Returning bass after changing strings?

[charliethomas]

This might be a silly question but I just wanted to see if anyone has any insight. I bought a new bass from Sweetwater, and I'm about to return it for a replacement.

Only thing is, I cut off the original strings and replaced them. I'm not worried about recuperating the cost of the strings, I can eat that cost, but would there potentially be any problems with returning a bass with different strings from the original?

And then, let's say it's a 5 string bass, and when I replaced the strings, I used high C tuning (EADGC). Does that change the situation? I can't put the original strings back on, but is it ok to return it with the EADGC strings even though it originally came with BEADG? Should I put a set of regular 5 strings with a low B on it before I ship it back? Or am I just worrying about nothing?

 

[lowendblues]

I'd call and talk to my sales engineer. Explain the details.

 

[Gorn]

Despite their comprehensive training at Sales Engineering University, I don't think they're gonna notice.

 

[MynameisMe]

Why should you be penalized for putting better strings on a bass?

 

[cataract]

I mean as long as they’re installed properly and function as they should, it shouldn’t matter IMO

 

[micguy]

Why should you be penalized for putting better strings on a bass?

He put strings on it that won't work for "regular" tuning (they're not "better"). Sweetwater will have to change them to regular strings, and set the thing back up before it can re-sell that bass. They might be nice and let it slide, but there is setup work and a new set of strings they have to pop for.

 

[pepj]

I'd expect they will charge to set it up as originally sold and wouldn't blame them, tbh.
If you weren't sure about keeping it, not sure why you had to cut them off.

Also not sure how far you have gone to disqualifying it as returnable..

Best thing, call them.

 

[gwangi]

Rickenbacker's warranty basically say's you better have the factory strings on the instrument or they could deny warranty!!!!

 

[Beej]

IMHO New strings will probably not be noticed anyway, but forcing a change in the tuning is not cool. You're effectively making them put yet another new set of strings on it. If they don't, it will be much harder to sell.

 

[J Wilson]

I'd call them and see what they want to do. I can think of no out-of-the-box fives that are sold with an E-C tuning. I'm guessing you didn't replace the nut, so you could always unstring, move the E-G back to where they were and just add a single B.

I'd contact them first. They would be expecting you to return what they sold you as they sold it to you, and that may be how they want it back.

 

[stigbeve]

Rickenbacker's warranty basically say's you better have the factory strings on the instrument or they could deny warranty!!!!

What's Not Covered
The warranty is void if, upon inspection by RIC factory personnel, the defect is determined to be the result of damage due to misuse, exposure to environmental extremes, modification, or the use of replacement parts, including strings, not in conformity with factory specifications, or due to damage not resulting from a manufacturing defect.

 

[gwangi]

What's Not Covered
The warranty is void if, upon inspection by RIC factory personnel, the defect is determined to be the result of damage due to misuse, exposure to environmental extremes, modification, or the use of replacement parts, including strings, not in conformity with factory specifications, or due to damage not resulting from a manufacturing defect.

Precisely what I said , you need to keep the factory strings that came on the bass just in case Rickenbacker decides to make a stink about it.

 

[Killing Floor]

Why are you returning it? Is it defective?

 

[Discount Bassy]

Call them and be more direct that your original post, maybe two declarative sentences and one well worded question. See what happens. Do what you must to square up, if anything.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Take em off and put on something passable for B-E-A-D-G tuning...even a budget Ernie Ball set or something is better than the wrong gauge of strings. I'd say calling and talking to them about it is a good first step, as they probably have strings in bulk and it may not be a big setback for them to swap.

 

[gwangi]

I think the OP should have kept the original strings just in case he had to return it, that's just my personally opinion. You never know what could slap you back in the face in case it gives somebody a reason not to cover warranty or taking a instrument back, but again people need to read all manufacture's warranty, in the case with Rickenbacker they are the only company that uses the modification term and referring to the strings not being factory spec.
Every other manufacturer I've never seen anything regarding not having factory spec strings.
One comment above said that Sweetwater might not even noticed and that maybe the case, I still myself would have kept the original strings to put back on the bass but that's just me.

 

[sawzalot]

seems like all you'd have to do is buy a low B....

 

[Wfrance3]

Call them. It would be an accommodation if they accept it with your string change-out, but they might accommodate you. I'm assuming there was no modification or damage to the nut in the course of putting on the EADGC strings.

Two things if it was me:
1. If I bought a 6 string bass and I put new strings on it tuned to BEADG I would probably return it and not say anything.
2. @Gorn is right, you could just return the bass, not say anything, and it would go unnoticed. If I was on the receiving end tho, and was a BEADG player who received a bass that was setup and strung EADGC, I would be having some *** thoughts...

 

[g-dude]

What's Not Covered
The warranty is void if, upon inspection by RIC factory personnel, the defect is determined to be the result of damage due to misuse, exposure to environmental extremes, modification, or the use of replacement parts, including strings, not in conformity with factory specifications, or due to damage not resulting from a manufacturing defect.

Precisely what I said , you need to keep the factory strings that came on the bass just in case Rickenbacker decides to make a stink about it.

That is 100% absolutely not the case at all whatsoever. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is your friend here - basically they cannot require the use of their own parts as part of the terms and conditions of the warranty.

They are within their rights to deny a warranty claim is the damage is due to the parts in question, but it would be difficult for them to prove in court or mediation that a simple change of strings, unless grossly out of step with factory spec, was the reason for a defective bass.

 

[gwangi]

That is 100% absolutely not the case at all whatsoever. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is your friend here - basically they cannot require the use of their own parts as part of the terms and conditions of the warranty.

They are within their rights to deny a warranty claim is the damage is due to the parts in question, but it would be difficult for them to prove in court or mediation that a simple change of strings, unless grossly out of step with factory spec, was the reason for a defective bass.

This on Rickenbacker's site:

Warranty - Rickenbacker