I just inherited a deceptively beautiful (almost) 2011 381v69 Fireglo in what looked like flawless condition. Then I looked more closely.

Evidently, the finish was so thick on the famous, 381-defining "German curve" that it didn't stick to the top on either side of the neck joint and has created 2 large "bubbles" on the top (within the curve) on either side of the neck. (The neck has NOT been reset, and no work was done to this guitar. The original owner was older and kind of left it in its case. The original strings were still on it.)

Despite what I would consider to be a factory defect (my 4 other RIC's have never had any issues whatsoever; (1965 365, 1966 360-12, 2015 360-12W, 2015 330).

So I contacted the factory. Ha. The second 1 year has passed since purchase, the Warranty is over, ain't nothin' they will do. It seems this legitimately qualifies as a factory defect. What do you all think? (Please don't suggest it waas abused or temperature shocked when I took it out of my igloo to my vacation home in the Sahara. It has been a Closet Queen all its life.)

I guess this post is about the company supporting its products. It seems to me that a premium product should be supported with a premium warranty (ever purchased a Martin? a Gibson? hell an EPIPHONE!!!) and you're still alive.

The guitar was built or finished by someone named "David" (signed under the pickup - I know this because I was stripping all electronics in preparation for the required complete top refinish. Hasn't happened yet, but is imminent.)
Just sayin'.

Wonder if he still works there?
John?
Hello?