• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NBD and I need to return it already!

#61
I bought the exact model/colour bass a couple months ago. I removed the knobs and undid the nuts fixing the pots to the scratchplate and started peeling the plastic away from under there. I even undid the nut holding the jack to the scratchplate cause the plastic gets annoyingly stuck under there too. It was easier to get it started there too. Once you get it going it comes off easy.

I'm with many others and reckon the plastic is still on, but hey, you're the one holding the guitar.

Can't imagine Fender would stick that sticker direct to the pickguard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kubicki Fan and meatwad
#62
knigel said:
Am I wrong, but if the sticker is on the pickguard, it's still covered with plastic film? Right? Fender wouldn't put the sticker directly on the pickguard would they?
Click to expand...
Absolutely right. I have bought more than a few new Fenders and that's how it always was with mine. If you look near the lower screw you can see the plastic start to lift. Underneath will be much smoother and shiny. On the other hand, I like to leave the plastic on until a absolutely have to peel it off-gives me a few months of scratch protection. And yes, the plastic is still on the pickups.
 
#63
Looking at the pix on my home computer, I'm thinking what I think (but I'm not sure) others are saying. It looks to me like the plastic is still on.

I've gotten new basses where I thought the pickguard was destroyed, until I realized it was just difficult to see that the plastic was still on.

@jmattbassplaya , are you sure you didn't jump the gun on this one?

Also, what I've done more than once with MF is tell them I want an exchange, but tell them to send a second one and charge it to me. Just in case I like the first one more :), despite an imperfection. Just did that with an SG Future and wound up returning them both. I didn't think either of the guitars were restocks, but I wanted it for the automatic tuners, and the automatic tuners don't work the way they say they do. Not on either of the guitars. It would put the guitar in perfect tune, but you'd have to do it several times before it got it right. Much easier to just tune by ear.
 
#66
Matt, I don't mean to pile on, but I've had a lot of American Fenders, including many new ones. I've never seen the "American Standard" sticker anywhere other than on top of the plastic. Take either the volume or tone knob off and I'd almost bet the house that you'll see that the plastic is still on the pickguard. But the first thing I thought when I saw your pics was that the plastic is still on that guard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fxpmusic
#68
I bought an acoustic guitar from MF and the bottom of it was smashed when I got it. I did the standard return procedure and got a replacement. They covered the shipping.

jmattbassplaya, I think you'll be able to return that bass with no problem. That being said, I'd follow metalicafan18's advice and use Sweetwater. If I plan on buying anything new, I get it from Sweetwater.
 
#70
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...

I've had a lot of trouble with MF. After the last prob - they sent me a gig bag for a guitar rather than a bass that was misadvertised on the website, then gave me a hard time about returning it, and then would not pay for return shipping - I never bought another thing from them. I know GC and MF are the same, but i know if I buy from GC at least I'll be able to return it to the store.

But then there's GC...

I ordered a GK cab from them and it arrived with a blown tweeter. I returned it to the store, and they ordered me a new one. When that one arrived... it was the exact same cab.

Your situation is uber frustrating. That bass was probably returned and then resold as new. Bad deal for sure. Best of luck straightening it out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plutonium244
#71
Herrick said:
I bought an acoustic guitar from MF and the bottom of it was smashed when I got it. I did the standard return procedure and got a replacement. They covered the shipping.

jmattbassplaya, I think you'll be able to return that bass with no problem. That being said, I'd follow metalicafan18's advice and use Sweetwater. If I plan on buying anything new, I get it from Sweetwater.
Click to expand...
Been keeping my mouth shut on the Sweetwater stuff, but I really don't get it, and think my cork just popped.

First, I'm certain I can get the same exact quality of gear from MF as from Sweetwater. There is nothing different about what they're selling there. They CLAIM to give it a however many point check, but I have a rough time believing that. I bought a Fender Bass VI from them that had a bridge that buzzed and rattled.

Second, and more importantly - I can get an American Standard Jazz at MF for $1020 (using one of their monthly 15% off coupons), PLUS get $81 credit on top of that (with their backstage pass 8% back program) for future purchases. That means I pay $939 - as I'm certain I'm going to be buying other stuff (strings or whatever).

At Sweetwater you'll pay $260 more, for the same bass!!!! $260!!!!!! Because they tell you they'll check it out for you??? I can't wrap my brain around that.

