As was thought 30 years ago.
The shop I worked for sold lots of Masi's, Carlsbad ones, we would often state that there were Great and average Italian Masi's regarding finish,
just that the Carlsbad bikes were much more consistant (above average in finish work).
That said, when I took my very early 57cm frame (first batch) in for a repaint in 1975, they made a point to show me how they had refiled the BB and lugs. The BB was the most noticable as the orignal finish could best be described as paint over the raw casting.
I was not charged extra but they stated 3 hours were spent reworking the frame, I was told they were under pressure to get the first ones "out the door".
I like all that I have, just some are better detailed than others.
John Jorgensen
Palos Verdes Ca