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Sire Marcus Miller M3 received in rough shape

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
Always stated ... used USA Fender is always a muuuch better deal ... I’m sorry for your unpleasant situation :cool:
 
I am sympathetic with anyone that gets a bum deal. It seems to be a bit of a 'norm' these days. In fact I cant recall a time when I didnt have one issue or another dragging on with a remote seller (e.g. an internet purchase, phone service etc).

I am just tying up a subwoofer warranty repair that has taken around 4 months... so far, last week concluded a dispute with the internet provider at our shop, just had the pickup selector fail (last night) on a harley benton that I have had about 4 months (not sure I can be bothered to chase that one), and have literally today opened an Ebay dispute for a CCTV system that was sold with a 3 year warranty, but the seller says is out of warranty with no explanation how they work that out despite several requests.

My point is this though. Many suggestions toward resolution have been given which, when also taking into account your unfortunate personal circumstances, still seems (relatively) easy enough to pursue. I do understand that you may have managed to resolve this via your own route (which is great), but despite everything said I am not yet convinced the seller has done enough to be called into question as much as seems to be the case.

Of course do not use companies you have bad experiences with. Yes, let us know so we can be aware of issues. But in this day an age where we buy as cheaply as we can from high volume sellers, it should not be a big surprise that quality control and customer service 'can' and 'will' fall through the ever widening cracks.

All that said, hope your Bass problems, and more importantly, your health issues, are all resolved as quickly as possible.
 
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Well Sire is not going to help, they told me that the M3 is being discontinued and they do not have anymore in stock. Funny thing is Pitbull offered to order me a new blue one if I was willing to wait, one hand has no idea what the other hand is doing. Seems I got one of the last failed QC models and Sire obviously is dropping the line for a reason.

Sire took Pitbull Audio's side and act as if I am the trouble maker here, they are not concerned that I received a bad product from their reseller. going to see if they will at least send the replacement bridge they promised.

Very disappointed in both Sire and Pitbull Audio.
 
Well Sire is not going to help, they told me that the M3 is being discontinued and they do not have anymore in stock. Funny thing is Pitbull offered to order me a new blue one if I was willing to wait, one hand has no idea what the other hand is doing. Seems I got one of the last failed QC models and Sire obviously is dropping the line for a reason.

Sire took Pitbull Audio's side and act as if I am the trouble maker here, they are not concerned that I received a bad product from their reseller. going to see if they will at least send the replacement bridge they promised.

Very disappointed in both Sire and Pitbull Audio.

File a claim and get your money back. Don't wait for a bridge, it may never show up.
Sire and Pitbull aren't going to help, but PayPal will.
 
File an eBay claim and move on. It is a very easy process.

Music Store Live has been mentioned several times. If you don't like the customer service from Pitbull, I would recommend you stay clear of this outfit. I had a bad experience with them. Gave them a second chance about year later and it was worse.
 
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Here is my last reply to Sire and Pitbull Audio, pretty sick right now, hopefully this is reasonable, I took a lot of time and re read it.
I know many of you think I should just go to ebay and paypal, that is absolute last resort and I wont let this bass leave me without my $$ which I doubt they will honor.

As noted in prior post Sire states M3 is discontinued and all gone, they suggested the P7.

Begin quoted email:
Dear Sire and Pitbull Audio,
Options I will accept:


1-Sire suggested in their above email that the P7 would be lighter (somewhere under 9LBS) I will accept a strait swap for a New or near new under 9lb in perfect functioning condition with no major signs of abuse Sire P7 Sunburst 4 string with the rosewood fretboard and burgundy pickguard in a gig bag weighing under 9 LBS as sire suggests (see photo below) – send me the unit with a return shipping label and I will be a Happy Guy and return the blue M3 immediately (Great customer service option assuming the Blue M3 is all gone)

2- If the Red Bass weighs 8.2 lbs or less, is in acceptable NEW condition and Pitbull will send it to me with a return paid slip to return the other unit I will do that, there must be some discount or store credit for me having to accept Red as I do not want or like the Red and will not pay full price for it. I will NOT return this unit to Pitbull without said replacement in my hands, too many people told me that Pitbull did not follow through. I work in the legal field and am not going to lose everything because I know pursuing recourse would almost out cost the unit which I could dump on ebay for less hassle. (a huge comprise on my part but at least I would be able to play something)

3-Send me a Brand new Blue Sire M3 with gig bag that weighs in the advertised neighborhood of 7.6LBS give or take a pound. Also send the paid return slip for the broken M3 and I will return upon receipt. (my favorite option, just give me what I ordered as it was advertised nobody loses anything but time and stress)

4 – Send me a new black replacement bridge for my BLUE M3 and send a partial refund for the scratched damaged unit which I have to get repaired at my cost just for it to be good enough for me to re-sale at well over 9 lbs this is too heavy for me and weight was the main attraction due to my cancer battle I have three jazz bass ornaments ranging in the 9-10 lb range and I cannot play them. (another huge comprise on my part and I have to find a different bass that weighs under 9LBS after I find a buyer for this scratch and dent model)

Again I am disappointed that Sire is not worried about the poor business practices of their reseller and disappointed they want me to join the groups of burnt customers that used the ebay return process and lost everything.

