I have bought a few basses that smell like rotting mildew (especially the cases they come in), and what I've come to realize is the people selling them are genuinely oblivious to these odors. They are probably just so used to these smells that they don't think anything of it. I once bought a project bass that smelled like a bowling alley dunked in cigarette juice. It smelled so bad that I ended refinishing it because that smell was soaked into the finish
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How would you grade this bass?
- Thread starter tbz
- Start date
I have bought a few basses that smell like rotting mildew (especially the cases they come in), and what I've come to realize is the people selling them are genuinely oblivious to these odors. They are probably just so used to these smells that they don't think anything of it. I once bought a project bass that smelled like a bowling alley dunked in cigarette juice. It smelled so bad that I ended refinishing it because that smell was soaked into the finish
I've seen (and smelled) some funky instruments and I know it can be more than a nuisance.
Nonetheless, this bass appears to be in decent shape and none of these minor dings would stop me from buying it if I really wanted it.
The smell should get minimized if stored in a different place and perhaps exposed to fresh air and perhaps some different polishes.
Nonetheless, this bass appears to be in decent shape and none of these minor dings would stop me from buying it if I really wanted it.
The smell should get minimized if stored in a different place and perhaps exposed to fresh air and perhaps some different polishes.
The bass maybe an Excellent bass to have but it's condition is Good, at best.
My avatar photo shows a Craigs-list Hamer jazz that had been perspired on for so many years that the electronics were rusting and the finish smelled of old sweaty shoe. That was the only issue! I replaced the electronics and rubbed off layers of finish over the course of a week until I couldn't smell it anymore. I paid a 'fair' price not an 'excellent' one. Only elbow-grease will get odors out.
How old is it? Does look like a older model? If it was 2 years old, sure, not excellent condition. 25 years old? yeah excellent condition, I almost pulled the trigger on a REVERB bass recently. It stated no returns. Found one on GC. I realized if the bass was jacked or neck was freaked out I can easily take it back to GC
I would grade that bass as Good. Maybe Good+. I think you're within your right to ask for a refund, because it sure isn't Excellent.
It would be a truly high achiever if it would only apply itself.
Hell if it was that smell I wouldn’t have been as surprised.
I mean. It is an Alembic after all. Comes with the territory in this case.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,794
- Disclosures
- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
Yeah but if you saw a pic of the bass “full frontal” taken a few feet away (like in the original ad) it looks damn near mint.
Sure. But in reality it isn’t. Seller knew that.
Just finished polishing it and there are a ton of other marks on here. This bass was clearly set down on hard surfaces regularly. So there are over a dozen noticeable finish dents and dings on the bottom of the bass. Also a ton of impact marks around the neck joint from god knows what. Probably a belt buckle or something.
But I’ll agree from far away it looks great.
If it was a budget bass it would be considered Fair condition. But it is an Alembic an because of the Name and Quality it is probably considered good condition by most. Depending on what you paid for it the failure to disclose those issues may not be a deal breaker. If you got a great deal you should probably keep it and get it reconditioned.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I'm alarmed at the current trend of people calling not just instruments but anything "mint" and you can see many obvious flaws without looking hard it's getting ridiculous.
