OK, I've gone from disappointed to a bit angry.

[TMARK]

I bought a Fender off the internet once. It's a bad idea. They just are not consistent enough to be purchased sight unseen if you are are super picky. I don't even care about a blemish - I play bass I don't encase it in glass. But the ski jump fretboard makes playing in the upper octaves impossible. There are issues like that about Fenders that always made me play them in person for this reason.

If you are going to buy online, you need to prepare for stuff like this to happen. Or you can order from more high end bass makers with better QC.

I agree with this. I too don't really care about a blemish, but playability is important, and they are not all created equal. I sent back multiple 75 AVRI Jazz basses and two American Standard Jazz basses. I ended up buying a real '75 from Sam Ash, as well as an American Standard. I could play themand judge for myself. I bought the third American Standard I played. The first two had some issues like fret sprouting and real dead dead spots. I think you have to play the bass to know if it works, otherwise you end up sending them back.

That being said, every EBMM bass I've played has been top notch and very consistent bass to bass. I would order an EBMM on-line.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

Because it's pretty common with Fenders. Just a quick link to get you started.

Google

I go with my experience touring with them and having some of the bass bass techs in the world tell me the same thing and share with me their methods on fixing it. Hope that helps.

Well, since there are probably more Fender basses sold than all other brands combined, it stands to reason that they would have more issues of any kind reported.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Well, since there are probably more Fender basses sold than all other brands combined, it stands to reason that they would have more issues of any kind reported.

Agree. It is a mass produced instrument, which is why I think the best way to buy a Fender is in person.

 

[Salicete]

So.....I took the Sweetwater suggestions to heart, in no small part due to their statement that they inspect all outgoing guitars throughly.

I will say that they do spend a lot of time on direct customer contact, and that is a good thing. I ordered online, ( yes, I realize I said I was done with that, but I'm a weak-weak man....), and within 10 or 15 minutes got a follow-up call from a Sweetwater rep. confirming the deal.

I also got up to date shipping info and even pics of the bass I had selected. I like that you can go online and see the exact insturment you are getting, and compare it to others available, side by side, before you buy.

It arrived today, in perfect condition and in perfect tune. The setup was great, I'd say a medium-low action, and for the first time ever, I didn't even need to tweak a new bass. That confirmed to me they go hands-on with the guitars before they go out.

They didn't have a Lake Placid Blue, '64 Reissue, so I opted for an American Standard Jazz and saved a few bucks.

For the "No Pic No Bass Weenies," (Just poking fun folks...)

The fraternal almost-twin of my American Precision.

Goodbye MF and GC, hello Sweetwater, and thanks for the comments and suggestions!