NBD and I need to return it already!

[flojob]

Folks are really worried about that plastic on that pickguard

 

[Ellery]

This is why I don't buy expensive stuff online

 

[Hevy T]

Huh, I'm surprised I've never run into that, but I rarely buy brand new any more. Ok, carry on!

Mine was used, however the previous owner never took the plastic off. It was a frickin mess, I could not get the residue of the pg and it even discoloured the pg so the white looked more yellow except where the sticker was, that area stayed white!

 

[Joybass]

I had the same thing with a Squier Dimension bass. I ended up taking off the pickguard and removing the pots in order to get the d*mn plastic off. The fret damage may be caused by rough handling of the bass, bashing the strings into the frets and fretboard. Seen that before too.

 

[10cc]

Too bad I'm out of town or I'd come remove the plastic for you.

 

[RadioactiveGuy4]

Plastic or no plastic there are still other issues that a new bass should not have. I say good on him for returning it.

 

[ultra60]

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.

What's interesting is the number of "open box" American Standards MF currently has. I check almost daily, and the number seems to be growing. So we should see yours on there soon, and it should be priced at $919. As I mentioned, I took a chance on an open box and got a good one in brand new condition. Hope you are able to find one that works for you.

 

[Immigrant]

I wasn't satisfied so away it goes.

That's the most important thing said in this entire thread.

I think MF probably mixes up orders a lot and sends out blemished instead of new or vice versa....

I think UPS has become a defacto warehouse/logistics helper for MF. They store, pack, and ship live lobsters and other junk, so is it that much of a stretch to imagine a company with a history of cost cutting to the point where it hurt their business wouldn't try farming out some of their logistics?

Bass gets returned.
Bass ends up at a UPS hub that also warehouses MF products.
jmattbassplaya orders a bass
It shows as "in stock" at the hub.
Shipped.
Returned.
Restocked.
Shipped.
Lather.
Rinse
Repeat.

 

[InhumanResource]

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 .

I wasn't going to say it either, but the love for Sweetwater always confuses me as they are consistently FAR more expensive than almost every other outlet. I always search elsewhere for gear and do better after a little digging.

 

[Handyman]

I think UPS has become a defacto warehouse/logistics helper for MF. They store, pack, and ship live lobsters and other junk, so is it that much of a stretch to imagine a company with a history of cost cutting to the point where it hurt their business wouldn't try farming out some of their logistics?

I'm awaiting with anticipation the "I Ordered a Jazz Bass and Got a Live Lobster" thread.

 

[MarkM13]

Not bashing, but stick to Sweetwater or a small business dealer if you want a truly "new" bass.....

+1 Sweetwater is a class act like no other large retailer. Their set-ups are spectacular and your bass will be good to go right out of the box.

Good luck. I'm they will make right of it. I'd get a refund and head to www.sweetwater.com

M

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I wasn't going to say it either, but the love for Sweetwater always confuses me as they are consistently FAR more expensive than almost every other outlet. I always search elsewhere for gear and do better after a little digging.

More expensive, but it's nice knowing exactly what you're getting in regards to instruments. It's nice being able to know the weight and grain patterns on an item you can't test out in a store.

They do a ton of in house demos of gear, and a lot of them (particularly the ones done by Don Carr) are excellent.

I've even had a sales rep convince me to go for a cheaper model product over the more expensive one I was looking at because based on what needs I told him I had the cheaper item would still get the job done. That saved me like $60 IIRC.

So for me, the value added is worth the extra price.

 

[Plutonium244]

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 .

Your info on MF's "backstage pass" 8% discount thing is interesting, and news to me, so thanks for that. Gives me a reason to at least consider them. I've bought small items from them without issue. I am not super-duper keen on having to time my purchases to coincide with their 15% off coupon dates, but it's a nice discount.

