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Online returns are a wonderful thing. There's very little risk these days when it comes to buying new off websites - used items are a bit more tricky but even then the risk is still not that high.
I never tried out a Marleaux bass before I ordered mine, and don't regret it. I did extensive research as to what they were like, and how they compared to things I did try out - it seemed to tick all the boxes and indeed it does. Perhaps the biggest risk I took, and the only bass of any kind I bought without trying first. I did get my Ibanez BTB fretless without trying it first, but was already familiar with Ibanez basses and their BTB line in particular, so that doesn't count.
I never tried out a Marleaux bass before I ordered mine, and don't regret it. I did extensive research as to what they were like, and how they compared to things I did try out - it seemed to tick all the boxes and indeed it does. Perhaps the biggest risk I took, and the only bass of any kind I bought without trying first. I did get my Ibanez BTB fretless without trying it first, but was already familiar with Ibanez basses and their BTB line in particular, so that doesn't count.
That seems like an error I couldn't overlook. An affinity is OK for it's price point, but no way I'd want to pay the price of an upgraded standard for an affinity.
i've bought in the last 10 years bass without trying it before: I live in an small Island, and all the bass that i've looking at are not very easy to find out.
Obviously before send the payment, I always did a lot of research about it, on Internet.
Until now, I didn't have any problems on it.
byez
Obviously before send the payment, I always did a lot of research about it, on Internet.
Until now, I didn't have any problems on it.
byez
I bought my last bass here on the TB classifieds out of state. Seller had great feedback and was a longtime member so I trusted their description. Still have the bass and am happy with it.
You pretty much have to buy sight unseen these days.
What about Warmoth? Or anything with these new custom configurators e.g. Maruscyck. Can't try them first can ya.
What about Warmoth? Or anything with these new custom configurators e.g. Maruscyck. Can't try them first can ya.
- Apr 20, 2009
- 2,620
- 4,666
- Disclosures
- Endorsements: your name could be here, Mr. Sadowsky!
The very first time I played a:
Sadowsky
Ken Smith
Fodera
Lakland
Pedulla
Pre-CBS Fender
Fender Custom Shop
was after I bought it.
Sadowsky
Ken Smith
Fodera
Lakland
Pedulla
Pre-CBS Fender
Fender Custom Shop
was after I bought it.
For me at least, it is difficult to really get a feel for a bass while playing it in a store. Either I'm too tentative, don't spend enough time or everything just sounds great at the store. I can't really tell if I like a bass unless I spend some time with it.
So unless someone allows me to take a bass home for a week, I might as well buy it online. At least that way if I do not like it after a couple of days I can return it.
So unless someone allows me to take a bass home for a week, I might as well buy it online. At least that way if I do not like it after a couple of days I can return it.
I don’t live anywhere near a music store. In 10 years I’ve bought everything I own sight unseen.
This makes sense to me. I can go in a store and fiddle around with a bass, but it’s rarely setup right. And if they don’t have my amp, can I really judge the tone? 45 day return policies are wonderful.
I’d always imagined Texas had a huge selection of gear to choose from, anything you could want, especially in the big cities. Talkbass sure dashed that misconception!
I have bought a lot of basses online that I never played before buying. However, I only buy higher end basses from sellers who offer a return policy. (even if it's just a 48 hour policy) I am fine covering shipping both ways on a used Sadowsky NYC, vintage Fender or a Fodera if I get it and I'm just not bonding with it. It's far less painful than getting stuck with a pricey high end bass that I just don't like.
if it wasn't so easy to sell off on TB or Reverb, i'd think twice but there has been a lot of gear i "rented" - bought something, didn't like it, sold it for a loss (rental/trial fee).
now i know exactly what i like can order parts or buy gear with confidence that i'll like it.
except pedals - those things are a shot in the dark for what i'll end up liking...who knows with those things
now i know exactly what i like can order parts or buy gear with confidence that i'll like it.
except pedals - those things are a shot in the dark for what i'll end up liking...who knows with those things
With basses and cabs, I prefer to try it before I buy it.
With amps, pickups, pre-amps, parts, etc... I usually just buy it and resell it if I don't like it.
With amps, pickups, pre-amps, parts, etc... I usually just buy it and resell it if I don't like it.
I agree with your post except the part about “trash”. Instruments in general are much better than they were back in the day. But you’re correct about the high end stuff. “Try before you buy” is a fantasy.
I bought my 2 Dingwalls without trying them. The first one, an NG2, I ordered from France (I live in Switzerland), via a store. The second one I got, I ordered through a dealer to be custom-made in Canada, and shipped to Italy, where I picked it up (some 3 hours away from here). Hadn't tried them before.
I have several times, hard to try out a bass through the mail.
But lets see, has worked out pretty well, one Toby, one Warwick Infinity SN, three Hohners, a brand new Ric 4003, and eight or so Spectors.
BTW no dealership in my area carries them. So I can go to a major city and maybe get lucky and play one, but not the one I may finally purchase.
Also pretty darn hard to play a custom ordered Spector, especially since it takes 6 months to build one to your order specifications
But lets see, has worked out pretty well, one Toby, one Warwick Infinity SN, three Hohners, a brand new Ric 4003, and eight or so Spectors.
BTW no dealership in my area carries them. So I can go to a major city and maybe get lucky and play one, but not the one I may finally purchase.
Also pretty darn hard to play a custom ordered Spector, especially since it takes 6 months to build one to your order specifications
Done it both ways. Played a P bass once, and ended buying a different P from a TalkBass member in Canada. I mean, I knew generally what I was getting so I wasn't concerned. I did purchase an ABG online and ended up selling it a couple of years later because it was so uncomfortable to play.
I have several times, hard to try out a bass through the mail.
But lets see, has worked out pretty well, one Toby, one Warwick Infinity SN, three Hohners, a brand new Ric 4003, and eight or so Spectors.
BTW no dealership in my area carries them. So I can go to a major city and maybe get lucky and play one, but not the one I may finally purchase.
Also pretty darn hard to play a custom ordered Spector, especially since it takes 6 months to build one to your order specifications
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Oh yeah, forgot about the Dean Pace I got mail order at a close out price.
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It's good to play it if you are able to and I live by the philosophy of " if it speaks to you then buy it on the spot" but I have no fears of buying before I can play it . I do look for a few things , like just overall appearances and weight . I won't buy a 14lb bass no matter what it looks like or how cheap it is but other than a few simple preferences I'll buy it before playing it .
