"USED" Epi LP Custom

[msismrp]

I just recently purchased an Epi Les Paul Custom from a shop, but through ebay. Upon receipt and inspection, I find the word "USED" stamped onto the back of the headstock, just above the serial number. This obviously is a factory stencil as the finish and paint are uniform overall.

My question is; Why? Why would anyone stamp a unit like this? Could it have been a factory refurbished unit and Epi was afraid that one of their dealers would sell it as used, or what? A real head scratcher.

I love the unit, but this could affect the resale value, even though everyone knows it's used.

 

[Hack]

Welcome!

The USED stamp is from the factory. There is a defect in the guitar someplace. Most times its a finish flaw. They also mark them as 2ND sometimes.

I believe this is the correct answer.

Now, get those pictures of your guitar up!

 

[CycleDude]

+1

pics or it didnt happen... LOL!

 

[Tenacious T]

I have a cherry burst standard that I purchased several years ago with the "used" stamp. The only issue I can find with the guitar is a small finish flaw near the tailpiece studs. Other than that, it's one of my best players.

 

[56GT]

The "2ND" is stamped at the factory to indicate the guitar has a flaw in the finish. I've got one with the "2ND" and have yet to find the flaw.
From what I understand, "USED" is usually a factory refurbished or repaired and is stamped "USED" so they are not sold as new.

 

[Azathoth]

One of my Wildkats I got off of ebay has that stamp. I bought it as a refurb. Supposedly it was due to faulty wiring. It also has a punched number sticker on the inside of the semihollow body, covering the old serial number with a new one.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Yeah, I'd understood that "used" was stamped upon warranty-returns that were replaced with new guits, and subsequently resold.

eta: Some pics?

 

[IanMak3103]

Know the rules......please

 

[straybeat]

FWIW, my Prophecy is a 2nd. I'll be damned if I can find a single flaw on it. I have gone over it about 6 times just for the heck of it when I'm bored and I can't find a thing?

Maybe it's my greasy fingerprints on the tuners?

I used hot water to try and draw the stamp out (the pic is when it was new). It worked a bit, but I got bored doing that too.

There's a trick to get dents out of necks and things using a damp rag and a soldering iron. You just have to be careful not to bubble up the finish or burn through.

 

[Azathoth]

Don't know if anyone is referring to my post as an example of the stamp, but mine would be hard to take a pic of as the stamp is only slightly in the poly finish and hardly visible (and my camera sucks).

I'm about to sell it, hopefully.

 

[purevilpleasure]

As others have said...2nd usually means a flaw found at the factory. Used from my understanding is a return that is stamped so it can not be "fixed" and then sold as new price. The return can be from a bad fret, bad wiring, or even if it was returned due to simply not liking it.......there should be nothing wrong with your Custom and pics are required.

 

[msismrp]

Sorry guys. I'ma "newby" and was unaware of protcol. But here is a photo of the stamp. It doesn't show up very clear due to the black finish and the flash.
I'v also included a frontal view so that I can brag a bit. I love this instrument and will never part with it regardless of what, if anything, I may find wrong with it. I may upgrade to some better pick-ups, but other than that, it's the Queen. Oh, and thanks for all of the replies. Great information, and confirmed what I suspicioned about a factory rework or warranty unit.

 

[straybeat]

Sorry guys. I'ma "newby" and was unaware of protcol. But here is a photo of the stamp. It doesn't show up very clear due to the black finish and the flash.

By the 311 serial number your guitar was rebuilt by MIRC. Whenever a guitar comes from the factory with any kind of problem it is sent to MIRC to be fixed and resold. It could be anything from a broken headstock to a dead pot to a loose fret.

MIRC: The US largest wholesale supplier of used guitars and other musical instruments.

 

[fry]

Just curious, did the seller mention (or picture) the 2ND stamp in the Ebay listing?

 

[56GT]

FWIW, my Prophecy is a 2nd. I'll be damned if I can find a single flaw on it. I have gone over it about 6 times just for the heck of it when I'm bored and I can't find a thing?

Maybe it's my greasy fingerprints on the tuners?

I used hot water to try and draw the stamp out (the pic is when it was new). It worked a bit, but I got bored doing that too.

There's a trick to get dents out of necks and things using a damp rag and a soldering iron. You just have to be careful not to bubble up the finish or burn through.

you're lucky - mine was stamped so hard that it cracked the clear coat.

 

[straybeat]

you're lucky - mine was stamped so hard that it cracked the clear coat.

Yeah, the flaw is probably the damn stamp. It was fine before.

 

[standard man]

Ive got a stamped USED trad pro gold top. It was fretting out on the 12th on the B. I gave it my own personal set up, and now it frets out on the 20th of the E but the B is fine. Ill never win. lol but all in all, its still a killer guitar that I got for a nice discount from the stamp! Enjoy your custom!

 

[Jeffmt]

One of my Wildkats I got off of ebay has that stamp. I bought it as a refurb. Supposedly it was due to faulty wiring. It also has a punched number sticker on the inside of the semihollow body, covering the old serial number with a new one.

Isn't faulty wiring stock on a Wildkat?

j/k. Planning on getting one soon.

 

[fumblefinger]

For what it's worth, here's my understanding of the stamps.

"2nd" means they found a finish flaw that isn't worth spending time to fix. finish only. I had a similar thing except mine is "2nd". Simple flaw in the finish at the 12th fret. Here's my prevous thread. Note that I got the seller to rebate $100 because it wasn't mentioned.
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphone-les-pauls/212413-dreaded-2nd-ngd.html

"Used" indicates there was a problem found, other than finish. Straybeat was right. The serial sticker indicates you have what is refered to as "refurbished" unit. The guitar was sold to one of several companies who "fix" the problem and then resell it.