What would you do?

[Randall]

I buy two 5E3 kits to build for paying customers. (I'm not into bashing vendors, so let's not name names). There are a few glitches along the way, but they are very good at making things right. I finish one of them and I notice a couple of letter have gone missing from the face panel. I'm disappointed, but decide to live with it, because maybe it was my fault somehow.

After finishing the second one, I spray a slight mist of windex on a cotton cloth and wipe my smudgy prints off the front panels. It is not until they are clean that I realize multiple spots where lettering is either missing or moved around helter skelter. My heart sinks.

I email the vendor with pics. Nothing. Six days later I appeal for advice. Vendor says they are happy to exchange both chassis, they have had no other customers with this issue. And they think most people would wipe down with a cloth only, no chemicals.

I see, it's only me. I used 'chemicals'. I say defective lettering. Either way, what to do? Exchange chassis in finished builds. Try to get a refund and go elsewhere? Leave it? The thought of tearing out two builds is heart breaking.

What would you do?

[Jazz P Bass]

Spray the brand new unblemished face plate with clear coat?
It appears that they are having silkscreen issues.
Maybe the virgin metal is not being prepped properly.
Hey, if the product is being made 'offshore' who the heck knows!

[Randall]

Got it resolved. It's a made in USA product, that APPARENTLY I got he only two bad ones. I can wipe lettering off some spots with just my thumb. The vendor and I exchanged videos, mine showing the problem, and theirs showing that they couldn't replicate it. They sent me two replacements that I checked right out of the box, and they appear to be fine. They tell me they have checked their entire stock with no problems. When I return them, they will go to the silk screener for inspection.

So now I must begin the rotten task of ripping out two good builds to put it the new chassis. Good thing I like this stuff or I would be some P-O'd.

[mort]

Good deal on the resolution on the oddball problem. And the work is good for keeping the hands busy, and I find it enjoyable to work on something you know inside and out already. It's like the hands know their own way and feels effortless.