NGD - SB55DC/V - happy but disappointed

[XRay]

Hi everyone,
Yesterday I got a SB55DC-V.
I played it at a local shop a few days ago and talked about how much I liked it to my girlfriend.
Yesterday she went to the shop, bought it and gave it to me as a gift.
I returned home from work and found it at home.
I know I'm lucky, I love her so much.

The problem is:
I noticed lots of dings and chips on it. Please check the pics enclosed.
She bought it at full price at a local authorized dealer. The guitar is new, no ex demo or whatsoever.

I asked the dealer about those chips on the phone, he said it is part of the varnish/relic process.

Can you confirm that? I'm going back to the shop on tuesday to discuss about that.

I love the way the guitar plays, its feel and the great craftsmanship, and there's a story behind it, now you know it too.
It would be sad to give it back to the shop.
Thank you

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[nostatic]

the "V" series are their antique varnish and as far as I can tell have varying amounts of "relic" process such as aged tuners, finish wear, etc. I could imagine nicks and dings being part of it - heavy relic guitars (not Eastman) can look like someone took a weed whacker to them.

Whether you like it or not is largely aesthetic (perhaps philosophical) choices. One place I totally draw the line is the neck - if there are any dings front or back, that is a non-starter. Stuff like headstock and body don't bother me much as those will get some dents over the course of gigging and don't really affect playing. But I can feel a dent in the back of the neck and it will drive me nuts. I had a frankenstrat with a '58 neck ruined by a "luthier" who did a fret dress and gouged the spine. I had to sell it (fully disclosing the damage) as I couldn't bear to play it any more.

[AlanSam]

As nostic said, it is a reliced model. Generally I like Eastman's relicing but in this case don't think it has been done well, and like nostic I do not find dings on the neck acceptable period. Personally, and if possible, I would be inclined to exchange it or buy the same model elsewhere. But if for you it otherwise ticks all the boxes, and bearing in mind it was a gift I would probably keep it. Difficult!
p.s. looking at pic 6/6, this is exactly the kind of marking I would expect and like on a reliced guitar.

[XRay]

Thank you for your answers.
You then confirm that relicing is part of the varnishing process. I haven't seen any dings and dents on Eastman guitars on the web, but definitely have to look deeper.
Personally I'm not into relic even though I like some battered strats from fender custom shop.

Anyways, I'll check with the shop on tuesday and will let you know. I will also have a look at other Eastman displayed in the shop to see if they also have checks.

Thank you again

[nostatic]

Take a close look at photos of the t64v, especially the edges of the body.you’ll notice finish wear, etc

https://reverb.com/item/55211850-eastman...-goldburst

[XRay]

I KEPT IT.
I reached out to Eastman customer service and they said those dents were part of the varnish.
I also went to the dealer and checked other varnish Eastmans, they all had some minor dents.

I love my guitar, it sounds like heaven

[AlanSam]

Ray - pleased your happy about your purchase! I'd love to get my hands on one of them for an hour or two. Doubt it will happen though.