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March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | I'm kind of new here, so apologize if this topic has been covered before. I couldn't find it in a quick search of 'FRG' in the archives.
I know that FRG stands for 'Factory Refurbished Guitar' and refers to guitars which had to go back into the assembly line after 'flaws' are found which prevent them from being sold or represented as new.
What I would like to know -- and what was briefly touched on in a thread down the line here yesterday -- is the nature of some of these flaws. I assume they could be very minor -- overspray or finish pinholes — which when repaired would not affect the structural or sound quality of the guitar. But the inference was that some flaws are really bad. Might someone who knows clarify? Hate to think slipshod work slips out the back door, and perhaps I need to rethink my perception of FRG, which (if you believe the ebay ads) seems always to be 'minor and inconsequential.' |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I can't remember anyone who found out why an FRG is an FGR by their own inspection. |
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January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | FRG = Friggin' Ridiculous Going-over? |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | As Brad said, it seems that the factory found a flaw and fixed it. There was a question on this on last year's factory tour DVD. If I remember correctly, they find something that doesn't pass the QC or maybe gets sent back from a dealer. It gets sent back. Problem is fixed. The FRG label means it has a 5 year warranty instead of lifetime. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | I have a 1777LX in natural that is an FRG. It has noticable defects. The biggest one is actually the soundboard itself. There is one section that is much darker than the rest. Doesn't affect the sound, but definitely noticable. There are other minor visible flaws, but to say all FRGs are hard to tell from normal ones is incorrect. Maybe most, not all. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | IF (and that is a HUGE "if") I was an instrument manufacturer, I would not be above marking first quality instruments as FRG's just to blow out excess inventory. This "could" explain why so many FRG's appear absolutely perfect upon inspection. Dave |
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December 2004
Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | I agree... |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| I had an FRG 1758. Couldn't find a thing wrong with it. It was mint...go figure. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I have sold a ton of frg's many of them the flaws were so minor I could not even detect them. often it is some inconsistency in grain pattern or color or something like that.
many retailers represent their guitars as frg's and then send you a first quality guitar to get around map pricing. this just makes it difficult for the guys that play by the rules. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | An FRG will have an identifying label as such, or is supposed to. If your guitar was sold to you as an FRG specimen and there is no such indication, than you probably have a guitar sold as Al describes AND shouldn't be surprised if you can't find the blem.
I've seen FRG's with no observable flaws, and other where they were observable but in no way affected sound or structure. Bought right, they can be great values. That means buy one from Al. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I forgot about the sticker.
there are some dealers and individuals that pull them off. It you ever need to send it back for service John and Kim have a record of the serial numbers so you will be charged for service.
this whole frg thing has been discussed ad nauseum. Great values 5 year warranty cosmetic flaws.
caveat emptor |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1374
| as I have always only been a bottom-feeder on the bay or bought from members here, I have not been fortunate enough to own a new Ovation with either a lifeteme, or frg warranty... my question in the other thread was regarding 2nds or those marked used, which can mean many things or nothing much, depending on who stamped it that way and why... the one I just bought is stamped that way, but I'll be danged if I can find any major or minor flaws.. I've only had "bad" luck with one e-bay guitar.. but "you pays your money, you takes your chances"
as AL says above.. caveat emptor .. but if you're interested in a FRG or New Ovation or Adamas make sure you call him first!!
also even tho I haven't owned a "warrantied" Ovation or Adamas yet.... The guys at customer service in Hartford will always make you feel like you are just as important.
Thanks to John and Kim..(again)
Glenn
P.S.
Char's in recovery, getting ready to get moved back up to her room, more procedures, and possible surgery coming up.. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for the prayers all,
Glenn |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | stamped used is a whole different issue |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 548
Location: Up North | Al your PM Mailbox is full again |
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All the permutations of 'FRG'
