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Schecter Quality Control
- Thread starter EADG mx
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I've had none of these problems with my Studio 5 that's going on 3 years old now.
But... in the past 6 months i've also gutted it, put custom Kent Armstrong pickups in it, an Aguilar OBP-3, new Tuners, and individual string bridges.
I love the bass and it's bones are solid, but I could not learn to love it's sound.
Now I do... but... I put close to $600 extra dollars into it. None of that money was to fix or alter any of the problems you're describing though.
But... in the past 6 months i've also gutted it, put custom Kent Armstrong pickups in it, an Aguilar OBP-3, new Tuners, and individual string bridges.
I love the bass and it's bones are solid, but I could not learn to love it's sound.
Now I do... but... I put close to $600 extra dollars into it. None of that money was to fix or alter any of the problems you're describing though.
Actually I think replacement of stock parts might be the only way to go.
I took apart the problem tuner (that keeps slipping). It will turn on it's own (with no string) but cannot take the tension of a string, it causes it to slip before it gets up to pitch.
I usually give the string a slight pull when stringing it up to ensure that it wraps neatly around the post. Since I was stringing up the bass while this happened, my guess is that I simply pulled it too hard. Tension on the post from both directions and - snap. I think the mechanism is just stripped and is likely beyond repair. If this is the case it's my own negligence and I'll have to deal with it and replace it. Thing is, Schecter doesn't sell individual parts so I'm not sure where I'll find a replacement. Any ideas?
Aside from that I'll have to find a way to lubricate the E tuner which is sticking (any advice?)
The pickup hum and the volume crackling is really what I'm worried about though, in terms of cost and difficulty to fix.
I took apart the problem tuner (that keeps slipping). It will turn on it's own (with no string) but cannot take the tension of a string, it causes it to slip before it gets up to pitch.
I usually give the string a slight pull when stringing it up to ensure that it wraps neatly around the post. Since I was stringing up the bass while this happened, my guess is that I simply pulled it too hard. Tension on the post from both directions and - snap. I think the mechanism is just stripped and is likely beyond repair. If this is the case it's my own negligence and I'll have to deal with it and replace it. Thing is, Schecter doesn't sell individual parts so I'm not sure where I'll find a replacement. Any ideas?
Aside from that I'll have to find a way to lubricate the E tuner which is sticking (any advice?)
The pickup hum and the volume crackling is really what I'm worried about though, in terms of cost and difficulty to fix.
I have to bring up the $1400 price tag issue again. Any dealer charging you that much on that bass because it's a "custom order" is taking advantage of you.
Being a lefty myself and a schecter owner, I haven't seen a lefty diamond series bass up here for over $900.
I'd tell the shop that sold it to you to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.
Quality issues.
Yeah, I've noticed some funky stuff with my 004, I'm going to replace the pots and pre-amp in the next couple months. The push-pull tap knob was loose and wobbly within a week of having it at home.
The neck is settling in a strange way, but I've had to let it adjust to the very dry climate here before I get it set up. So I'm not going to pass judgment on it yet.
The "brass nut" feels like plastic, probably is plastic. It'll probably get swapped out for a good bone/tusk nut instead.
It took a solid 8 months for the bass to finally reach my hands, in that time, the finish was switched on me. I'd ordered the natural top rosewood fretboard, I've ended up with the black with maple fretboard, I honestly don't mind. I'd wanted the black / maple in the first place and been told that it wasn't available lefty.
The good part is, as others have said, the bones of it is a great bass. It's good wood, sounds like good wood, and plays like it too. The neck is fast and solid feeling. The 004 is a bigger body, so it lacks the neck dive of the Stiletto series, but I've tried those and thats precisely why I didn't order one.
So, at least you're not alone.
Being a lefty myself and a schecter owner, I haven't seen a lefty diamond series bass up here for over $900.
I'd tell the shop that sold it to you to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.
Quality issues.
Yeah, I've noticed some funky stuff with my 004, I'm going to replace the pots and pre-amp in the next couple months. The push-pull tap knob was loose and wobbly within a week of having it at home.
The neck is settling in a strange way, but I've had to let it adjust to the very dry climate here before I get it set up. So I'm not going to pass judgment on it yet.
The "brass nut" feels like plastic, probably is plastic. It'll probably get swapped out for a good bone/tusk nut instead.
It took a solid 8 months for the bass to finally reach my hands, in that time, the finish was switched on me. I'd ordered the natural top rosewood fretboard, I've ended up with the black with maple fretboard, I honestly don't mind. I'd wanted the black / maple in the first place and been told that it wasn't available lefty.
The good part is, as others have said, the bones of it is a great bass. It's good wood, sounds like good wood, and plays like it too. The neck is fast and solid feeling. The 004 is a bigger body, so it lacks the neck dive of the Stiletto series, but I've tried those and thats precisely why I didn't order one.
So, at least you're not alone.
I agree that I should have looked into that, but the price tag isn't really an issue for me anymore. What's done is done.
I'm really more concerned about getting the bass back into playable condition since it's my main instrument. Thanks anyway though
I'm thinking I'll likely need to just replace the tuner and maybe get a local luthier to investigate the crackling/humming. Anything electrical is beyond me anyway.
I'm really more concerned about getting the bass back into playable condition since it's my main instrument. Thanks anyway though
I'm thinking I'll likely need to just replace the tuner and maybe get a local luthier to investigate the crackling/humming. Anything electrical is beyond me anyway.
