NBD bitter disappointment

[BassAgent]

Good thing OP already said he sent it back.

 

[E2942]

I did not hear that. Did they also post about it?

 

[BassAgent]

Well, try to find post #110 in this very thread.

 

[Callused Finger]

Keep it if it feels great because of how wonderful it sounds.
These issues are all things that make this bass cool or will be.

 

[Bass-Babe]

It's been kept somewhere damp for a long time. That damp has raised the skunk stripes, softened glues, rusted metal and possibly caused some paint issues with the body expanding. The wood is still internally damp and will dry out over time. Personally I'd put the old strings back on and send it back.

That internal dampness when it goes away will probably cause some more cracking too. send it.

 

[Bass-Babe]

Get that bass to a professional.
My feeling says that neither the skunk stripe nor the mold are an issue.
The body is basically coated in plastic, hard for liquid to get in and mold to spread underneath the surface.

I'd say that this bass will never get on your good side unless some expert has given it the pass.

Bodies are usually still unsealed in all the body cavities and neck pocket prime place moisture ingress, I actually stick one silicon pack 1x1 inch ones you get with electronics into my control cavities to lessen chance of corrosion/moisture etc. Probably not needed but my ocd makes me over think..

 

[Willie5String]

Bought a Fender JBS fretless which finally arrived today.

I’m gutted. Seller wasn’t “entirely truthful” with his description/photos. I have given the bass a through cleaning because it was flithy. it had mold and I wore a mask.

I even restrung it with new Fender Flats.

but I am now thinking i should have sent it straight back. It has a scartchbonnthe neck that wasn’t it any pic or the despriction. It’s only a scratch but I think it should have been mentioned.
It doesn’t show very well it the pics but the paint, mainly on the back, is dimpling/raising slightly and I am worried that there is mold under the the paint on the body.
Also, the skunk stripe on the back is very noticeable, so that is also worrying. I have other Fenders and never felt. The owner just text me and said it’s been in a cupboard for 7/8 years. So is it possible for a skunk stripe to come unglued?

I am going to drive to the nearest reheasal rooms this evening to try it, I’ve played it at home just to make sure the electrics work.

The seller has called to tell me he has a better offer from a different buyer for the bass. Seems very sketchy. Wants me to send it back.

What a bummer in General……
Pics before during and after cleaning. View attachment 4933821 View attachment 4933822 View attachment 4933823 View attachment 4933824 View attachment 4933825 View attachment 4933826 View attachment 4933827 View attachment 4933828 View attachment 4933829 View attachment 4933830 View attachment 4933831 View attachment 4933832 View attachment 4933833 View attachment 4933834 View attachment 4933835 View attachment 4933836

This post is why I do hate selling things on line. This is not a knock against the OP, but some folks think they are getting a pristine instrument when they buy something used. I wish there was a way (maybe set up a Zoom meeting or something) where I could have the Buyer look at whatever specific item(s) they focus on. I sent an instrument to California, the Buyer rejected it, I think essentially for weight, which was never discussed, had to pay for round trip shipping as Reverb in their infinite wisdom has no options to protect buyers from essentially kicking an instrument back for no reason. I liked the days better when feedback was really 2 way. Now, I will NEVER sell an instrument to someone in Ca.

 

[Iridescentone]

I chose "Send It Back" based solely on that crack in the neck. To me, that's a hard stop, regardless of any of the rest.

Right? What is that crevasse, anyway? Looks like a little more than a "scratch" to me. Looks like a serious crack or saw mark, in an odd place. Everyone seems to be ignoring that flaw that would prevent anyone from "selling it for more" some day. Unless of course, they're willing to pull the same dishonest stunt that the PO seller did...deliberately not disclosing that weird neck crack (?). Am I missing something?

 

[Gougedeye]

Not trying to be a dick here, but you bought a bass that is 35 or so years old. It has some wear. This whole thread seems a little dramatic. It looks like the pervious owner didn't take particularly good care of it. If it plays good and sounds good, then play it in good health. If it doesn't, then send it back. Simple.

