Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: LazyNinja on June 11, 2007, 09:38:26 PM

Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 11, 2007, 09:38:26 PM
Back from Download all nicely deafened n tanned and this is what I found when I got back...

(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/Kaz2550/IMG_3001.jpg)

It's a Tokai PR90, basically a made in Japan PRS copy. It looked fantastic and the neck felt quite comfortable despite being rather flatter than what I'm normally used to. However, upon further inspection I found a few blemishes and it's quite bad.

first, a big ding to the bottom edge:
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/Kaz2550/IMG_2993-1.jpg)

The binding is done badly and it looks like the veneer is coming off:
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/Kaz2550/IMG_2996.jpg)

The body has two strange dark stripes running through it. Not sure if this is actually bad:
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/Kaz2550/IMG_3000.jpg)

The item was supposed to be brand new, but this looks more like a damaged ex display model :evil: . I'm just contacting the seller about what to do now. It's a shame that supposedly joyous reception of my new guitar turned out this way :( . Hope it all works out.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 11, 2007, 09:46:40 PM
I was going to buy that, glad i didn't now though haha.

Seriously thought that is disgusting condition, i seriously doubt that it came like that from Tokai because my Tokai jap Explorer was amazing when i bought it, so it's either the seller trying to make out it's new to sell it for more or the courier who threw it about.

Either way get your money back or get a replacement.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: 99_not_out on June 11, 2007, 09:47:14 PM
Hard lines man. Fingers crossed you can sort it out. Stick to your guns and don't let them fob you off!

That last picture of the back confused me ... but I just realised your ceiling lamp is reflected in the veneer. lol, I though there was some sort of weird trumpet attached to the back!
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 11, 2007, 10:10:13 PM
Yeah but do you see the two lines though. It's not like straight grain line either they kinda bend.

Haha damn you it's the curse of CJ for buying the guitar he was eyeing.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Philly Q on June 11, 2007, 10:20:47 PM
Hard to tell with the refections, but I think the stripes on the back are just wood grain patterns.

But that's irrelevant really, the other bits of damage are bad and shouldn't be there.  It's a horrible let-down when you buy something and it turns up damaged  :( .  Have you got back to the seller yet?
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Oli on June 11, 2007, 11:03:49 PM
I had a Charvel that got damaged in the post, i bought it off ebay, and it was in fine condition before it was sent- the chips of the paint were in the box still under all the bubble-wrap; there's about 1.5cm squared of bare wood visible there now :( I feel your pain dude- try and chase it up as soon as possible, and i hope you get it sorted :)
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 12, 2007, 12:24:34 AM
Quote from: LazyNinja
Yeah but do you see the two lines though. It's not like straight grain line either they kinda bend.

Haha damn you it's the curse of CJ for buying the guitar he was eyeing.


haha!

I hope you get it sorted though, if i found a guitar like that i would go nuts, i don't think its fair to pay that much and find it completely mucked up. I'm sure the guy will give you a refund or replacement, though he said to me when i inquired about another one he said he would try and order one in so maybe he only had that one.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on June 12, 2007, 12:28:02 AM
The lines on the back are natural grain lines - nothing to be concerned about from what i can see in the piccy

IS the veneer coming loose or just the binding?

Is there any sin of damage to the box in the same place?

Shame about that chip in the back though
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 12, 2007, 08:56:00 AM
From what I could see, the box was in perfect condition and the guitar was well protected. That's why I think it was already like that when it was packed  :evil: It came in a Cort guitar box as well so that makes it even more likely that it's been in the shop and got damaged.

I'm asking for a refund or replacement but the seller hasn't got back to me yet.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: dave_mc on June 12, 2007, 12:26:19 PM
that sucks, good luck in getting it sorted out!
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 12, 2007, 03:00:10 PM
The seller offered me either full refund or partial refund to keep the instrument. Replacement isn't possible apparently as these are limited to 200 in Europe. I opted for the partial refund of £60 instead of a full refund because you can't really see the ding from the front anyway and the veneer thing is very minor. That makes it £400 which I don't think is too bad considering these are normally £600.

Anyways it's all sorted now and I think I'll just enjoy it. I'll give it a full set up when I go home and I will start wondering what BKP I should get in it :twisted:
Title: new guitar day
Post by: indysmith on June 12, 2007, 06:22:57 PM
i wouldnt be the least bit happy with that. Tell him you want the item you've paid for in the expected condition; they have to replace it surely. It's ridiculous that they even sold you that in the first place.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 13, 2007, 01:25:28 PM
Quote from: indysmith
i wouldnt be the least bit happy with that. Tell him you want the item you've paid for in the expected condition; they have to replace it surely. It's ridiculous that they even sold you that in the first place.


