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opinions on buying blemished?
- Thread starter chris4355
- Start date
I have no problem buying blemmished and saving some money! AS LONG AS, it does not affect the functionality (sp?) or is not going to cause a forseen issue down the road.
A great many so-called "blems" (perhaps most) are in fact unacknowledged factory seconds that failed QC, not A-stock that picked up a ding somewhere along the line. Likewise the "mint used" stuff MF/M123/GC is selling. They dropped the "scratch & dent" designation as "used" means "no factory warranty."
With that in mind, you may get less than your money's worth. I have in the past with them.
With that in mind, you may get less than your money's worth. I have in the past with them.
RedLeg
Supporting Member
the major retailers are pretty good about detailing scratches and dents. I would buy with confidence from zzounds
I've had mixed luck with long-distance blems. Off the rack,
it's easy. Even my 'mixed luck' has been worthwhile, altho
it's more effort. "Blem" can mean anything ... unfortunately
that includes problems that are NOT always cosmetic :-(
like the otherwise wonderful fretless HH Bongo with piezo
bridge. Coulda been a dream ax, but coud not be properly
set up.
IOW, "Blemmished" can mean almost anything that was
returned for reason of ANY complaint [on the ubiquitous
Satisfaction Guaranteed formula] as long as the item is
in "presentable" condition.
`
Return it if it's not satisfactory. I wouldn't be reluctant to buy a blem...I've had very good luck with blems in all kinds of products.
I have bought 2 blemish items from MF. The first was my BBE tube pre amp which only had some scratches on the box, and the other was a cello. The cello I got was messed up beyond playability but I was able to return it and didn't even have to pay for return shipping. I ended up getting a different cello all together but they gave me a discount for the troubles. Most blem items are cosmetic flaws, so if you don't mind a small cosmetic defect then save some money and get the deal.
occasionally, Lakand offers "B stock" basses (IF - BIG "IF" they get in something from Indonesia with a blem)......
usually, the blems are very minor....and the price drop? well worth it!
I ahve no issues as long as the "blem" is well disclosed....only issue is potential resale pricing issues...BUT you SHOULD be able to proce yourself lower than the competition - making your bass more atractive.....
I have bought a few blems in my day...one I had "refinished" and the other? traded..with FULL disclosure...no issues.
usually, the blems are very minor....and the price drop? well worth it!
I ahve no issues as long as the "blem" is well disclosed....only issue is potential resale pricing issues...BUT you SHOULD be able to proce yourself lower than the competition - making your bass more atractive.....
I have bought a few blems in my day...one I had "refinished" and the other? traded..with FULL disclosure...no issues.
I don't have too much experience buying gear, so take others' advice over mine. However, here's my 2¢: I'd buy it as long as it still had warranty coverage and a decent return policy. Otherwise I'd be skeptical.
I bought a bass from MF that was a return. They grade their used stuff and this was a "B" due to minor scratches. I'll be damned if I can see them and the bass is perfect. SAved a ton of money on it and I still have it.
Depends on the blemish. Like many have said above, its a whole new ball game if it's functionality is affected rather than say its stain. A buddy of mine bought an 7 string Agile Septor Pro directly from Rondo for 200 dollars less because of "black dots in the white finish". We still haven't found the dots.
I've no trouble with minor finish issues in regards to blem sale instruments. Structural damage, along with defective or damaged hardware and electronics issues would be my biggest concerns. I apply the same standards of how I would approach a used instrument.
I've had a bit of mixed luck with long-distance blems as well. True blems are usually no problem. A gouge or ding is usually pretty easy to fill with epoxy if nothing else. Hey, my NEW (full price) G&L Trib had a spot on the neck where varnish didn't want to stick (was probably silicone grease picked up at the factory) Took me FOREVER to fix it. But on the other hand I got an SX Strat from Rondo B stock listed as with a gouge in the neck. Wrong. Guitar came and was immaculate! Gorgeous! Only there was this huge buzz in the bridge! I tried everything to get rid of it. No dice. Eventually I had to buy a new bridge for it. Yeah, put a bit of a crimp in the savings but still not losing any money.
As long as something can be fixed to be playable, I've got no problems with blems, except for the ones are are NOT bargains. You know, like "neck broken in two... $20 off list price". I don't know why stores do stupid stuff like that but sometimes they do.
I have always had a problem with buying blem or 2nd's. The way I see it they knock off a couple hundred off a $1200-1500 bass but you get no warranty. If I want to get a bass with no warranty I'll buy used and save even more. I get the emails from Hello Music every day. I have yet to see something priced as low as a nice used bass. I have also got some used basses that were perfect, better then any blem for great prices.
