NGD - Epiphone Masterbilt (warped top?)

mz-s · #1 03-19-2018, 05:57 PM

Hi folks,

I got in one of the new Epiphone Masterbilt DR-400MCE's today, and am thinking I may have gotten a dud from Musician's Friend.

I see a warp on the top around the soundhole - specifically, the top of the soundhole near the fingerboard extension seems to be pulling away from the rest of the top. It's easy to see in person, but in photos it's difficult to make out. Here are some photos:

Is something like this prone to getting worse with time, staying the same, or getting better? I'm not sure if it may be over humidification during transit or something, or if it's a defect. Wondering if I should return even if I'm happy with the rest of the guitar besides this issue?

What say ye?

Gordon Currie · #2 03-19-2018, 06:02 PM

That look bad to me. I would return it ASAP.

mz-s · #3 03-19-2018, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

That look bad to me. I would return it ASAP.

Thanks for your input; the box was a little beat up and it spent the weekend at the UPS depot so who knows what it went through. I'll be exchanging it!

catdaddy · #4 03-19-2018, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

That look bad to me. I would return it ASAP.

I second that with gusto!

Jim · #5 03-19-2018, 08:05 PM

One should not expect perfect quality control on inexpensive models such as this , but that guitar is way beyond the imperfections that should be tolerated on this. Definitely send it back as it can only get worse over time.

mz-s · #6 03-19-2018, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

One should not expect perfect quality control on inexpensive models such as this , but that guitar is way beyond the imperfections that should be tolerated on this. Definitely send it back as it can only get worse over time.

Yeah I'm willing to overlook the less than perfect finishing, glue drips, etc., but a structural issue like this is cause for concern. Sadly everything else about this guitar is beautiful, including the sound and feel. I was sort of hoping I'd hear "it's dry, it will get better in a few days" since I don't know if I want to play the exchange lottery. Oh well, I'd rather not have to deal with a repair later on if it does get worse.

Thanks for your input!