NGD - But I'm not sure what I have here

[atoff]

I just received my pink Axis Tribute from GC. It's supposed to be new, but the barcodes were removed from the back, and were in the case, faded, without any stickiness. The tags were a bit tattered, and there were a couple of light long scratches on the top surface. I can try to take a picture, but "scratches" may be an exaggeration. Still it doesn't really look "new." Then, there's the case. Says Ball Family Reserve, but is it?
It doesn't have the inlay on the neck that I see other BFR guitars having. Also, what would make this one special? The BFR emblem on the case also has a dent. Could they have given me a different case? Maybe this is a used guitar they've sold as new because it had all the accessories / case candy sealed? No scratches or marks on the back. But the bridge is pretty dusty.

What do you guys think is going on?

 

[mystixboi1]

If it were me, I would ask them to find you a replacement. For that much coin you should be getting a guitar in mint condition.

 

[atoff]

Problem is they only have the one, so there's no chance of them finding a replacement. Only option is to return. I think it would be the case with any guitar hanging on their "Platinum" wall though. They're not common enough to be stockpiled in the back, so they're all going to have been handled.

 

[daneford]

If it were me, I would ask them to find you a replacement. For that much coin you should be getting a guitar in mint condition.

Absolutely right. The other possibility is maybe they can give him scratch and dent pricing. I wouldn't leave it as is, but then again I'm the type that dwells on whether or not I got a square deal.

The worst they can do is say no.

 

[atoff]

Yeah, I'm not sure they'll give me a lower price, but I might ask. I had already gotten a little more than 15% off. Was $1800 + tax, coming to $1954. Still a chunk of change though. This is my first EBMM, or EB for that matter. It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the thin neck coming from a Jackson SL2H as my main, which has this super fat neck. I'm actually really liking the slimness of it, but what I very much dislike is the balance. The body is very heavy, and the neck not, so it falls away when I'm sitting. I can't stand or wear a strap because I have fractures in my back, so I need to be seated. This thing is just too bottom heavy. No balance to it. The Soloist sits on my lap absolutely perfectly balanced. I'm hanging onto the MM for dear life so it doesn't slide right off my lap. lol

I also actually really like the bridge. I know there are some that love it, some that hate it, but for the very short bit of time I've played with it, I'm really liking it. It's smooth.

So, here I am, very much liking this thing, but with the major problem of its balance. WHAT TO DO?!?!

 

[ozzyrules]

"Post edit" # 1 here: I checked my cases from my tributes. Both are G&G type without BFR emblem. So, that is a little added bonus for you. My BFR cases are nearly identical to my tribute cases; only difference is the absence of the BFR tag. I would definitely not be satisfied with a guitar that was advertised as "new" if it was clearly used or n.o.s. I've had this same issue before. Don't forget about the 30 day return policy. No need to ship it back, just return to your local GC.

 

[bhull]

I just received my pink Axis Tribute from GC. It's supposed to be new, but the barcodes were removed from the back, and were in the case, faded, without any stickiness. The tags were a bit tattered, and there were a couple of light long scratches on the top surface. I can try to take a picture, but "scratches" may be an exaggeration. Still it doesn't really look "new." Then, there's the case. Says Ball Family Reserve, but is it?
It doesn't have the inlay on the neck that I see other BFR guitars having. Also, what would make this one special? The BFR emblem on the case also has a dent. Could they have given me a different case? Maybe this is a used guitar they've sold as new because it had all the accessories / case candy sealed? No scratches or marks on the back. But the bridge is pretty dusty.

What do you guys think is going on?

It has probably been in the platinum room and/or the floor for quite some time.

At my local GC, there is a beautiful BFR JP6 in the platinum room. At their previous location, which didn't have a platinum room, the same guitar was on the floor. If you pick it up and tilt it into the overhead lights, you can see a bunch of pick wear on the surface finish. Not scratched, just played.

They should have informed you it was a floor model. That 15% you are talking about is a typical discount for selling one that has been in the store.

It sucks they didn't tell you, but if it was 15% off, then I wouldn't say you got ripped off...assuming it was priced correctly for the model it is.

As for it being an actual BFR, couldn't tell you. The BFR Axis models on the EBMM web site don't show a 12th fret inlay.

 

[mystixboi1]

Problem is they only have the one, so there's no chance of them finding a replacement. Only option is to return. I think it would be the case with any guitar hanging on their "Platinum" wall though. They're not common enough to be stockpiled in the back, so they're all going to have been handled.

So they told you that you bought the last pink tribute available at any guitar center? For some reason I find that hard to believe. Maybe it was the last one at that store but I'm sure GC as a whole has more. Don't rest on this. Get the one you want

 

[Sweat]

So they told you that you bought the last pink tribute available at any guitar center? For some reason I find that hard to believe. Maybe it was the last one at that store but I'm sure GC as a whole has more. Don't rest on this. Get the one you want

You should not find that hard to believe, these were a limited run from a few years back, only so many were made and at this point should be sold out.

