Bridge bushing posts not flush

[GibsonM]

Hello again,
I have just recieve replaced Gibson CS Expl. This one dont have clear cote lacquer issues like last one.. But... I have recognized some inperfection - bushing (under the TOM bridge) doesnt flush with the body (one side is up a little bit - bass side more, treble less). Bridge looks like leaning a little beat because of that.
Guitar sound is awesome, no problem with intonation etc.. but... I fighting with my idealism, but what do You think? Its a guitar for 5000$... Shoud I return this one too? Ehh, im so confused. Thank You for answers.

Ps. I have checked this bushings in my LP - its not perfect, but left-right side is up - but I think is normal because of carve of the top.

 

[Brazilnut]

Definitely forward-leaning, all right. If it doesn't cause tuning or intonation issues, the question is: can you live with the imperfection after paying $5000?

 

[gitmohair]

If you're not happy with it send it back, simple as and all that. No, it doesn't look right, but give whoever you bought it from the chance to put things right. Did you buy two duff guitars from the same place (direct from Gibson, even)?

 

[GibsonM]

First brand new Explo had lacquer issue. I have send it back for replacement (topic: https://www.mylespaul.com/threads/gibson-clear-coat-issue.490897/

This is second one brand new. Bought from huge music shop in EU, I have got 30 days for return (even without some reason).

I think I dont want to be nervous again what will they send next time, with new issue/craftman fail (but this is problem with brand Gibson! What wrong with You Gibson?! You cant press bushings properly with proper alignment?! Where is QC?) All boxes are sealed with i think original white tape). I am thinking about return this one and get full refound.. then my dreams about great explo will dissapear.. and sadly maybe with this brand.. it is so dissapointment

ps. bridge posts are not bend

 

[Joe_Guitar]

Yeah, if it will eat at you every time you pick it up or even just think about it; return it or get it sorted.

 

[blackat]

Yeah, it wouldn't bother me if I bough it used for $2500.
Send it back or call who you bought it from, dealer or Gibson direct.

I would personally, take the bridge off and carefully see if it can be fixed easily without messing with it too much.

 

[blackat]

Very purty guitar, BTW

 

[dc007]

Man that's a tough call if it's got the mojo. I think I would want it made right

 

[gitmohair]

First brand new Explo had lacquer issue. I have send it back for replacement (topic: https://www.mylespaul.com/threads/gibson-clear-coat-issue.490897/

This is second one brand new. Bought from huge music shop in EU, I have got 30 days for return (even without some reason).

I think I dont want to be nervous again what will they send next time, with new issue/craftman fail (but this is problem with brand Gibson! What wrong with You Gibson?! You cant press bushings properly with proper alignment?! Where is QC?) All boxes are sealed with i think original white tape). I am thinking about return this one and get full refound.. then my dreams about great explo will dissapear.. and sadly maybe with this brand.. it is so dissapointment

ps. bridge posts are not bend

There has to be a better way for dealers to manage QC then send guitars out and rely on customers sending them back if they don't like them just to save themselves the effort of checking the thing before they send it out. NOT ALL DEALERS ARE LIKE THIS. Some actually do the job properly, might be worth trying a better dealer if you decide to have another go at getting one of these...

 

[LPTDMSV]

There has to be a better way for dealers to manage QC then send guitars out and rely on customers sending them back if they don't like them just to save themselves the effort of checking the thing before they send it out. NOT ALL DEALERS ARE LIKE THIS. Some actually do the job properly, might be worth trying a better dealer if you decide to have another go at getting one of these...

The trouble is that the online mega-shops like Thomann and Bax have the marketing power, the stock *and* the lower prices … and can easily absorb the costs and hassles of returns.

(Thomann have more than 10 of these in stock right now!)

 

[gitmohair]

The trouble is that the online mega-shops like Thomann and Bax have the marketing power, the stock *and* the lower prices … and can easily absorb the costs and hassles of returns.

(Thomann have more than 10 of these in stock right now!)

Indeed, and European Distance Selling regs mean that they have to offer that "no quibble 30 day return" window, so they just don't bother doing any QC. Why would they? A lot of stuff they send out this way will have issues, but the end user often doesn't notice them, most of the time it'll only be the higher-end stuff that gets "found out" and that's a very small part of their market.