As far as Sweetwater, that's my primary source for large ticket online purchases. I assume you've tried building a relationship with an associate, or at least calling them up, and asking for a lower price? Without any kind of coupon I routinely get a better-than-advertised price, including approximately 15% off a Fender amp just recently; and Fender gives their retailers slimmer margins than most manufacturers. I also like that I can talk with a person, the same person, about gear, gather information, get suggestions, etc, in addition to talking to them about discounts.

Also, and not that credit is the way to go, but SW has 36 and 48 month zero-interest financing. And no worries if your payment is late, interest is only charged if you haven't paid off the item by the end of the allotted number of months. No trickery that costs you money.

So for ease of use, consistency in quality, personal attention from one sales associate who knows about me, and candy, it's usually SW for me.

 

[wheelsup247]

I too have had a negative shopping experience with MF. They mistakenly issued a $20 charge to my MF Card account instead of a $20 credit, and in the several months and phone calls it took to get MF to get it right, my credit rating showed a late payment, which has still never been corrected. The incorrect MF $20 record is the only late payment on my credit rating in over 20 years. Shame on MF for not following through and making things right. I'll not use their card again.

 

[Joe Nerve]

More expensive, but it's nice knowing exactly what you're getting in regards to instruments. It's nice being able to know the weight and grain patterns on an item you can't test out in a store.

They do a ton of in house demos of gear, and a lot of them (particularly the ones done by Don Carr) are excellent.

I've even had a sales rep convince me to go for a cheaper model product over the more expensive one I was looking at because based on what needs I told him I had the cheaper item would still get the job done. That saved me like $60 IIRC.

So for me, the value added is worth the extra price.

I don't really want to beat a dead horse, but.....

Nah, I do really want to. It's fun sometimes, and it ain't hurting the horse none.

Just got an email from MF this morning. Today they're offering their biggest discount of the year (and they don't say what that is for lots of reasons) - but I know - that means they're doing their once a year 20% off for those who are patient and experienced enough (with MF) to wait for it. I hear you on all the above, and it might be worth it for you, but it certainly isn't for me. If I wanted an American Standard Jazz, and bought it today - I would be able to get 28% off with the backstage pass stuff included. That's a very huge and whopping (to me) $341 less than I'd be paying at Sweetwater. I myself don't give all that much of a crap about the wood grain and their setup. I'm going to set my bass up myself, even if they do set it up. Climate change between the states makes the setup useless, to boot. I also prefer new, untouched, in the box basses. Not ones that have been tinkered with by a stranger, played, posed for pictures, etc.

If I get something I don't like from MF I'll exchange or return it. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They'll even send UPS to my door to get the return, if requested.

I'll finish with this and then sweep and mop up the horse brains. If I buy a MIA Jazz at MF for $860 today, I could play i t for a few years and then sell it for $900 to people who don't know any better. At the very least I'd be able to unload it instantly for $850. I'd lose a huge $10, which is a lot less than Sweetwater would charge to return a non defective instrument that you just didn't like. What more could I say.

Ya know... if Sweetwater hadn't called me last week I'd have probably not said any of this stuff. I'm not being vindictive, but rather supportive of the company that's truly done me right for the past 15 years or so.

 

[Joe Nerve]

As far as Sweetwater, that's my primary source for large ticket online purchases. I assume you've tried building a relationship with an associate, or at least calling them up, and asking for a lower price? Without any kind of coupon I routinely get a better-than-advertised price, including approximately 15% off a Fender amp just recently; and Fender gives their retailers slimmer margins than most manufacturers. I also like that I can talk with a person, the same person, about gear, gather information, get suggestions, etc, in addition to talking to them about discounts.

Also, and not that credit is the way to go, but SW has 36 and 48 month zero-interest financing. And no worries if your payment is late, interest is only charged if you haven't paid off the item by the end of the allotted number of months. No trickery that costs you money.

I've talked myself blue in the face trying to haggle with Sweetwater. When I bought my Fender VI, I REALLY wanted a black one. I could only find it there. It would have cost me IIRC about $80 less if I got a color I didn't want at MF. There was no way Sweetwater would match MF's price. I decided this one time to bite the $80 bullet, and got a faulty instrument anyhow. I would have returned it, but I thought I'd be able to fix it myself. Wound up not touching the bass for months, so I couldn't do anything. The bridge had definite rattling and buzzing issues, that never got remedied. I sold it on craigslist dirt cheap not long after.

