Hi, First post, but sadly it is to moan.
I have been a long time Fender fan, owning several Mex and US models in the past. Never had an issue beforehand with new ones always being spotless and perfect out of the case. However my latest purchase is rather shocking.

Just bought myself a Dave Murray Sig model. Went to collect it from the UK dealer. It was still boxed at this point. When getting it out of the case I was amazed to see that the rear HB was not even attached to the adjusting screws, just flopping around inside the body. I accept that not every guitar may get a full inspection at the factory, so maybe this one just slipped through. But it was so obviously not right I was rather amazed to see this. Am willing to let this one go, if this is the case.

In hindsight, taking into account what was to follow, I should have just took the guitar and sorted it myself. However the shop offered to sort it. So I said ok. Anyway, yesterday went to collect it and was horrified to find the following. Several dings on the rear of it about an inch long in total, which would not be polishable. The scratch plate is now warped near the loose pickup, presumably due to the so called guitar technician levering the pup out of the hole to re attach it. The trem arm was missing from the still sealed bag where it should be. And worst of all, 90% of the surface is now covered in minute swirl marks and long scratches where I guess the guy tried to clean it. Seriously it looks like he has used wire wool on it. IDIOT!
I have rejected it anyway and am getting another one. But I was disgusted with the shop. Why can't people look after others property. I have not even taken the guitar home yet and have literally held it for 5 minutes total. So excuse my French but it is $@!&*%. Not impressed.

This is all made worse as the money was a gift from my employeer for 20 years long service, so the whole purchase has now been tainted. I just hope the 2nd one I get is faultless, or a refund I will be demanding

Anyone else had similar?

I know this is an issue to take up with the dealer. Just curious what others thought.

Very disappointing, no question they are in the wrong. Ask the shop for a replacement guitar, then on delivery, inspect it again. Either way, don't let their tech near the new one!

Don't let it taint what should be a happy experience. Go with an open mind, and enjoy it again the next time through!

Sorry to hear of such a bad experience. Buying a guitar should be a fun event, not a stressfull one. I hope the 2nd one is perfect for you. I have noticed before that some people who work on guitars dont seem to care much about how they handle them, or how rough the are with them. To some people the appearance of the guitar is not important at all as long as it plays and sounds good. I like to keep mine looking as good as possible and I would have a major problem with a tech who did any harm to one of my guitars. Hopefully your replacement wont need any work.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

The warped scratchplate is a usuall thing for the 57's. The single ply plastic isnt the strongest. It could just be a wire pushing it up. Fender do try to keep the routing to a bare minimum on their higher end guitars. It still doesnt make the treatment you received acceptable.

My advice, I wouldnt use that shop again. Their tech is a chancer with a screwdriver from the sounds of it.

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No no and no