear back with their opinion on the nut glue and pickguard. In the meantime, though, I wanted to see what you guys' opinion is. How should I handle this situation?

Update: I heard back from Music Man. What I thought was glue on the nut ends is actually clear coat. Apparently they spray the headstock after the nut is installed. They said that the pickguard warping is not to be expected, so chances are that someone over-tightened some screws at some point.

Posted Dec 3, 2015, 12:11 AM UTC · edited

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