V12 Finish Chipping Near Fretboard

[soundbee]

Hi there...

So I've got a 2012 Cu24 which I absolutely love. I've got quite a few other guitars that have naturally "reliced" over years of use - so I'm no stranger to and not really bothered by the "less than perfectly smooth" neck. However, I've read a bit about the virtues of the newer v12 finishes - and I'm seeing on "my precious" a possible chink in the armor. Where the finish meets the fretboard it seems that something has caused the finish to flake off a bit (see image). The larger circle is definitely more noticeable where the smaller of the two seems to be the start of a newer blemish point.

http://solasus.com/html/IMG_0017_highlight.jpg

This isn't really in a place that would distract playing much - but my questions are:

1) is this a known "weak spot" where the open wood is a point where moisture can be introduced into the wood (sweaty hands, general humidity, etc...) and cause some issue where the finish meets?

2) If I don't want to send (can't bear to part with) the instrument to the fine folks at PTC, is there a recommended diy repair method? e.g. light sanding around the chip edges w/ super ultra fine and then gently seal the edges with some L'Oreal clear nail polish ...?

Thanks in advance!
-Kevin

[prsguitarman101]

I have heard of several problems with the V12 finish like that, not sure what the best course of action would be though.
:408mt:

[Harker1440]

It's under warranty contact PTC and send it back to be fixed!! Simple. You need to have it fixed professionally I have a friend who had the same issues sent in to PTC and now the guitar looks like brand new

[DirtyMoonsRJT]

Happened to me too...PTC fixed it perfectly! Give Shawn a call.

[soundbee]

Thanks for the input.

Begs another question though... for folks that this has happened to, does it appear again in other places?
I've no doubt that PTC would rock it, but will I end up having to send it back 2, 3, 4 times (or maybe once a year when seasons change, etc...)???

[Twinfan]

At least one guitar with the issue had a complete refinish. if it goes back to the PTC, it only goes back once... ;)

[crgtr]

I sent Abby in & they did an awesome job on her. Total refin. Came back smelling like fresh V12. I would send yours back & let them take care of it.
Before
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/crgtr/photobucket-2411-1337952456264.jpg
After
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/crgtr/PRS%20SIG%20LTD/IMG_2903.jpghttp://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/crgtr/PRS%20SIG%20LTD/IMG_2900.jpg

[David Eaton]

I have that happening with a 2002 HB1, but I haven't noticed it on any of my other guitars. On the HB it started probably a year or two after I bought the guitar, and while it makes me go hmm, at times, it hasn't really bothered me.

[cjmwrx]

I have it happening on 2009 Cu24 rosewood. Slightest little bump and the finish lifts off the body.

I bought mine used, so I don't have any recourse other than to pay to have it fixed. A little disappointing.

The finish around this screw lifted with the slightest of pressure. And every other ding on the body, the same thing happens.

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l632/gibmarsh/PA082779.jpg

[soundbee]

arrrgh... I just realized that I gave away my shipping box to a buddy - this very past weekend. Next stop Guitar Center to see if they can part with a cardboard box - if not $85 from PTC (although does include shipping to them).

[Daniel]

arrrgh... I just realized that I gave away my shipping box to a buddy - this very past weekend. Next stop Guitar Center to see if they can part with a cardboard box - if not $85 from PTC (although does include shipping to them).

Where are you located? I have several boxes.

[soundbee]

Where are you located? I have several boxes.

Upstate NY - near Albany.

[Michael B]

Albany....Saratoga Springs here!! Whazzzup!!

[Fox77]

I sent Abby in & they did an awesome job on her. Total refin. Came back smelling like fresh V12. I would send yours back & let them take care of it.

Chris: no issues since?

I have a spot like that on my DGT Std and I'm wondering if I should even bother if there is a chance that it's coming back.

[crgtr]

Chris: no issues since?


Not a single issue. She plays & looks like a million bucks.(wish she was worth that much!)

[Fox77]

Not a single issue. She plays & looks like a million bucks.(wish she was worth that much!)

Cool! Thanks for your reply.

[soundbee]

Albany....Saratoga Springs here!! Whazzzup!!