 

[Glazenn]

Right? What is that crevasse, anyway? Looks like a little more than a "scratch" to me. Looks like a serious crack or saw mark, in an odd place. Everyone seems to be ignoring that flaw that would prevent anyone from "selling it for more" some day. Unless of course, they're willing to pull the same dishonest stunt that the PO seller did...deliberately not disclosing that weird neck crack (?). Am I missing something?

The bass player was next to his band mate, the musical saw player….

 

[SpanishDave]

Not trying to be a dick here, but you bought a bass that is 35 or so years old. It has some wear. This whole thread seems a little dramatic. It looks like the pervious owner didn't take particularly good care of it. If it plays good and sounds good, then play it in good health. If it doesn't, then send it back. Simple.

I know nobody reads all the posts and replies so things get repeated after being answered but
Thanks for taking the time to comment, dont forget to vote!

 

[Nebadon2000]

If the truss works and the neck is not twisted ect...if that so called scratch is not deep and can be sanded or filled...Get some flitz metal cleaner ,clean up the pick ups , screws ect...some boiled linseed oil on the board...Sand the finish of the neck and use some Emmetts good stuff..Check the wiring and rock on...

 

[India_Sierra]

Not trying to be a dick here, but you bought a bass that is 35 or so years old. It has some wear. This whole thread seems a little dramatic. It looks like the pervious owner didn't take particularly good care of it. If it plays good and sounds good, then play it in good health. If it doesn't, then send it back. Simple.

There are plenty of 35 year old basses out there that aren't STANK and covered in grime, mould, and undisclosed damage.

OP, having looked at the bass in the original post it does appear to be in dreadful condition. If it were a two penny banger you could live with it. If you'd spent any sort of money on it, if be after getting it all back. I sure hope the situation can be resolved to your satisfaction.

 

[ajkula66]

That scratch alone would have me send the bass back immediately, let alone everything else. But that's me.

Good luck.

 

[J Posega]

_______________________

^^^^^^^^that's me drawing a line under this thread.

The bass was sent back this morning. The Truss rod was not looking good. not rusty or corroded like the brigde, more like it had been adjusted with the wrong size allen key years ago. not stripped but rounded.

It had an uphill battle but I didnt fall in love with the bass playing it last night.
Still like the model, still need a fretless, just not that one.

Thanks to all who gave knowledgeable insight and helpful opinions.
And Carrots to those that get upset at people asking for help/suggestions on talkbass, I wont do it again!!

The folks that were rude or snarky are always like that. Put them on ignore and enjoy peacefully talking bass.

Sucks that you had to go through this, especially that you cleaned it up for the seller.

I've heard great things about this company, and they're in the EU. I dunno what your budget is, but you can order essentially your perfect bass for a pretty great price.

 

[SpanishDave]

The folks that were rude or snarky are always like that. Put them on ignore and enjoy peacefully talking bass.

Sucks that you had to go through this, especially that you cleaned it up for the seller.

I've heard great things about this company, and they're in the EU. I dunno what your budget is, but you can order essentially your perfect bass for a pretty great price.

Thanks mate, yup absolutely all remarks taken with a pinch of salt and in good humour.
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll check them out now!

 

[Glazenn]

Seen an ad for one in Paris, France, with slant pickups.
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And another one, active, named Power Jazz Bass Special, V/T/V/T knobs

 

[BlueTalon]

Thanks to all who gave knowledgeable insight and helpful opinions.
And Carrots to those that get upset at people asking for help/suggestions on talkbass, I wont do it again!!

You did or said nothing unreasonable here. Please don't let a few numbskulls keep you from participating here. (There is an ignore feature here that can improve your experience by filtering out obvious idiots or trolls. Don't be afraid to use it.)

 

[jimmydean]

If it sounds good and has a nice feel , I would keep it and refinish the body , new bridge and knobs.........on second thought , just send it back .

 

[SpanishDave]

Seen an ad for one in Paris, France, with slant pickups.
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And another one, active, named Power Jazz Bass Special, V/T/V/T knobs

Which site are they advertised on?
Thanks for the heads up!