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Got slightly stung on Ebay...

Bubba Love

Bubba Love

Feb 8, 2005
445
3
Worthing, West Sussex, UK
#1
I was wondering if you guys could tell me what my options are here? I just picked up the 2002 Stingray 5 I won in this auction here, the auction describes it as 'very clean'. When I got it out of the case, I realised the neck is absolutely FILTHY. Not just dirty, but stained along the length of the neck. I've taken some pics, the camera and lighting conditions aren't great but it should give you some idea.

pics026.jpg

pics027.jpg


The headstock is finished, but the back of the neck feels unfinished from where the stain abruptly starts. That, combined with the fact that the bass is only 5 years old makes me think the neck has been deliberately sanded. The fretboard is also stained. I wasn't told about any modifications or staining in the auction.

What are my options? One of the reasons I bought this bass was to play at formal functions i.e. to look good, something these stains impede. Could these stains be removable or am I going to have to buy a new neck? Can I charge the seller for this? I've been in phone contact with him and he seems like a nice guy so I don't wanna get the heavies in but I also don't want to spend a lot of money to restore a bass to the condition it was represented as when I bought it.

Thanks for your time!
 
#2
To some, 'clean' means 'unscratched', as opposed to 'sanitary'. From the pics it appears the finish has been removedfrom the back of the neck- a common practice, as some prefer the feel of bare wood to glossy finish. If phone relations have been civil thus far, I see no reason not to call & at least give the seller a chance to settle the issue before 'bringing in the heavies'.
 
#3
This bass was modded...that neck was sanded deliberately.

Now, many prefer this, and actually hate a poly finish...but this should have been disclosed in the auction. I would negotiate compensation, in return for not leaving scathing feedback. Communication is key. You should be able to recoup some money, given that this was undisclosed modifications.
 
#4
On the one hand, all modifications and dirt should have been mentioned, regardless of how the seller meant the word "clean". I would definitely have a discussion with him about how much the dirt and modification changes the value of the bass for you. I don't think you'll need to file a complaint unless he suddenly becomes jerky about it.
 
#12
The distinct line between the headstock and neck is common on EBMM's ('rays and 'lings). I'm not surprised that the neck and fingerboard are showing a little bit of use. The EBMM's have a THIN oil finish on the necks and maple FB's, it feels very fast and wonderful under the hands to me. but, the maple tends to show a lot of dirt very easily, even on brand-spankin-new ones.
 
#13
MM necks are very lightly finished, The discoloration is normal if you dont clean it every once in a while. You're neck is normal, not clean, but normal.

You can try and clean it with some murphy oil soap and a green 3M pad like mentioned already but if its really worked in, then its there to say. If you got a good deal on it then just deal with it, but if you paid a ton of money for it, I'd contact the seller.
 
#15
I nearly got burned on an ebay deal (some DOA JBL monitors)..,

I used Pay Pal to buy it =>they did nothing- completely useless, haven't used Pay Pal since (2-3yrs now).

I tried Square Deal (ebay's arbitrator) => a waste of 30 bucks or whatever it was.

The solution: I had Paypal attached to my Amex card. Called them and they put the freeze on it. I never ended up paying for the speakers.

I did end up spending $400 to get them fixed- which was a fair price for the speakers.

Hope this helps.
 
#16
If you check out the pics of EBMM stingrays at ThePerfectBass.com, They show a definite line between the natural finished headstock and the back of the neck. The wood is a little darker on yours than a "new" bass, but your's is "5 years old", it should be expected to be darker from normal wear.

I personally don't think there is an issue with the bass or the seller.
 
#19
If the back of the neck has been sanded (which is a neck-feel that I definitely DO like) then just sand it lightly with some fine grit. Just grab a half sheet of sandpaper and slide your hand up and down the neck, while you have the bass strapped on (it's fast and easy, you don't have to be fussy about it). You'll be doing this fairly regularly in the future too, to keep it smooth and remove the dirt. It makes the neck feel GREAT. Wipe the back of the neck down with an old t-shirt after you're done with the sandpaper.

My first bass had a sanded neck and I LOVED it.
 
#20
Your neck is normal, not clean, but normal.
Click to expand...

Absolutely correct.

That line you note behind the nut (back of the neck) is completely normal.

I'd clean up the back and never worry about it, but that fingerboard is kind of a biological hazard.

For a REALLY nasty bass, see this:

Link Removed
 

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