Hey neighbor. I'm actually in the Troy not far from HVCC. Get up to your neck of the woods every so often - in fact was walking along b-way last weekend ;-)

Thanks for the reply folks! I've sent of the request to PTC. Will post after pics once I get'er back.

[Daniel]

Upstate NY - near Albany.

Dang, I'm in SC. A bit far away to be of help.

[Jet Whitey]

I have a few extra boxes, but I'm in Alabama!

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r312/Teasme4764/Boxes-1.jpg

[JDutch]

I've seen several people post about this issue (with pics) on several different forums since purchasing a new P22 artist package last Thursday.

I don't want to return the guitar if this is a fairly isolated issue, but I don't necessarily want to take the chance that my guitar will be one of the ones with finish-related issues. Even if the finish-related issues start during the 24-hour approval period, the dealer isn't going to take the guitar back if the finish chips while it's in my possession. And, what good does sending the guitar back for warranty repair do if PRS is just going to apply the same super fragile finish?

I wish PRS would've held off on releasing guitars with the V12 finish until these issues had been sorted out. I, for one, would rather have had a guitar with the old finish, even if it allegedly sounded a little worse, than a guitar with a finish that falls apart when you look at it.

Apologies for the negative post. I love PRS guitars, and as a Maryland native, I couldn't be prouder of PRS as a company. But, this P22 is my dream guitar, and I'm bummed that the excitement over receiving it is being compromised by this issue.

[dprather]

I've seen several people post about this issue (with pics) on several different forums since purchasing a new P22 artist package last Thursday.

I don't want to return the guitar if this is a fairly isolated issue, but I don't necessarily want to take the chance that my guitar will be one of the ones with finish-related issues. Even if the finish-related issues start during the 24-hour approval period, the dealer isn't going to take the guitar back if the finish chips while it's in my possession. And, what good does sending the guitar back for warranty repair do if PRS is just going to apply the same super fragile finish?

I wish PRS would've held off on releasing guitars with the V12 finish until these issues had been sorted out. I, for one, would rather have had a guitar with the old finish, even if it allegedly sounded a little worse, than a guitar with a finish that falls apart when you look at it.

Apologies for the negative post. I love PRS guitars, and as a Maryland native, I couldn't be prouder of PRS as a company. But, this P22 is my dream guitar, and I'm bummed that the excitement over receiving it is being compromised by this issue.

I would bet it's more isolated than you fear - this being a forum that has direct communication to the company, I think many people with issues are coming here - compare these issues to the total number that have been done, you're likely talking about a very small percentage overall. For what it's worth I have 4 V12 guitars in Houston and they haven't had any issues - if they can survive this heat/humidity, they can take anything.

(I do have one in nitro that's flaking, but the V12 haven't shown any problems)

[themike]

I love PRS guitars, and as a Maryland native, I couldn't be prouder of PRS as a company. But, this P22 is my dream guitar, and I'm bummed that the excitement over receiving it is being compromised by this issue.

Again, just throwing it out there that the 5 or so threads there may have been regarding V12 issue are merely a hair of the amount of guitars PRS turn out each year so I think thats a great winning percentage. Things like that could happen to any manufacturer with any type of finish/clear.
Not to mention PRS Customer Service has repaired several with no issues what so ever.

edit: ninja'd!

[David Eaton]

Again, just throwing it out there that the 5 or so threads there may have been regarding V12 issue are merely a hair of the amount of guitars PRS turn out each year so I think thats a great winning percentage. Things like that could happen to any manufacturer with any type of finish/clear.
Not to mention PRS Customer Service has repaired several with no issues what so ever.

edit: ninja'd!

The guitar that I have this happen with is 10 years old, it probably started soon after I got it. Certainly by 2006. The others I have, V12 or not V12, haven't had an issue.

[David Eaton]

Again, just throwing it out there that the 5 or so threads there may have been regarding V12 issue are merely a hair of the amount of guitars PRS turn out each year so I think thats a great winning percentage. Things like that could happen to any manufacturer with any type of finish/clear.
Not to mention PRS Customer Service has repaired several with no issues what so ever.

edit: ninja'd!

