Well, I heard from the Taylor buyer at Elderly Instruments today.
Good news, my new 512ce arrived from Taylor.
Bad news, it had a flaw.
It had what looked to be about .75" of glue seepage between the neck and the fretboard (thin, light colored line), along the neck binding at the 2nd fret, on the top of the neck (where your thumb would be). It is under the finish. Given the dark binding, it really stood out. There's nothing that the Elderly luthiers could do to "correct" it, and if they tried, it would probably be noticeable, in their opinion. So, they didn't want to touch it (nor would I want them to).
The Taylor buyer at Elderly said that if this was an Elderly stock guitar, they would reject it. He's really surprised Taylor let this one come through like that. He said Taylors are usually clean.
I'm pretty particular about my instruments and that would have bugged the heck out me every time I played it, if I had accepted it. Given I'm paying what I'm paying for this guitar, I found it to be unacceptable and asked for it to be returned and a new 512ce be ordered in its place. Elderly was VERY apologetic and supportive of my decision. They want me to be 100% happy with the guitar.
To say I'm disappointed, is an understatement.
I do not fault Elderly at all, and have always been impressed by their strict standards. I have not lost any respect for Taylor either. These things sometimes happen in life. It managed to sneak through. I think God is testing my patience. If this is the worst thing that happens to me, then I'm a pretty lucky gal!
So, my wait continues. I guess this will make my 512ce even more appreciated, when I do eventually get it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Think I'll go play my 414....it will make me happy again.
