Would you buy a bass online?

twizell · #1 06-17-2008, 01:37 AM

Having searched every music shop in London, I've been told that the Fender jazz I am after won't be available in the UK until September... but the US online sites show stock is available in the US.

I've always preferred to buy from a music shop, so that the thing is set up properly... the alternative is to get it set up by a local luthier.

What do folks think? There is a $600 cost saving that will pay for all the import and sales taxes at this end.

MirageBass · #2 06-17-2008, 03:34 AM

I usually trust online. In fact, I've bought more basses on the net than in real life, and I'm perfectly happy with them.

carlos840 · #3 06-17-2008, 05:25 AM

No, never! I ordered a bass once on the net and it wasnt what i thought it would be. Also i think that every bass is different,even if they are the same model! and i wouldnt buy any without playing it first.
What bass is it your trying to get in the UK?

fearceol · #4 06-17-2008, 07:00 AM

I bought one bass on line with no problems at all. I also saved myself a lot of money in the process. The set up would be the least of my problems as it's not very hard to do a basic set up yourself.
I suppose the main thing that puts people off buying on line is not being able to try out the bass, as mentioned above. I'd have no hesitation buying online again though.

BigKahuna13 · #5 06-17-2008, 07:05 AM

I've purchased 3 basses online. Two new and one used. I've been happy with all three purchases.

Have also purchased new and used skis online and have been happy with all of those purchases.

For used stuff you just need to be careful to get lots of pictures
and ask lots of questions.

twizell · #6 06-17-2008, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlos840

No, never! I ordered a bass once on the net and it wasnt what i thought it would be. Also i think that every bass is different,even if they are the same model! and i wouldnt buy any without playing it first.
What bass is it your trying to get in the UK?

Well... this is the problem. I also believe that every bass is different, so its a bit of a crap shoot.

I'm after a Fender deluxe american jazz fretless. I'd really like the black one. Alternatively I might go for the standard model.

There are two Mexican standards in Denmark Street, but thats about it. One of the two played fairly well. The only problem is that they are shipped with flatwounds which I don't use, so I can't really hear the tone.

I'm half considering buying one of these, then if I don't like the pups, fitting some aftermarket ones.

The finish on the guitars seemed pretty OK.

dave_bass5 · #7 06-17-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MirageBass

I usually trust online. In fact, I've bought more basses on the net than in real life, and I'm perfectly happy with them.

Same here.
My last three basses have come from Thomanns in Germany.
Apart from being cheap they have a fantastic 30 days returns policy.
If you dont like the goods, email them that you want to send it back, they email you a returns number and you just call UPS and they come and pick it up, at no cost to you. You cant really loose.

A few months ago i had two Lakland Duck Dunn's sitting at home. One waiting to go back and the new one. i ended up sending the new one back. Both felt differently and i liked the first one better. I did have a genuine reason for wanting to send the first one back, it wasn't just a case of order two and see what's better.
I cant think of many stores in the UK that would let you do that.

SelenaBassGirl · #8 06-17-2008, 09:57 AM

I did two of my basses. One I got from Musician's Friend and had no problems what so ever. The other I won on eBay and the idiot failed to write on the listing that there is a tuning key missing. In the picture he had a far away picture and all the other keys were facing the same direction where you couldn't tell. grrrrrr!

IanStephenson · #9 06-17-2008, 10:13 AM

I've bought 4 basses online:
two used from individuals in the UK
one new from a US dealer
one used from a german dealer

All good experiences, and basses I'm happy with.

Invariably the availabilty and prices make up for the small risk involved.

twizell · #10 06-18-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Same here.
My last three basses have come from Thomanns in Germany.
Apart from being cheap they have a fantastic 30 days returns policy.

Thanks for this, I found the bass I wanted on their site and I've placed an order. A 30 day money back guarantee made it worthwhile.

Cost about £200 more than the UK dropshipper I found through Google, but then Thomanns actually have a guitar to sell!

brianrost · #11 06-18-2008, 06:03 AM

The majority of the basses I own today were bought online, some from dealers and some from private sellers. I've grown quite comfortable with it. I haven't tried an international shipment yet though!

AmazingGracePlayer · #12 06-18-2008, 07:05 AM

I bought an acoustic guitar online if it counts... But my standards for guitars are not as high as for basses, so I don't think I would buy a bass online unless I've tried the same model first.

CamMcIntyre · #13 06-18-2008, 10:33 PM

If they guys I like to buy from locally don't have it, then i'm up for going online through a reputable shop if they can't get it.

I've also bought gear off of here no problems.