Will Best Buy replace my tuner, or will I have to exchange my bass?

[Ronbeast]

So, I'm looking for some advice on this.

I bought a Squier Bronco on the 30th of December 2012, and I love the bass minus one little problem. When I bought the bass, it seemed like the E string tuner was very stiff, I didn't think too much of it and figured a bit of lubricant and use would solve the problem.

After using the bass for a few days, I noticed it hadn't changed, so I decided to have a look at the tuner under the cover. It seems like the gear turning ratio is off compared to the spiral grooves in the tuner body. This causes the teeth of the gear to actually get compressed under part of the tuner, which causes the stiffness and it is effectively wearing down the teeth of the gear to the point where the tuner is starting to slip.

Now, I don't really want to exchange the bass for a new one, as I really like the one I have. I bought the bass at Best Buy, and I don't really know what their policy is. They aren't exactly a huge music chain or anything so I don't know if they would simply order the new part under my warranty, or just exchange the bass for a new one?

Has anybody dealt with Best Buy for a situation like this? What was the outcome? Thanks.

[Vincent P]

Best Buy typically will pull another out of stock and exchange.

[Tvrtko]

Study their policy. I believe they will replace it under certain conditions that I don't know... As about fixing, you will be send to deal with manufacturer.

[BKBassDude]

Originally Posted by Ronbeast

So, I'm looking for some advice on this.

I bought a Squier Bronco on the 30th of December 2012, and I love the bass minus one little problem. When I bought the bass, it seemed like the E string tuner was very stiff, I didn't think too much of it and figured a bit of lubricant and use would solve the problem.

After using the bass for a few days, I noticed it hadn't changed, so I decided to have a look at the tuner under the cover. It seems like the gear turning ratio is off compared to the spiral grooves in the tuner body. This causes the teeth of the gear to actually get compressed under part of the tuner, which causes the stiffness and it is effectively wearing down the teeth of the gear to the point where the tuner is starting to slip.

Now, I don't really want to exchange the bass for a new one, as I really like the one I have. I bought the bass at Best Buy, and I don't really know what their policy is. They aren't exactly a huge music chain or anything so I don't know if they would simply order the new part under my warranty, or just exchange the bass for a new one?

Has anybody dealt with Best Buy for a situation like this? What was the outcome? Thanks.

As a former BBY employee, they'll offer you an exchange, but the company has no relationship with FMIC or any company to do warranty service. I worked in the music gear section for 3 years at the flagship location and never had a single dealing with a Fender rep. Roland and Shure were the only people I had a working relationship with.

[Gearhead17]

My guess is they will replace the bass. As far as I know, most of the Best Buy's do not have a guitar repair shop inside the store. Bring it back to the store and see if they can order a new tuner for you. They are pretty simple to install a new one - simple screw gun will do great.

[msaone]

Best Buy sells instruments? And no offense, but why did you buy one there opposed to a music store?

[Ronbeast]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

My guess is they will replace the bass. As far as I know, most of the Best Buy's do not have a guitar repair shop inside the store. Bring it back to the store and see if they can order a new tuner for you. They are pretty simple to install a new one - simple screw gun will do great.

I'm not worried about installing a new tuner, I've built basses before haha . I just want get a new tuner under the warranty that I have.

Originally Posted by msaone

Best Buy sells instruments? And no offense, but why did you buy one there opposed to a music store?

I bought the bass there because they had the best deal, and I really liked the bass. Also, the bass selection there isn't that bad compared to some of the other shops in town, it's pretty pitiful when a major music dealer is being out done by best buy...

Does anybody know if I can go through Squier to get a replacement? The bass is brand new and should still be under some kind of manufacturer's warranty, shouldn't it?

[AaronMB]

Originally Posted by Ronbeast

Does anybody know if I can go through Squier to get a replacement? The bass is brand new and should still be under some kind of manufacturer's warranty, shouldn't it?