Maybe you could just gut it if you like how it plays. If Schecter does end up fixing it they'll probably use the same crappy components that failed on you in the first place.
I had an 004 Elite that had great quality and played like a charm. The thru neck gave it balance and stability, and the electronics never gave me any problems.
I had some questions about another Schecter I had bought (a six string), so I called them up in California. They were very friendly and helpful, and sent me some printed materials I requested.
I still play a Schecter six string, and prefer it to my USA Strat and the Les Paul Studio I owned previously.
I had some questions about another Schecter I had bought (a six string), so I called them up in California. They were very friendly and helpful, and sent me some printed materials I requested.
I still play a Schecter six string, and prefer it to my USA Strat and the Les Paul Studio I owned previously.
I don't think I'd go that far. I think that kind of money (if we're talking new preamp, bridge, tuners, nut) would be better spent on a new bass.
I think I'll replace the defective parts for now at least, and decide later whether I want to keep it.
I know people who have emailed Zon and other boutique builders and never received a response. I am sure a company like Schecter gets many more emails than a small boutique bass builder. Pick up the phone.
I'm thinking I'm just going to take it to a local luthier
either way I'm out for the cost of the repairs, or the cost of the shipping
I will likely have to pay more having it repaired locally but at least my girl doesn't have to go far and I'd likely have it done a lot faster. Also I'd be beyond frustrated if they sent it right back untouched (however unlikely it is for that to happen)
thoughts?
either way I'm out for the cost of the repairs, or the cost of the shipping
I will likely have to pay more having it repaired locally but at least my girl doesn't have to go far and I'd likely have it done a lot faster. Also I'd be beyond frustrated if they sent it right back untouched (however unlikely it is for that to happen)
thoughts?
You assume you're out for the cost of the repairs or the cost of the shipping, but you haven't talked to Schecter as has been recommended by numerous posters. It sounds like you are not really interested in getting this problem solved in the most reasonable way, but are more intent on having something to complain about. I can't say for sure that Schecter would make it right if you called them, but the collective experience of the board, which experience you called upon, says call them to find out. If you want to ignore that, it is your call.
I don't assume anything, I've already looked into this in the past (for the electronics) and it's my understanding that Schecter's policy is that you must ship the instrument to their factory in California to have it inspected before they will replace any components, and pay the cost of shipping.
Unless their policy has changed in the past few months, my solution seems reasonable to me. Shipping my bass 3400km and back, or driving it 1km. If I'm out money either way, why not just get it serviced locally? I might be paying extra doing it this way but I know that:
a) it's nearby
b) it's with someone I know and trust
c) it's guaranteed to get fixed
d) I'll have it back in my hands much sooner
That seems more reasonable to me. Although you're right, there is no harm done at all in giving them a call so I will do that as well.
As for complaining, I wouldn't post here just to vent as I know that's wasting everyone's time. I know I came off that way in my OP but I was frustrated - wouldn't you be?
For the record I'm very grateful for all of the help and advice I've received from this site in this and every thread I've posted here.
Keep us posted on your results. Just keep in mind when dealing with any transaction discrepancy, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I was looking at a Studio Stiletto Six. I may have to rethink this.
I'll have to shoot them another e-mail or, failing that, give them a call and see what they have to say about it.
As for the 6, I'm pretty sure my bass must be a lemon or a special case. Most of the reviews I've read about the bass are to this day very positive. Although of course, that doesn't mean much if the reviewer(s) doesn't know what they're talking about.
Hey EADG, I'm in Peterborough too. I've got a Schecter Diamond J that is a great bass and has caused me no trouble. I also e-mailed Schecter once a couple of years ago and got a swift reply. Maybe things have changed.
Where are you taking it locally? I recommend Wyatt at Ed's Music or take it to Wayne O'Conner at Hank to Hendrix.
Where are you taking it locally? I recommend Wyatt at Ed's Music or take it to Wayne O'Conner at Hank to Hendrix.
You're not the only one with issues. My Schecter Stiletto Custom-5 was so bad I only kept it about 4 months. I bought it to record some heavy stuff and it took about 3 weeks of playing it and fiddling with it to get it setup how I like.
Probably the worst playing/sounding bass for the money I spent ($549 new). Several trips to different luthiers to make sure I wasn't crazy, then I decided to take matters into my own hands in a drastic way.
After replacing just about everything on the bass, changed the pickups to real EMGs then back, then the pre to a bart pre (NTMB 5.4 A/P), new nut, new saddles, a refret, and hours upon hours of fiddling with it, it still sounded like poop. I didn't try a new bridge, but I should have. The one that was on it (individual) was garbage. Looked like it would be more at home on a first act...
But another man's garbage is another man's gold. Sell it!!
Probably the worst playing/sounding bass for the money I spent ($549 new). Several trips to different luthiers to make sure I wasn't crazy, then I decided to take matters into my own hands in a drastic way.
After replacing just about everything on the bass, changed the pickups to real EMGs then back, then the pre to a bart pre (NTMB 5.4 A/P), new nut, new saddles, a refret, and hours upon hours of fiddling with it, it still sounded like poop. I didn't try a new bridge, but I should have. The one that was on it (individual) was garbage. Looked like it would be more at home on a first act...
But another man's garbage is another man's gold. Sell it!!
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