Incoming NGD

[Eddie kim]

Can’t wait to see the real deal

 

[CandidPicker]

Can’t wait to see the real deal

On the FedEx truck this morning. That and a replacement UPS Back-Up battery arriving separately how? UPS.

Pics of the guitar (not me) to follow later today...

 

[CandidPicker]

UPDATE: TENSION, JOY, THEN DISAPPOINTMENT...

Well, a story sometimes doesn't always have happy ending, but only a discouraging transition until a solution...

Here are some pics, and then the story behind the disappointment...

First, the tense moment:

Second, the visible relief seeing that the interior contents were well-packaged with bubble wrap...

Next, the close-ups of the guitar...

Beautiful, yes? Now, the let-down. The guitar was originally delayed in shipment because of a faulty selector switch. The retailer who sold the guitar said they'd order a new selector switch, repair the guitar, perform an inspection, then ship the guitar. The guitar was originally purchased on June 14th and shipped the 26th.

Apparently, the faulty selector switch was an incorrect diagnosis. The problem is that the bridge pickup does not function in either the middle or neck selector switch position. Neck pickup works correctly in the neck selector position. Neck pickup does not work in the middle position.

IMHO, this sounds like a bad wiring/solder issue, since the neck pickup is also affected in the middle position. What are your thoughts as to my problem? (I've already determined that returning the guitar for repair to the retailer is not my preference, since the retailer said an inspection would be performed prior to shipment.)

I'd prefer to let a local tech inspect the guitar and repair it, and just absorb the cost of repair, unless the bridge pickup is the issue, and requires replacement. PTC would be contacted. This guitar is brand new and was sold to me as such.

 

[CandidPicker]

UPDATE: Just received a message from my retailer. They've offered to reimburse me for the cost of local repair and inspection with proof of a repair receipt, and wish to know what the correct diagnosis was for the electronics issue is, so they can forward that to their repair team. They were also apologetic and thankful for my patience while solving this issue.

 

[Solteroblues]

this sounds like the best option to me...

 

[shimmilou]

...IMHO, this sounds like a bad wiring/solder issue, since the neck pickup is also affected in the middle position.....

This could very well be the issue, as there have been a couple of others that were miswired from the factory, my S2 Studio being one. If you want to remove the pickguard and have a look, maybe post some pics of the wiring, we could help sort it.

 

[CandidPicker]

This could very well be the issue, as there have been a couple of others that were miswired from the factory, my S2 Studio being one. If you want to remove the pickguard and have a look, maybe post some pics of the wiring, we could help sort it.

Thanks, I'd prefer not to, though, simply because it'll be a repair tech who will perform the repair, not myself.

Am sourcing guitar techs today, and have a few leads. Most techs are away this weekend (they have lives too), but by chance, a local GC tech is working Thursday and Friday this week. It may be possible to persuade (arm-wrestle) the tech into diagnosing the wiring issue and receive the guitar back before Saturday. While GC may not be the least expensive option, he is the first option who is not on vacation prior to this weekend.

 

[Eddie kim]

UPDATE: Just received a message from my retailer. They've offered to reimburse me for the cost of local repair and inspection with proof of a repair receipt, and wish to know what the correct diagnosis was for the electronics issue is, so they can forward that to their repair team. They were also apologetic and thankful for my patience while solving this issue.

I would send it to PTC period. The the retailer refuses, send it back and get it form elsewhere. Make sure that the retailer will pay for everything. This way, there is no this or that about what’s wrong with the guitar, since you are sending to PRS.

 

[bodia]

Sweet looking guitar. Sucks that it has a problem. I'd source the repair locally since the dealer is willing to reimburse you for the cost of the repairs.

 

[pac90]

garrett to the rescue!

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/a-look-inside-the-s2-singlecut-standard.14473/

Have a look and see whats missing from these stock photos. Its easy for the earth-to-stoptail bridge (the bare wire in these photos) to ping off, and any other solder joint come to think of it.

Looking won't affect warranty. It is possible to shimmy the pick-guard out from underneath loosened strings with a cloth protecting the body, but probably best to undo them at the locking tuners and eat a new set if you have to when you put it back together, its a lot easier that way and takes no time at all.

Bit of a poor show from dealer unless it happened in transit which is actually likely.

They are such good guitars, love the open pore look and satin neck.

 

[CandidPicker]

I would send it to PTC period. The the retailer refuses, send it back and get it form elsewhere. Make sure that the retailer will pay for everything. This way, there is no this or that about what’s wrong with the guitar, since you are sending to PRS.

The retailer may not be at fault because things do happen in shipping (see first image with carton damage). The retailer was provided with options that I personally chose that would not distance me from the guitar for any great timeframe, also because damage could occur again during shipping and then who would be responsible? To avoid any shipping issues, I chose a local tech who pulled the toggle backplate off and tested the 3-way toggle for continuity. The neck red to ground wire reads 8.03. The grayish green to ground, 0.

Sweet looking guitar. Sucks that it has a problem. I'd source the repair locally since the dealer is willing to reimburse you for the cost of the repairs.

TBH, It's only a minor hiccup. The retailer immediately responded and stood by its product, saying they'd reimburse the repair cost if they were provided an emailed receipt copy. Sometimes bugs appear where there were none, but do you blame the retailer (who packaged the guitar extraordinarily well) or the baggage handler who likely dinked the carton during shipping? I blame the subtle combination of Viagra and Rogaine. (Insert dumb punchline here)

On a more serious note, the local tech is only about 35 minutes away and this precludes shipping the guitar again. I think that rather than ship the guitar back to the retailer or PTC (where more shipping damage could occur) sourcing to a local tech is the way to go.

garrett to the rescue!

