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Sire Marcus Miller M3 received in rough shape

C

chasesigi

Guest
Jul 15, 2012
63
22
www.fender.com
#1
Just picked up a Blue M3 from an authorized dealer on eBay (Pitbull Audio) BIG MISTAKE on my part. Received the bass with several scratches and two dot inlays are ruined and need replacing, ok maybe B stock, closer look as I set it up and I find the bridge will not adjust on the E string, the adjustment screws do not even touch the bottom of the bridge and the lowest I can adjust is over 5 MM, its as if the E String Saddle is bent up, surprising with the string through the body, even that pressure does not lower the string it just floats on the saddle, you can take the screws completely out and you can adjust higher than 5 MM. Also I bought this because I am battling cancer and needed a lighter bass. Sire estimates the M3 to weigh 7.6 lbs, I have not weighed it but it feels the same as my 9+LB jazz basses and must be at least 9 lbs. After much research Sire's website says they only honor their warranty if they sold it, otherwise the dealer is responsible for warranty! I wrote Sire but it sounds like I must have got a lemon and unless Sire steps up with a new bridge I am screwed. They do not even offer to sell parts.

1-Any suggestions on how to resolve this issue or get a new M3 Bridge?

2-Anyone want a brand new scratched M3 with the highest E string on the planet?
 
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#2
Pitbull Audio is listed on Sire's website as an authorized dealer, do not let their high ebay score fool you like it did me, look at the dozens of negative reviews in the past month of them flat out stealing from customers. I will try and post pictures of my bass before I go to Chemo today. Can't believe I am out $400+ bucks!
 
#4
chasesigi said:
Just picked up a Blue M3 from an authorized dealer on eBay (Pitbull Audio) BIG MISTAKE on my part. Received the bass with several scratches and two dot inlays are ruined and need replacing, ok maybe B stock, closer look as I set it up and I find the bridge will not adjust on the E string, the adjustment screws do not even touch the bottom of the bridge and the lowest I can adjust is over 5 MM, its as if the E String Saddle is bent up, surprising with the string through the body, even that pressure does not lower the string it just floats on the saddle, you can take the screws completely out and you can adjust higher than 5 MM. Also I bought this because I am battling cancer and needed a lighter bass. Sire estimates the M3 to weigh 7.6 lbs, I have not weighed it but it feels the same as my 9+LB jazz basses and must be at least 9 lbs. After much research Sire's website says they only honor their warranty if they sold it, otherwise the dealer is responsible for warranty! I wrote Sire but it sounds like I must have got a lemon and unless Sire steps up with a new bridge I am screwed. They do not even offer to sell parts.

1-Any suggestions on how to resolve this issue or get a new M3 Bridge?

2-Anyone want a brand new scratched M3 with the highest E string on the planet?
Click to expand...
Contact the seller for a refund.

File an eBay claim if not satisfied.

If you paid by credit card, you can file a complaint with the CC company, usually within 45 days.

Take some close up pics for show and tell.

Sorry to hear about your situation.
 
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#6
Thanks fellow Bass Players!
eBay only offers to return the item, seller demands return shipping and 10% restocking but what really worries me is that other eBayers are saying they do not refund the $$$, so that would leave me to deal with PayPal and or my Credit Card, I reckon they would require some sort of proof that I returned the item? Seems like it would be a hassle, take a long time and I would still be out return shipping, Chemo brain fog does not make this easier was looking for something to get the bass back in my hands as I drudge through intensive treatments.
 
#7
chasesigi said:
Thanks fellow Bass Players!
eBay only offers to return the item, seller demands return shipping and 10% restocking but what really worries me is that other eBayers are saying they do not refund the $$$, so that would leave me to deal with PayPal and or my Credit Card, I reckon they would require some sort of proof that I returned the item? Seems like it would be a hassle, take a long time and I would still be out return shipping, Chemo brain fog does not make this easier was looking for something to get the bass back in my hands as I drudge through intensive treatments.
Click to expand...
Dealing with PayPal or your credit card company sounds like less of a hassle than dealing with Pitbull. Open a complaint issue with eBay and PayPal and they'll do right by you (in my experience). Wasn't a huge hassle, but can take a few weeks to resolve. I don't think the seller can get away with charging a restocking fee if they sent a damaged instrument. Either make them replace it with a good one or claw your money back and order direct from Sire or someone else.
 
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#8
bholder said:
Dealing with PayPal or your credit card company sounds like less of a hassle than dealing with Pitbull. Open a complaint issue with eBay and PayPal and they'll do right by you (in my experience). Wasn't a huge hassle, but can take a few weeks to resolve. I don't think the seller can get away with charging a restocking fee if they sent a damaged instrument. Either make them replace it with a good one or claw your money back and order direct from Sire or someone else.
Click to expand...

I have no interest in keeping this bass as it weighs much more than expected and advertised, if they give me a new bridge I would still sell the bass. I will see what sire says and then see if I can get someone at eBay on the phone, their online options are too limited.

I researched an researched and still got screwed, very disappointing, seems to be my luck lately. Cannot find any complaints about the m3 weight or bridge quality of any sires. Almost wonder if Pitbull is selling the stuff that did not pass QC. Just does not add up
 
#10
bholder said:
It's not that hard to open an eBay complaint online though the menus can be daunting I agree. But they've done right by me whenever I've had issues with sellers (only 2-3 times in 20 years, but still, I got my money back).
Click to expand...

