Question Majesty Owners - Any issues yet with the black pearl plated hardware?

[agt]

Beerandbeards, thanks for going above and beyond! That looks good!

 

[Guitaryojedi]

this is my original bridge cover. it got this worse.
it becomes almost white...

I used to have a cheap guitar with gold hardware, but never experienced this though.

 

[Devnor]

There's a lot of black hardware out there and the finish doesn't simply rub off. I have a purple sparkle Majesty on order. It's going to look pretty silly to have a half silver/half black bridge after a new months of use. It doesn't bode well for the company and my decision to buy these instruments when others see this new guitar to find the finish disappearing off the metal parts.

Get it fixed.

 

[Guitaryojedi]

Took another picture under natural light. (looks really bad)
I am considering to ask my local metal plating service to re-coating my bridge cover



Updated 5/1: Just got Young Guitar Magazine(May 2017),
and I noticed that even John's Arctic Dream Majesty having same problem
I just made 30 seconds clip here.

 

[johnnyboogie]

How to easily remove the plating =)

It's really easy actually!!

All you need is a 3M grit sandpaper (3000, 4000, 5000). It will remove the cosmo-black and gold plating on the Majesty and the Artisan Majesty like butter.

You can begin with the 3000, and finish off with the 4000. You can also start with 4000, and finish off with the 5000.

3M™ Trizact™ Performance Sandpaper

 

[Desmoquattro]

Hello everyone.
I never fail to be amazed at how resilient people can be sometimes.
Sanding a guitar this price, after only a few hours... seriously ? Acceptable ?
I've bought 2 Majestys (one 6 string Arctic Dream and one 7 string Siberian Sapphire) within 6 months, and both of them have had their black chrome fade off after less than 5 hours of very precautionnous playing.
Sorry, but NO, it does not make them more beautiful, more unique, or anything like this.
I ended up polishing both parts to chrome (and yes, I know how to do it properly as I restore bikes on a yearly basis), and still, the part is crap quality and so it turns a dirty white after a few hours of playing, and need polishing over and over again.
And I don't speak about the 3 knobs which also start to look crap, hour after hour.
In France, those guitars cost more than 3800 euros each (that's around 4500 dollars i think), and my 20 year old Ibanez have NEVER had this issue, even on cosmo black hardware.
This is UNACCEPTABLE, and as it turns, it totally turns me down from playing these guitars as I love thing pristine, and this is how I am and won't change.
In the end, i'm trying to sell both of them, and buying JEMs instead (whether you like these or not is another question). I'll also stick to me beloved JPM 100 P1 from 1996 which is still as brand new.
Total fail for MusicMan, and if others find it acceptable, I seriously don't understand how. Apple syndrome anyone ? Everything MM do, even if bad, seems to be OK.
Oh and yes, I have had a replacement part for both of my guitars for free, which I haven't installed of course, but this is not a solution. A solution would be to provide the same parts in real chrome (as on precious metal series) or black stealth as on newer ones, so the problem is definitely sorted, but of course they refuse.
End of story with MM for me.

Here is a family pic, look at how NEW looks my Ibanez, i'm VERY precotionnous. (Majestys bridge cover had just been polished to look approximately OK.)

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=f7d58d0baf44b12ee7740cc6fe92309f&oe=5A9C1C1D

Last thing : I spoke a bit with John Petrucci at their concert in May at my city in France, and told him about this issue while he was signing both of my Majestys back plates. He stated that he was very sorry for this, he knew about this problem of course, and was annoyed about it.
Those are his words.

 

[johnnyboogie]

Sorry, but NO, it does not make them more beautiful, more unique, or anything like this.

+1

...and my 20 year old Ibanez have NEVER had this issue, even on cosmo black hardware.

+1

Everything MM do, even if bad, seems to be OK.

This applies to a lot of customers however. Customers of other brands that is. It's also something that can be applied to a plethora of things, not just material products. In layman's terms.. brainwashing.