Send them a nice email, or give them a call, and explain the situation. I don't know anything about their customer service, but if it's any good, they'll offer you a replacement with little/no hassle. It certainly can't hurt, especially if you're that fond of the bass.

[Ronbeast]

Bump.

I just emailed Fender consumer relations to see if they would offer any advice, but it says it could take considerably longer than 48 hours to receive a reply back.

I'm going to call Best Buy now and see what they can do for me.

[Gearhead17]

[quote=Ronbeast;13670706]I'm not worried about installing a new tuner, I've built basses before haha . I just want get a new tuner under the warranty that I have.

Now I understand. I originally thought you were some "young punk" trying to figure out what to do next. A warranty with Squier/Fender should come into play here. Good luck and let us know what happens.

[Willicious]

Originally Posted by Ronbeast

So, I'm looking for some advice on this.

I bought a Squier Bronco on the 30th of December 2012, and I love the bass minus one little problem. When I bought the bass, it seemed like the E string tuner was very stiff, I didn't think too much of it and figured a bit of lubricant and use would solve the problem.

After using the bass for a few days, I noticed it hadn't changed, so I decided to have a look at the tuner under the cover. It seems like the gear turning ratio is off compared to the spiral grooves in the tuner body. This causes the teeth of the gear to actually get compressed under part of the tuner, which causes the stiffness and it is effectively wearing down the teeth of the gear to the point where the tuner is starting to slip.

Now, I don't really want to exchange the bass for a new one, as I really like the one I have. I bought the bass at Best Buy, and I don't really know what their policy is. They aren't exactly a huge music chain or anything so I don't know if they would simply order the new part under my warranty, or just exchange the bass for a new one?

Has anybody dealt with Best Buy for a situation like this? What was the outcome? Thanks.

Since you seem to like this particular Bronco, might be easiest and quickest to replace the offending tuner.
Check with a place like Angela Instruments, or Darren Riley Guitar Shop. Both stock a lot of Fender parts.

[Ronbeast]

Well, I've called Best Buy 6 times today, and every time I try to speak to someone it seems like the machine drops the phone call. It's frustrating, but I guess I'll just have to find a way around that. I think I'll head to the location tomorrow and ask about getting the tuner replaced.

[godofthunder59]

I honestly would send Fender /Squire a NICE email tell them how much you like the bass and that you don't want to exchange it for another. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent you a free replacement. Remember you catch more flys with sugar than vinegar.

[Ronbeast]

Originally Posted by godofthunder59

I honestly would send Fender /Squire a NICE email tell them how much you like the bass and that you don't want to exchange it for another. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent you a free replacement. Remember you catch more flys with sugar than vinegar.

That may be the route that I take, and I wouldn't even have to lie! I really like the bass, the neck is incredibly comfortable to me.

Hopefully squier will see it as a genuine email and not just somebody trying to mooch.

[A-Step-Towards]

FMIC will help you out. There a big company but have helped me in similar situations.

[DeliriumTremens]

all my dealings with Fender customer service have been very positive

[Ronbeast]

Originally Posted by A-Step-Towards

FMIC will help you out. There a big company but have helped me in similar situations.

Originally Posted by DeliriumTremens

all my dealings with Fender customer service have been very positive

Thanks for making me feel better about this, everytime I deal with a big corporation I always just picture myself as the little guy being pushed around and getting the short end of the deal.

[Ronbeast]

I figured I'd update this post.

I'm very impressed! I just received an email from a Fender rep. and it says that they will send me a replacement tuner absolutely free of charge!

I actually thought they would just shrug it off and make the process as painful as possible, but they actually just offered to send the new part. Impressive service!

As for Best Buy, still haven't heard back from them. I guess there really isn't any reason to get in contact with them now though. Either way, I'm ecstatic right now!

-Ron

[A-Step-Towards]

Yep I figured so. Fender is great with customer service, I am actually trying to get a job there. I had a pair of defective strings, I emailed them and they sent two full packages of new strings.