"Unwanted" NGD and a Pending Decision

[nicholsonian]

Hello All and Happy Holidays!

My wife was kind enough to buy me a guitar for Christmas, at least she is now embracing my GAS to a certain extent, and I gave her a few ideas within the budget we set for gifts this year.

One of the ideas on the list was a S2 Standard 22, which is what she ordered and thought she had put under the tree. When I opened the gift, I immediately noticed the pu's were not covered unlike in the photo of it advertised. I plugged it in and tuned it up and immediately noticed the the bridge pu was a lot hotter than the neck and this lead me to believe they were not the advertised #7's as I would have expected them to be more balanced. I then began to search the internet for a Standard 22 with HFS and VB and could never find one. The serial number indicated it was a 2014. As I was reading the hang tag for the second time, it finally lept out at me...24 frets. I looked at the neck and there they were, 24 frets. We looked at the bill and it said S2 Standard 22 yet we had recieved a S2 Standard 24.

While I absolutely would never think I wanted a HFS/VB combo or another 24 fret PRS, here I am truly enjoying it. So "Problem" #1, do I keep it or return/exchange it?

And...

"Problem" #2, there is a whole lot of static I can hear popping everytime I touch the pickguard. After some reading online, the "internet experts" seem to believe it is a shielding issues in the pu cavity. Would this be a warranty issue, something I should take ip withe the shop that sold it, or something that I should just deal with myself if I like the guitar?

Also, am I wrong in believing the shop should also give us a bit of credit or throw something nice our way since they sent the wrong guitar?

Thoughts?

 

[django49]

They should be willing to take it back and ship the right guitar, at their expense. That would be the "normal" response to their error. But you should decide first whether you want to keep it, lest they call your bluff and have it picked up. But check their listing and see if they shipped you a lower priced guitar.
IF you decide you prefer to keep the one they shipped, I would then contact them re the noise issue. Explain the error, say you are willing to keep that guitar, but ask how to fix the noise. It may be a simple DIY thing. Or they may pay to have a local tech fix it. That should be cheaper, for them, than having it shipped two more times so THEY can fix it.

 

[dogrocketp]

I had the static problem on a USA Mira, and an SE EG. The solution was to shield the pick guard, and that took care of the problem. I think you got a more expensive guitar. If you really like it, change the pickups. If not, it should go back. Do your retailer a favor though, and don`t sit on it for long either way.

 

[László]

Also, am I wrong in believing the shop should also give us a bit of credit or throw something nice our way since they sent the wrong guitar?

Thoughts?

Yeah, that'd be wrong. Their obligation is only to replace it with what you ordered due to the mistake.

It's a little over the top to expect more.

 

[charliefrench]

Are you sure that your wife did not mistakenly order the 24 instead of the 22 fret version? Easy to do. However it is clear that you are not happy with this guitar so contact the dealer and have them collect and send another. If they really have sent the wrong guitar and you decide to keep it then it would be correct to inform them so that they are then able to adjust their inventory. It would also be in your best interests should there be a warranty claim further on down the road.

 

[nicholsonian]

Are you sure that your wife did not mistakenly order the 24 instead of the 22 fret version? Easy to do. However it is clear that you are not happy with this guitar so contact the dealer and have them collect and send another. If they really have sent the wrong guitar and you decide to keep it then it would be correct to inform them so that they are then able to adjust their inventory. It would also be in your best interests should there be a warranty claim further on down the road.

Nope. Receipt said 22 not 24. When I was in the store today, they said they had never acually had a S2 Stardard 24 in that colour in the store according to inventory. When they scanned it againnit came up as a 22.

 

[nicholsonian]

Anyway, got an exchange on a S2 Custom 22 semi-hollow and for all the trouble they gave me a bit of a discount to make up some of the difference. For a token discount I went away happy and will return as a customer again. If they had just done the exchange it would have left a sour taste and I likely would have taken my business elsewhere. I didn't even ask for anything, they offered. That is customer service and how one keeps a loyal customer base.

 

[nicholsonian]

Yeah, that'd be wrong. Their obligation is only to replace it with what you ordered due to the mistake.

It's a little over the top to expect more.

I think it is keeping your customers happy. So, when I am put out by someone else's error, I don't think it's wrong to ask for some compensation, even if it is a token gesture. It's not like they are the only ones providing that service or item so I am also capable of going elsewhere where I could maybe receive more reliable service.

 

[charliefrench]

Looks like there has been a mix up between PRS and your dealer. Anyway, good to see it all worked out in the end. Enjoy your wonderful gift.

 

[rugerpc]

I think it is keeping your customers happy. So, when I am put out by someone else's error, I don't think it's wrong to ask for some compensation, even if it is a token gesture. It's not like they are the only ones providing that service or item so I am also capable of going elsewhere where I could maybe receive more reliable service.

Hmmm...

I think Les has it correct here.
While it is true that better companies will take an extra step, even if it is a small gesture, to make a customer happier, it is not something that I. personally, would expect or demand.

You got your exchange, and your extra compensation. It turned out well for you.

If you were unhappy with the service, you can do as you have said and find another dealer. The dealer is well aware that you have that option. He gets it, as shown by the extra effort he made.

But it's a 2 edge sword. Mistakes happen. The time to be angry with a dealer is when they refuse to correct a mistake, not when they don't offer you some freebee for making it.

 

[László]

I think it is keeping your customers happy. So, when I am put out by someone else's error, I don't think it's wrong to ask for some compensation, even if it is a token gesture. It's not like they are the only ones providing that service or item so I am also capable of going elsewhere where I could maybe receive more reliable service.

You initially asked if you were wrong in thinking the shop should give you something for their error. If you don't want or need advice, don't ask for it.

I'd rather cut vendors a little slack, and usually the result is that as the relationship develops, we help each other out whenever possible.

I find it's a more gentlemanly way to do business, and makes living on the planet a little more enjoyable.

I'm happy when it's made right. The extra pound of flesh isn't necessary.

Call me old-fashioned.

 

[jcha008]

People aren't perfect and mistakes happen. It's human nature, as I highly doubt the dealer shipped the wrong guitar on purpose. While I understand the need to ask us the question regarding the static, I don't see the need to ask us regarding the wrong guitar in a public forum. That should be something you take care of in private with your dealer and it's just unecessary to make a bigger fuss out of it IMO.

But I'm glad it worked out in end for you. Your happiness is always the key in those situations.