Is it "fair" to ask for a set of strings when buying a new bass?

crispygoat · #1 11-19-2010, 11:02 PM

Unfortunately I might have to buy a bass at my local music store and was wondering if was "fair" to ask for a set of strings and a setup when buying a new bass? I remember 5 or so years ago, I got all sort of goodies (HSC, book) when I bought a bass, but when I picked up a guitar for a friend two years ago and asked for a set of strings, the guy rudely said no.

What do you think?

**jbybj** · #2 11-19-2010, 11:11 PM

everything is negotiable. It can never hurt to ask. If they say yes, that probably means that there was still enough profit margin on the bass to let some strings go. In other words, you didn't talk them down enough on the bass.........

mulchor · #3 11-19-2010, 11:31 PM

Labor/service has a value, and in many cases doesn't actually change a small-business' labor cost. So that can be a good thing to ask for during not-too-busy times.

If I were running the store, I'd say "half price on whatever accessory or supply you like."

elgecko · #4 11-19-2010, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

Unfortunately I might have to buy a bass at my local music store...

When did it become "unfortunate" to support local businesses?

The setup part is interesting though. When you buy a bicycle from a local shop, they usually throw in free "setup" for a year. Hmmm...

puddin tame · #5 11-19-2010, 11:42 PM

would depend on price of the bass. my corvette standard came with a free setup (which I didnt use), but if it was something like a squier or even a rock bass it's not really like youre droppin enough cash to warrant it. if I was buying something like a thumb NT i'd milk them for strings for sure

knucklehead G · #6 11-19-2010, 11:52 PM

Last time I made a big purchase at a local store, they gave me a discount card to apply to anything I needed in the future. I think it was about 15% (reusable), but it applied after taxes and didn't show up on the receipt.. I'm sure you can think of a few brands that don't allow sales that this kind of thing could be handy with.

In other words, local shops want to make sure there is nothing unfortunate about them to keep you from going to Guitar Center. Just ask. Its not like they'll say no then jack the price of the bass up $50 for asking.

bassbenj · #7 11-19-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

Unfortunately I might have to buy a bass at my local music store and was wondering if was "fair" to ask for a set of strings and a setup when buying a new bass? I remember 5 or so years ago, I got all sort of goodies (HSC, book) when I bought a bass, but when I picked up a guitar for a friend two years ago and asked for a set of strings, the guy rudely said no.

What do you think?

I think:
Rule: ALWAYS ask for a discount! (or in this case extra stuff)

If you don't ask you'll never get it. You'll be surprised how many time you DO get at least something extra! If the guy is "rude" about it that means that the economic downturn is not big enough yet to get his attention so he's still too busy to be bothered with customers. If they say "no" don't take a fit. Just accept it and decide your purchase on the basis of what they are willing to offer. That's business.

Chrisk-K · #8 11-20-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Is it "fair" to ask for a set of strings when buying a new bass?

A new bass comes with a set of strings. I don't think it's "fair" to ask for another set of strings.

Would it be fair to ask for a new set of tires when buying a new car?

JimmyM · #9 11-20-2010, 12:10 AM

depends...if you're buying a bass that costs $2000, ask away. if you're buying one that costs $200, don't. that's being a shnurrer.

knucklehead G · #10 11-20-2010, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

A new bass comes with a set of strings. I don't think it's "fair" to ask for another set of strings.

Would it be fair to ask for a new set of tires when buying a new car?

If the tires are bad, yes. If you're dealing with a bass that's had a few hundred scummy hands rubbing on it and funking up the strings, I don't see how that's different than calling a car dealer on a bald tire.

Munjibunga · #11 11-20-2010, 01:05 AM

Why stop at strings? Maybe they'd throw in a practice amp, too.

Seriously, sure, ask 'em for some strings. They pay less than half of what they sell 'em for, so it isn't going to break the bank.

DaLoCo · #12 11-20-2010, 01:13 AM

In my store I would either include free stuff, or discount the bass....not both. I might put a smaller discount on the whole shebang.

If I throw in free strings it will not be the most expensive strings....

SafetyBean · #13 11-20-2010, 04:06 AM

Oh yeah it's more than fair. Where I come from lol, the guys in guitar shops EXPECT you to haggle.

