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Bass I bought on Ebay is missing a plate, now what?

Eyesee7

Eyesee7

Jul 17, 2005
271
111
#1
I finally snagged a rare Ibanez Musician "bean" bass. Here is the Ebay ad with the pertinent photo enlarged. Note the plate just above the nut on the headstock


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Now here is a picture of the bass as it arrived today - notice the missing plate!


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I haven't contacted the seller yet - how do you think I should handle this?? There is no mention in the ad of the plate being removed. All it mentions is that the bass received a pro setup. The bass plays well though, nice growl.
thanks
 
#7
Eyesee7 said:
There's a sticky note inside the case that says "3/16" truss rod key". I'm thinking the tech did a truss rod adjustment and neglected to replace the plate.
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Be very careful with that... most Japanese basses are Metric, so 5mm is more likely. If you use a 3/16" key in a 5mm hole there's a good chance of rounding it out over time.

+ lots to complaining to the seller - those truss covers are like hens' teeth.

Pete.
 
#8
Deathblade Eric said:
Be very careful with that... most Japanese basses are Metric, so 5mm is more likely. If you use a 3/16" key in a 5mm hole there's a good chance of rounding it out over time.

+ lots to complaining to the seller - those truss covers are like hens' teeth.

Pete.
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Thanks, I don't plan on doing any truss rod adjusting, just mentioned that there was a slip of paper in the case that said that. I don't understand the "hens' teeth" reference, but it is crazy that the truss cover is on the bass in the ad and arrives without it...:rolleyes:
 
#13
Bottom line - contact the seller and give him the opportunity to make it right. Chances are it was an oversight - they take photos as gear arrives, it's adjusted by a tech and is sold. If the seller can't send the cover or won't make some other arrangement with you, it is then and only then that you leave negative feedback. Most honest sellers will work hard to avoid negative feedback, you just have to communicate and give them the chance.
 
#16
You can make a trussrod cover yourself, or have a tool-handy friend do it.
It won't be original or look the same, but still an improvement.
I've made several for guitars and basses, just because I didn't like the factory piece.
Trace a pattern, paying attention to accurate screw holes.
(Looks like you'll need the screws, too.)

Just saying--IF you don't get it from the seller it's not a big deal to fabricate something to cover the trussrod.
 
#20
Evil Undead said:
Let us know the outcome? And i'd love to see a picture of the whole bass :)
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Still waiting to hear back but in the meantime, here's a pic. I've been lusting after one of these after trying one out in a GC ten years ago, but didn't pull the trigger when the sales guy offered it for $400. I got this one even cheaper. It's got a mean growl and I can navigate the fretboard quickly, good for playing Rush. I need to play with the settings but so far doesn't seem to be a real low-end bass. It's nicked up but I don't mind.

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