I've just received a new Cherry Burst AD today (online purchase) and my first impression was WOW
Beautiful fit/finish with a tight neck pocket and nice grain patterns - decent setup with no adjustments needed - great tone - weighs in at 7 lbs 12 ounces. After playing it for a while and the grin never leaving my face I set it on the stand and noticed the small crack on the headstock shown below. The crack looks to start from where one of the two screws is attaching the high E string tuning machine and extends almost to the front of the headstock. I have to wonder if this happened during shipment (FedEx Overnight from the mega warehouse in MO. to Chicago) because Fender doesn't seem to think it's important to secure the neck end of the case in the box. The case was rocking back and forth inside the box as I carried it into the house. I had the same problem with a Gibson shipment but at least they tried to secure the neck with a cardboard brace. Didn't work as the brace collapsed from rough handling. What's with these iconic American manufacturers with over a half century of experience shipping guitars forgetting how to safely pack a guitar?
I'm now faced with the dilemma of sending it back and risk getting one that isn't as nice. It seems that most of the pictures I've seen of these show a three piece body and some have very noticeable grain pattern differences. This one is a two piece and the joint is blended pretty well. Do I get it repaired under Fender warranty? I wonder if they would just replace the neck or fix the crack? Or just take the tuning machine out myself and try to repair it myself? Probably not a good idea with a brand new warrantied guitar.