Thank YOU BHOLDER! it looks like that may be what I have to do, I too have been buying on eBay since they started and this is my first issue as well. Thanks again!
 
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#11
chasesigi said:
Just picked up a Blue M3 from an authorized dealer on eBay (Pitbull Audio) BIG MISTAKE on my part. Received the bass with several scratches and two dot inlays are ruined and need replacing, ok maybe B stock, closer look as I set it up and I find the bridge will not adjust on the E string, the adjustment screws do not even touch the bottom of the bridge and the lowest I can adjust is over 5 MM, its as if the E String Saddle is bent up, surprising with the string through the body, even that pressure does not lower the string it just floats on the saddle, you can take the screws completely out and you can adjust higher than 5 MM. Also I bought this because I am battling cancer and needed a lighter bass. Sire estimates the M3 to weigh 7.6 lbs, I have not weighed it but it feels the same as my 9+LB jazz basses and must be at least 9 lbs. After much research Sire's website says they only honor their warranty if they sold it, otherwise the dealer is responsible for warranty! I wrote Sire but it sounds like I must have got a lemon and unless Sire steps up with a new bridge I am screwed. They do not even offer to sell parts.

1-Any suggestions on how to resolve this issue or get a new M3 Bridge?

2-Anyone want a brand new scratched M3 with the highest E string on the planet?
Click to expand...

Post a link to the eBay ad for the item. Without that it's impossible to give accurate advice.

A lot depends on how the ad was worded. "B stock", "As-is", or "no returns" may make filing a claim pointless.

Some pics of the bass would be helpful too.
 
#14
chasesigi said:
Ebay Link = Sire Marcus Miller M3 4-String Electric Bass Rosewood Fingerboard Trans Blue | eBay

Ebay description =
Sire Marcus Miller M3 4-String Electric Bass Rosewood Fingerboard Trans Blue
Authorized Dealer! Brand New! Pitbull Audio!

Pictures to follow
Click to expand...

OK, so you will pay for return shipping and possibly a 10% restocking fee.

PayPay issues the refund and withholds it from the seller if it was a PayPal transaction. The seller can't refuse a refund in that case.
 
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#16
Difficult to photograph, here is my best shot. Unable to get a shot of the multiple swirl scratches on front and back, weird that it is on the front as it looks similar to swirls and scratches you would find on the back from use. As you can see the saddle for the E string is just floating and will not go lower than 5+ MM at 12th fret, the others adjust to 2.5MM nicely . Curious if any other M3 owners were surprised that the weigh much more than advertised, also wonder if anyone had a bride issue like this ... thanks
IMG_0316.jpg
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IMG_0318.jpg

IMG_0314.jpg
 
#17
chasesigi said:
Ebay Link = Sire Marcus Miller M3 4-String Electric Bass Rosewood Fingerboard Trans Blue | eBay

Ebay description =
Sire Marcus Miller M3 4-String Electric Bass Rosewood Fingerboard Trans Blue
Authorized Dealer! Brand New! Pitbull Audio!

Pictures to follow
Click to expand...

Interesting...on the return policy it says this:-

We will accept returns within 30 days from the delivered date. For a 100% refund the item must be returned in the condition received. If not returned in the same condition a 10% restock fee may be assessed. All items need to be returned with original packaging, manuals, accessories, or any contents that were included. We do not accept returns on opened software or activated electronic delivery items. Some items are not returnable due to health regulations, such as earphones, or harmonicas. No Exceptions. If you feel the unit is defective, please contact us, we will address the matter promptly.

suggesting that if it's defective, it's treated separately from a return.
 
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#18
My M3 is one of the very very early ones, and it has none of those issues, and weighs 8.2 pounds. You seem to have a different bridge than I do - the saddle intonation screws are at about the same height in the bridge back plate on mine, but I can lower the action until it's flat on the frets. Hmmm.
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#19
hmm...just looked at that picture of your bridge...I've seen something like this on one of my basses a while ago - it wasn't a sire though.

Have you tried to remove the string - turn the intonation screw backwards and forwards? It looks like it's stuck on something - either the intonation screw hole is too tight and preventing the screw(and saddle) from moving down properly. Maybe a burr when they drilled the hole for the screw? Also possible the saddle is caught on the one next to it.
 
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#20
Maxdusty said:
Interesting...on the return policy it says this:-

We will accept returns within 30 days from the delivered date. For a 100% refund the item must be returned in the condition received. If not returned in the same condition a 10% restock fee may be assessed. All items need to be returned with original packaging, manuals, accessories, or any contents that were included. We do not accept returns on opened software or activated electronic delivery items. Some items are not returnable due to health regulations, such as earphones, or harmonicas. No Exceptions. If you feel the unit is defective, please contact us, we will address the matter promptly.

suggesting that if it's defective, it's treated separately from a return.
Click to expand...

My concern is that I found a dozen of folks who also received damaged goods labeled as new, half of those folks say they never got their refund the other half says eBay refunded their money. Seems like I have a 50 Percent chance of getting a refund. After reading the reviews I believe they are selling stock that either failed QC or was returned due to being defective. The outside box was fine but the marcus miller box was not sealed and was torn. eBay obviously has done nothing to stop this seller.
 

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