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Gretsch Help? *need quick response*

#21
100% return it. You mentioned you had 48 hours to check it out, so I assume that means you can return for a full refund, no questions asked. The return policy on their website seems pretty straightforward: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Whatever you paid to have it shipped to you should be approximately the same cost to ship it back.

It's clear someone simply lined up the bottom control, but the template was tilted forward / turned clockwise so the other two controls were placed too far forward. That's a clear-cut error on Gretsch's part. If you kept it and wanted to re-sell it later, you'd never be able to find a buyer.

FWIW, I own a Korean-made Gretsch Electromatic hollowbody bass (G5440LSB) and I am amazed by the quality of the build. I know many other very happy owner of Gretsch Electromatic guitars and basses. Very unfortunate experience you had, but if you like the feel / tone of what you have, send it back for another with the proper control placement.
 
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#22
It might be better to contact Gretsch instead of the retailer you bought it from. If it is a Gretsch QC issue Gretsch might take care of it on their dime. There is a good chance you would have to pay return shipping from the retailer you bought it from.
 
#23
It looks like the knob pattern isn't too far forward. Rather, it appears to be rotated clockwise on the 'pivot point' of the lower knob. It's definitely mis-manufactured. Does the upper knob interfere with the bridge position?
 
#25
You'll get better advice by simply looking at the policies on the Gretsch and Rockin Robin websites.

Gretsch: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Return to authorized dealer. Buyer is responsible for shipping.

Rockin Robin: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Seems like you have a 30 day window, but contact them right away. Seems like there doesn't even have to be a reason for returning it. It clearly states "for any reason."

For the time it takes to write and send an email, I would contact BOTH and ask both parties why an instrument with an obvious QC issue made it out of the factory AND out of a store.

If you email both, maybe Gretsch (Fender/FMIC) will step up directly. However, if they don't, at least cover yourself by contacting the dealer as Gretsch mentions on their own website.
 
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#27
CPplaysBASS said:
You'll get better advice by simply looking at the policies on the Gretsch and Rockin Robin websites.

Gretsch: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Return to authorized dealer. Buyer is responsible for shipping.

Rockin Robin: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Seems like you have a 30 day window, but contact them right away. Seems like there doesn't even have to be a reason for returning it. It clearly states "for any reason."

For the time it takes to write and send an email, I would contact BOTH and ask both parties why an instrument with an obvious QC issue made it out of the factory AND out of a store.

If you email both, maybe Gretsch (Fender/FMIC) will step up directly. However, if they don't, at least cover yourself by contacting the dealer as Gretsch mentions on their own website.
Click to expand...

How's this?;
"Good day, I recently purchased a G5123B (Hollow body bass) from a music store and realized the QC with this guitar is a real issue. The control knob placement is incorrect compared to the rest of the basses of this model, to the point where the knob nearly touches the bridge.

Futhermore, I would like to know why a guitar with such obvious QC issues was cleared to leave the factory and sent into stores.

I can send pictures if need be,
Thanks"

I don't know how to complain to big-name companies :p
 
#29
Gretsch is an American company that manufactures guitars, basses and drums. The company was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a 27-year-old German immigrant, shortly after his arrival to the United States. Friedrich Gretsch manufactured banjos, tambourines, and drums until his death in 1895. In 1916, his son, Friedrich Jr. moved operations to Brooklyn, New York where Gretsch went on to become one of the most prominent manufacturers of American musical instruments.
Most modern-era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East, though American-made "Custom Shop" models are available. In 2003, Gretsch entered a business agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Under the terms of that agreement Fred Gretsch III would retain ownership while FMIC would handle most of the development, distribution and sales.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretsch
 
#31
organworthyplayer337 said:
How's this?;
"Good day, I recently purchased a G5123B (Hollow body bass) from a music store and realized the QC with this guitar is a real issue. The control knob placement is incorrect compared to the rest of the basses of this model, to the point where the knob nearly touches the bridge.

