It shouldn't be rocket science. Assuming the strings are new, the intonation isn't right, or you're throwing out the intonation by pressing too hard...
Yep that's what mine looked liked when I received it. Pickguard is black pearloid from Chandlers ( pickguard heaven) plus I upgraded the knobs, tone...
Does seem heavy, mine which was the NAMM demo when they introduced this color is light maybe 6 1/2 pounds tops, most likely more towards 6 pounds, I...