I'm not defending the guy but these are limited edition Tokai runs like my Explorer and only a small batch would have come to the UK so getting another one will be pretty impossible. Also i think he is too lazy to try and get a replacement hence why he is offering the partial refund!

Though i have to say £60 is quite little for the damage that has taken.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: indysmith on June 13, 2007, 01:27:20 PM
Quote from: Crazy_Joe
Quote from: indysmith
i wouldnt be the least bit happy with that. Tell him you want the item you've paid for in the expected condition; they have to replace it surely. It's ridiculous that they even sold you that in the first place.


I'm not defending the guy but these are limited edition Tokai runs like my Explorer and only a small batch would have come to the UK so getting another one will be pretty impossible. Also i think he is too lazy to try and get a replacement hence why he is offering the partial refund!

Though i have to say £60 is quite little for the damage that has taken.

but if you've bought it, paid for it, that's not your problem is it? It's his responsibility to get another one. that isn't soiled.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: 99_not_out on June 13, 2007, 01:51:06 PM
I'd get a quote from a repair shop for fixing the dings and ask for that sum as the discount, if its not going to be possible to get a replacement guitar.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 13, 2007, 02:13:27 PM
As CJ said, I don't think he was telling me lies when he said getting replacement was not possible. These are strictly limited in numbers.

I think you guys could be right though. Although that ding cant be seen from the front, £400 is still a lot of money so I'd like it to be perfect.

I'll give him a call and I'll get a refund sorted. I hope it's not too late.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Kilby on June 13, 2007, 02:46:12 PM
I was wondering what aspect of this particular guitar is the limited to 200 issues to europe (Colour, Japanese built or the finish ?)

I ask becasue I have seen quite a few of these PRS styled Tokais, since last summer

Rob...
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 13, 2007, 02:56:12 PM
It's because these are Japanese made ones with proper woods. Mahogany body and neck with thick maple cap topped with quilted veneer. The ones you've seen lots of are probably PR50s which have alder body and no cap.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Kilby on June 13, 2007, 04:26:21 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
It's because these are Japanese made ones with proper woods. Mahogany body and neck with thick maple cap topped with quilted veneer. The ones you've seen lots of are probably PR50s which have alder body and no cap.


Thanks I was just wondering as I was heading home next week and could have checked out which models where available from a local store.

Rob...
Title: new guitar day
Post by: dave_mc on June 13, 2007, 05:41:31 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
As CJ said, I don't think he was telling me lies when he said getting replacement was not possible. These are strictly limited in numbers.

I think you guys could be right though. Although that ding cant be seen from the front, £400 is still a lot of money so I'd like it to be perfect.

I'll give him a call and I'll get a refund sorted. I hope it's not too late.


i hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction, but as far as I'm aware, if you've already agreed to something, the shop'd be within its rights to hold you to what you accepted first...

just worth keeping in mind...

:drink:
Title: new guitar day
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on June 13, 2007, 08:48:28 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
The seller offered me either full refund or partial refund to keep the instrument. Replacement isn't possible apparently as these are limited to 200 in Europe. I opted for the partial refund of £60 instead of a full refund because you can't really see the ding from the front anyway and the veneer thing is very minor. That makes it £400 which I don't think is too bad considering these are normally £600.

Anyways it's all sorted now and I think I'll just enjoy it. I'll give it a full set up when I go home and I will start wondering what BKP I should get in it :twisted:


If you got it for £400, the store will have made no money at all - may have even lost money, so they are unlikely to shift any more in reductions
They would have been better off not getting it in ,  or selling it at all - better still just stay at home in bed rather than opening up the shop.

But if you like the axe and know that you got it for less than the shop paid, and that it actually plays well - you may decide to keep it after all and play it to death and not have to worry about it getting its first scratch or chip - because it already has them.

I once had a new PRS custom 22 which i never played because it was too perfect and new and shiny and i didnt want it to get messed up.
I ended up selling it and never got to enjoy it
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Mr Ed on June 13, 2007, 10:13:19 PM
Quote from: 99_not_out
I'd get a quote from a repair shop for fixing the dings and ask for that sum as the discount, if its not going to be possible to get a replacement guitar.