I recently got a £200 bass. I paid £180, and got a free strap (£10) and set of strings (£20) xD

cnltb · #14 11-20-2010, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

Unfortunately I might have to buy a bass at my local music store and was wondering if was "fair" to ask for a set of strings and a setup when buying a new bass? I remember 5 or so years ago, I got all sort of goodies (HSC, book) when I bought a bass, but when I picked up a guitar for a friend two years ago and asked for a set of strings, the guy rudely said no.

What do you think?

I would expect o get new strings with a new bass.

coreyfyfe · #15 11-20-2010, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

A new bass comes with a set of strings. I don't think it's "fair" to ask for another set of strings.

Would it be fair to ask for a new set of tires when buying a new car?

I think of it this way - If you were buying a brand new car with used tires wouldn't you ask?

If you are buying an off-the-rack instrument, chances are it's been at least lightly played and has probably been sitting around long enough for humidity and oxidation to take their toll on the neck/strings. If that's the case, then I don't think it unfair to request strings and a setup.

pbd · #16 11-20-2010, 04:32 AM

ask, you just never know what the answer will be, if times are a bit slow at the store you might have better sucessess

Todd

Kwesi · #17 11-20-2010, 04:42 AM

I think it's absolutely fair if the instrument is on the rack. Who knows how many people have put their grubby little hands on it

? A bass on the wall could easily have dead strings or strings on the way out so what's wrong with getting a free set as part of the deal?

cassanova · #18 11-20-2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

The setup part is interesting though. When you buy a bicycle from a local shop, they usually throw in free "setup" for a year. Hmmm...

It is customary to have the initial setup done free of charge. I think the reason many people don't have them done when they buy a bass is they don't think to have them do one. There isn't a single store in my area, both chain and mom/pop that won't do an initial setup free of charge for you, if you ask.

OP: It's not unreasonable to ask for strings. So if they are dead, starting to go dead, look nasty and worn, etc, then have them throw in a set. If the bass I'm buying is a floor model then I ask them to throw a set of strings in with it as well.

I'm usually at the counter ready to pay for it when I ask for the strings, (this way they know I'm actually going to buy the bass and not just wasting their time) so that's where I'll ask them to throw in a set of strings for one of the aforementioned reasons. If they say "no," I politely tell them something like "really? That's a shame because now we can't do business." Then I'll head for the door.

FWIW, I've had strings thrown in on the past 4 new basses I've bought, usually D'Addario XL's.

One important thing to remember. It's your money, you do hold the power. Make sure the deal you want is fair for both parties If they're not willing to make it happen, then leave and find a place that will. If none of them are willing to make it happen, then your deal is probably unrealistic.

thumpbass1 · #19 11-20-2010, 06:49 AM

All they can do is say no. Sometimes just asking them to give you a new set, instead of installing them for you can be done, such as the case of a resonator guitar I bought that the factory stuck wimpy 10's on, and I told the assistant manager if he would toss in a heavier gauge set of strings I would buy that guitar. He did , and I was a happy customer. I do agree with everyone that commented that it's kind of pushing things if one asks for new strings on the very bottom end budget stuff. Yet it would be ornery grins and giggles fun, to ask any of big box stores that sell First Act instruments if they'd toss in a set of new strings.

lbwdog · #20 11-20-2010, 07:02 AM

Strings and accessories generally have the highest markup in the store. It certainly won't hurt to ask. Just don't be a jerk about it. Unless they're selling the bass at a loss, they should be able to include a set, or give a healthy discount. Set-up could possibly be another thing. Many stores have a tech that doesn't actually work for the store, but is an independent business. In that case, he may charge the store for the labor, so if he charges them say $20, and strings cost $10, that comes out of profit. It all depends on how much room they have in their pricing to you.
Just ask!

My local store matches MF or other online seller's prices, then reduces it even more to compensate for sales tax. Sometimes he'll even beat it by more than that, so i don't push 'em much . I like doing business there and if I ever needed help in a pinch (such as an emergency amp loan) they'll help out. It's good to have a relationship like that if you're a gigging pro.