Nope! And not even one tootsie roll!! That’s what I’m really pissed about.
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Need your help, TB. Would you return this bass??
- Thread starter tb-player
- Start date
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- crack damaged bass return
5000 green stamps is a lot for an imperfect piece. Let 'em make it good.btt after a bit, I noticed a small crack just under the finish on the neck, extending from the nut. Seems like the kind of thing that may get worse with time.
I’ve reached out to my Sweetwater rep & I’m sure I’ll hear back from him on Monday. But in the meantime, I’m not sure what to do. I did get a killer deal on this (it was still well over $5k), but the listing said nothing about a minor blemish or a crack in the finish. It was being sold as new.
If it is something that could get worse with time, I’m thinking I may have to return it.What would you do?
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Never mind what you think of this crack, it reduces the resale value of this bass to a very low number.
That's an important issue. I like to buy & sell basses every couple of years. I'm really torn on what to do with this bass, but that may be the biggest reason to send it back.
i wouldn't if it were a Squier. A Fodera? yes, absolutely--if you weren't told it was a B-stock item i would demand it be in perfect condition upon receipt.
Let's say you decide to sell it a few years from now, I would be hesitant to buy if I saw a crack in the headstock. Yes, it appears to be just in the finish, but how did it happen? Is there something going on in the wood below the surface or is it just a case of the finish contracting a bit and right at the nut is a weak point? Dings on the body, swirls in the finish, ding on the headstock from turning to talk to the drummer on a crowded stage. These are all expected on a used instrument, but cracks around the headstock give pause to potential buyers. Plus, it's a neck through instrument, so the option of having a manufacturer build a replacement neck is not an option. I would return it
My wife was looking at the fretwrap on my MTD and said, "Why don't you just put one of those scrunchies on the new bass and no one will see the crack." 
For that sort of money, I'd expect it to come with its own valet/technician, who would perform ongoing setups and wipe it down and put it back in its ermine-lined hand-tooled leather case after I'd finished fumbling about with it.
But that's just me...
Seriously, send it back. At that level of expense, I'd send it back if it didn't smell right.
But that's just me...
Seriously, send it back. At that level of expense, I'd send it back if it didn't smell right.
I’ll call my sales tech and see if that’s an option!
UPDATE:
I heard back from Sweetwater. They’re sending a return label. No questions asked. My guess is they’re going to send it back to Fodera.
As for me, I’m a little heartbroken over the whole thing. I’m not sure if I’m more upset about having to return the bass or missing out on such a stellar deal. Sucks either way. I really liked that bass.
I heard back from Sweetwater. They’re sending a return label. No questions asked. My guess is they’re going to send it back to Fodera.
As for me, I’m a little heartbroken over the whole thing. I’m not sure if I’m more upset about having to return the bass or missing out on such a stellar deal. Sucks either way. I really liked that bass.
If they do send it back to Fodera for repair you might be able to ask them about getting the bass back post-repair. You never know, they might be willing/able to work something out.UPDATE:
I heard back from Sweetwater. They’re sending a return label. No questions asked. My guess is they’re going to send it back to Fodera.
As for me, I’m a little heartbroken over the whole thing. I’m not sure if I’m more upset about having to return the bass or missing out on such a stellar deal. Sucks either way. I really liked that bass.
Then definitely return it.
I hope things work out and you get to keep a bass you enjoy
UPDATE:
I heard back from Sweetwater. They’re sending a return label. No questions asked. My guess is they’re going to send it back to Fodera.
As for me, I’m a little heartbroken over the whole thing. I’m not sure if I’m more upset about having to return the bass or missing out on such a stellar deal. Sucks either way. I really liked that bass.
Let your salesperson know you still want the bass of they can correct the issue and the bass is the same price... and... I bag of tootsie rolls. No jawbreakers!
I was in your place I think I would contact Fodera directly and tell them about your experience - that you, a repeat customer, really loved the bass and are disappointed at having to send it back. Who knows, they may be willing to work with you on a solution that means you either get your bass back repaired or get a new one at a good price.UPDATE:
I heard back from Sweetwater. They’re sending a return label. No questions asked. My guess is they’re going to send it back to Fodera.
As for me, I’m a little heartbroken over the whole thing. I’m not sure if I’m more upset about having to return the bass or missing out on such a stellar deal. Sucks either way. I really liked that bass.
My definition of a finish crack is that the paint or clear coat finish has a crack, cracks and worst case the finish is chipping off while the wood underneath is still structurally fine. Otherwise a crack in the wood is just that.
They may have just clear coated over the scratch (if it is just a scratch) making it smooth but still visible. And if that's the case, they should have sanded it out before applying the clear rather than let it go out that way.
Regardless, it's safer to return it than to find out later it is definitely a crack after the time window you have to return it has closed. That would really suck.
I recently got a great deal on a beautifully painted limited edition EBMM Stingray 5. I loved that bass until a week later my luthier discovered the neck pocket was routed so wide that you could fit a credit card between the neck and body on both sides. I immediately returned it for a full refund. Although, the neck felt solid and it played great I didn't want to take a chance of having problems later on after it's too late to return it. I can relate to how you're feeling about this issue but you're doing the right thing.
And be sure to mention that if the candy was included, you would have kept it.
