NBD major fret sprout

[ahbradot]

2025 Rickenbacker 4003SW.
I can grab the bass by the frets
as you can see in the image.
I will have to return it to Guitar Center.
I don't trust them to do the work.
I will just have to order another one.
They have them in stock at the Guitar Center warehouse in California.
I am not going to bring it to a luthier because I'm not interested in getting anyone else involved except the retailer.

Any suggestions?

 

[Geri O]

Not much to suggest if your intentions are to return it.

I can’t even see how that kind of fret sprout occurs on an instrument no older than that. Well, naturally, anyway….

Better luck on the next one, if you try another one.

 

[ahbradot]

Nothing in the store as I have to order without trying in person.

Also I have used a 15% off coupon which is only good until 12/24/25.
I want to make they will still honor the 15% off I received by acting immediately.
Lastly, I'm not set on this exact style I just wanted the model with the "satin" neck finish.

Any know if I'm wrong, that perhaps the painted necks of the black Jetglo, etc. are also "satin" ??
Don't care for a sticky painted neck.

Thank you for any info and feedback!

 

[Shepsdad]

Is that even considered “fret sprout”? I’ve never seen anything that bad, even the cheapest amazon guitars have better frets! That’s more like “unfinished condition”.

 

[crazycloud]

That's not fret sprout, that's poor workmanship and QC. Send it back.

 

[onda'bass]

I would not accept that quality.

 

[Camaro69]

I’m in a region where single digit humidity is normal. I file frets

 

[ggvicviper]

I'd send it back if it was out of the case in that shape. I've had fret sprout on basses, but it didn't look bent and messed up like that. Florida should still be fairly humid too (assuming your location is up to date), so I highly doubt that is just dried out wood.

Shame, because it's pretty.

 

[ahbradot]

The bass was shipped straight from a California warehouse to my home in Jacksonville, North Florida today.
I tracked the shipping the whole time in route.
The weather cool and dry here today in December as well.

 

[humbuckaroo]

I think those may be the worst frets I've ever seen on an instrument at any price point.

I would definitely not keep that.

 

[monsterthompson]

If they keep sprouting at that rate you’ll have a whole second bass by next week.

 

[Lammchop93]

GC sucks. Buy from someone who at least gives their instruments a once-over before putting them up for sale.

 

[ahbradot]

Yes I know GC can be hit or miss, but GC is just a few miles away from my home. It's very convenient and the return policy is good.
Maybe the next one that I order won't be a dud.
To be fair I have a Fender Player ll P bass and a StingRay that I bought from GC and they are in perfect condition.

 

[ahbradot]

This is the information I found online, please correct me if I'm wrong;

Rickenbacker guitars (and most major brands) are distributed through large warehouses, often near major hubs like California, before being sent to Guitar Center stores or customers; they travel in controlled conditions, but sitting in a warehouse and then shipping involves temperature/humidity changes.

Distribution: Guitar Center orders stock from these distributors/warehouses to stock their various store locations or for direct-to-consumer online orders.

 

[Ellery]

As you play on stage and cut up your hand you can flick blood at the audience. It can be your schtick.

 

[PBassAcidJazz]

Aside from the frets, that's a gorgeous bass. Hope you can find another one like it.

 

[birminghambass]

Horrendous QC! That's inexcusable for a bass at that price.

 

[MrAB4003]

View attachment 7387639View attachment 7387640View attachment 7387641View attachment 73876422025 Rickenbacker 4003SW.
I can grab the bass by the frets
as you can see in the image.
I will have to return it to Guitar Center.
I don't trust them to do the work.
I will just have to order another one.
They have them in stock at the Guitar Center warehouse in California.
I am not going to bring it to a luthier because I'm not interested in getting anyone else involved except the retailer.

Any suggestions?

Sorry to hear about this OP! As much as I love Rics, I would send that one back because of the fret sprout. Then buy another one from Sweetwater or another more reputable dealer instead. You won't be sorry once you get the right one in your hands.

 

[BAG]

GC sucks. Buy from someone who at least gives their instruments a once-over before putting them up for sale.

That's not on GC...... that's a manufacturing issue... and one of the worst I've ever seen.

 

[SharpCat]

That's not on GC...... that's a manufacturing issue... and one of the worst I've ever seen.

Agree. Looks like fret end filing skipped completely.