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buying a bass unseen? anyone....

stuntbass77

stuntbass77

Nov 6, 2007
1,806
1,208
#1
Thinking about picking up a sadowsky (metro). I could have one made but will take about 4-5 months. I would like to buy new but would buy a used one if I could send it back; in case of a problem. Normally I would not buy sight unseen but if i can return it no big deal. Has anyone bought from a place like bass central or any others and been happy with the bass. I figure its a sadowsky; I would think they all play great. Any input would really help.
 
#4
Work those issues out with the seller. Talk on the phone and ask questions while they're holding it. Some people think mint means used with scratches, but not very old. Personally I don't buy any guitars anymore without having held them in my hands.
 
#5
IME Metros seem to be remarkably consistent from one instrument to the next. I don't think I'd have an issue buying one sight-unseen, especially from a reputable seller. Make sure you understand the return policy ahead of time, and if you're comfortable I think you'll be fine.

FWIW, ^ that's coming from a hypocrite. :D I've bought two basses this way, and neither stuck around for very long. My pretty-much absolute rule is to play before buying. So, bottom line - take my input with a big grain of salt. :) But seriously, I'd buy a Metro over the phone/net, and especially so from a vendor like Bass Central. Good luck...
 
#8
I don't think you'll have a problem. Bass Central is a great place. I've bought a couple of basses from them. If you can get a return policy, even if it's only a few days, that's better than nothing, and might help ease your mind. But like you said, it's a Sadowsky, and they seem to be very consistent in quality.
 
#9
Most people here seem to say good things about Bass Central. Metros are well-regarded. The only question is if it's the right bass for YOU. I've played some pricey, reputable basses that just didn't speak to me, I've also played some wonderful-sounding cheap ones. I suspect with a Metro it would be a matter of you liking the Sadowsky sound (despite appearances, they do sound a bit different from the Fender models they outwardly resemble) as well as liking the specific pickup/electronic/wood combination of any particular Metro. If you know you like the Sadowsky sound and you know that you want ash/maple or alder/rosewood or whatever with such-and-such electronics, then you'd more likely be successful than if you weren't sure about any of these variables.
 
#11
Thanks for the responses. In the past I would have never thought of doing this but there are only so many sadowsky's to go around. Bass club chicago is where i plan to check first as i can drive there. They however only have so many at a time. Really want a ash/maple so my pickings get slimmer still. Worse case I just wait and have one made but I have sold some mint basses for a song in the past so maybe I might find a used one. Its all about tone; I am not worried about looks of the bass. Once you get that first scratch on a new bass its kind of a relief to me cause you know its going to happen at some point....lol
 
#13
I bought my Stingray from here with only having seen pictures of it. A year later, it's still a main player!

I've bought and sold several basses (MIM Fenders, Kubicki, Lakland, SX..) from here and Fleabay and they were all in excellent condition. They just didn't fit my needs.

The question isn't so much if the bass will arrive safe and sound to your satisfaction. It's whether the bass will fit your needs, style and comfort.

If you're buying from Bass Central, I would not hesitate. In my experience they're good people.
 
#14
I've bought many instruments online - some which I bought without even seeing a picture of it. All of them used. Buying used stuff online, I set my expectation lows - they always arrive in worse condition than I expect, with the rare exception. The last bass I bought online, no picture, it showed up in much better condition that I expect BUT it wasn't the color I expected (it was cream, and I expected black - big difference!!). In looking back at emails and the original ad, the color was never mentioned. Might have been a phone conversation I had with the seller, and he must have misunderstood my question or something. Just kinda funny, b/c that's not something a seller would do on purpose.
 

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