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NBD and I need to return it already!

jmattbassplaya

jmattbassplaya

Supporting Member
Jan 13, 2008
11,843
9,856
#1
Today was a bad NBD for me.

I purchased what was supposed to be a new Fender AmStd Precision from Musician's Friend over the weekend. The boys in brown delivered it today and everything looked great from the outside of the box.

When I opened the instrument's case I immediately noticed that the pickguard was scratched beyond belief and had a rough feeling to it as if it had been played for years. There was no protective film on the pickguard which almost makes me think it was a demo model. The base of the neck nearest the truss rod also had a nick in it, and some of the frets showed a hint of wear which furthered the idea that this was possibly a demo model even though it was listed as new.

Oh well.

I sent MF an email with photos detailing all the issues. I asked to return it for a full refund so we'll see where that goes. Overall, I'm really disappointed. I bought a new AmStd Jazz and Strat this year and they both have been incredible. I was hoping to hit 3 out of 3 with the line with this purchase.
 
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#8
Lammchop93 said:
Not bashing, but stick to Sweetwater or a small business dealer if you want a truly "new" bass. I've had too many non-new looking items in the past from MF, that I won't buy big purchases from them anymore.
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I hadn't had issues with them in the past, but this is admittedly my first purchase through them in over two years (sans strings and miscellaneous stuff).

I have actually done the majority of my shopping for pricey stuff through Sweetwater. I freaking love those guys and that company. The only reason I went elsewhere was because they didn't have the color that I wanted and my sales engineer told me they weren't expecting any more AmStd Fenders to be coming into stock.
 
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#9
jmattbassplaya said:
Today was a bad NBD for me.

I purchased what was supposed to be a new Fender AmStd Precision from Musician's Friend over the weekend. The boys in brown delivered it today and everything looked great from the outside of the box.

When I opened the instrument's case I immediately noticed that the pickguard was scratched beyond belief and had a rough feeling to it as if it had been played for years. There was no protective film on the pickguard which almost makes me think it was a demo model. The base of the neck nearest the truss rod also had a nick in it, and some of the frets showed a hint of wear which furthered the idea that this was possibly a demo model even though it was listed as new.

Oh well.

I sent MF an email with photos detailing all the issues. I asked to return it for a full refund so we'll see where that goes. Overall, I'm really disappointed. I bought a new AmStd Jazz and Strat this year and they both have been incredible. I was hoping to hit 3 out of 3 with the line with this purchase.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that, it's a shame.
Why didn't you asked for a replacement, new this time?
 
#13
jmattbassplaya said:
Today was a bad NBD for me.

I purchased what was supposed to be a new Fender AmStd Precision from Musician's Friend over the weekend. The boys in brown delivered it today and everything looked great from the outside of the box.

When I opened the instrument's case I immediately noticed that the pickguard was scratched beyond belief and had a rough feeling to it as if it had been played for years. There was no protective film on the pickguard which almost makes me think it was a demo model. The base of the neck nearest the truss rod also had a nick in it, and some of the frets showed a hint of wear which furthered the idea that this was possibly a demo model even though it was listed as new.

Oh well.

I sent MF an email with photos detailing all the issues. I asked to return it for a full refund so we'll see where that goes. Overall, I'm really disappointed. I bought a new AmStd Jazz and Strat this year and they both have been incredible. I was hoping to hit 3 out of 3 with the line with this purchase.
Click to expand...

That's happened to me a couple times from MF. They covered return shipping, emailed me a return label and RA#, and arranged for UPS to come to my home for pickup. No sweat, stuff happens.
 
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#14
MF seems to like to keep some bashed up items in circulation, selling them as new instead of marking them down as a used/damaged item, and will keep shipping it out and accepting returns until someone doesn't return it. I bet they figured the back and forth shipping a few times was cheaper than actually selling it as a used item at a reduced price. Completely hit or miss when buying from MF if the instrument will be new or has been used or returned due to damage.
 
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#17
Pics for your consideration. The scratches are much more noticeable in person, and the pickguard feels rough to the touch.


IMG_1749.JPG
IMG_1750.JPG
 
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#18
jmattbassplaya said:
I bought the last one they had in Olympic white so there's no replacement to be had.
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I see. I hope that you will find one soon.

jmattbassplaya said:
Pics for your consideration. The scratches are much more noticeable in person, and the pickguard feels rough to the touch.


View attachment 994910 View attachment 994911
Click to expand...
Were there scratches to the body, as well? If not, it is very strange how so many playing/using time had no impact anywhere else.
 
#20
ultra60 said:
That is really strange because it looks like the plastic is still on the pickguard. You said it's not. I bought one recently, and the Custom Shop pickup sticker was on top of the pickguard plastic.
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Nope. There's no plastic on the pickguard. And I had the same experiences as you when I bought my other Fender instruments.
 
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