I'll get the bass from MF. I'll check it out myself. I'll set it up myself. If there's something wrong with it, I'll return or exchange it. And I won't have anybody calling my house asking how I'm doing with my new gear, nor trying to get me to buy more gear. Even after having a very bad incident happen with Sweetwater that I won't get into (but might upon request), I got off their call list, and STILL wound up getting a call from them about a week ago. It was made crystal clear to never call me again, yet they couldn't help themselves.

Eh... you guys do what you want. And I'll keep saving craploads of money :).

PS. Just trying to be helpful :).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: wncBass, 1stnamebassist, dalahorse and 7 others
#75
The bass is packed up. Pickguard aside, the bass has other issues that still can't be spoken to considering it's a new bass. I wasn't satisfied so away it goes.

One thing I also noticed was that the serial on the bass dated it from 2015. If the plastic was still on it then perhaps it molded into the pickguard over time. That might explain the pickguard, but that doesn't explain the few random nicks I found on it or the fact that it's a 2015 bass being sold at the end of 2016. I guess they don't use the FIFO method with their inventory.
 
#76
MF is actually pretty good about returns if you're unhappy with the condition. I've had this happen a couple times where I emailed them, explained the situation, asked for a UPS return label, and they always honored it.

Whatever the case, it's a nice looking bass; hope you find one like it in better condition.
 
#77
MF is starting to become a joke to me. Three basses returned in one year, and I've ordered four from them this year. Two were obviously very used and abused and one was questionable for the QC, and after further investigating I am 90% sure it was a reboxed return. That means to me 75% of the time you get reboxed, returned products from them.

I've ordered 9 basses from Sweetwater and awaiting a 10th next week. Never had a single problem or return including a synthesizer and various other products. I've never had one bum deal from them and have never been cold called or bothered by them. That means 100% satisfaction.

@Joe Nerve that's not a good track record for MF.

If this bass I'm awaiting from MF arrives damaged and not in brand new condition as an exchange, I simply will have to think MF's selling g of "new" instruments could be construed as fraudulent.
 
#78
jmattbassplaya said:
You're welcome to come try for me if you want :D

Gents, there is no plastic there. That was the first thing I checked for. The scratches go into the pickguard and there are other signs of wear and tear on the instrument. It's very disappointing but oh well. I'll get my refund and will be on my way soon enough.
Click to expand...
so, the sticker is adhered directly to the pickguard? i have never seen that before!
 
  • Like
Reactions: fretter, HalfManHalfBass and Fxpmusic
#79
Joe Nerve said:
Been keeping my mouth shut on the Sweetwater stuff, but I really don't get it, and think my cork just popped.

First, I'm certain I can get the same exact quality of gear from MF as from Sweetwater. There is nothing different about what they're selling there. They CLAIM to give it a however many point check, but I have a rough time believing that. I bought a Fender Bass VI from them that had a bridge that buzzed and rattled.

Second, and more importantly - I can get an American Standard Jazz at MF for $1020 (using one of their monthly 15% off coupons), PLUS get $81 credit on top of that (with their backstage pass 8% back program) for future purchases. That means I pay $939 - as I'm certain I'm going to be buying other stuff (strings or whatever).

At Sweetwater you'll pay $260 more, for the same bass!!!! $260!!!!!! Because they tell you they'll check it out for you??? I can't wrap my brain around that.

I'll get the bass from MF. I'll check it out myself. I'll set it up myself. If there's something wrong with it, I'll return or exchange it. And I won't have anybody calling my house asking how I'm doing with my new gear, nor trying to get me to buy more gear. Even after having a very bad incident happen with Sweetwater that I won't get into (but might upon request), I got off their call list, and STILL wound up getting a call from them about a week ago. It was made crystal clear to never call me again, yet they couldn't help themselves.

Eh... you guys do what you want. And I'll keep saving craploads of money :).

PS. Just trying to be helpful :).
Click to expand...

I didn't know about MF's montly 15% off coupons. That's really awesome actually.

I like Sweetwater mainly because I can see the weight of the basses. That's a big deal for Herrick and it's worth paying full price. I don't mind the phone calls because the bass guy is really nice and not pushy. I never answer my phone anyway unless I know who's calling.

Nothing wrong at all with MF. I've bought a lot of instruments from them over the years and I've never had a problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joe Nerve

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back