The guitar that I have this happen with is 10 years old, it probably started soon after I got it. Certainly by 2006. The others I have, V12 or not V12, haven't had an issue.

[Kaledo]

Hi guys same problem here... the chipping is just begun on the edges of the keyboard and there are some other points where the finish is turning white!Several.. white points!I don't understand why: (! I would send it to the custumer services but but I live in Italy!
Does anyone know the reasons for this problem and in the case, if I have to send in maryland my guitar, the waiting times to solve the problem?
Thanks a lot guys! ;)

[jcshirke]

I just bought my first PRS, a Hollowbody II.

I did something stupid last night, though, when trying to lower the string height. I was using a large screwdriver with the tip wrapped in a t-shirt. It slipped, and I put a tiny ding in the top. It's barely noticeable, but *I* know it's there, and if I look for it, I know right where it is.

I was wondering if there is any way to do a DIY repair on something like this (and/or maybe have my luthier buff it out). It's not worth sending the guitar in, I don't think. It just bums me out a bit b/c it was a boneheaded thing to do, and the guitar has only been in my hands for a day.

Also, where can I get the correct tool to raise/lower the stop tail piece? I didn't want to use a screwdriver in the first place b/c I feared something like this could happen. Plus, it puts some marks on the large screw in tail pieces themselves.

[wilerty]

Did you loosen the strings before you tried the adjustment? Were you sure it was a bridge issue and not a truss rod issue?

[LSchefman]

I just bought my first PRS, a Hollowbody II.

I did something stupid last night, though, when trying to lower the string height. I was using a large screwdriver with the tip wrapped in a t-shirt. It slipped, and I put a tiny ding in the top. It's barely noticeable, but *I* know it's there, and if I look for it, I know right where it is.

I was wondering if there is any way to do a DIY repair on something like this (and/or maybe have my luthier buff it out). It's not worth sending the guitar in, I don't think. It just bums me out a bit b/c it was a boneheaded thing to do, and the guitar has only been in my hands for a day.

Also, where can I get the correct tool to raise/lower the stop tail piece? I didn't want to use a screwdriver in the first place b/c I feared something like this could happen. Plus, it puts some marks on the large screw in tail pieces themselves.

If you want to fix that ding and never know it was there, the PRS PTC can get you there, and the turnaround time is very fast. Or you could just leave it, of course.

They also do a very nice job on setups.

[jcshirke]

Did you loosen the strings before you tried the adjustment? Were you sure it was a bridge issue and not a truss rod issue?

I did loosen them. The neck seemed to have the right amount of relief--although I'm not an expert by any means. The strings were just a bit too high for my liking. Lowering the tail pieces solved that issue, although now (perhaps?) the tail piece does sit pretty low.

[jcshirke]

If you want to fix that ding and never know it was there, the PRS PTC can get you there, and the turnaround time is very fast. Or you could just leave it, of course.

They also do a very nice job on setups.

Maybe I will give them a call and have them fix it and do a perfect setup. Why not, right?

Thanks for the advice.

[leeasam]

Did you loosen the strings before you tried the adjustment? Were you sure it was a bridge issue and not a truss rod issue?

if it was the action the bridge is where you adjust it. the trus rod is not meant to adjust action just neck relief. Yes if relief is too much one can have higher strings in the lower end of the neck but won`t change drastically at the 12th fret where action is to be measured at.

[leeasam]

I did loosen them. The neck seemed to have the right amount of relief--although I'm not an expert by any means. The strings were just a bit too high for my liking. Lowering the tail pieces solved that issue, although now (perhaps?) the tail piece does sit pretty low.

does not matter how low the tail piece sits as long as the action is correct. My P22 from the factory was set up a bit too high. I am not talking too high for me but higher than industry standard for 12th fret action. There is not much more adjustment to get it alot lower on mine right now. One thing I don`t really care for with the SE guitars is the bridge sits way too high on the studs which can cause stability issues. Closer to the guitar the better. Not sure what the deal is but the difference between the SE and USA prs is major in the bridge hieght off the top. same thing actually with many Gibson standard USA models vs their custom shop. The neck angle must be alot different or the way they are set into the body.