Do Not Buy A Guitar From Fender's Mod Shop! An Update

Does Fender deserve redemption? Watch this video and find out. Hang in there, because it's going to be a wild ride.

[MistaaFeast]

Wow man this whole story is just unreal, I’m glad you got a resolution you are happy with

[johnskerlec]

Quality Control is the biggest issue (in so many other products and services also), and it is great that someone in Fender took the hit and signed off on taking responsibility. This should be a call to arms for consumers because we have the power to make these big companies take notice and do the right thing by their customers but so often they don't, and we are too lazy to hold them to account. Thanks for the post man.

[frankcocozello]

I bought a guitar from Sweetwater. There inspection process is bogus. I returned the guitar because it wasn’t in the best condition. The resent it and included shipping. The guitar I bought was a Gibson less Paul fifties model. The strings were defective and rusted. So much for their inspection process.

[lanoirefan]

I have 2 strats that both came from the Mod Shop a couple years ago. They’re my main 2 guitars to this day. I’ve never had any issues with either of them. I guess they’ve kinda gone down hill since those days. And like you said, Covid really impacted their workforce. But either way, it’s still mind blowing that you had an experience like this with Fender. So glad it was able to get resolved for you.

[datooch]

I got a mod shop in 2021. It came with paint missing on the bottom edge. It was obvious someone kept the buffer there too long and wore paint off. I emailed them and they never responded. I should’ve been more persistent. Glad things worked out for you. I don’t think I could order another Mod shop guitar again. The guitar sounds/plays great but I didn’t even get to put the first blemish on it. Thanks Fender.

[jixxxxer]

after watching both of your videos I would never buy a guitar from Fender Mod, no way and I've been looking on their mod shop website recently, Glad I found this video, Glad things worked out for you in the end, you were very patient throughout the process. Peace !

[jodykendall]

So unacceptable for a custom build, shame on you Fender

[MyersJMark]

The fact that all that left the factory is insane. Sorry you had such bad luck and sorry they sucked at responding.

In my own experience: I have two mod shop guitars and just ordered another. I’m a lefty and mod shop is the only way to get some models+colors etc. I’ve had nothing but good experiences so far and I have a rep I exchanged emails with almost a year ago that I still hit up when I have any questions and he’s always diligent (thanks mark!!!)

Both guitars I currently own were flawless besides a not very well cut nut. I’ve been playing them mercilessly for the past few months and they’re still great. Guess it really is luck of the draw

[stevethompson]

So glad I watched this, I was just about to put an order for a telecaster. Think I'll leave it.

[MewCun]

I have been seriously considering ordering a Strat via the Mod Shop for the past few months. I won't be doing so now!

[brianb]

I got a junk pro 2 and was considering the mod shop but just the way they responded to their errors on your guitar has completely changed my mind

[GuitarShack]

Thanks for the heads up. I was considering the mod shop, but had reservations. After seeing the issues you had I definitely wouldn’t want to take the chance. That’s unfortunate because it could be such a cool service. Glad you finally got some satisfaction though.

[CatharticGuitar]

I’m glad they came through in the end. I want to keep loving Fender.

[Thisisrance]

I have a custom shop fender. One of the main features of the guitar were these SUPER dirty looking pickups. Within the first few days, some of the relic work on the pickups had worn off. After a week most of it had rubbed off. It looked so goofy and this guitar retails for close to 5k. I contacted fender with the issue because I couldn’t find any similar issues on forums. Seemed like maybe the didn’t properly prep or seal the relic work. They replied and said that this was normal “play wear” and couldn’t do anything to resolve the issue. Went to cvs, got some nail polish remover and removed the rest of the relic work that day.

[JayTheLane]

I’ve had issues with Fender QC and customer services. I sent a Strat back that was set up like a complete dog with wonky pickups, badly set up with other cosmetic issues. As you say buy from a retailer with a good rep for returns. I used Andertons and sent it back no issues. In the end I bought a PRS Silver Sky which was absolutely spot on.

[riffmania]

what i want does not exsist from fender, I have to go mod shop. now i know at least i can finesse fender for the cost of the guitar, thanks bro

[VN]

Well, I've scratched the Fender Mod Shop off my list - thanks for the heads up! Your Fender Customer Service experience was absolutely dismal, and there are no excuses. Despite the final outcome here, no one should ever have to go through what you did with respect to a damaged guitar. The excuses for Fender that you provided are their problem, not yours. That's just plain terrible customer service. Way too many other quality choices out there (Ibanez, Yamaha, Schecter et al) to risk putting up with Fender and their poor quality customer service. Too bad.

[GuitarMav]

Thanks for the video, I was considering ordering one in a combo I can’t find anywhere. I am not doing this now as their quality control is terrible. I’ll look for second hand parts and put it together myself.

[SilverKnife]

I am stoked you got your Fender back as well as the refund!. But it still does not change their QC or lack there of. I'm still going to give them hell on Twitter.
Enjoy!

[ryanjones]

I have a Mod Shop Strat from '19 and a Tele from last year. They are both perfect and arguably the two best playing guitars of owned over 30+ years. It's unfortunate that you had this experience.