Fix or Return?

[Member 20177]

I bought my first new guitar in 25 years(always buy used)... I picked up a Special Run Stratocaster for $649 plus 12% off. They had two and they were both around the same weight and sounded similar. The issue is that they both had a little bit of the frets sticking out...I'm assuming the necks dried a bit in the store. Ibought one of them anyway figure I can humidfy the neck and fix the problem.. If this doesn't fix it I am more than capable of fixing the issue by re-filing.. Question is should I...The guitar is new and once I actually touch it there is no returns... Opinions, Fix it or send it back.. It's MIM by the way, Classic player series its the base of this model I believe...

 

[bsteff666]

That's a very easy fix. Fix it.

 

[VaughnC]

IMO, fret sprout is a very minor issue...so, if I really liked the guitar and that was the only issue, I'd keep it.

 

[Mike9]

No returns??? It's NEW - it should be under warranty.

 

[Member 20177]

No returns??? It's NEW - it should be under warranty.

Definately can be returned or exchanged...What they can't do is do the fix it... I can fix it fairly easily. The question is should I?

 

[Quarter]

If its an otherwise good player and something that you really like, then definitely fix it. A little fret sprout is not uncommon during dryer winter months.

 

[goodwater]

if you like the guitar, I'd say fix it

 

[mfitz804]

Fret sprout is extremely common...if you can fix it yourself, do so. Or, my local tech does a fret end filing for about $35-40.

Its more of a setup issue than a "defect", so if you like it, get to filing!

 

[Brian Meader]

Give it a good dose of humidity and then re-check the frets. Generally fret "sprout" is the result of the guitar getting too dry hanging on the wall in the store, and the fingerboard shrinks a bit. Put it out on a stand with a good humdifier and see what it looks like after a few days.

 

[Member 20177]

started the filing.... like it well enough to commit to doing it....

 

[FlyingDutchman]

fix it..you'll be happy with the end result.

 

[Member 20177]

Finished it up, oiled the boarded and finished a setup...well worth it.

 

[blong]

If you like the way plays and sounds, fix it and move on. If not, return it. Do you really think most music shop salesmen would notice if you did anything to it? I'm betting not, especially at a big box store. Our local GC sold a strat to a guy a few years ago. He took it over night and returned it. The reason I know this story is b/c I discovered the problem. I played it the next day and notice this really ragged out and rusted bridge. He had taken the entire trem off and traded it for the one on his gigging guitar b/c the rust and grime had frozen the saddle-height screws. When I showed the salesman his response was, "That dick! He ripped us off for a bridge and returned the guitar!" I know the guy who did it and he is a dick. Point is, they never even noticed it on return.

My scruples would not allow me to do that, but people do it all the time.

Anyway, if they have a competent tech, get it fixed for nuthin. If they don't, fix it yourself. You shouldn't have to pay more for to make the guitar playable, in my opinion. If you don't dig the guitar, take it back before you do so.

Bob

 

[John Coloccia]

Good going, Gadjet. I don't like the idea of humidifying it because it will just come back when it dries out again. Fix the fret sprout once in the winter time and forget about it forever.

 

[brianr0131]

Good going, Gadjet. I don't like the idea of humidifying it because it will just come back when it dries out again. Fix the fret sprout once in the winter time and forget about it forever.

I've never understood why most people don't "get" this concept

 

[Boris Bubbanov]

I've never understood why most people don't "get" this concept

A lot of guys live in places where fret sprout is not a common issue. It can stay pretty humid down in The South and from our perspective, these guitars are being modified to make them suitable to use in environments that are frankly hostile to the "health" of a guitar. Until a fellah sees what happens to the guitar he's not gonna be too sympathetic.

++

Back to the O.P.: glad things got resolved well. I'm too late but I would've suggested feigning a return of the guitar in an effort to get some discount. You went to some extra trouble and bore that yourself. I think I know what model you got and would like to have seen you get a little better deal if possible.

 

[straycat113]

I would of held off filing the frets before seeing if the issue would resolve itself with a little humidity and other methods. Some years ago I had bought two Peavey Wolfgangs off the bay from Nevada and Arizona. Both had come with fret sprout and I took care of the issue both times without ever having to file the frets. Unfinished necks and those treated like on an EBMM neck often have this issue with changes in weather-it is very common. Nothing wrong with going the file route but a lot of times it is not necessary, I have never had the issue recur on either guitar. It does pay to know the difference between fret sprout and bad fret work.

 

[Member 20177]

humidity wasn't going to get it... I gave it a few days.. fret ends were not finished all that well anyway, little sharp... I got a ok deal on the guitar and did not pay what they were asking... I was looking for a versatile Strat to sit in as a back up for my Fullerton reissue Tele or my 83' Hamer Sunburst. It wasn't bought to be my number 1 but after a little tweaking it plays like it could be. If it hydrates out a bit it still could have used a little clean up..

I do all my own tech work so I'm comfortable with doing this kind of stuff.. I'm fairly fussy about my setups and generally can get my guitar to play somewhat consistant which each other. this one is playing smooth and quick now...I'm satisfied..