Losing their F#$%^&* minds!!!!!

[Chad]

A little clarification. This isn't my first rodeo and I have been doing this a long time so...3x440 means that it was over tuned about 3 times that of standard tuning...not loosened for shipping...over tightened to the extreme.The guitar is a Worn Brown Explorer that I bought in 2008. I bought it from Musicians Friend. The pots don't take two hands to turn...but it is VERY difficult with one hand.The finish was just the worn finish without a clear. I had to take 0000 steal wool to it just to get the shit off it. I have never seen anything like this ever.I didn't buy it from Guitar Center. After my last experience with them (different issue) I will never even step into another store. I've already sent my letter to the corp. office. Fuck them. BTW, if a guitar is on the wall at Guitar Center, it's used and not new and should be priced accordingly. When I called Gibson to ask for the missing case candy (paperwork) they basically told me to fuck off and were NO help at all.Does this mean I'm finished with Gibson? No, just one bad experience with a bad product. BTW, Chad, how long have you worked for Gibson?

It's physically impossible to tune a normal guitar with normal strings 3 octaves up from standard tuning without breaking strings or destroying other things.

That guitar probably had CTS or CEG pots. They are normally decent pots. I'm guessing they were of the high torque variety, which I actually prefer. If my hands get to flailing while playing I won't accidentally change my volume setting.

I have a Les Paul Studio 60s P90 tribute, which doesn't have a clear coat. It had paint smell and was kinda sticky when I got it, but I figured that went along with a non-cleared (inexpensive) finish. It has gotten much better as time has gone on. Sounds like your guitar did possibly have some QC issues with the finish.

I agree that I wouldn't let one instrument cause me to form judgement of an entire company.

No, I don't work for Gibson. I actually was anti-Gibson (actually anti-Gibson & Fender) for the first 7 or 8 years I played guitar. As I got older, I decided to not be so close-minded and give them a try. I've had pretty good experiences, however, I still try to avoid playing them live because they are so boringly mainstream.

[Rupe]

Lefty want's facts...how about this one. "Overpriced" is not an opinion, it's a fact. Gibson builds a finite number of Les Paul Customs each year. They sell each and every one of those guitars to a retailer, who in turn sells each and every one of those guitars to a customer (MAP for that model is $3999, but some dealers will certainly offer a better than that so there is a little wiggle room here...they still all sell with very few exceptions). Because Gibson sells each and every one they make, the "fact" is that the guitar is not "overpriced". At the point where Gibson can no longer move those guitars and ends up sitting on inventory, then the fact would be that the guitar truly is overpriced. Bottom line is that overpriced is not subjective...it's a product of market conditions.

That said, an opinion would be that you don't see the value in that model at that price point, therefore you would choose not to buy one (and I'd tend to agree with you on that). Value for cost is completely subjective, and is actually what you are talking about.

Class is adjourned

[Chad]

^True that. Gibson actually stated at one time that they found the higher they priced their guitars, the better they sold. I'm not sure if that's still the case with the economy of the last few years. But it certainly proves that as long as a company is able to repeatedly exhaust their supplies at a given price point, then their product is not "overpriced" in the overall market.

[toejam]

I'd be willing to bet a testicle that VitaminG and Toejam are friends on here.

You'd be right. Now hand over that nut, or Sully can use his noose and get it for us!

BTW, I like my '04 worn/faded Vintage Mahogany Studio LP and, no, you can't have it!

[ginsambo]

^True that. Gibson actually stated at one time that they found the higher they priced their guitars, the better they sold. I'm not sure if that's still the case with the economy of the last few years. But it certainly proves that as long as a company is able to repeatedly exhaust their supplies at a given price point, then their product is not "overpriced" in the overall market.

Exactly what I said, that is my experience in business too. Price yourself high and people think they are getting something of quality and true distinction, but too low and they'll never be keeping up with the Jones's and they'll treat you like a whore for it and never be satisfied with the job, even if it's ten times better than another job you overpriced. People are morons through and through and expectation is the name of the game. As soon as you add the $$$'s you are effectively 85% there already. I've always liked second hand tat from the 1930's myself. but now it is back in fashion it is sold for a premium to the same numpties who keep up with the Jones's so I can't afford it any more. People will buy your old toothbrush is the price is high enough.

Is why it is so refreshing to meet people who call a spade a spade, no matter how much wealth, or lack of it they might have.

[Amerturk]

I agree that I wouldn't let one instrument cause me to form judgement of an entire company.

Thanks for the civil response Chad. Although I wasn't happy with the guitar when I got it, I fixed it up and got it to my liking. I kinda look at it as i bought a used guitar and had to customize it to my liking. I know the "worn" series took a lot of shit, but I actually really like the smooth non cleared neck. The brown color is shit ugly, but it's growing on me. I will say this for Gibson, their stock pups are really nice. I love them in the explorer and I also use the 500 in some of my Kramers.