buying basses online

If whatever website you are buying from has a return policy, then I don't see why not. Also, it's a good idea not to give your credit card number out if they ask you to.

 

Discrepancy, there's nothing to worry about. I bought an Epiphone Jack Casady signature bass online from www.musiciansfriend last December, no problems at all. In March I bought the case from the same place, again no problems. As a matter of fact, just today I bought an Ampeg B100 R combo bass amp from; you guessed it, M/F. I've also bought CDs, clothes and various other stuff online. I'd much rather buy something in person, but, sometimes there are items/deals online that you can't get anywhere else. One good example: I was thinking of getting an Ashdown amp; 130watts with 1-12 - Price at Sam Ash (I can walk there) $479.00
Price at M/F - $399.00! That's $80.00 cheaper! O.K. so you have to wait a week or so; unless you're hurtin' for a piece of gear for a gig, what's the big deal? $80.00 is $80.00. Most places have secure credit card sites, so it's pretty easy. Look you can get ripped off online as you can anywhere, but, if ordering online were that risky, not that many people would do it. Go ahead, order something, keep our economy strong.

Mike J.
P.S. I really did order an amp today, no bologna.

 

To answer your question: Yes they are playable right out of the box. It may not be set up exactly the way you like, but, then again you may just like it. I only adjusted the action and the pickup height on my Jack Casady slightly, but, these were minor adjustments. The strings on it were the worst strings I've ever played in my life. But, then again I always put new strings on any new bass I buy. I also bought a Yamaha 5 string in June. I didn't but it online, but, I got one in a sealed box right in the Sam Ash Queens store. When I first played it I said to myself, "Man this action is way too low, I gotta raise it." Have I touched it? No, proving that something you initially don't really like may in time grow on you. A big plus about ordering online from a big site that sells thousands of instruments a day is that you have a very high chance of getting a factory sealed box, meaning no sales people were playing your instrument. It's not the most important thing in the world, but, I'd rather have a virgin bass.(no funny remarks here, anyone)
Take your time. If you know exactly what you want, look for that bass at every site you can find. As you can see in my previous post, you could save $80.00 just by going to a different site. If you haven't narrowed down exactly what you want, again, search all the sites. Sometimes they have unadvertised sales on great stuff that they're overstocked on. Remember: Inventory that sits costs money.

Look around, you'll find something you like.
Mike J.

 

Are you buying a bass on the online? Are you getting one emailed to you?

Did anyone see that episode of "Let's Bowl?!!"

 

When buying on-line, be sure of the return policy and know upfront who picks up the shipping. Ask questions about the bass you are getting. Is this a floor model? If so, how long has it hung on the wall? Under what circumstances do you allow customers to demo basses? Ask about the specific guitar. Ask for a detailed description of the bass to hear the vendor describe whatever blemishes are on the bass. Ask for a store setup on any bass that has been in the customers hands for any amount of time. Best to buy on-line from bass boutiques like BassCentral in Orlando. They baby their basses, and lines like Musicman they have new in boxes. Go with the dealers that can carry enough stock to get one boxed. Is this enough advice? You should make out better than your local store.

 

Bass Central freakin' rocks!

 

Another vote for Bass Central.

I bought my Stingray5 sight unseen from Beaver, with the assistance of Gard. It is by FAR the best looking Ray I've ever seen. All of them in stock here where I live are as plain as can be. My neck is beautifully flamed from bottom to top, and shows in the headstock.

It was a great experience and I won't hesitate to do it again.

Dave

 

BASS NORTHWEST !!!

www.bassnw.com

 

Bass Palace also, great guys, great basses, decent prices.

http://www.basspalace.com

 

Bass Central

www.basscentral.com

 

i bought my amp from musicians friend. great price and service. i would recommend this to anyone and everyone.

 

I've bought from Bass Central, BassNW, Bass Palace, Bass Place (AZ), and Bass Exchange, and they've all been really great to work with. Sometimes the people at Bass Place seem a little strange on the phone, but there's no denying their excellent and prompt service. Far as I can tell, all of these stores know what they're doing, and they really take care of their customers and potential customers.

 

I bought my SR406 and Nemesis amp from musiciansfriend and bought a Peavey Fury 6 and a Jazz Bass Deluxe on eBay.

I've had good luck with musiciansfriend but wouldn't use them if I needed something right now - sometimes they take a week or so to ship amps - even if they're in stock

eBay? Great place but beware. The accidental Fury 6 purchase will be rectified on Saturday (I'm trading it in on a maple Cirrus 6 I found in a music store about 25 miles from home).

I also bought a Jazz Bass Deluxe on eBay - supposedly gigged with only once, no buckle rash, candy apple red with a pearl frost pickguard. It's a MIM Jazz with American active electronics and a gig bag. I figure bridge and tuners can be replaced if necessary - all the rest of the stuff should be pretty good. Paid $380 + shipping for it so there are good deals out there if you can remember that you have to be an informed customer. I asked the guy why he was selling it and he said he bought an identical one with a maple neck so his instrument would match the rest of the band - I thought it was a pretty good reason

Anyway, I'm a big fan of online shopping - but the customer needs to remember they have to be responsible.

cheers,

allan

 

i bought a walnut body blank for $100 from my uncle online, but its still a body blank ad i've had it for 2 years. it came in great condition as far as big chunks of wood go. i think but there are alot more things that could go horribly wrong w/ a whole assembled bass though. and if yer buying from a company that not run by yer uncle they might screw you over

 

That's the #1 reason to buy online. Price is seldom an issue, you can usually get local dealers to come close to or match mail order prices...in some cases they might beat them!

I've bought a number of basses online, all have been USED which is even riskier and I have had no problems.

Just make sure the dealer has a good return policy (expect to eat the shipping if you return it).

 

Congratulations!

 

I'd love to have my balls e-mailed to me.
Yea, I love that show, but the people bowling really suck!