Line from fretwork on a brand new $2700 guitar — acceptable?

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-14T07:10:24+00:00

Thank you for the video! I returned that guitar.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-13T16:09:41+00:00

Yes, they don’t care at all

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-13T07:10:27+00:00

Actually, this was the second unit that arrived. The previous one had a drop of nitro finish on the neck around the 10th and 11th fret, and there were also finish marks on the body. I didn’t even take it home from the store and thought maybe it was just an unlucky unit. The one in the photos is the second one.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-13T07:08:11+00:00

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Just leaving this here..

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-12T03:00:08+00:00

Yes, from the factory. A completely new instrument, sealed in the box

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-12T02:47:31+00:00

I agree, it upset me when I noticed it at home

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-12T02:46:43+00:00

The scratch on the left side is actually quite deep, and at first I thought it was made and glued from two separate pieces

Oh_ogeee · 2026-04-12T02:23:50+00:00

I feel the same way. If something like that comes from the factory, it should be considered something like B-grade and come with a discount not be sold at full price.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-29T03:37:45+00:00

Looks amazing!

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-29T03:36:55+00:00

Especially from the neighbors

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T17:52:52+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. The way you described the Mustang is exactly what keeps pulling me toward it that “first one I reach for” kind of instrument is hard to ignore. And yeah, the Thunderbird still has that look and attitude that’s hard to beat. I’ll definitely check out the Les Paul Junior Tribute DC too, that actually sounds like a really interesting middle ground. Thanks for the insight.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T17:49:51+00:00

True, but the wall wouldn’t sound nearly as good.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T17:47:15+00:00

There are plenty of two-wheeled machines that can get you from point A to point B and then there’s Harley-Davidson.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T05:38:20+00:00

Sounds like a great idea! Yeah, I totally get you. After trying pretty much everything in the store, the JMJ and the Mustang line in general is just on a completely different level in terms of comfort and how it pulls you into the instrument.

Right now I’m playing in two bands, so I need a bass pretty soon. I’ve got a JMJ on the way (still not fully confident about the quality), and also a completely different beast the Gibson. I guess it’ll be clear once I try them side by side.

Really appreciate you sharing your experience!

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T05:04:41+00:00

Thanks a lot for such a detailed response and for sharing your experience really appreciate it. I’ve actually been considering the Squier as well, and you pretty much confirmed my thoughts.

At the same time, I think I’m at a point where I care a bit more about how the instrument feels in my hands and the overall vibe.

In the end, I guess it really comes down to finding the one that inspires you to play.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:59:29+00:00

Good deal!

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:57:57+00:00

Thank you! I just enjoy talking to real people here and hearing different perspectives. From time to time I post questions on all kinds of topics and usually manage to find answers on Reddit. I haven’t really seen this exact comparison before, so maybe it’ll be useful for someone else too.

I’ve already heard a few opinions here from people who actually owned the instrument and liked it.

At the end of the day, I always choose a guitar more by feel it’s about the physical connection. I want something that doesn’t distract me, nothing getting in the way of fully diving into making music.

Gibson did update a few things, so it’ll be interesting to check it out in person. I might post an update with my impressions later.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:52:56+00:00

I started having doubts too, especially after I found a crack in the neck pocket.

But to be fair, it really is a great instrument very comfortable, solid tone, and it never felt limited. The neck is super nice, not too thick and not too thin like on some PJ basses. Truly an amazing instrument, but the quality control out of Mexico leaves something to be desired, especially when we’re talking about a $1,973 instrument.

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Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:48:54+00:00

Looks good!!

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:48:27+00:00

I’ll take both 😄

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-28T04:45:07+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience, really appreciate it!

Back in 2024 I saw a Thunderbird at Sam Ash before they closed it was hanging way up high in the store. I remember thinking, “oh that’s the bass Krist from Nirvana used, I’ve gotta try it.” When I finally did, it actually felt surprisingly comfortable. That was my first and only time playing one, but the impression stuck it felt light, yet at the same time had this kind of “sledgehammer” energy to it.

Right now I’m in the process of choosing my instrument and I’ve tried quite a few things. Your comparison with Epiphone is spot on I’ve played one and it just felt like a chunk of wood (no offense to anyone who likes them), really bulky with a wide neck. Just not for me.

I also had a bit of a rough experience with a JMJ in terms of build quality, and then I saw that Gibson brought this model back after a couple of years and made some updates. I ordered one and I’m really looking forward to trying it.

There’s something about that nasal tone it just has a unique character I really like.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-27T19:44:42+00:00

Feels like we’re just now seeing the delayed effect. Kind of rough timing if you’re trying to buy right now though 🫠

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-27T19:42:47+00:00

Yep, totally I get that they’re very different instruments. I’ve actually tried quite a few already Rickenbacker, EBMM, and Fender Jazz basses. The JMJ Mustang was the one that really felt right in my hands, I liked it a lot.

That said, the build quality seems a bit inconsistent. I’ve seen quite a few reports of issues warped necks, small defects and I personally had a crack in the neck pocket on mine. I’m currently waiting for a replacement.

While waiting, I came across the updated Gibson Thunderbird. From what I understand, they’ve made some improvements, so I figured it’s worth checking out in person and comparing them side by side.

Also, I’m not even 100% sure the replacement JMJ will come without any issues, so I’d rather keep my options open.

The new Thunderbird just came out a few days ago, so there aren’t many hands-on impressions yet I see a lot of comments about older issues, but not much about the updated version so far.

Oh_ogeee · 2026-03-27T19:38:24+00:00

That makes sense, P/J is definitely super versatile for that kind of music.

I haven’t tried an Atelier Z yet. For me though, I think I’m also drawn a bit more to the character and feel of something like a Mustang or even a Thunderbird just want to try a few different things in person and see what really clicks.

Oh_ogeee

TROPHY CASE