Caveat emptor and all that. You buy this way then you run the risk of an experience like the OP's or indeed problems you don't notice til it's rather too late. Pay a *fair* price to buy from a "proper" dealer and you're doing yourself (and other buyers) a favour IMHO.

 

[gitmohair]

If the post bushings are in tight and solid and they're perpendicular to the string line,

Which it looks like they are. The pics are a tad deceptive (particularly the stop bar setting) and you miss the neck angle etc. I don't and never have owned an explorer but am wondering some if this is actually just how they are? Anyone with a "known good one" got pics for comparison?

EDIT: the more I look at these the more I'm convinced this is just how they are, but no doubt having had two of them now OP will have asked Gibson and will get back to us. Would be good to know.

 

[GibsonM]

Thank you guys for answears. I have played this guitar today and the sound and playbility is awesome... Post bushings are straight and in tight and solid and they're perpendicular to the string line, but a little leaned compare to body.

What do You thing about this:
1. Drilling the holes for bushings was did with bad angle
2. Tapping/pressing the bushings was did with bad angle
3. Bushings has been bended (lip?)
4. Bushing need more hammering in (?)

More photos:

 

[gitmohair]

What do You thing about this:
1. Drilling the holes for bushings was did with bad angle
2. Tapping/pressing the bushings was did with bad angle
3. Bushings has been bended (lip?)
4. Bushing need more hammering in (?)

You've missed out "(5) They're meant to be this way", which perhaps they are? Check with Gibson and one way or the other you'll then be able to sleep easy.

 

[LPTDMSV]

You've missed out "(5) They're meant to be this way", which perhaps they are? Check with Gibson and one way or the other you'll then be able to sleep easy.

- or 5A: The error is so small that it really doesn’t matter. It’s a guitar made of wood not a mission-critical component of a moon rocket!

sound and playbility is awesome..

Exactly!

 

[LPTDMSV]

Also … original ‘58 and re-issue Explorers had threaded posts and an ABR-1 so it’s hard to say what is “right” for an Explorer other than that.

 

[GibsonM]

Yes I understand, but drilling or pressing in bushings in 90 angle to body - is this required high skills? No. Maybe there was a problem with bad neck angle and they need to compensate this i dont know. No offence to anyone but Just want to talk about this

 

[Leee]

Can you simply tap the bushings down?
See if they move?

Do you have a good luthier nearby?
Take the guitar in and spend the money for a thorough set up.
He might see (and address) issues you didn’t even know you had.

You shouldn’t have to do this, but if the guitar is a keeper then it’s well worth the trouble.

And if he says to return it, well, there’s your confirmation that Gibson and your retailers need to get their act together.

 

[GibsonM]

I dont think its a good idea, as You see one side of the bushing lip is flush, the other is like almost bended - almost for sure it will not go any deeper, or if it will go, pickup side of bushing go into the wood body and will damage the lacquer body surface and still the angle will be the same (leaning). And that will be THE END - return this guitar will be impossible.

I have thinking a lot and this must be faulty craftmanship (bad angle) during drilling holes or/and pressing/tapping bushings.

Every guitar for guitarist is a keeper, from first one to 100 one
I dont have any good luthier near by.

I think this guitar go back to shop for replacing. Maybe the third one will be OK.

 

[LPTDMSV]

I dont think its a good idea, as You see one side of the bushing lip is flush, the other is like almost bended - almost for sure it will not go any deeper, or if it will go, pickup side of bushing go into the wood body and will damage the lacquer body surface and still the angle will be the same (leaning). And that will be THE END - return this guitar will be impossible.

I have thinking a lot and this must be faulty craftmanship (bad angle) during drilling holes or/and pressing/tapping bushings.

Every guitar for guitarist is a keeper, from first one to 100 one
I dont have any good luthier near by.

I think this guitar go back to shop for replacing. Maybe the third one will be OK.

I hope the shop will check the third one very carefully, especially bridge post alignment! I guess you will ask them to do that anyway. Good luck.