Last thing : I spoke a bit with John Petrucci at their concert in May at my city in France, and told him about this issue while he was signing both of my Majestys' back plates. He stated that he was very sorry for this, he knew about this problem of course, and was annoyed about it.
Those are his words.

And why wouldn't he be?

 

[tbonesullivan]

Well, what exactly IS the "black pearl plating" made of? I've never had any problems like this with standard chrome plated items. Whatever it is seems to be much less resilient a coating than the standard black finish on hardware. Is it just a standard black chrome plate?

 

[DreamTheaterRLZ]

I've wanted a Majesty for several years now. Been ready to prepare to buy one for at least two years. I own a JP12BFR and have since bought a Cutlass. Meanwhile, I didn't love the frost finish on the originals, so I waited. When I was ready to buy an Artisan model, I heard of these very same issues with the gold plating on them. So I wait and they come out with the Monarchy models. I'm sold! Love the wood look over painted, etc.

I finally got to play one a couple weeks ago but only unplugged. Was completely sold on look, feel, etc. and only needed to make sure about the pickups. They had three, and my preference was the purple one with all hardware blacked out.

I'm a bit hesitant to buy one after reading this thread and the previous one about the gold plating on the Artison models. Not what I'd expect from a $3K guitar. I've played mainly XXX and XXXXXX guitars up til the new EBMM thing thanks to JP. I had a finish bubble on a 15 year old Taylor. They said 'send it in and we'll fix it and send it back." Meanwhile, XXX has done work on my amps for FREE and shipped them back free even though I bought one of them used. And it wasn't "repairs" it was upgrades that had been made since the model I bought.

Maybe I'm spoiled. But a fret inlay fell out of my JP12BR when it was only about 2 years old and in MINT condition. When I contacted EBMM they said it was "unusual" but it was out of warranty. Then they said that if I'd pay for shipping both ways, they'd repair it for free. While that may sound fair, it's not what I expect when I buy a $3K guitar. The inlay is still laying on my desk in my music room.... and I've since bought a Cutlass. But I'm seriously thinking now about buying a guitar that I've already started selling off gear to fund, a new Majesty. And the "next" one after that, an Axis. The only reason I haven't already bought a Majesty is because I want to try a 7 string, but want to make sure I'll be comfortable before I drop over $3K for one, so I want to try a 7 before I decided 7 string or 6.

I came seconds from walking out of the store with a new purple Monarchy model a couple weeks ago and stopped only because I need to try a 7 string first. Now I've already planned to go play the 6 strings again this week and the 7s and an Axis the next week (4 hour drive) so I can decide.

(updated) So, now reading that the new black on a Monarchy Majesty should be OK. IF so, I'll buy one after I decide on 6 or 7 string. My JP12 is fine after 4 years (the finish! Inlay missing) The chrome is good. If the new black is good, I can make a choice. If not, I'll get a blue or red one with chrome.

Edit: This post was edited after reading that the new black finish does not have an issue. If the black parts finish on the Purple/black Monarchy Majesty is good, then some of my replies are no longer applicable.

 

[johnnyboogie]

Guys, don't overreact.. =)

Chrome & Black hardware is 1000% solid.

By now, the only plating that 'suffers' from this issue is the golden one on the Artisan Majesty.

Furthermore, and for the record, the golden Schaller Tuners along with the golden Fishman Saddles on the Artisan Majesty are exceptionally plated and will not 'suffer' from this issue.

The plating you should be worried about fading is ONLY on the Artisan Majesty, and specifically the switches, knobs, bridge and vibrato bar.

However, you can easily remove the plating, and get all-new chrome hardware!!

 

[Desmoquattro]

Guys, don't overreact.. =)

Chrome & Black hardware is 1000% solid.

By now, the only plating that 'suffers' from this issue is the golden one on the Artisan Majesty.

Furthermore, and for the record, the golden Schaller Tuners along with the golden Fishman Saddles on the Artisan Majesty are exceptionally plated and will not 'suffer' from this issue.

