Hey everyone... new to the forums.

I just purchased a American Standard Strat (3 Color Sunburst). I had a hard time deciding whether or not to spend the extra cash on the American model.. but I finally decided to go for it.

I had no other choice but to order it (Musicians Friend). The guitar I received is very nice, and exceeded my expectations.. for the most part.

After looking over everything closely, I noticed two things that I'm not sure what to think about. Underneath the bridge, on both corners, the finish is indented and cracked where someone at the factory must have mashed the bridge down into the wood. It's worse on one corner than the other. The other thing is a decent size scratch on the back of the guitar that continues underneath the backplate.

I don't want to be a bawl baby. Neither thing is that big of a deal, and it's probably not worth exchanging over. I was just mostly curious if this is common where quality control is concerned? Am I expecting too much?

This is why I like being right there looking at the prospective guitar I am about to buy. I like to hear and feel it before I buy it. I guarantee you that if I was in a shop and liked the feel and sound, I would still buy a damaged guitar, but ask for a discount. You cannot do this with an on-line store.

I say call Musician's Friend up and tell them you are not happy with the condition your guitar came to you. They should offer to repair or replace the guitar.

It was most likely damaged during delivery, but MF should still cover the guitar to ensure that they have a satisified customer. Satisified customers repeat business, and tell their friends where and how they got their gear. They should make this right.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
M.F. will have no problem exchanging ... if you look in your packing material, they have included a return label. Just give them a call, they are very friendly. I have purchased several guitars from them and had no problems.
Good Luck

Bill

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

Thanks for the responses.

I emailed MF and asked for either an exchange or some credit. I can live with scratch and dent as long as I'm paying scratch and dent prices.

I've bought three Fender electrics from MIM strat to American Deluxe from Musician's Friend.......all perfect upon arrival. I've also ordered numerous other products, including an amplifier. Been very happy with my purchases.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

Yeah, I once bought a Fender Super Strat from Musician's Friend which was reduced as it was a "blem" model.

Funnily enough though, when it arrived, I couldn't find a single mark or blemish on it anywhere so what you have should most definitely have been marked on the description and had a discount applied.

I'm sure they'll be happy to sort the problem out for you though.

in 2000 i ordered a mim strat from mf. only problem i had with them is, it took over 3 months before they sent it out. (after many calls to them) but, the guitar showed up in great condition. no scratches or anything and, it came in a box.

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2009 american deluxe ash stratocaster

2009 epiphone es-335 dot.
2009 65 drri amp
2009 fender vibro champ-xD amp.
2009 takamine g-4400 acoustic/electric guitar

1980 fender harvard reverb 1 amp

sounds like the damage happened during shipping. If you want to return it call or email Musician Friends if you want to keep it keep it. If you want to keep it i would still contact musician friends and maybe they will give you some of your money back or a discount on your next purchase.

I'd demand a new one. Who knows what abuse that guitar was put through and if the stress that caused some of those chips and cracks are precursors of other negative stuff to happen. You paid top dollar for what should be a 'perfect' guitar and if I were you, I'd settle for nothing less. YMMV.

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You dig?

When I pay full price for something new I expect pristine factory-fresh condition.At the very least they should give you a sizeable discount but by rights should give you a new unblemished one.I may be cynical but maybe just maybe they knew about this damage to the guitar and sold it to you hoping that you'd not notice or let it go.That kind of thing does happen.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Just an update...

I contacted Musicians Friend, and they were happy to either take some money off, or exchange the guitar for a new one. I went for the exchange.

I'm very impressed with the service at Musicians Friend. They were very understanding and helpful. They even paid for return shipping back to them. UPS delivered my replacement strat today and it looks, sounds and plays amazing! She's definitely a keeper.

The only cosmetic issue I can see is that the pickguard is warped up by the neck pickup and it's not sitting against the body.. but oh well. I was thinking about putting a pearloid one on anyway.

I thought I'd post a quick pic...

Very nice guitar! I am happy to hear it wasn't much trouble to have the original replaced. Regarding the pguard issue, I am afraid you may have trouble with the white pearl as well. Or any other pg for that matter. I actually have the same issue as you regarding what looks like a warp. However, you as I have may find the issue is with the holes in the body. I think the term "Beer Friday's" is what I have heard used to explain any flaws in what should be a flawless MIA Strat.

The only solution I can muster on the issue would be, find which hole was drilled off a bit and compensate for the misalignment on the pg itself. A wee bit of reaming should do the trick. If you're lucky, only one hole will be off.
I still have not addressed the issue with my own guitar. I just may now that you have me thinking about it.

Glad to hear you got a replacement AND good service from MF in the process. I agree with a prior poster that when you pay top dollar for an American Strat - it should be PERFECT. I don't mind if I put a few nicks and dings in my guitars, but I sure wouldn't want someone else doing it for me - not on a brand new guitar that I haven't even laid eyes on yet! I too have had very good service from MF in the past for what it's worth. BTW - very sweet guitar!!

Musician's Friend had been good to work with me.
I bought a Squier Strat a while back. The frets were rough and several short. I called them, they took it back and refunded me.
Just a few months, I bought a Parkwood Acoustic. It had three really high frets and one very low. Took it back and refunded me.
Glad you had a positive experience and that is onefine looking guitar.
Sweetwater is great in the customer service dept, too!

Beautiful guitar, congrats!