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Concern about dark/thick grain on EUB neck

#21
Well, I spoke with my Customer Service Rep at Thomann.

He was very helpful.

I sent pictures and a detailed description of the "problem" to their Service Dept.
They will give me their opinion on the issue with the grain lines on the neck.

If I decide to send it back, they will pay for all shipping charges, in both directions, and send me a new item, free of charge. My main concern there, and one which I addressed with them, is that if I do get sent a new unit, I would like it to be fully inspected to be free of any damage (gouges in the neck, chunks missing from the fretboard, etc) and that it have a neck with straight grain lines.

I should be hearing back from them within 48 hours. Until then, I can just stare at the box with my new EUB sitting in it. A perfect example of "so close, yet so far" ;)
 
#22
So, I heard back from Thomann. Their reply was specific regarding the missing piece of fingerboard and the 2 dings in the neck. I can replace the entire instrument or they will give me a 40 Euro discount.

Regarding the grain of the neck, their response was:
"Regarding the wood grains, they are not a relevant matter and we can’t influence them."

I don't know what exactly that means. I responded asking for clarification of whether, by "they are not a relevant matter" that it should not pose a problem or that they mean, it's not something we can fix. I'll wait for their response to make a final decision.
 
#23
I dont think they see the grain orientation as a problem, its not fixable nor should it be a problem. Obviously perfect quartersawn wood is not in the spec for these instruments. The dings however are a QC failure so they are putting their hands up for that and offering a new instrument or discount.
All the Best (whatever you decide)
Ian
 
#24
scojack said:
I dont think they see the grain orientation as a problem, its not fixable nor should it be a problem. Obviously perfect quartersawn wood is not in the spec for these instruments. The dings however are a QC failure so they are putting their hands up for that and offering a new instrument or discount.
All the Best (whatever you decide)
Ian
Click to expand...

I understand your and their point, scojack.

My email to them was more to get their opinion, having dealt with these instruments before, if they think the grain pattern would, indeed, cause a problem. I'm not looking for them to admit fault, I just want their input as to structural integrity. Because, when it comes right down to it, sending it back and getting another is easily doable.

My main decision is whether or not I believe that it will be a problem in the future and if I want to wait another 2 weeks to receive a new one. Not a very big problem, in the scheme of the world. I was simply anxiously awaiting the arrival of this bass and was looking forward to playing it. In the long run, if I do replace it, another 2 weeks is nothing.

Thanks for your input and info.
 
#25
So, after talking more with Thomann's repair department, I've decided to hang on to the EUB. I have a 30 day money-back/trade guarantee (they pay for the shipping) and a 3 year warranty.

After everyone's input and the info I got from Thomann, I'm pretty confident all will be well with the bass. I am going to set it up and play it. Then, if before 30 days something doesn't seem right, I'll send it back, free of charge, and get another.

After the 30 days, if anything happens in 3 years, I can send it back to be replaced.

Sounds good to me.

And, I got a 40 Euro gift certificate to make up for the minor nick on the side of the fingerboard and the dings in the neck.

I'd like to thank everyone for the help and info. You helped me out a lot.
 
#28
pilotjones said:
From the sciencey side of things: Please post again in a year or two to let us know how it's holding up!
Click to expand...

As promised, in the name of all things sciencey, here is an update about my Harley Benton EUB that had dark grain running through the neck.

Looking at my Thomann purchase history, I bought this on March 26, 2014 (I honestly can't believe 2.5 years have passed already!)
The bass has held up very well, no problems with warping, buzzing, twisting or anything else negative.
It has even made a big move, having been shipped from Greece to the U.S. when I moved back to NY in 2015.
I had saved the original shipping box with form fit Styrofoam, which helped keep it safe.

It's been through the trip, change of climate, freezing winter and hot, muggy summer in NY and, I'm happy to say, plays like a champ!

Now let's get back to non-sciencey things! ;)
 

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