I am totally bummed out by my guitar buying experience. I thought I would be dealing with a reputable company when I ordered from my Cordoba, and maybe I am. I thought the action up the neck was high, so I measured at the 12th fret. It was 4mm - which seems high for a flamenco guitar. I thought the neck appeared a bit bowed. Today I took it to the person I got to for minor guitar issues. He measured it and found the same thing, as well as finding the neck a bit bowed.

I am irked that they would send me a guitar with a bowed neck, at least without letting me know what I was getting. Now I have to cough up the $ to send it back, so I am extra grumbly.

In your estimation, should the neck be even a little bit bowed? I would think that would be a condition that would get continually worse, and is a very poor trait in a new guitar.

My guitar repair guy said there was no leeway with the saddle to even try to lower the action.

I would like a bit of advice before calling to let them know I am sending it back. I now have 24 hours to give them notice.

I wouldn't accept that guitar. The neck bow may or may not become worse over time, but the neck should have been straight when you received the guitar. The situation is made even worse by not being able to lower the strings.

Despite the return shipping expense, I would send it back and find someone else to deal with.

Lucas

I would call and tell them that you are not only going to return the guitar, but that you expect them to pay return shipping costs because the guitar they sent isn't playable. I also would tell them that if they remedy the situation by leaving you harmless you will let your buddies on the flamenco forum know they treated you fairly and that if they don't the bad Internet publicity could cost them far more than shipping expense.

Castillo

Thank you for your suggestions. Here's the update. I sent an email letting them know why I am unhappy with the guitar and notifying them that I am sending it back. They offered to have it picked up and to select a new one for me with lower action. It seems like a very fair offer and I am looking forward to trying out the newly selected one.