Question about slight water damage of possible purchase

[Ross3700]

Hello, I am looking at a ES-336 that had slight water damage while sitting in its case. The most notable damage is at the headstock. It looks as if the finish is separating from the top of the headstock. The seller claims is not chipping or physically coming off, but it's mostly aesthetic is nature. The tuners and screws are slightly rusted. Not too worried about that since those are easily replaced. It's a tremendous deal. Should I be concerned about permanent damage? Could it be repaired easily? Any opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[warprider]

Uhmmmm...

Is that a real Gibson model?

 

[Steven]

Looks suspicious to me

 

[Spinifex]

Truss rod cover has been modified - filed down? - and is too close to the nut. Not familiar with this guitar model...

 

[Cinegoat]

I had to look this one up cause I have never seen a Gibson headstock like that before. But everyday I learn something new.

 

[efstop]

It's a Gibson Custom ES-336 with that head stock.
The CS in the serial means Custom Shop.
A CS-336 has a normal Gibson head stock.

 

[Ross3700]

It's a Gibson Custom ES-336 with that head stock.
The CS in the serial means Custom Shop.
A CS-336 has a normal Gibson head stock.

I can never remember. Updated!

 

[Ross3700]

Uhmmmm...

Is that a real Gibson model?

Solid, carved, maple top and carved, solid mahogany body. The back, sides, and center block are all carved from the same piece of wood. It's rad.

 

[Ross3700]

Looks suspicious to me

What looks suspicious?

 

[Ross3700]

Truss rod cover has been modified - filed down? - and is too close to the nut. Not familiar with this guitar model...

The truss rod cover is fine.

 

[Bobby Mahogany]

Were you looking for that model in particular
or is it the "tremendous deal" that is making you itchy?

And if it's that particular model, how would you feel back at home,
in the comfort of your (music) room alone with the guitar?
Would you think of the damage?
If so, pass.

 

[LtDave32]

Man asks a question, gets any damn thing but a straight answer.

So I'll give him a straight answer.

Firstly, the pics aren't the best for answering your question. I'd need close-ups of the headstock damage and any other damage.

But I do know this..

Water can get inside the tuner holes in the headstock swell the bare wood and crack the surrounding lacquer .

Other moisture damage can occur if it got in the F holes and swelled the wood from in there.

I would need better pictures to advise or recommend a fix.

 

[emoney]

The good thing here is that the 336 is a carved guitar. I'd be a lot more concerned if it was a 335 as a laminate construction. However, like LtDave32 said, it's very hard to tell the condition of a guitar with only pictures as the reference. Check the neck make sure it's not twisted, etc. Pull the tuners and p'ups along with the electronics cover on the back and go from there.

 

[Steven]

Water damage does much more than meets the eye. I would have the guitar thoroughly checked, inside and out.

 

[Ross3700]

I decided not to pursue the guitar. There's just too much risk with water damage. I totally agree, who knows if there's damage hidden somewhere?

 

[the great waldo]

Hello, I am looking at a ES-336 that had slight water damage while sitting in its case. The most notable damage is at the headstock. It looks as if the finish is separating from the top of the headstock. The seller claims is not chipping or physically coming off, but it's mostly aesthetic is nature. The tuners and screws are slightly rusted. Not too worried about that since those are easily replaced. It's a tremendous deal. Should I be concerned about permanent damage? Could it be repaired easily? Any opinions are appreciated. Thanks!


View attachment 667844

What a horrible looking guitar. It looks like a Chinese Epiphone conversion, Yuk. Matthew Klein at Gibson would be the guy to ask, he does a lot of the cnc design work there.
Cheers
Andrew