The individual instruments that cost over $2000 should be viewable on their site.
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OK, I've gone from disappointed to a bit angry.
- Thread starter Salicete
- Start date
This seems to be the gamble of buying sight-unseen. I buy a lot of guitars and basses that way, and this sometimes happens. It's relatively easy for the online retailer to send out a bass they know to be flawed and take the "cross our fingers" approach, hoping the buyer won't notice or care.
There is probably a higher incidence of this via long-distance transaction than buying in person, naturally. Think about it: If you could see the flaws, you wouldn't buy the bass to begin with.
And some flaws are easy to hide even in "actual photographs" of the instrument you are buying, so there's no guarantee there either.
I think it's sad that retailers try this move instead of the obvious and more ethical solutions of taking it up with the manufacturer before it ever touches a consumer's hands, or admitting the flaw in the description and offering an appropriate discount. I have seen all the big box online outlets do this.
But, on-line buyers, this is how the game is currently played. Buyer beware and get a rock-solid return policy just in case someone tries a fast one.
There is probably a higher incidence of this via long-distance transaction than buying in person, naturally. Think about it: If you could see the flaws, you wouldn't buy the bass to begin with.
And some flaws are easy to hide even in "actual photographs" of the instrument you are buying, so there's no guarantee there either.
I think it's sad that retailers try this move instead of the obvious and more ethical solutions of taking it up with the manufacturer before it ever touches a consumer's hands, or admitting the flaw in the description and offering an appropriate discount. I have seen all the big box online outlets do this.
But, on-line buyers, this is how the game is currently played. Buyer beware and get a rock-solid return policy just in case someone tries a fast one.
I pointed out those facts out in support of my suspicion that the bass had been sold and returned previously, so, no, I am not, but thanks for your input.
I completely understand! Just wanted to offer my difference of opinion. Now I see our opinions really aren't so different after all.
If anyone would argue that, they'd be arguing that the American Vintage Series finish is "too authentic".....because imprints in the finish from the covers is exactly what happened with the originals.
But I have no doubt that people will make such arguments. Which has me wondering why some people would choose an AVRI in the first place.
This happened to me about 10 years ago when MF sent a "new" mandolin that had obviously been used. When I emailed them and included a detailed report given by my guitar tech, they refunded my money no questions asked. I then ordered a mandolin from a different site (don't recall which one), and it was perfect. These days, I only buy used instruments from MF. Oddly enough, they've all been in better shape than that first mandolin.
As another poster mentioned, it sounds like the OP was sent a returned instrument that also should have been considered a factory second in the first place due to the blemish under the clear coat.
As another poster mentioned, it sounds like the OP was sent a returned instrument that also should have been considered a factory second in the first place due to the blemish under the clear coat.
I think this is always a good idea. MF has these issues. I think they must be a little sloppy let's call it in selling new items vs restock items. That said, why not try for three, as long as there's no problem sending it back? Yeah, it's a hassle, I know. But give them a chance to strike out. Or not. If you can get what you're looking for without going online, then by all means get it that way. But I sympathize. Nobody likes something brand new to be messed up.
Or try another site. Someone mentioned Sweetwater. I've never used them so I can't say. My stuff from MF has always been "poked through" but in good enough condition not to send back. It's annoying, though, and it's your money.
All the beat to hell instruments that don't sell at GC get routed through MF to unsuspecting cutomers.
I'm one of those hyper-picky people. But I'm also lazy. And a pessimist. So I just take MF's crap. My last order was pretty good. Nothing banged up, but definitely opened after leaving the factory. Maybe MF has to go through everything to check it, I don't know.
Ya, know, I wouldn't mind buying a dent-n-ding item if it were advertised and priced as such, but when you pay full-blown retail for something, you expect it to be new and in pristine condition.
I fault MF more than I fault Fender. In the best case, they have a generous return policy and there are likely many people that return for no reason at all other than they can or they have buyers remorse. I wouldn't even be surprised if some folks use MF like a public library card to borrow basses. They all end back an MF and they cannot all be perfect upon return.
And while MF does sell scratch and dent stuff I suspect their standard of scratch and dent may not be the same as a discerning buyer who expects to receive an instrument untouched (as one should from an online-only retailer unless disclosed.)
Personal experience, I once bought a "refurb" from MF. Turned out to have a large factory engraving on the back which read "2nd." That was not disclosed, nor was the cracked neck pocket.
I have bought lots of used gear in better condition than that bass or some of the new stuff i see on the shelf at the local Guitar Center.
And while MF does sell scratch and dent stuff I suspect their standard of scratch and dent may not be the same as a discerning buyer who expects to receive an instrument untouched (as one should from an online-only retailer unless disclosed.)
Personal experience, I once bought a "refurb" from MF. Turned out to have a large factory engraving on the back which read "2nd." That was not disclosed, nor was the cracked neck pocket.
I have bought lots of used gear in better condition than that bass or some of the new stuff i see on the shelf at the local Guitar Center.
+1 for Zzounds as well. I've purchased two basses and an amp from them, no issues what so ever. And, their payment options (4, 8, and 12 month payments charged to your credit/debit card, no interest) is awesome.
Hopkins
Commercial User
I would like to see a picture of the blemish, it is entirely possible that it is a crack in the color coat that did not make it through to the clear. It is likely that it did not leave the Fender factory like that and happened later on.
Yep. It could be that knowing they had a super nitpicky customer they took the bass out to inspect it.
I'd replace USA with world.
No pic; no blem.
How does someone wind up buying TWELVE basses from a company that doesn't impress them?
20+ years of playing and trading gear. It's quite easy actually. I'm not saying its not good gear. Just not something that makes me go OMG this is awesome and sell my others.
I have a habit of getting the gear for a great price, messing with it for a little while and setting it up and flipping it. I have yet found any sort of treatment for this sickness.
