NBD and I need to return it already!

[Joe Nerve]

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.

They don't offer the discounts that MF and other retailers offers. Same prices everywhere, but you can get 15%+ off if you shop elsewhere. Many people, such as yourself, aren't aware of this.

 

[Kukulkan61]

They will make it right, but if not take a flamethrower to the place...

 

[jmattbassplaya]

@Joe Nerve

Out of curiosity, is the Backstage Pass program free of charge? Anything worth knowing about it?

 

[bbh]

looks like they gave you a floor model by mistake. They have excellent support. i'd expect no problems.
i once bought a 5 string american p-bass deluxe from sweetwater. while doing their multi point check and cleaning on it. they put swirly scratch on the body, like a bad compound job. the rest of the axe was perfect. i told them and they offered a swap out via cross shipping (they immediately send out a new one while they wait to rcv the bad one). i declined and kept what i got but maybe MF offers that same cross shipping option.
no worries, never had a problem w/ MF.

 

[bbh]

@Joe Nerve

Out of curiosity, is the Backstage Pass program free of charge? Anything worth knowing about it?

backstage is free and is a points program. just like a credit card points program. you don't need a MF card to jin.

 

[bbh]

I bought the last one they had in Olympic white so there's no replacement to be had.

ask for a refund so you can get it elsewhere or ask for ETA on same color replacement and you want to hold the axe until replacement is available.
WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE A PAIN IN THE BUTT???

 

[fretter]

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

It looks like somebody dragged the pickguard across the factory floor, maybe ran over it with a forklift, and then installed it.

Edit: Even if the plastic is still on, the pickguard screw already looks oxidized. For a new bass, I'd want the screws to be shiny.

 

[bbh]

That's what I'm hoping for. I really shouldn't have to pay to send it back, IMO. We'll see what they say.

have them send a call tag that you can slap on the box it came in. they should do that, no questions asked.

 

[ultra60]

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.

Joe - the 15% and 20% don't usually apply to Fender... especially with the latest AM Std price drop. I've tried online and by calling. Denied in both cases. If you have a workaround, let us know as I will be buying!

 

[bassstrangler]

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.

Doesn't matter to me if you are right or wrong, I wouldn't buy a Rickenbacker from an online retailer anyway. That's to much of a gamble, considering what others here have said about QC at the mighty Ric company.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Joe - the 15% and 20% don't usually apply to Fender... especially with the latest AM Std price drop. I've tried online and by calling. Denied in both cases. If you have a workaround, let us know as I will be buying!

All I can say is call back and talk to someone else. I know they won't honor it online, you have to call. That's so people don't play the price match game with their other companies. Or at least that's my best guess at one of the reasons.

There is also a chance that I get preferential treatment because I spend tens of thousands of dollars there... if so, there isn't much else I can say. I can't deny that that might be the case though.

 

[Shadoof]

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 didn't get that email, is it a coupon code or a call-in and mention the ad kind of deal? I was going to place an order later today with the 15% off code but if I can get another 5% then I need that to happen.

I've been a regular customer of MF for years but only once ordered an instrument through them. Incidentally, I just made my first order with sweetwater a few days ago, grabbed a Pedaltrain power supply half off on their black friday sale (I did call MF to see if they'd price match - they wouldn't. It's below cost so fair enough). I did get a call from my sales engineer saying he was packing my order and sending it. Kinda neat, I guess, but an email would have sufficed. We'll see how much they pester me in the future.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

I just bought a brand new ESP BB1005 Fl from Sam ash

It came with damage on the side of the fore arm contour

Pin holes in the fretboard and a bad pot

Returned it

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Doesn't Sweetwater check all the stuff they sell before they ship it out?
I think Wildwood does the same with their Rickenbackers.

 

[mngnt]

Alright @Joe Nerve we get it. It's pretty clear you aren't too aware of what it takes to run a sustainable business, and that you've got no patience for those who do.

Buying items at what must be darn close to dealer list pricing, then returning said products when they aren't what you want just to further reduce any profit margin they may have had in the first place.

