2013 Fender American Precision, what to do......

[Dp1363]

I just bought a new Fender MIA P bass from a huge on line retailer. Only the mystic blue color was on sale at the time. When I looked on the Fender website I didn't see the mystic blue color currently being offered. I asked my sales rep to confirm I would be getting a current model, and he assured me it would be a 2016 or at least a 2015 model but he couldn't tell me which. I also asked him to make sure I also got the plastic case not Tolex.

Well....when I opened up the box, I got a 2013 model with a Tolex case. I called to complain and they agreed to make things right and swap to a 2016 model (although mystic blue is no longer offered from Fender) and exchange the Tolex for the plastic case.

However, I really the mystic blue color and the bass is brand new, and not a return. I could keep the bass and just swap out the case.

My question is if I get GAS and decide to sell it in a year, will I take a hit on the resale value because a buyer will see a 3+ year old bass even though it has little to no milage on it?

Should I just return everything and swap for the 2016 model?

From what I understand nothing has changed on MIA P basses from the 2012 model on.

 

[Robus]

You will take a hit if you resell any bass you bought new, as you should.

 

[mojomike001]

You would take a hit on reselling, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference if it were a 2013 vs a 2016 model. You might consider keeping it and asking them to make a price adjustment for the screw up.

 

[Dp1363]

You will take a hit if you resell any bass you bought new, as you should.

As expected, but will I get even less because the model year is older? That's the question.

 

[Dp1363]

You would take a hit on reselling, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference if it were a 2013 vs a 2016 model. You might consider keeping it and asking them to make a price adjustment for the screw up.

I did ask them and they won't take anymore off. They are willing to ship me out a 2016 model, but they don't offer blue any longer.

 

[Shawn Luckman]

Did yours come with the Custom Shop pickups?

 

[Dp1363]

Did yours come with the Custom Shop pickups?

Yes.

 

[Jeff K]

If you like the blue, and they'll swap the case, that's what I'd do. (Personally, I like the old tolex cases better than the TSA style because they're not as big and bulky.)

The difference in selling a 2013 vs. a 2016 will be minimal since they both have the Custom Shop pickups. The way I see it, the biggest difficulty you'll find if you decide to sell it will be the fact that it IS blue! A lot of folks don't care for blue basses. But if it hits somebody's "hot button", it won't matter. You only need one person to fall in love with it. (And don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing blue basses. Some are stunningly beautiful. But it's usually a love/hate thing.)

 

[Goatrope]

What Jeff said.

I really bonded with my US13, so much that I'm considering another of the same year. I hear nothing has changed since '12, but I'm superstitious.

Keep that US13!

 

[Pet Sounds]

I'd keep the '13 if you like Mystic Blue. It's fundamentally the same bass as a '16, and I don't think the resale would be hurt that much. Besides, isn't it more important for you to love the bass than to worry about resale values? If you love the bass, will you want to sell it?

 

[Stranger Danger]

As expected, but will I get even less because the model year is older? That's the question.

No that doesn't matter. If you're talking about a '73 vs a '76 then yes. But with modern Fenders you'll get between $800-$900 resale. That's what they sell for used.

 

[west al]

Midway through 2013 run the tuner casing was changed out. Look at the Fender Am. Std. portion of the site. Look on the back of the head. The top of the gear is exposed. That was also about the time Fender changed the cases too.

 

[Moving Pictures]

As expected, but will I get even less because the model year is older? That's the question.

That won't make a difference on a modern Fender. If you love the bass, including the colour, then keep the bass and rock the heck out of it. Maybe ask if they will swap the case for you.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

No difference in resale between a 2013 and a 2016.

Much more difficult to resell a blue bass. If you want blue, you shouldn't even consider reselling it.

 

[73jbass]

You got a new bass in the color you want. Play it.

 

[Turnaround]

One bonus for buying a 2013 over a 2016 is that it has had a few years to settle in. If it sets up well without issues it's probably slightly less risky than a brand new bass which may not age so kindly. It's a small matter, but a bass with a few years on it since manufacture is probably more stable than a newly manufactured one.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you like the bass, keep it. Even at that price point, not every bass is the same. If you are buying a new bass and at the same time thinking about selling it, you shouldn't be buying a new bass.

 

[Arizona Jones]

I played a blue American Precision at a local music store the other day. Is blue not an option this year? I didn't even think to check the serial to determine what model year is was. Really good looking bass in that blue. IMO, the blue, a some what hard to find color, will negate the 2013/2016 year difference.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I don't know if I agree with the crowd. I think a 16 is going to sell for more and sell faster on the used market. I doubt you'd get more than an additional $50-100 but you would get a premium for a current year used bass in my experience. Are you really planning on selling it in the next two years though? Because by 2018 they're both worth the same in my books.

 

[LUCE]

Case, blue, 2013, 2016, return, keep --- never mind. How does it PLAY?!?!?