I copied Pitbull’s email (see above) .... Your own Authorized reseller says you guys use “Cheap Electronics” and Less “Preferable wood” – this is not how Sire or Pitbull advertises these basses?

Thus far neither Sire nor Pitbull are Doing The Right Thing here ... I have already been run through the ringer on this purchase.

I believe I made adequate attempts before going public and I have been objective and honest in posting and even said I am waiting to see how this is handled. I have updated the post summarizing the responses I have been receiving from Sire and Pitbull Audio.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADVISE WHAT Sire and Pitbull’s final decision is so I can move on .... I really need a lighter bass to play!

If you have another option that gets a light weight bass in my hands I am open to listening!
End Quoted Email.

Hopefully this is resolved soon, thank you to all my fellow bass players, I know not everyone agrees but we all are having a great discussion and that is awesome. Cheers
 
this email went to Mark Kowalski at Pitbull Audio, he contacted me after seeing this post. do you have an email for Shane?

No, like I said I do all my shopping in-store as it's about 15 miles from me. Shane is the head dude as far as I know and he's always been more than kind to me.

A little lowdown - they have a main store connected to the warehouse and the call center. It's possible that you've only been discussing this with someone from the customer service side of the call center and not the main store manager. They do a lot of internet sales, it's their main gig from what I can tell. I cant stress this enough. The have a huge section of "returned/open box" pedals that would blow your mind. They may deal with many, many returns based on being primarily an internet store. However, the store showroom is clean and well-stocked, everyone is extremely helpful. Could it be that the communication got scrambled between the two sides on this? Very possible. I'm not sticking up for them, I've just seen the business as I go there pretty often.

Again I'm only speaking from my in-store experiences, all of which have been no less than awesome. I hope you get a good resolve out of this.
 
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Here is my last reply to Sire and Pitbull Audio, pretty sick right now, hopefully this is reasonable, I took a lot of time and re read it.
I know many of you think I should just go to ebay and paypal, that is absolute last resort and I wont let this bass leave me without my $$ which I doubt they will honor.

As noted in prior post Sire states M3 is discontinued and all gone, they suggested the P7.

Begin quoted email:
Dear Sire and Pitbull Audio,
Options I will accept:


1-Sire suggested in their above email that the P7 would be lighter (somewhere under 9LBS) I will accept a strait swap for a New or near new under 9lb in perfect functioning condition with no major signs of abuse Sire P7 Sunburst 4 string with the rosewood fretboard and burgundy pickguard in a gig bag weighing under 9 LBS as sire suggests (see photo below) – send me the unit with a return shipping label and I will be a Happy Guy and return the blue M3 immediately (Great customer service option assuming the Blue M3 is all gone)

2- If the Red Bass weighs 8.2 lbs or less, is in acceptable NEW condition and Pitbull will send it to me with a return paid slip to return the other unit I will do that, there must be some discount or store credit for me having to accept Red as I do not want or like the Red and will not pay full price for it. I will NOT return this unit to Pitbull without said replacement in my hands, too many people told me that Pitbull did not follow through. I work in the legal field and am not going to lose everything because I know pursuing recourse would almost out cost the unit which I could dump on ebay for less hassle. (a huge comprise on my part but at least I would be able to play something)

3-Send me a Brand new Blue Sire M3 with gig bag that weighs in the advertised neighborhood of 7.6LBS give or take a pound. Also send the paid return slip for the broken M3 and I will return upon receipt. (my favorite option, just give me what I ordered as it was advertised nobody loses anything but time and stress)

4 – Send me a new black replacement bridge for my BLUE M3 and send a partial refund for the scratched damaged unit which I have to get repaired at my cost just for it to be good enough for me to re-sale at well over 9 lbs this is too heavy for me and weight was the main attraction due to my cancer battle I have three jazz bass ornaments ranging in the 9-10 lb range and I cannot play them. (another huge comprise on my part and I have to find a different bass that weighs under 9LBS after I find a buyer for this scratch and dent model)

Again I am disappointed that Sire is not worried about the poor business practices of their reseller and disappointed they want me to join the groups of burnt customers that used the ebay return process and lost everything.

I copied Pitbull’s email (see above) .... Your own Authorized reseller says you guys use “Cheap Electronics” and Less “Preferable wood” – this is not how Sire or Pitbull advertises these basses?

Thus far neither Sire nor Pitbull are Doing The Right Thing here ... I have already been run through the ringer on this purchase.

I believe I made adequate attempts before going public and I have been objective and honest in posting and even said I am waiting to see how this is handled. I have updated the post summarizing the responses I have been receiving from Sire and Pitbull Audio.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADVISE WHAT Sire and Pitbull’s final decision is so I can move on .... I really need a lighter bass to play!

