Waterstone Lulu - Are there two varieties?

BackToTheGroove · #1 12-17-2011, 08:27 AM

I find brand new Lulu's for less than $180 and then used ones posted at $550 (w/case), and shipped for $700 from Waterstone's site itself.

I believe they are built in Korea. Are there two versions of this same bass that would account for the price diff? I've compared (photos only) two exact same Lulu's and cannot see any difference, except nearly $400 in cost, shipped.

Thanks

lazerbrains · #2 12-17-2011, 12:55 PM

Yep, Korean made basses. I've never seen one for $180 though. I had one for a few months - I certainly wouldn't pay $500 or more for one, they aren't that nice. They are more inline with a CV Squier - decent but not amazing.

Rob Martinez · #3 12-17-2011, 02:10 PM

These are great basses for the money. I think Waterstone sometimes has sales on ebay, selling overstock or "blem" instruments at great prices. I picked up at Waterstone Skelly bass for about $190 and love it. Get one if you can!

comet9 · #4 12-17-2011, 08:17 PM

Waterstone LuLu Bass Tobacco Burst | eBay includes case

Stinsok · #5 12-17-2011, 08:18 PM

They used to have the blue sparkle on their site for 429.00. I have owned one (not at that price.) At 180, it's a better choice than SX or GFS's basses. Just an opinion.

grisezd · #6 12-17-2011, 09:01 PM

Their prices seem to fluctuate almost as much as the models they offer! Decent stuff for the (lower) price, though.

BackToTheGroove · #7 12-18-2011, 03:24 PM

I'm liking the Tobacco burst (I was already eyeing the deal comt posted above), but I'd take the pickguard off right away - why cover up a nice finish with a useless wad of plastic anyway. Good reviews on this bass. I like the inexpensive gems - certainly no Fender MIA Deluxe PJ in the wine finish though ~ sigh...

Rob Martinez · #8 12-19-2011, 07:26 AM

How can you go wrong at that price? Go for it!

TNCreature · #9 12-19-2011, 10:43 AM

I bought one of the eBay ones and I am sorry to say, it was a wreck. I returned it.
Their customer service was helpful and the return was no hassle, but I was really not happy with the bass.
I could be the unlucky 1 in 100, I have never played another Waterstone so I can't compare.
My issues: Cracked and peeling pickguard (They said it was a new manufacturer that had a bad run), and some very obvious finish flaws, primarily paint blotchiness and overspray. Finally, I could not get the action and intonation set on the rather thick neck no matter what I did. It was laborious to play.
Again, hopefully I jus got the one lemon of the buch as I know some people really like these.

lazerbrains · #10 12-19-2011, 11:28 AM

Mine had similar problems. Blotchy paint job, and cloudy finish in spots. The neck was a tree trunk, although mine had good action. I couldn't stand the sharp body contour - it dug into my arm all the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNCreature

I bought one of the eBay ones and I am sorry to say, it was a wreck. I returned it.
Their customer service was helpful and the return was no hassle, but I was really not happy with the bass.
I could be the unlucky 1 in 100, I have never played another Waterstone so I can't compare.
My issues: Cracked and peeling pickguard (They said it was a new manufacturer that had a bad run), and some very obvious finish flaws, primarily paint blotchiness and overspray. Finally, I could not get the action and intonation set on the rather thick neck no matter what I did. It was laborious to play.
Again, hopefully I jus got the one lemon of the buch as I know some people really like these.

Rob Martinez · #11 12-19-2011, 11:51 AM

I've never had the problem some players have with the sharp edge of a bass. I mean, that is what an acoustic guitar has. I started on guitar, so I don't have an issue with basses that have that. And I suppose for $180, there may be issues with the bass. No big deal if they are easy to correct. I bought a Skelly bass from Waterstone that needed a PU connected and the finish has some "clouding." I really don't mind that, considering I paid $190 for the bass. Had I paid $500 I would have been concerned.

lazerbrains · #12 12-19-2011, 12:51 PM

It's weird Rob, because the hard edge on my Ric doesn't bother me in the least, but on the Lulu it left a mark every time I played. Just the shape of the body I guess - but as it is a P bass clone, the sharp edge is something potential buyers should be aware of - those corners are not rounded!

Rob Martinez · #13 12-19-2011, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazerbrains

It's weird Rob, because the hard edge on my Ric doesn't bother me in the least, but on the Lulu it left a mark every time I played. Just the shape of the body I guess - but as it is a P bass clone, the sharp edge is something potential buyers should be aware of - those corners are not rounded!

Yeah, I suppose it can be the shape of the bass and where it hits the arm. To be fair, both my Ricks have smooth edges (a 4000 and a 4001C64S).

BackToTheGroove · #14 12-19-2011, 04:26 PM

This is all good to hear, pros and cons. As Rob says, its 180 dollar instrument so there will/may be some issues. I'm sitting on it until after Chris, and the final assemble of my P401 project anyway - which if all works out as I've planned, there will be no GAS for another inexpensive 'gem'.