MF also offers up to 36 month interest free financing. They might even have 48, but I never went that far.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I don't really want to beat a dead horse, but.....

Nah, I do really want to. It's fun sometimes, and it ain't hurting the horse none.

Just got an email from MF this morning. Today they're offering their biggest discount of the year (and they don't say what that is for lots of reasons) - but I know - that means they're doing their once a year 20% off for those who are patient and experienced enough (with MF) to wait for it. I hear you on all the above, and it might be worth it for you, but it certainly isn't for me. If I wanted an American Standard Jazz, and bought it today - I would be able to get 28% off with the backstage pass stuff included. That's a very huge and whopping (to me) $341 less than I'd be paying at Sweetwater. I myself don't give all that much of a crap about the wood grain and their setup. I'm going to set my bass up myself, even if they do set it up. Climate change between the states makes the setup useless, to boot. I also prefer new, untouched, in the box basses. Not ones that have been tinkered with by a stranger, played, posed for pictures, etc.

If I get something I don't like from MF I'll exchange or return it. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They'll even send UPS to my door to get the return, if requested.

I'll finish with this and then sweep and mop up the horse brains. If I buy a MIA Jazz at MF for $860 today, I could play i t for a few years and then sell it for $900 to people who don't know any better. At the very least I'd be able to unload it instantly for $850. I'd lose a huge $10, which is a lot less than Sweetwater would charge to return a non defective instrument that you just didn't like. What more could I say.

Ya know... if Sweetwater hadn't called me last week I'd have probably not said any of this stuff. I'm not being vindictive, but rather supportive of the company that's truly done me right for the past 15 years or so.

I didn't know the backstage thing even existed. Pretty sweet deal. MF is definitely the cost leader. Nothing wrong if that's what you value the most

Happy Thanksgiving Mr. Nerve!

 

[bassstrangler]

I've talked myself blue in the face trying to haggle with Sweetwater. When I bought my Fender VI, I REALLY wanted a black one. I could only find it there. It would have cost me IIRC about $80 less if I got a color I didn't want at MF. There was no way Sweetwater would match MF's price. I decided this one time to bite the $80 bullet, and got a faulty instrument anyhow. I would have returned it, but I thought I'd be able to fix it myself. Wound up not touching the bass for months, so I couldn't do anything. The bridge had definite rattling and buzzing issues, that never got remedied. I sold it on craigslist dirt cheap not long after.

MF also offers up to 36 month interest free financing. They might even have 48, but I never went that far.

So as in life we have choices. The four times I've chosen MF for basses I've received three damaged/used lemons.

The 10 times I've chosen Sweetwater I've received 9 perfect basses and I am awaiting the perfect tenth one. I've seen the pictures and I'm sure it will be perfect.

MF has great and friendly service, the behind the scenes shenanigans seem to result in sending customers used and abused items advertised as new. Maybe that's why they are always so willing to give a discount.

 

[jnewmark]

Just did a brief check on some prices at Sweetwater. I don't see where they are THAT much more expensive than other retailers. On some items, the prices were identical.

 

[Joe Nerve]

MF has great and friendly service, the behind the scenes shenanigans seem to result in sending customers used and abused items advertised as new. Maybe that's why they are always so willing to give a discount.

I'm going to guess there's some truth to that. And it's fine with me . If somebody is happy with an instrument they received that was a return, seems like a win for all IMO.

Betcha I got my Ric last year for at least $500 less than you'd pay if you bought one at Sweetwater . And it was in 100% pristine, brand new, untouched, perfect, condition . No issues at all, and weighs less than most Rics I've picked up in the past, or hear about.

I'm right! You're wrong!!!!!!



Happy thankgiving everyone. @jmattbassplaya, hope you get a sweet deal on a great bass.