Why didn't my G&L come with the new serial number plate?

[GandLSMAN]

I took delivery of a fantastic ASAT Classic S last week (SN CLF60134) , but there is no serial number plate that I can see, and I did not receive a certificate of any kind . Should I have ?
Setup was perfect, and it's very comfortable to wear and play...

The guitar looks and plays great, but I have two issues that I'd like to discuss here;

Firstly, this is the only guitar I've ever had where there is a drastically different feel between the volume and tone controls.
The expander volume control has virtually no resistance in either the up ro down position, spins too easily, and it's setting always changes when I change the selector switch, or accidentally brush against it while playing.
Additionally, the volume control knob does not sit on the split shaft correctly, so the knob is actually "cockeyed". I've tried repositioning the knob so the setscrew tightens against either the flat or split part of the shaft, but the knob will not sit straight when the screw is tightened... and the pot is "scratchy"; when adjusted while plugged in, it sounds like the volume control on my 50 year old transistor !

Secondly, my ASAT has a flamed natural maple top and white binding, beautifully donw , except that two places, the binding is not flush against the top, and there is a minute gap between binding and top that appears black. These black gaps, looking more like dirt that was not properly removed, were finished over, creating what looks like a permanent imperfection on the instrument.

Can anything be done about this, or am I being too picky, and expecting too much of this "excellent otherwise " custom built instrument ?

Thanks!

Ed M

[yowhatsshakin]

Hi Ed,

Hate to say it but no you shouldn't. The S/N on a plate started at CLF061000 (note additional '0' at start) around the beginning of February 2011. So with an S/N in the 60000 range, you're just below the transition point.

For any trouble you have with your ACS, go back to your dealer. The tone problem should be fixable by a new pot. The gap between binding and body can be due to temperature shock. There was a post recently on bubbles on the side of the fingerboard which diminished after some acclimatization. I don't know whether that will be the case for you too, since you apparently are in the possession of the guitar for about a week. But remember that workmanship falls under the 10 year warranty. Again, check back with your dealer ASAP.

Hope this helps,

- Jos

[Craig]

Hi Ed,

Your guitar was one of the last built with the old serial numbering scheme. See Jos' post.

You should have received a certificate of authenticity which has the serial number listed on it plus the warranty card. These items along with the case keys and a bag of allen wrenches should have been in
a manilla envelope in the case. If you did not receive them, you should return to the dealer where you got the guitar and ask for these items. You might also bring the guitar with you and show the dealer these
issues you have listed.

Hope this helps.