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Manufacturer Refurbish?
- Thread starter winndaddy
- Start date
I don't see the big deal deal. Then again, I'd pretty much ONLY buy used basses because they're a better value.
I could see getting screwed on a refurbished MAC computer or electronics, but a bass? There's only so much that can be "wrong" with it - nothing that a good tech can fix IF it is actually messed up that badly, so I'd say GO FOR IT. What do you have to lose?
I could see getting screwed on a refurbished MAC computer or electronics, but a bass? There's only so much that can be "wrong" with it - nothing that a good tech can fix IF it is actually messed up that badly, so I'd say GO FOR IT. What do you have to lose?
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
They're often called B-stock, and that's how I obtained my Schecter Studio 6. I love it. It's like buying a new bass with all of the dealer responsibilities and a used price. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.
EDIT: I just realized that we were talking about refurbished basses. I still see no problem with it. As was pointed out, there's only so much that can be wrong with it a bass, and the cost savings + potential return policy will probably make it worth the time and money.
EDIT: I just realized that we were talking about refurbished basses. I still see no problem with it. As was pointed out, there's only so much that can be wrong with it a bass, and the cost savings + potential return policy will probably make it worth the time and money.
refurbished | eBay
Many of the basses on the list are selling for $30-$50 bucks below the cost of a new bass - for example, a refurbished EB-3 for $269 when the MF price for a new one is $299, or a Epi Jack Casady for $749, when the MF price is $799. Add in the shipping costs, and lack of a manufacturer's warranty...and I don't really see the savings.
Just my 2 cents, YMMV, etc., etc..
Many of the basses on the list are selling for $30-$50 bucks below the cost of a new bass - for example, a refurbished EB-3 for $269 when the MF price for a new one is $299, or a Epi Jack Casady for $749, when the MF price is $799. Add in the shipping costs, and lack of a manufacturer's warranty...and I don't really see the savings.
Just my 2 cents, YMMV, etc., etc..
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I've never had a problem with a refurbished ANYTHING.
I figure that a real human being has actually looked at it and made sure it works.
I often seek out refurbs!
I figure that a real human being has actually looked at it and made sure it works.
I often seek out refurbs!
Which is why I said "many" and not "all". I'm sure there are bargains to be had, but there are plenty of refurb'd basses on that list that are not screaming deals.
Yes, you save about $150 over new in your particular case, but you do so without a manufacturer's warranty. That's important to some, not important to others.
And again, YMMV, just my 2 cents, etc., etc..
This really is a very good point. I don't think it's EVER going to be worth losing that warranty to save 50 bucks. Especially if it's a lifetime warranty and you plan to keep it a long time. Then it's worth it to spend the extra $$$.
For a significant savings, it might be worth the risk. Only you can really judge that for yourself.
As to my personal experience with refurbs, I have gotten a few B stock basses in my time. Never had a problem with any of them, but I would NOT want you to think that means ALL of them are going to be like that.
In general, based on my experiences, I'd say you'd be fine, but again there's always an exception and I'd just hate for you to get screwed and then come back on here posting that we jags set you up to get ripped off. I'm just saying my experiences with B stock (refurbs) have been positive and I've had no issues.
I actually bought a b stock bass before and had no problems. I failed to realize that a B stock might be a refurbished bass. I would'nt come on here moaning if I bought a bad bass. I just wanted to know ya'lls experience with it. Plus, you can return it if the bass is not up to standards. Might have to pay return shipping thow.
Most b stock basses I have seen , had finish issues at one time like yellowing, a run, a chip, a ding etc. It's not like your buying something that has been run over by a truck and put back together. In 30 years of playing I have never used or needed to use a mfr warranty for any instrument. Having said that, lots of people will avoid a b stock instrument and they usually can be gotten for cheap. I have seen many go for about 1/2 to 3/4 the price. Who better to refurbish an instrument than its mfr? After you send something out for a repair , isn't it refurbished then? I say go for it.
Can you buy a refurbished bass cheaper than new? Sure. A good number of the refurbished basses on eBay were priced within 10-15% of new, with a few listed for 25-30% less than retail. But I haven't seen any b-stock basses at a 50% discount...because if I did, I'd gladly lay down $650 for a refurbished AM Std Jazz.
I'm not so sure that all refurbishing is done by the manufacturer(s). From what I understand, companies that refurbish buy directly from the manufacturer - instruments that have failed QC, for the most part. They are repaired, assigned a new serial number by the refurbisher and are stamped "USED" on the back of the headstock. They are then sold without a manufacturer's warranty.
My guess is that if a manufacturer repaired one of their own instruments after it failed QC, they would just sell it as new.
IMO, a refurbished bass is much different than a b-stock. B-stocks are discounted items with cosmetic flaws (floor demo models, items that have been dinged, scratched, etc., in shipping) or instruments that have been discontinued. B-stocks still carry a manufacturer's serial number and most are still under warranty.
That USED stamp on the back of the headstock might as well be a giant crack running down the neck. They are the pariahs of ebay. If you buy one, buy it second hand from the guy who bought it "new used" from ebay and is reselling it--he won't be getting nearly as much as he spent the first time around.
