Would you buy...(914ce)

[Strumming Fool]

Looks like bear claw figure to me as well. It's a matter of taste, but I like the occasional bear claw "beauty mark" on an otherwise bland-looking spruce top. You'll always be able to distinguish your 814 from other 814s.

[mgap]

Looks like a natural irregularity to me.  These beauty marks add character and make your guitar stand out from the others.  I for one think it is a positive attribute to your guitar.   

[ericjungemann]

There is a fair chance that those impressions could be steamed out.  Videos on YouTube if you are interested or a guitar tech could try.

[Edward]

A bit OT with regard to the OP, but here goes:

Hi Ssawy,

That is no blemish ...that is the wood's grain.  Call it "bear claw" or irregularity; your choice, but this is "natural imperfection" only because all wood varies.  Not any defect that I can see under close scrutiny of the grains in your pic, IMHO.  Sorry, but I disagree with your assessment that this is in any way a "defect" that merits factory attention.  This is wood, and wood quite simply varies, and not necessarily in consistent patterns that we consumers are perhaps accustomed to seeing.  One doesn't "have" to like grain. FWIW, I have turned away from guitars because I'm visually put off ...not wrong to not like a given wood's appearance.

I am glad that Amazon addressed your dissatisfaction.  But these variances --as well as the innumerable minute differences that are almost impossible to quantify from guitar to guitar-- are precisely why folks either buy instrument only when they can get their hands on them, or through many correspondences and detailed photos of the actual instrument before purchase.  The best vendors --of which there are many-- will do exactly this.  So while I love my Amazon Prime, I know that for some purchases, I am simply better off looking where I will be better served.

Edward

[Der Geist]

I think that you can do much better than 20% off.  You should ask for 30% off and some free goods.   As someone who has spent much of his life in retail I can tell you that retailers are much more likely to throw in free goods to close a deal.  If you ask for $100 worth of accessories it will cost the dealer half that or less and they will be much more willing to give you that over cash.  Remember-$100 cash off will cost the dealer $100.00.  $100 worth of accessories will only cost them $50.  As my last boss used to tell me “the worst they can say is no”.