New Surfliner: fret markings and chip in finish maintenance?

[BreederCreature]

Howdy ya'll! Been a long time since I last posted!

In short, I really dig the new Surfliners and decided to pick one up from a Guild dealer/warranty center who marked this specific one down due a chip in the finish on the body and "finish check line in the neck pocket" from the factory.

The Neck
I just opened it up and see markings on the neck where the frets were cut. I can slightly feel the marks when running my hand up and down the neck, but it's not like they snag or anything:



Is this a big deal? Believe it or not, I've never actually bought a brand new guitar until this one (everything I've owned has either been vintage Guild or used), so maybe this is normal and it wears away over time? Aside from this, the neck feels super smooth and the guitar is stupid light.

The Body
The chip in the finish is a bit more gnarly than I initially thought. I do kinda dig the character it adds and this will be my new live guitar, so it will get roughed up over time anyway (I'm not precious about my gear, but the '73 S-100c I normally use live has earned its retirement). Any thoughts on how best to prevent the chip from getting worse or snagging on my arm? Maybe a clear finish or some sort or just a clear sticker to cover it?

Pics from the seller:

My pic after delivery:


Any thoughts would be great!

 

[GAD]

Surfliners are inexpensive to begin with. I have one and I like it, but looking at just the chip I wouldn't pay more than $100 for that guitar after which I'd probably donate it to someone in need.

 

[lungimsam]

I have had paint crack like your neck pocket paint crack on my fender Pbass to no consequence. I think the paint cracks easily like that when the neck is removed. That’s when it happened on mine the first time a tech took off the neck to do Trod adjustment.
The body chip is looking just cosmetic. Hopefully nothing got jarred funny cuz that looks like a big hit.
But the divots along the frets (shrinkage?) is unacceptable to me for a new instrument. But that too looks cosmetic since the frets look seated well.
But if you got it cheap and it doesn't bug you then all is well. I mean, as long as everything is structurally sound, looks like all three issues is just cosmetic.
As I always say: If you get famous, everyone will want one just like yours. I can see them now; filing the wood at the frets ends on the neck to get theirs’ just right.

 

[chazmo]

BreederCreature, regarding the fret ends, that is very sloppy... Mine doesn't look like that at all; it should be clean. Everything should be filed cleanly so there are no grooves as there are on your neck.. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with that, but regarding price, I agree with GAD; this guitar is really not in "new" condition.

 

[Boneman]

The chip looks like it could snag your sleeve or arm, maybe sand it down around the edges? Or perhaps fill it in with something to even out the finish?

 

[BreederCreature]

Thanks for the input! The guitar sounds awesome, so these issues are just cosmetic. The fret issue is the biggest surprise since everything I've read on this model talks about how great they look and the listing didn't mention the fret marks at all. I can't really feel them while playing, so not a deal breaker, just suprising.

Yea, the ding needs to be filled in, def gonna catch on my arm. I'll just fill it in with something. The seller replied to me and they suggested getting a marker that matches the finish as best it can, which...I'm not going to do lol. I'll just fill it with something/sand it down, polish it and move on lol