Monarkh Cosmetic Issues

[marnold]

So I ended up buying a Monarkh SCG. I got it from Musician's Friend, although it was one that had been on display at a Guitar Center. It was in desperate need of a setup, but I've more or less taken care of that. A couple of the nut slots are a smidge too high and I don't have nut files.

The bigger issue is that there are some cosmetic issues with it. There is some cracking on the binding, sometimes near the frets, sometimes not. It also appears that the binding on the neck where it is attached to the body was not properly masked off when the clear coat was put on because it is discolored. Images below. Is this a common issue? It'd be one thing if this was a JS series but it's the Pro.

Binding cracks

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5tDqWTM7Zbz5oTFk6

Discolored binding. The discoloration starts at the 14th fret and goes all the way to the heel.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2oKMmJqSQF6qc738

I tried to add the pictures directly, but the forum software kept refusing to do it.

[metalhobo]

re: the cracks in the binding: is there a clear coat over the spots where the cracks are, or is it just raw binding? if it's raw binding, it's actually a really easy fix with some acetone to "melt" the crack back together. just be careful and sparing. you can use fine grit sandpaper+polishing pads to clean it up after melting. of course only do this if 1. you're sure you're keeping it, and 2. the cracks are so bothersome you can't live with them. personally I'd just live with them

re: nut slots: my first suggestion would be to take it to a tech, but if you want to try it yourself there's some easy ways to cut nuts without special tools. you can use cheap needle files for the larger slots and for the smaller ones you can take something thin like a razor blade and wrap some medium grit sandpaper around it. when you're cutting the slots, just make sure to stay really consistent with the angle of the cut or else you can screw up the intonation. only cut in one direction.

[wrldeatr7]

Most of the import guitars (if not all) will need a setup. Guitar manufacturers like to play it safe and have the nut or the nut slots pretty high up.

Also all these guitars (with some rare exception) will have cosmetic issues, some minor, sometimes worse. This look pretty minor to me. Because of the location of the crack I don't see it becoming a problem. You can put some thin superglue on there, if you're worried.

I'm not sure what binding discoloration you refer to. I see it's dirty from residue probably of the nut filing. Once the clear coat starts the color changes a bit because of the clear coat itself, that's normal.

If you're still unhappy, I assume MF will exchange it no problem.

[Razor]

I assume this is a used guitar? If you don't like it then if they have a return policy use it. Any guitar you buy even new is going to need a setup. That binding is an easy fix and the discoloration may clean up. If it's used you're nitpicking the hell out of it and there are no issues there that I wouldn't consider normal for a used guitar. If it's new then I can understand looking it over with a fine tooth comb.

I bought a brand new blemished San Dimas Pro Mod from Musicians Friend in 2020. I spoke to a representative and he was very clear that they had a no questions asked return period and if I wasn't happy then return it for a full refund. The blem was so small it took me three days to find it. I still own the guitar. Yes it did need a full setup when I got it. That's normal on any guitar especially one new in the box.