The plating you should be worried about fading is ONLY on the Artisan Majesty, and specifically the switches, knobs, bridge and vibrato bar.

However, you can easily remove the plating, and get all-new chrome hardware!!

Overreact ? Well, that's $9000 within 6 months spent on Majestys for me, it makes me feel free to react as I want.

And careful, your post is misleading. The only plating STILL AVAILABLE NEW FROM 2017 that suffers the issue is gold, true. But the black chrome also suffers it badly, as I stated and proved, and others know very well. You probably mean that since they replaced black chrome with black stealth on 2017 models, the problem is only left for Artisan models from now on, but a lot of 2016 models and before with black chrome are still in stores, and they DO suffer badly from the issue.

Anyway, I'm seriously disappointed with EBMM, as I stated this is truely unacceptable on a guitar this price (especially after buying 2 at $4500 each in France), and since they refuse to provide me with the new black stealth hardware so that I can restore my guitars to brand new (even if I offer to BUY the parts, they refuse), then it's done for me.

If I wanted a relic guitar, I would have gotten one... but as I said, I like things mint and pristine.

Oh and BTW, NO, polishing the black chrome to remove it and get simple chrome is not enough, that's what I did of course and as I already said the chrome turns a dirty white color, smokey and VERY ugly, after 1 or 2 hours of playing, and you need to polish the part over and over again.

Ridiculous quality for this price tag, ridiculous support and ridiculous customer care.

Back to Ibanez and Jackson, they may not last forever, but at least they last more than 10 hours of playing.

 

[johnnyboogie]

Overreact ? Well, that's $9000 within 6 months spent on Majestys for me, it makes me feel free to react as I want.

By all means, do!! I simply believe that overreacting leads to more problems than problem-solving.

And careful, your post is misleading. The only plating STILL AVAILABLE NEW FROM 2017 that suffers the issue is gold, true. But the black chrome also suffers it badly, as I stated and proved, and others know very well. You probably mean that since they replaced black chrome with black stealth on 2017 models, the problem is only left for Artisan models from now on, but a lot of 2016 models and before with black chrome are still in stores, and they DO suffer badly from the issue.

That is exactly what I mean, and based on the fact that people know very well about the Cosmo-Black hardware issue on the Original Majesty since 2014, like you very correctly stated, my post cannot be misleading by definition.

Anyway, I'm seriously disappointed with EBMM, as I stated this is truely unacceptable on a guitar this price (especially after buying 2 at $4500 each in France), and since they refuse to provide me with the new black stealth hardware so that I can restore my guitars to brand new (even if I offer to BUY the parts, they refuse), then it's done for me.

Is that a FACT? Did you contact them on this issue and they seriously refused to give you the all-black hardware? I was under the firm belief that the Original Majesty owners could easily trade their old hardware for the new all-black.

Oh and BTW, NO, polishing the black chrome to remove it and get simple chrome is not enough, that's what I did of course and as I already said the chrome turns a dirty white color, smokey and VERY ugly, after 1 or 2 hours of playing, and you need to polish the part over and over again.

I removed the golden plating with 3M grit sandpaper, 3000 and 4000. It's just fine. And I do give her a hard time over the day =)

Ridiculous quality for this price tag, ridiculous support and ridiculous customer care.

Don't disregard the fact that the EBMM instruments cost that much in Europe not because EBMM says so, but because of international commerce legislation and regulations. Would you rather not have the opportunity to own an EBMM instrument?

All this negativity based on the low-quality plating on the knobs and bridge? Did you seriously not find the instrument itself interesting at all? In terms of playability, design, comfort, stability etc.?

A personal note on the Music Man bridge itself. I have been an Ibanez player for almost 20 years. I own 3 USRGs and 2 JPMs, and absolutely worship them. The Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge as well as all their bridges are nothing less than awesome. But I find the EBMM bridge far superior especially in its use as a suspending bridge.

In any case, you know what they say. Everyone is en-titled to his/her... opinion!!

