Know anything about Prat basses??

Never played a Prat but I think they look fantastic.

No rule against posting links, but maybe you could just post a pic or two.

 

She’s a looker for sure.

 

Christopher Johnson on Facebook plays an 8 string Pratt tuned F#BEADGCF- its his main player, and he is happy. If you are on FB hit him up- his profile pic is him and that bass. Probably no one better to ask, IMO.

 

That thing looks amazing for sure. I'd wager it cost a fair bit more to commission than it is listed for (not that 3k is chump change by any stretch).

The zero-returns policy is a bit of a red flag to me. I don't think there is a reason to deny online customers that option. It doesn't have to be a long period of time, 3-5 days after delivery would be fine. It reads as not-a-real-business (IMHO).

Seller also has VERY little feedback, another red flag when they've got a piece like this listed (again, IMHO).

If I had the desire to wrestle such a monster, I wouldn't buy this one unless I could go play it in person.

 

This is great advice +1. He has built a few turkeys that people weren't happy with, one had a screwy neck

 

Sure is ugly. But like in the same way the Millennium Falcon is ugly. I'm sure it's amazing to play for those who can.

 

If the seller is communicating with you can you negotiate a return policy for this item only? If you got it in writing like an email maybe? You can dispute the charge with PayPal and/or Reverb. Word is they side with the buyer 99% of the time. You'd only risk shipping back. Offer to pay for return shipping, fully insured if you don't like it and see what he says. Or maybe call reverb and see that if you negotiate such an agreement will they hold the seller to it?

 

How important is 3k to you? There's no way I could risk that on a Zero-return deal.

 

This is what I would do. Also look at how much it would cost to fly to LA. maybe say he either accepts returns or reduces the price to cover a ticket

 

The shipping cost at $250 is probably not far from a plane ticket.

 

I would recommend you contact Reverb and ask them how to handle the purchase. I have a zero return policy on Reverb, but Reverb requires you to take a return if the item was not as described. The zero return policy is for buyers who get an item and then change their mind. I am not a store or Amazon, so I expect a buyer to do due diligence when making a purchase, but if I screw up I'll do what's right. Hopefully this seller will too.

 

Yeah, I’d be wary of the zero returns.

As for the little feedback, Reverb won’t pay the seller until you give positive feedback if they are a first time seller.

I think I saw this bass at NAMM when a I went, I think it was 2013. I didn’t play it but Oscar Prat was there. I’m not a fan of his designs, but they looked nice until I saw a TB thread where folks were complaining. So maybe they’re not so great!

Prat was one of the only builders as of late who was using Villex pickups and electronics. Not as popular now as they used to be, but Villex makes some killer stuff.

 

I ordered a custom from Oscar
And I also know a few others that have owned or ordered from him
My bass was terrible and customer service is terrible from my experience and some others as well
A lot had neck issues
Fit and finish was awful
I lost my shirt with that bass
IMO they may look nice but there’s much better out there for sure