Perhaps worse, causing the unsatisfactory instrument to re-enter the circulation of crap that gets delivered as per the many first hand stories around here. Which does nothing to help your fellow musicians; screwing someone who either doesn't know any better, or who doesn't get the staff member on the other end willing to help them out at no cost.

I'm not sure what's more entertaining:
-The fact that you actually like this company that you're milking into the ground, or
-The fact that you continue to belittle those who prefer to receive instruments as promised, rather than gamble their time, money, and sanity away by dealing with GC/MF just to save a few bucks.

I can only assume that you only shop at Walmart, and eat out only with coupons.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I didn't get that email, is it a coupon code or a call-in and mention the ad kind of deal? I was going to place an order later today with the 15% off code but if I can get another 5% then I need that to happen.

It was titled, Happy Thanksgiving, Joe. Perhaps you deleted yours.

Alright @Joe Nerve we get it. It's pretty clear you aren't too aware of what it takes to run a sustainable business, and that you've got no patience for those who do.

Buying items at what must be darn close to dealer list pricing, then returning said products when they aren't what you want just to further reduce any profit margin they may have had in the first place.

Perhaps worse, causing the unsatisfactory instrument to re-enter the circulation of crap that gets delivered as per the many first hand stories around here. Which does nothing to help your fellow musicians; screwing someone who either doesn't know any better, or who doesn't get the staff member on the other end willing to help them out at no cost.

I'm not sure what's more entertaining:
-The fact that you actually like this company that you're milking into the ground, or
-The fact that you continue to belittle those who prefer to receive instruments as promised, rather than gamble their time, money, and sanity away by dealing with GC/MF just to save a few bucks.

I can only assume that you only shop at Walmart, and eat out only with coupons.

What can I say? I do my share of good in this world. And put out more than most to help others, especially other musicians. You'd have to just take my word for that though. My business sense tells me also that I spend enough at MF that they're making plenty profit.

If it makes you feel better spending more to make another company happy, go for it. I don't think musiciansfriend is suffering, and I don't think the people getting instruments that have been returned are either. They can return them if they are.

Sorry my comments have hurt you, and you felt the need to take pokes at me. I'm trying to help people who are needlessly spending more.

Do you work for Sweetwater?

 

[bobcruz]

About pickguard plastic coverings--the last bass I bought had TWO layers of plastic covers. It took me a while to figure that one out since I had never seen it before. If your new pickguard looks like crud, keep peeling until you get the cover(s) off!

 

[mngnt]

It was titled, Happy Thanksgiving, Joe. Perhaps you deleted yours.


What can I say? I do my share of good in this world. And put out more than most to help others, especially other musicians. You'd have to just take my word for that though. My business sense tells me also that I spend enough at MF that they're making plenty profit.

If it makes you feel better spending more to make another company happy, go for it. I don't think musiciansfriend is suffering, and I don't think the people getting instruments that have been returned are either. They can return them if they are.

Sorry my comments have hurt you, and you felt the need to take pokes at me. I'm trying to help people who are needlessly spending more.

Do you work for Sweetwater?

I have no association with Sweetwater or any other music retailer.

I am involved with a local retailer in a completely unrelated industry, and know first-hand the negative effect that these massive box and online stores have on business owners trying to differentiate themselves by offering good service.

Maybe Sweetwater doesn't fall into the "small business who can't compete on prices with the big box stores" category, but the fact they're offering a service that people are (and should be) willing to pay for is good and should be encouraged, not ridiculed.

If everyone took your "advice" and shopped at the cheapest stores, perpetuating the "buy and return" cycle of crap, there would soon be no alternative and we're one step closer to "Idiocracy". We'd have no ability to try anything before we buy, because any potential buyers would just turn around and buy it online.

Hmm, perhaps I've watched that movie one too many times...

 

[Fluid Power]

That's what plastic film on pick guard looks like!
Believe me I even left it on one still!!
I know it's hard to believe but it is and all the others will be the same (other than it does look like a demo).

 

[Shadoof]

It was titled, Happy Thanksgiving, Joe. Perhaps you deleted yours.

Nada. Oh, well.

This thread sure took a weird turn.