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Should I return this Rick?

#21
Hi.

First of all, I've been on the "other end" of the stick countless times, so please view my reply keeping that in mind.

While I completely understand why some people are in the never-ending quest for that deal of a lifetime, regardless of the item in question, and are more interested about monetary issues than anything else, evilbay and people who use it makes their easiest profit from them.



Except for the fretboard lift, I wouldn't look twice at the other "issues" You point out.
And if the gap wouldn't move when twisting the headstock, even that wouldn't bother me any further.
Most likely it's repaired, but not finished.
The cracks, creases, -whatever people call 'em- in the finish, are very common.
The white residue on the FB is most likely from an alcohol based cleaning liquid, the scratches from a scraper blade that was used to scrape the gunk off.

Since You wanted advice, here's two for starters: Stop buying from individuals on-line & stop buying used instruments.

Regards
Sam
 
#23
Thanks again for the responses everyone. I finally had some time to plug in and unless I'm doing something wrong(i've never played a rick before), the bass pickup doesn't seem to be working. Also, one of the inputs seems to be a little loose. I think this one is going to have to go back.

I've been waiting for a black binding rick to show up somewhere for a while now, so that's why I went for the older one. It's purely for cosmetic reasons, so maybe I should just get over that...

I've bought used instruments from individuals online many times before and have not had issues until this past month. I don't think I did anything wrong here, but think I will stay away from ebay from now on as far as bass purchases go...

If anyone is interested, here's the posting:
http://tinyurl.com/d6a7rn9
 
#26
A loose jack is easy to take care of unless you are the kind of person who does not know which end of a screwdriver to hold (no offense, this is just a saying). As to the no neck pickup "problem" did you plug in to the standard (mono) OUTPUT JACK (instruments don't usually have input jacks ;) )or the ROS jack? If the latter, then the bass is doing exactly what it should do using a normal mono instrument cable.
 
#27
I understand your pain but Ebay is an auction site, it is not a retailer. I had a buyer threathen me with negative feedback unless I 'refunded' him $800 for a set of vintage drums he bought at the AUCTION I listed, it closed at $1400. If you want retail service, buy from a retailer, and don't go near auctions.
 
#28
Yikes, thanks for the correction, Jeff. Yes, I tried both OUTPUT jacks because I didn't know which was the mono one. When using each jack, I got no sound when the pickup selector was in the position towards the pickups. I noticed no change in the sound when switching between the two working positions. I know the loose jack is an easy fix, but annoying that there is yet another problem the seller didn't mention.
Thanks again, everyone.
 
#29
Well since the laundry list is getting so big I think it's getting increasingly clear you need to return it for a full refund or get some money back towards the work you'll need to do to get the bass in a condition similar to how it was represented. Unless "AS IS" was a condition, etc.
 
#30
Why is it people buy Ricks and get freaked out about small imperfections, but people buy Fenders and all of the nicks and dings are considered mojo and they think they now have a "reliced" bass that is worth more ...

:confused:
 
#32
take it to a reputable tech and check the fretboard separation.. IMO, the "white" marks on the board are from someone doing a careless leveling job on the frets.. you could probably have them drop filled with lacquer and buffed out and you'd never notice them again..

also, the cracks/fretboard separation could have happened in shipping.. it looks to me that the neck may have been stressed in shipping.. depending on how it was packed to ship..
 
#34
Ric5 said:
Why is it people buy Ricks and get freaked out about small imperfections, but people buy Fenders and all of the nicks and dings are considered mojo and they think they now have a "reliced" bass that is worth more ...

:confused:
Click to expand...

For the same reason I baby all my Ricks and thrash my Fenders. And for the same reason why anyone who modifies a Rick is guilty of sacrilege and gross stupidity, even if only changing pickups or strap pins, but it's OK to do anything to a Fender.
 
#35
Ric5 said:
Why is it people buy Ricks and get freaked out about small imperfections, but people buy Fenders and all of the nicks and dings are considered mojo and they think they now have a "reliced" bass that is worth more ...

:confused:
Click to expand...

I would normally agree with this. HoweveR: I checked the auction text/pics, and it states that the bass is in excellent condition except a few dings. IMHO the fretboard separation (which is a known issue) should have been stated and pictured. The bass therefore was clearly mis-represented in the auction, and you should be able to return it.

On the other hand, if you like how it plays/looks, you can get it fixed, and you have a great axe.
 
#36
Everyone's convinced me that the wear is something I should get over. I'd keep it if not for the the pickup issue. It plays really well, despite the worn frets. But having to replace the pickup (if necessary) would be a deal-breaker.
Just out of curiosity, at what point should frets be replaced? I've never owned a bass for that long (or played one enough, I guess) to know what happens when it becomes an issue. It looks like replacing them will affect the binding, so I definitely want to put that off as long as possible.
 
#37
If you're not happy with it then return it, I doubt what you find to be flaws are going to grow on you. The wiring is annoying but not really a deal breaker for me, the fingerboard lift would easily be a deal breaker for me. I had that fixed on a bass once and hated the way it felt afterwards (BC Rich Eagle if that matters). Neck profile didn't change, sound was the same, but it felt different.
 
#39
lord_arancherry said:
Everyone's convinced me that the wear is something I should get over. I'd keep it if not for the the pickup issue. It plays really well, despite the worn frets. But having to replace the pickup (if necessary) would be a deal-breaker.
Just out of curiosity, at what point should frets be replaced? I've never owned a bass for that long (or played one enough, I guess) to know what happens when it becomes an issue. It looks like replacing them will affect the binding, so I definitely want to put that off as long as possible.
Click to expand...

Based on the description provided, I would not be happy with the condition. I wouldn't "get over it" as others have suggested.
 

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