Good idea.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: indysmith on June 14, 2007, 11:00:20 AM
didn't the original and highly-prized pre-1993 PRS customs have alder bodies? I might have to check out those korean made ones...
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 14, 2007, 11:21:44 AM
The seller now offered me £100 instead to keep the guitar. Should I accept it? I really don't know now because that does sound like a good deal but I'm finding it hard to adjust to the string spacing. I can still opt for a full refund though.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Mr Ed on June 14, 2007, 11:45:17 AM
Quote from: LazyNinja
The seller now offered me £100 instead to keep the guitar. Should I accept it? I really don't know now because that does sound like a good deal but I'm finding it hard to adjust to the string spacing. I can still opt for a full refund though.


£100 back sounds pretty good but, at the end of the day, do you WANT to play it when you pick it up? Can you see past the few cosmetic problems?

Go with whatever your gut feeling is - and to me it seems like you're hesitant so I reckon a full refund is probably going to suit you better and spend your dough elsewhere. You're obviously not as happy with it as you should be after spending £400+ on it.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 14, 2007, 11:53:53 AM
I'd go for the full refund, but that's just because i hate little dings on guitars, if it doesn't bother you then and you like the guitar enough, then i think £100 off is pretty damn good.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 14, 2007, 12:09:01 PM
I can definitely see past the cosmetic problems I don't have problems with that. It sounds great too it's a bit muddy but then my other guitar has BKPs. The neck resonates a lot when I play as well which must be a good thing. I can tell it's a good guitar but I still don't know if I'm completely comfortable with the wide neck.  At this point t's almost like I kind of want to let go of it but hesitant because the deal sounds so good.

Actually, I always feel like I should get rid of it when I'm sat here at work. But I get home and I always change my mind :?
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Mr Ed on June 14, 2007, 12:48:50 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
I can definitely see past the cosmetic problems I don't have problems with that. It sounds great too it's a bit muddy but then my other guitar has BKPs. The neck resonates a lot when I play as well which must be a good thing. I can tell it's a good guitar but I still don't know if I'm completely comfortable with the wide neck.  At this point t's almost like I kind of want to let go of it but hesitant because the deal sounds so good.

Actually, I always feel like I should get rid of it when I'm sat here at work. But I get home and I always change my mind :?


If you have any hesitation, get rid - trust your gut and your hands, especially if you're not too happy with the neck.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 14, 2007, 01:01:14 PM
Yeah don't keep it because the deal sounds good, if it doesn't feel completely right then i don't think it's the one for you.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on June 14, 2007, 01:15:00 PM
Yeah I guess that's for the best. I always tend to go for good deals rather than something I really want. I think I need to change that. Thanks for clearing my mind up guys I'm going to go arrange a refund.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Mr Ed on June 14, 2007, 01:16:23 PM
Good stuff, it'll be worth it when you have all your cash back and you see an even better deal, in better condition and something you're completely comfy with and you'll realise you dodged a bullet. ;)
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Crazy_Joe on June 14, 2007, 01:53:24 PM
Quote from: LazyNinja
Yeah I guess that's for the best. I always tend to go for good deals rather than something I really want. I think I need to change that. Thanks for clearing my mind up guys I'm going to go arrange a refund.


Yeah i do that quite a bit, look for the deals then find out i could have got a lot better. You will find something you like better, you could even save up and buy a real PRS if you wanted to.
Title: new guitar day
Post by: dave_mc on June 14, 2007, 04:15:19 PM
yeah, go with your gut.

if you're anything like me, though, nomatter what you decide you'll think it was the wrong decision.

 :lol:
Title: new guitar day
Post by: LazyNinja on July 17, 2007, 10:00:03 AM
FIIIIIIINALLY got the refund for this guitar. Took well over a month. An absolute nightmare shop to deal with. Turns out they were cash converters  which explains the lack of knowledge and apalling set up on the guitar on arrival. Their manager left for holiday before he was finished with me and then the staff had no clue when he was coming back :evil: Kept telling me wrong dates when he'd be back ("oh he'd be back wednesday""he's not in til saturday""he isn't in this afternoon""blah blah blah") aarrrgh! *pulls out hair*

Avoid ebay seller littlekatiem!!!! :x
Title: new guitar day
Post by: dave_mc on July 17, 2007, 11:07:57 AM
cash converters?  :evil:

thanks for the heads up, and glad you finally got your money back!
Title: new guitar day
Post by: Johnny Mac on July 17, 2007, 09:48:55 PM
Blimey! I wouldn't buy anything from them it's just a 'chain of fence'!  :lol: