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Returning a bass question

M

Murphbass

Jun 12, 2005
151
58
Sacramento, CA
#1
If you purchased a bass from an out of state store and discovered that the truss rod was frozen, what would you do? I understand that most stores require the buyer to pay for return shipment on normal transactions, and I completely understand that.

However, does a frozen truss rod (which was not disclosed) change the scenario? Obviously, I wouldn't have purchased the instrument had I known the actual condition.

Thoughts?
 
#3
I did. The response suggested it was okay if I 'wasn't comfortable with the bass or setting it up but I can have a number of people that played it back up how it was, but that doesn't mean it's for you.' This was after I emailed them explaining the truss rod was frozen. The response suggests they either don't believe me or think I don't know what I'm talking about. Since they won't acknowledge my complaint as an actual defect of the instrument, I'm guessing they won't reimburse the return shipment.
 
#5
It's used. Other than the truss rod issue, the bass appears pretty immaculate and unplayed.

I should mention that the truss rod nut, which is the 'wheel' type adjustment at the body, is loose and turns quite easily for a good bit without engaging the rod. It rattles. Once you move it enough to affect a change on rod, it would require more force than I've ever had to use on a rod, or at least one that functions normally.

The initial looseness of the truss nut does not inspire confidence. There's maybe 1/8" of rotation without any 'grip' of the rod. There is absolutely no resistance for that bit (you could almost breathe on it and it would move). If you use a finger to move the nut, you can hear the metal on metal sound clearly. Then, it's a wall where it won't move. To clarify, in that first bit of travel, it's extremely loose and doesn't have an effect on the rod. Past that point, it hits a wall and won't move. In all cases, it's not able to perform the intended job.

The store says every bass is different and it may need wd40 down the rod. I guess I just expect that someone would have checked the truss rod, as it's a critical part of any bass.
 
#6
Buying an instrument used from an out-of-state entity can be risky, as you are now witnessing. If you strike out with the seller, and assuming you don't go down a legal compensation route, your next step is probably to find a local luthier to asses the instrument. He/she will hopefully then be able to give you an estimate to fix it.
 
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#7
What you described is not a frozen truss rod but rather one that has run out of play. A frozen rod is one where you can't turn the nut. If you otherwise like the bass it is an easy, and cheap, fix to add a washer or two to the rod. There are numerous threads on this if you do a search. It will take ten minute and cost under $1.
 
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#9
Thanks, Warpeg. I guess I just assumed a bass shop would check the instrument prior to shipping and be willing to work with the customer when there was an issue that should have been dealt with before leaving the store.

I emailed the store a couple hours ago proposing I take it to a repair shop to see what's actually going on.
 
#13
Call the shop, don't email. You may have to pay for return shipping. With major shops you don't have to, and if you bought it on Reverb or ebay, they would intermediate and probably get the seller to pay return shipping - but otherwise it could be a hassle. You shouldn't have to eat the shipping costs both ways, but sometimes I've seen each party pick up one of the shipping costs.

Yes, sometimes paying the $50 is better than being stuck with a broken bass.
 
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#14
Murphbass said:
If you purchased a bass from an out of state store and discovered that the truss rod was frozen, what would you do? I understand that most stores require the buyer to pay for return shipment on normal transactions, and I completely understand that.

However, does a frozen truss rod (which was not disclosed) change the scenario? Obviously, I wouldn't have purchased the instrument had I known the actual condition.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...


A non-working bass is a non-working bass.

It doesn't function as it should.

It doesn't fulfill its part of the sale.
 
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#18
Murphbass said:
If you purchased a bass from an out of state store and discovered that the truss rod was frozen, what would you do? I understand that most stores require the buyer to pay for return shipment on normal transactions, and I completely understand that.

However, does a frozen truss rod (which was not disclosed) change the scenario? Obviously, I wouldn't have purchased the instrument had I known the actual condition.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I've been through the frozen truss rod adventure a few times buying used basses online, mostly off ebay. Not fun. I always return the bass for a full refund, including all shipping costs. If the seller is cooperative, no harm-no foul and we move on. If he's a dick about it and I have to spend time and angst to get my money back, he also gets a neg feedback from me.

If your purchase was outside of ebay, but you paid with Paypal, you may have some leverage to avoid return shipping costs and/or a restocking fee. Depends.

If you paid with a CC, you may have outs there too. Either way, if the seller is already balking you're probably facing Excedrin Headache #17. Good luck.
 
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#19
Murphbass said:
I'm curious as to why you suggest this. Isn't it better to have everything in writing?
Click to expand...
In my experience, it's always best to try and talk with someone. It's easier for people to say no over email.

Definitely use email as a backup.

OP, when you say 'store', do you mean a Brick and Mortar store or an out of state eBay store or Reverb? Bottom line, these days with bigger vendors you can usually get them to cover shipping. Mom and Pop stores might be tougher. If you really don't think you can live with the bass and need to pay return shipping, it will probably be worth it. As mentioned, maybe CC or PayPal can help.
 
#20
I just addressed something similar with an old neck that sat in the corner, unattached, for several years. It had a back bow the truss could not contain. My solution? I strung the bass up and loosened the truss rod. I sat it on two stools and hung +/- 20 pounds on the middle of the neck for 2 days. It pulled the neck back enough that string tension could take over. Is this neck back bowed, or does it have too much relief?
 

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