Well, I just made the plunge and received a brand new JTV-69 in CAR.  My first impressions out of box were very good based on cosmetics and fit and feel of guitar.  I have to say that overall it seems to be a farily well made, solid guitar.  For the price point that's what I would expect.  The problem I am experiencing is that the B string has a very apparent rattle/buzz from an overly high 8th & 9th fret based on my experience and confirmed by my qualifed luthier.  This production defect is detrimental enough to sound audibly both with modelled instruments and stock pickups that I either will need to return it to the national retailer for another one OR have a full fret dress done for $120-$140.  $140 isn't a whole lot of money but for me this is just a matter of principal.  I own other high-end guitars (PRS, etc) that would never have made it to the floor with this obvious a defect.  Yes, yes I know....this guitar doesn't quite qualify as a $3k retail guitar, but nevertheless for almost $2k retail ($1400 to me),my expectations are higher than what I received.

Looking for opinions here.  What would you do?  Return and roll the dice on another one?  What has been the track record on production quality specific to neck and action set on these guitars?

I'm not exactly new to Variax as I owned a 500 when they first came out.  Gave up after too many issues and then revisited last year and bought a used 600, which is now sitting in the closet due to the dreaded "switching models, dying, and other goofy" anamolies.  Based on my prior experience and research on the issues with the Variax line, I guess you could say I am predisposed to be a 'little' weary.

The other component of my decision is based on the actual sound of the modelled intstruments.  IMHO while certainly some better than say the 600 I have, it's not any night & day, wow that blows me away improvement.  Better some, yes, but worth $1500??  I'm still wrestling with this.

Anyway, I appreciate any and all comments, opinions and advice!!

Cheers,

Ty