Futhermore, I would like to know why a guitar with such obvious QC issues was cleared to leave the factory and sent into stores.

I can send pictures if need be,
Thanks"

I don't know how to complain to big-name companies :p
Click to expand...

Message is fine but attach the pictures from the start and send it to Rockin Robin AND Gretsch at the same time AND ship the bass back to Rockin Robin for a full refund.

If it were me, I'd ask for a refund of the shipping cost. While they are not entitled to do so as per their policy, they should realize there was a major failing at both the factory and retail level.

Slowly but surely, companies are realizing a bad customer experience can hurt them once that experience is shared online. FMIC is probably not one of those companies, but you never know.

But again, contact both, not just one or the other.
 
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#32
iualum said:
Nope, not poor Q.C. They're doing what they're paid to do which is to ship everything that isn't completely messed up. Unfortunate, but that's how it works.
Click to expand...
We differ in opinions here. It IS poor QC, whether or not it is their policy to ship everything that is playable or not. Lowering standards doesn't improve quality.
 
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#33
I'm definitely going to send it back. Contacted Gretsch, the email bot told me they will respond within 24 hours, so we'll see.

I'm not expecting anything really but I am curious as to why it was cleared in the first place. Also I did the calculations to see how much it would cost send it back. Little steep ($60) Considering it will be shipped back in the dealer's box, with all original packaging (packed by "professionals") I won't have to do anything but take it to my nearest UPS store. I will request my shipping back from the dealer but I doubt they'll give it to me (sadly).

I will update later for anyone who cares. Thanks for weighing in you all!
 
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#37
It struck me that either the template for the holes or (perhaps) the whole body for a a Gretsch 5120 GUITAR has been used during the assembly of this bass.
I checked some pictures online, and the guitar version seems to have the knobs in a position similar to the OP's bass. Instead of being inline with the bottom loop/radius of the "F", it is inline with the highest point of the "appendix" of the F, with the bass on a stand:
y8oby5atxztrrgxwmf4o.jpg


380px-Gretsch_G5120.jpg
 
#38
AlexanderB said:
It struck me that either the template for the holes or (perhaps) the whole body for a a Gretsch 5120 GUITAR has been used during the assembly of this bass.
I checked some pictures online, and the guitar version seems to have the knobs in a position similar to the OP's bass. Instead of being inline with the bottom loop/radius of the "F", it is inline with the highest point of the "appendix" of the F, with the bass on a stand:
y8oby5atxztrrgxwmf4o.jpg


380px-Gretsch_G5120.jpg
Click to expand...
Does that make it rare? Lol
 
#39
There is no problem with the OP's bass. I have a 5123 and I don't have any problem with the photo. It is a total non-issue in terms of playability or setup. The top photo in the OP seems to show a knob interfering with the bridge, but it's no where close - check the other photos.

This is a first-series 5123 in orange, which isn't an available color anymore. I love that Gretsch orange!!

Especially if you got a great buy on this, play it and enjoy it.

Compare with this one on Ebay...the knobs are in the same place. I don't see ANY problem with the OP's bass.

$_57.jpg


And compare with this one - also no difference:

Invalid Link Removed
 
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#40
Pilgrim said:
There is no problem with the OP's bass. I have a 5123 and I don't have any problem with the photo. It is a total non-issue in terms of playability or setup. The top photo in the OP seems to show a knob interfering with the bridge, but it's no where close - check the other photos.

This is a first-series 5123 in orange, which isn't an available color anymore. I love that Gretsch orange!!

Especially if you got a great buy on this, play it and enjoy it.

Compare with this one on Ebay...the knobs are in the same place. I don't see ANY problem with the OP's bass.

$_57.jpg


And compare with this one - also no difference:

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
Well, there is a difference between my bass and the bass in the photos you provided.

In the photos you have the knob is kinda beneath the fhole loop. Whereas the knob on mine are kinda around the outside of the fhole instead.

I can find another one for less somewhere without the QC error, though. So I'll return it, get my money back.
 

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