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/a-look-inside-the-s2-singlecut-standard.14473/

Have a look and see whats missing from these stock photos. Its easy for the earth-to-stoptail bridge (the bare wire in these photos) to ping off, and any other solder joint come to think of it.

Looking won't affect warranty. It is possible to shimmy the pick-guard out from underneath loosened strings with a cloth protecting the body, but probably best to undo them at the locking tuners and eat a new set if you have to when you put it back together, its a lot easier that way and takes no time at all.

Bit of a poor show from dealer unless it happened in transit which is actually likely.

They are such good guitars, love the open pore look and satin neck.

Thanks Garrett, the tech has access to PRS' website and FAQs database for diagrams, though I'll send him a link if he could use a hint. I'll take look myself at the link after dinner. Fortunately, the tech said he'd check connections, re-solder as necessary, restring the guitar with provided strings, clean 'er up and contact me by Friday most likely. It'll likely be Saturday before revisiting the tech, but am hoping for only a corrected loose solder or jostled connection that occurred during shipment from the retailer.

 

[bodia]

Your state of calm is really refreshing. So many would flame about QC issues. I lift my glass in your direction, sir!

 

[CandidPicker]

Your state of calm is really refreshing. So many would flame about QC issues. I lift my glass in your direction, sir!

You know, a wise friend of mine once said, "If it doesn't cost you a lot of time, money, or effort, why worry?" The "emphasis" on where it usually hurts the most...one's wallet...

TBH, this repair is only costing me time and mild effort (maybe some gas money), but a reassured reimbursement for the repair. Small potatoes.

You'd be surprised how well I avoid developing an attitude. Years of training went into this...

 

[bodia]

You know, a wise friend of mine once said, "If it doesn't cost you a lot of time, money, or effort, why worry?" The "emphasis" on where it usually hurts the most...one's wallet...

TBH, this repair is only costing me time and mild effort (maybe some gas money), but a reassured reimbursement for the repair. Small potatoes.

You'd be surprised how well I avoid developing an attitude. Years of training went into this...

"Our generation" seems to handle his so much better. Even thought I'm "only" 52.

 

[RevBillyG]

Next, the close-ups of the guitar...

What model is that? Good looking axe by the way.

 

[CandidPicker]

"Our generation" seems to handle this so much better. Even thought I'm "only" 52.

I think it has to do with making changes if you've ever been someone with "issues" previously in life. I was that angry young man once in life. Am still serious about a lot of things, but handle personal "issues" much more adroitly. (Read: Previously a maladroit. These days, more droit)

What model is that? Good looking axe by the way.

Thank you! That, good sir, is a S2 Singlecut Standard Satin McCarty Tobacco Burst. Very happy to say, a nice find at 7.3 lbs. IIRC, assembled in the USA, constructed with '7s' Korean pickups, electronics and hardware. Mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard. Plz correct me if I'm wrong regards the specs.

Reverb has a few of these still up, some weighing in under 7.5 lbs. Just need to do your research...

 

[shimmilou]

You know, a wise friend of mine once said, "If it doesn't cost you a lot of time, money, or effort, why worry?" The "emphasis" on where it usually hurts the most...one's wallet...

TBH, this repair is only costing me time and mild effort (maybe some gas money), but a reassured reimbursement for the repair. Small potatoes.

You'd be surprised how well I avoid developing an attitude. Years of training went into this...

I agree with bodia, great attitude.

I felt the same when my new SE Cu 24 had an intermittent bridge pup. The retailer was very accommodating, as the solution of my choice was for them to send me a new pup, and I installed it. As it turned out, I repaired the original pup and put it back in, liking it better.

My S2 Studio was a simple matter of moving the connection of 2 wires, a very simple solution that really didn't require much effort on my part.

Stuff happens, right?

And yes, awesome looking guitar! Congrats

BTW, was the carrier United Package Smashers?

 

[CandidPicker]

Thank you. Remind me that if I ever get too full of myself, (read: self-important) to remember to be modest and humble if at all possible. It's nice to receive compliments about recently acquired gear, but please don't let it go to my head. I've got enough issues not counting feelings of being egotistical to shake a stick at.

Must ask, how did you determine the pickup was faulty? (Hoping my repair is simply a loose or broken solder connection.) Not sure how to proceed with a faulty pickup, unless one could be ordered from PRS through the retailer...

Carrier was HeadEx, not OOPS.

 

[shimmilou]

Ok, Fed is much better in my experience, rarely damage packages.

The pup started cutting out when I first started tweaking the setup. If I pushed on one end of the pup it would cut out, and pushing on the other end made it work again. Inspection of the control wiring revealed no issues, and if I jiggled the wire going into the back of the pup, it would cut out, so it seemed to be the pup itself. I put an ohm-meter on the pup wires and could see the intermittent connection when I flexed the pup. It was an 85/15 S, and I couldn't get that same pup as a replacement without sending the guitar back. So, like you, I didn't want to be without the guitar, so I picked out a pup that the retailer had in stock, and they happily sent it too me.

After installing the replacement, I took apart the original and found one of the coil connections had the insulation pierced and the wire was touching the frame intermittently. I redid the insulation and put the original back in, and have been a happy camper ever since.

I have been into electronics since I can remember, and have been a tech practically all of my adult life.

 

[tyfu20]

Hopefully your issue will be resolved shortly, I have the exact same McCarty burst S2 and love it. Good luck!