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Sending new bass back.

Well more like just over 1,300 minimum...

Yeah, no. Try again. Here's my invoice from a month ago.

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Note that a ton of bolt on neck basses and guitars get that crack, right there. People call it a stress crack and it could happen during shipping. It can also happen just from temperature changes. Its not really damaged - its just a paint that has less give and if things move a tiny amount, the paint can not.

I'm not making excuses for the crack to exist, but its not surprising. I wouldn't want a new bass to have it unless I got it at a discount. But trust me, thats cosmetic.

As for tuning issues, could just be the new strings.

As for upgrading - well, you've played the Squier - if you don't like it and want something maybe more "substantial" feeling or with different pickups, etc then go ahead and upgrade on your next purchase.

One thing to remember - if an instrument is shipped to you and the box is cold, bring the box inside the house and let it warm up over MANY hours begire opening it. Especially in cold winter months where the box might have been in the back of a UPS truck all day, opening the box in a warm house will shock the paint and can easily cause cracks like that.

I know you've been sitting at the window waiting for that big brown truck of goodness to arrive, but then you gotta wait another 4-8 hours before you can open your prize.
 
Note that a ton of bolt on neck basses and guitars get that crack, right there. People call it a stress crack and it could happen during shipping. It can also happen just from temperature changes. Its not really damaged - its just a paint that has less give and if things move a tiny amount, the paint can not.

I'm not making excuses for the crack to exist, but its not surprising. I wouldn't want a new bass to have it unless I got it at a discount. But trust me, thats cosmetic.

As for tuning issues, could just be the new strings.

As for upgrading - well, you've played the Squier - if you don't like it and want something maybe more "substantial" feeling or with different pickups, etc then go ahead and upgrade on your next purchase.

One thing to remember - if an instrument is shipped to you and the box is cold, bring the box inside the house and let it warm up over MANY hours begire opening it. Especially in cold winter months where the box might have been in the back of a UPS truck all day, opening the box in a warm house will shock the paint and can easily cause cracks like that.

I know you've been sitting at the window waiting for that big brown truck of goodness to arrive, but then you gotta wait another 4-8 hours before you can open your prize.

That might have done it! It was during the cold snap. When I got the bass out it basically has condensation all over it. I let it sit on the stand for an hour before playing it or looking it over. I don't think it had the crack but maybe it did.

I like the Squier a lot it's just that I thought the modified P bass with extra pickup would get a more expanded sound and it does compared to my MIJ bass and a regular Squier P bass but compared to my MIM it does not measure up so I figured what would be the point in getting the same bass. I could still use it for work and it would be great but I could also get the Thunderbird and still have a cheap enough bass for work but also a new bass unlike my other ones.

I've played a thunderbird at a pawn store but it was used and the strings were dead I would assume. I did not think it had enough high end in the sound but that was probably only the strings.
 
Show me where that was advertised.


Sure.

Musician's Friend will give you 15% off almost anything they sell. Bass is $1349. 15% of that is $202. There you have your $1147.

They even say it too!

musicians-friend-15-percent-off-single-item-coupon-code_zpsztdcxc24.gif



And, if the code doesn't work at checkout, call them; they'll give it to you.

Anything else I can do for you?
 
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It seems like no one is actually answering your question about upgrading or exchanging.

I say upgrade! The Deluxe should have much better craftsmanship and will sound and play much better Imo.

There's no reason the next Squier won't be good. That crack is 99% just a cosmetic flaw, a crack on the lacquer only. It happens on tight neck/body joints when they're assembled without being careful enough. No big deal, but it sucks on a brand new bass as you'd expect it to be flawless.

It's what happens when you order online. Sometimes there are cosmetic flaws... but then you return. Buying the Fender does not mean the risk is much lower... So buy the bass you like best/can afford.
 
I think I have reached a conclusion on the bass I sent back. Check my rational if you will.

The VM P bass even with all three pickups engaged with full treble still does not sound as good as my Standard MIM P bass so I am thinking why have another one sent?

I was thinking about paying an additional 50 dollars and getting a Thunderbird. I suppose it would not be the best bass to play along to Iron Maiden CD's but then currently my practice sessions on lunch at work are trending with Maiden but I suppose my tastes will change. Only thing I have noticed about the thunderbirds is they are pretty bassy in tone but I've only played used ones.


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put new strings on... it can be as trebly as you wish. Look at the placement of that bridge pickup.
 
I bought a five string from the local dealer. He only charged me 80 dollars over what I could get it for on line? When I went in to ask about a White P bass MIM he quoted me 699.99 100 dollars above what I got it for at ZZ sounds. That was also just over 30 dollars over Fender's MSRP so far as I can recall. Then I realized I forgot about that I wanted maple neck so I added of I want the maple neck assuming it was no extra charge and it's not anywhere else mind you. He looked in the book a second then looked up and quoted me 799.99

I got the feeling I was being blatantly ripped off but I held judgment. Posted the details on a Facebook bass page and the consensus was the dealer was trying to rip me off.
Sorry but I don't do business with anyone who's trying to rip me off. Profits fine, I was willing to pay a little more. Ripping me off like I am a shmuck? Well you are cutting your own throat at that point.
That sounds lame. The place I bought my AmStd P from sells at MSRP and throws in two free set-ups. They'll also eat the shipping on stuff you want ordered.