Good morning to beautiful France Desmo =)

PS. Truth be told, the ibanez Golden Bridges are epic quality in terms of plating. No issues at all like the ones stated above.

 

[Desmoquattro]

Thanks mate, sorry but as you can imagine english is not my mother tongue and thus I can seem to mean what I don't really want to, and maybe I sound aggressive... but i'm just disappointed.
Anyway, we are saying the same things with different words it seems
Yes, my authorized dealer contacted them, and they refused to offer me a swap for the new black stealth hardware. But you're right, I will contact them myself directly and see what they say, it may be more efficient.

As for the taste, yes, they are incredible instrument, but I can't forget the fact that using a thing that's showing signs of ageing or "damage", whether it's a car, a guitar, a bike or anything, has always brought me down from using it. I can't help.

Regarding the bridge, I have to say I still prefer the lo pro edge on my JPM or the Edge on my JEMs... if only it had piezzos it would be the pinnacle

 

[johnnyboogie]

No sorries at all!! =D

Yes, my authorized dealer contacted them, and they refused to offer me a swap for the new black stealth hardware. But you're right, I will contact them myself directly and see what they say, it may be more efficient.

Well, I don't know the reason behind that policy, but it definitely is very disappointing.

As for the taste, yes, they are incredible instrument, but I can't forget the fact that using a thing that's showing signs of ageing or "damage", whether it's a car, a guitar, a bike or anything, has always brought me down from using it. I can't help.

You are talking to a fellow obsessive-compulsive, suffice to say I feel you!!

But yes, try contacting them directly and explain your situation, and I surely hope they will send you the black hardware. Both Arctic Dream and Sapphire Blue would look epic dressed in black.

 

[Desmoquattro]

I just sent them an email, will keep you updated when they reply !

 

[johnnyboogie]

Please do!!

May Lady Luck be on our side =D

 

[katsumura78]

If we could pay to switch out the black chrome to the updated matte black bridge and black knobs that would be great. Once the chrome faded it totally took away from the look of the guitar.

 

[DrKev]

Yes, my authorized dealer contacted them, and they refused to offer me a swap for the new black stealth hardware. But you're right, I will contact them myself directly and see what they say, it may be more efficient.

This could be a warranty issue, which in France is dealt with by the store on behalf of the customer with the regional distributor, and not directly with EBMM (who, other than suppling the instruments to the distributor, have no direct dealing in France). But yes, do contact EBMM customer service directly. You can call them directly in California too and speak to them (which with many French mobile phone contracts would be free of charge). They will tell what your options are.

Having worked SAV (after sales service) in a large French music store, and not an employee of Ernie Ball Music Man, here is my personal opinion...

There is a certain period of time with a new instrument during which most reasonable people would not expect this to happen under 'normal' non-intensive usage. If the store agrees that this is a manufacturing fault, then the full duration of the your two year warranty applies under French law. So, unless it is made clear to you before you buy that this will happen, and assuming you have not yourself sanded or further removed the faulty finish other than by playing normally (which would invalidate your warranty and you would have no further recourse), you can demand ( « exiger » en francais ) the store fix this for you, at no cost to you, or reimburse/credit you in some way. (How that might work you'll need more advice on).

Remember, in the EU it is the store's responsibility to fix this for you. Your contract of sale is with the store and nobody else. Their contract is with the distributor. If they cannot get the parts from the distributor, that is not your problem to solve, it's theirs.

Good luck!

 

[Desmoquattro]

A quick update for everyone, after chatting with the helpful EBMM team, they made me an offer to purchase the new stealth black hardware, which I did and received the parts today.
I installed everything, and now my guitar is as new again, as I like them to be.
I hope the new matte black plating will last for a long time unlike the pearl black, but looking at it, it already looks way more resistant.

Happy now (pics attached.)

 

[johnnyboogie]

What an upgrade, congratulations. Great turn of events after all. I may actually contact them myself regarding my Artisan Majesty. Thanks for the update, enjoy your guitar!!