New PRS - Initial set up

[PaperRockScissor]

Hey guys,

I recently acquired a new '15 cu22. This is the first "high end" guitar I've owned and am wondering how strict my expectations should be regarding the tuning stability/intonation straight out of the case.

The guitar tends to drift slightly sharp after about 30-60 mins of living room play (moderate trem use for slurs/vibrato, no dive bombing), and the intonation on the high three strings is slightly flat as far down as the 5th/6th fret. Overall, while playing there isn't a noticeable issue, but when recording myself playing along to a solo and listening back I can instantly hear some unnaceptable dissonance.

I have seen Paul in videos say that the guitar should be ready to use at a studio gig when it leaves the factory, so my question boils down to: should I be comfortable having to take a brand new core model to get a set up or should I be concerned that I got a rare bad apple from the shop?

(I bought this from a reputable online store, so I don't imagine that the dealer is likely the cause. Also, I have no tech skills, so I can't tell if this is a simple fix or a larger issue causing the problems.)

Thanks for your time

 

[vchizzle]

It's hard to say, but I have a hard time believing a good setup by a qualified tech wouldn't straighten things out. The dealers I've worked with have always done or checked the setup prior to shipping. I would contact the dealer and tell them your issue. If you know a good local tech, you could always go that route. 5th/6th fret being out means it's pretty far out intonation-wise. That shouldn't happen in shipping. I'd expect my dealer to compensate or fix the issue being that far outta whack(though I'd do it myself cause I don't like waiting for that sorta thing).

 

[rugerpc]

Contact your dealer. If they are an authorized dealer, the fix should be relatively hassle free.

 

[László]

The dealer should easily be able to take care of it, but PRS also will have your back and take care of what your dealer can't if you're not happy with the dealer setup. PRS are fantastic about this stuff.

Who knows what happens in a warehouse or on the truck, in terms of temperature, humidity, etc.? Even if it ships in-spec, it's a wooden instrument, and it will react to normal changes in temp, humidity, and so on. So from time to time, they need a setup by a good tech.

Then too, some dealer setup folks aren't really all that good at what they do, and can make errors. So as I said, if you're not 100% happy, call PRS customer service.