Buying from Fender vs. Owner vs. Dealer?

[KingDavid]

I've been playing for a while with the same cheap bass, and I've decided it's time to take a leap of faith and buy a new bass.

I have set my eyes on a Fender Olympic White American P-Bass, but will take any American P as long as the price is within my range. However, considering that Fender has authorized dealers, I'm guessing that Fender gives out a warranty as well with any guitar purchased from a dealer? Could someone elaborate if you know or anything, I'm new to the basses as the first one I got was kinda just as a cheap practice bass.
Thank you and sorry if this is a stupid question, I haven't had much experience.

 

[Johnny Alien]

Fender warranty will come with any instrument you buy new from an authorized dealer. A dealer will likely give you a deal below MAP where as direct from Fender you will pay full price.

 

[KingDavid]

Okay, nice. What does the Fender warranty cover?

 

[Johnny Alien]

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[Dbassmon]

If budget is an issue, you can get much more bass used than new for the same dollar. Make sure you play the bass or bring along a teacher or pro to evaluate an instrument if you do not have experience. That is true for new or used. I would not get too hung up on the warranty when buying used, if it has been out there being played for a few years, chances are it's not going all of the sudden fall apart. New is nice and shiny, after a few years not as shiny and not new, so if you buy used you can afford a better bass in the condition it will eventually get to anyway. A great instrument just keeps getting better with time as wear it in an get comfy with it.

 

[KingDavid]

Thank you, started thinking twice about buying it new... I think I'll try to get my hands on a used P if I can find one.

 

[alembicbones]

I found my used Oly White Fender P5 on eBay with little trouble. Definitely a good place to start. Also, TB classifieds are another good resource.

If you end up buying one used, without playing it, don't be overly concerned if it comes to you in a non-ideal for you playing condition. Fender basses are extremely adjustable and either you or a tech should be able to set it up to your liking.

Best of luck with your search.

Bones

 

[KingDavid]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the classifieds on TB!! I'll be sure to check there, and the first thing I'll do when I get my bass is get it set up, for sure.

 

[JoeWPgh]

If you are looking to buy new, and on the cheap, I have to give a shout out to zZounds. They have the most generous deals on 'blemished' items - generally close to 25~27% off street price. It's a leap of faith, for sure, but almost all brands are covered under warrenty. I have bought a few 'blemished' items and could not be happier with the deals. Sometimes it will require an actual trip to a Fender autherized shop, sometimes it's just a scratchy pot, which I'll replace myself. Sometimes, I can't even find the 'blemish'. Check the box for "blowout" and keep an eye out. Sooner or later, a killer deal will pop up.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I never encourage someone to trade away their first bass, so only consider this if you're not too attached to your "cheap bass".

You could take it to a Guitar Center during one of their Used Gear Trade-In Expos. If they'll take it, you can get a 15% discount on a new, qualifying purchase. (Word of warning: I don't know if Fender is still allowing them to discount their gear like that, but last year I got a nice discount on a Blacktop Jazz on top of the trade-in I made) Best of all, you have thirty days to bring it back if you don't like it. (just hang on to your receipt if they don't enter your name and purchase info into their database)

Also, there is their used database. I've gotten a few "pretty darn good" and a couple of seriously nice basses from it. Shipping to you, or your local Guitar Center, usually comes to about $20-25.

A minor down-side is if you bring it back within the aforementioned thirty days, you'll still get the cost of the bass refunded, but you might lose out on the shipping fee. But on the up-side, you won't have to bother with shipping it back to it's store of origin. Also, if you buy an instrument from them, I believe you can get it set-up right there for half their normal fee…$30 instead of $60, or something like that. I know the stores around me do this. Check with your nearby locations, if you plan on going this route.)