To the OP , yes it came with the G&G case but the run was not sold as a BFR. I am sure it shows wear, been in some store for quite awhile with people abusing it. I have had this happen several times with GC/MF, recently I purchased a Dark Lord from MF, it got to me and could tell it was used and/or abused plus in the end had a tuning issue.

My advice is to get a killer discount and learn to live with the flaws, and they will on occasion do that or return it quickly.

 

[Another Noob]

That sucks to hear. Hopefully it will all work out both price and feel wise for you.

I just bought some non guitar related gear from the GC website, not in a store. When the order arrived I found that the carry bag for one of the items was missing the draw string and to me it looked like it was kicking around in the warehouse for a little while.

I simply called GC CS, explained the issue and asked for a price adjustment. They suggested replacement but I just said no thanks, please adjust the price. It may be that easy to find another 10-15% off the price by suggesting it to the phone jockey. They took way more off than that on my item.

 

[bhull]

You should not find that hard to believe, these were a limited run from a few years back, only so many were made and at this point should be sold out.

Agreed. I did a search. Can't find any active sales on the GC platinum web site. The only listing I found through google is sold. Ebay turned up empty active listings. Found 1 completed listing. The photos are consistent with what the OP is describing. No 12th fret inlay, no BFR plate on the neck.

Guitar Center: Platinum : Music Man Axis Tribute Trans Pink

To the OP , yes it came with the G&G case but the run was not sold as a BFR. I am sure it shows wear, been in some store for quite awhile with people abusing it. I have had this happen several times with GC/MF, recently I purchased a Dark Lord from MF, it got to me and could tell it was used and/or abused plus in the end had a tuning issue.

My advice is to get a killer discount and learn to live with the flaws, and they will on occasion do that or return it quickly.

Looks like OP bought one of these. As indicated by the ad, it's not a BFR.

Judging by the ad, this guitar was made around 3-4 years ago. While you might have thought it was BFR, it was still a limited run. You won't be able to easily find another one of these guitars. Seeing you got a 15% discount, while it might have a little wear, I'd say you got a fair deal.

Judging by the photos, it's awesome, you got a fair price... Enjoy!!!

 

[kbaim]

I'd say theres enough issues with it (balance in particular) to return it and keep looking.
Different model maybe.

 

[bhull]

So, here I am, very much liking this thing, but with the major problem of its balance. WHAT TO DO?!?!

I initially started looking at Music Man because I couldn't stand the ergonomics of my Gibson Explorer any more. Balance was one of the major issues.

I went with a Majesty. It is perfectly balanced. If you have back problems, balance and the very light weight might be just what you are looking for.

 

[canuck6string]

Merry Christmas bhull,

It's a beautiful looking guitar you have there, but I agree with kbaim. With the MM line up, there is no reason you can't have a comfortable, good looking guitar.

 

[lessthanone]

If you didn't get it from the tonowanda NY store they have one. Its on their clearance website

 

[atoff]

Thanks all, yes, it's definitely been played. If the balance wasn't so off I might not care so much, but for the price I paid, it's unfortunately going back. Also, and I'm not sure if this is common with MM guitars, but the frets are pretty sharp. They weren't filed down well enough. But anyway, good news for anyone else who wants to haggle with GC for a pink Tribute!! They really are hard to find.

I have looked at some other models, but to be honest, and this might be silly, but part of the appeal is the design / looks of this guitar. I've owned a Fender Strat since I first started playing in 93, when I was 13. That was my first guitar. And I couldn't afford another, so I had that thing for yeeeears, and it always bored me. The feel was great, don't get me wrong, but it was just boring. It reminded me of a tuxedo... black with white pickgaurd, rosewood fretboard. So, I've been trying to avoid that strat shape... otherwise the Silhouette looks like it would be better balanced.

That being said, I wanted to give the MM another shot, but at a better price, so I won an auction last night for a purple Tribute, which is the one I was originally going to get.

Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Tribute EVH Amazing Top with EVH D Tuna | eBay

Comes with a D-Tuna, so that's definitely a bonus for me. Good price too, I think. I'll have to find screws for the backplate. I think they're the same as the pickgaurd screws on the EB site. But I may call on Monday to double check before ordering.

I really do need to figure out how to get comfortable with the heavy body sliding off my leg though. I can't sit too upright which is the problem. And I need freedom in my arms, so can't sit on the couch. I'll have to think on it.

 

[ozzyrules]

Congrats on that purchase. Great top!!!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Pick swirls can be easily removed - use "guitarscratch remover" - i've used it - it takes a little elbow grease but will get the finish back to new

 

[Stratty316]

The frets sticking out not common with EBMM.


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[Baggedcereals]

Wow, That new one you just won on ebay looks great! I am not far from Harrison! I would have bought it as well! hahaha