I ended up returning my Godin to Musician’s Friend for a replacement. All the guitar techs I took it to (including my local Godin dealer) suggested I return it. “New Godin’s shouldn’t be that way,” they collectively said. They were right. When I took the new Godin out of the box it was immediately apparent what a mess the first one was. The first thing I noticed was how different the saddle looked. This one looked like they actually finished it. As I continued to inspect the replacement guitar I was surprised at how perfect it was. It had a straight neck and all of the frets were aligned. The other one had a twist and some bumps. Now that I have the replacement guitar, I’m very happy I sent the other one away. It seems like a got a lemon the first time.

Musician’s Friend was very accomadating for the whole experience. Then sent me an RA# and form to cut out and tape to the outside of the box. All I had to do was drop it off at FedEx and they took care of the rest. Less than a week later I got my replacement. That’s pretty good in my book.

On a side note, I think I’m having a minor, but irritating, allergic reaction to the new guitar’s neck varnish. My fingers are kind of breaking out and my skin looks like I spilled acid on it. If I don’t lube up with some A&D ointment, they get quite irritated. I remember having a similar reaction when I got my Klein. It took over month before it calmed down. I put in a request to Godin.com to see what sort of solvent I can use to clean it.

Note (4.2.07): It turns out, I may just be allergic celery or some other food that’s recently been added to my diet.  My guitar has been in it’s case for week, but my fingers are breaking out again.  I’m going to put on my investigative hat and find out what’s happening.

Godin was kind enough to get back to me with a quick reply.  They said that the guitar’s neck has a nitrocellulose based lacquer (most guitars have polyeurethane lacquer) and suggested a mild sanding and refinishing.  Let’s hope I don’t have to go down that route.