David
Post-Delivery FeedbackMar 4, 2026
I recently purchased a PRS SE NF5 listed as an “Open Box / Minor Blemish” from American Musical Supply. I’ve owned and played many PRS guitars over the years and generally hold the brand in very high regard, so I was excited to add this one to my collection.
Unfortunately, when the guitar arrived, the fret ends were extremely sharp and rough along the edges of the fretboard. Running your hand along the neck felt like dragging your fingers across small metal edges. During actual playing, the frets would scratch your hand, making the guitar uncomfortable and essentially unplayable in its current condition.
While I understand that open-box instruments may have minor cosmetic issues, sharp fret sprout that affects playability should not fall under the category of a “minor blemish.” This is a setup or finishing issue that typically requires proper fret dressing to correct.
I reached out to AMS support hoping they would be willing to work with me on a repair solution, especially considering the instrument was advertised as only having a minor blemish. Unfortunately, I was told there was no option for repair assistance or partial accommodation, only the option to return the guitar.
What made the situation more disappointing is that this particular open-box unit was priced about $200 higher than comparable demo/open-box NF5 guitars currently listed by other major online retailers, which made the lack of flexibility even harder to understand.
To be fair, AMS customer service was polite, and the return option was offered. However, I had hoped for a bit more willingness to stand behind the condition of an instrument described as a minor blemish.
The PRS SE NF5 itself is a fantastic design, and aside from the fret issue, the guitar has great tone and feel. I plan to keep it and address the fret work myself, but buyers should be aware that open-box listings may require additional work before the instrument is truly playable.
I hope AMS considers being more flexible with situations like this in the future, especially when a structural or playability issue is involved rather than a simple cosmetic blemish.
I will no longer transact business with AMS aside from the current products I purchased, as soon as those items are paid off, which is very soon, I will not return to AMS for any musical gear. This last transaction showed the true colors of a company.