If you have another option that gets a light weight bass in my hands I am open to listening!
End Quoted Email.

Hopefully this is resolved soon, thank you to all my fellow bass players, I know not everyone agrees but we all are having a great discussion and that is awesome. Cheers
If you expect any online retailer to send you another item without first receiving the returned item, you are in for a lot of disappointment. If they were to do this, expect to get charged for the new item as well. Then upon receipt of the returned item they should refund your money.

I know this is a huge pain in the rear for you, but I honestly feel like you are handling this improperly. Pick up the phone and call Pitbull. Work this out and get a refund. Then I would highly suggest doing business with a reputable online business such as Zzounds or Sweetwater. Sweetwater lists the weights and has pictures of the exact bass you are ordering. I also think Zzounds is now doing the same thing.

I said earlier that I sympathize with you for this ordeal and for your medical condition. I do feel however this situation could easily be settled by way better means than an email with a list of demands.

Return the bass, get a refund and move on. It sounds to me that this model is discontinued, too heavy, and just not worth the hassle anymore.
 
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If you expect any online retailer to send you another item without first receiving the returned item, you are in for a lot of disappointment. If they were to do this, expect to get charged for the new item as well. Then upon receipt of the returned item they should refund your money.

I know this is a huge pain in the rear for you, but I honestly feel like you are handling this improperly. Pick up the phone and call Pitbull. Work this out and get a refund. Then I would highly suggest doing business with a reputable online business such as Zzounds or Sweetwater. Sweetwater lists the weights and has pictures of the exact bass you are ordering. I also think Zzounds is now doing the same thing.

I said earlier that I sympathize with you for this ordeal and for your medical condition. I do feel however this situation could easily be settled by way better means than an email with a list of demands.

Return the bass, get a refund and move on. It sounds to me that this model is discontinued, too heavy, and just not worth the hassle anymore.

Not had good experiences with sweetwater.

Looks like I must be on the right path because top leadership at Sire responded asking to take over the issue and give them a little time for them to work with leaders of Pitbull to get my case resolved, they promise to do the right thing, seems like they have changed their tune we shall see.
 
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Here is my last reply to Sire and Pitbull Audio, pretty sick right now, hopefully this is reasonable, I took a lot of time and re read it.
I know many of you think I should just go to ebay and paypal, that is absolute last resort and I wont let this bass leave me without my $$ which I doubt they will honor.

As noted in prior post Sire states M3 is discontinued and all gone, they suggested the P7.

Begin quoted email:
Dear Sire and Pitbull Audio,
Options I will accept:


1-Sire suggested in their above email that the P7 would be lighter (somewhere under 9LBS) I will accept a strait swap for a New or near new under 9lb in perfect functioning condition with no major signs of abuse Sire P7 Sunburst 4 string with the rosewood fretboard and burgundy pickguard in a gig bag weighing under 9 LBS as sire suggests (see photo below) – send me the unit with a return shipping label and I will be a Happy Guy and return the blue M3 immediately (Great customer service option assuming the Blue M3 is all gone)

2- If the Red Bass weighs 8.2 lbs or less, is in acceptable NEW condition and Pitbull will send it to me with a return paid slip to return the other unit I will do that, there must be some discount or store credit for me having to accept Red as I do not want or like the Red and will not pay full price for it. I will NOT return this unit to Pitbull without said replacement in my hands, too many people told me that Pitbull did not follow through. I work in the legal field and am not going to lose everything because I know pursuing recourse would almost out cost the unit which I could dump on ebay for less hassle. (a huge comprise on my part but at least I would be able to play something)

3-Send me a Brand new Blue Sire M3 with gig bag that weighs in the advertised neighborhood of 7.6LBS give or take a pound. Also send the paid return slip for the broken M3 and I will return upon receipt. (my favorite option, just give me what I ordered as it was advertised nobody loses anything but time and stress)

4 – Send me a new black replacement bridge for my BLUE M3 and send a partial refund for the scratched damaged unit which I have to get repaired at my cost just for it to be good enough for me to re-sale at well over 9 lbs this is too heavy for me and weight was the main attraction due to my cancer battle I have three jazz bass ornaments ranging in the 9-10 lb range and I cannot play them. (another huge comprise on my part and I have to find a different bass that weighs under 9LBS after I find a buyer for this scratch and dent model)

Again I am disappointed that Sire is not worried about the poor business practices of their reseller and disappointed they want me to join the groups of burnt customers that used the ebay return process and lost everything.

I copied Pitbull’s email (see above) .... Your own Authorized reseller says you guys use “Cheap Electronics” and Less “Preferable wood” – this is not how Sire or Pitbull advertises these basses?

Thus far neither Sire nor Pitbull are Doing The Right Thing here ... I have already been run through the ringer on this purchase.

I believe I made adequate attempts before going public and I have been objective and honest in posting and even said I am waiting to see how this is handled. I have updated the post summarizing the responses I have been receiving from Sire and Pitbull Audio.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ADVISE WHAT Sire and Pitbull’s final decision is so I can move on .... I really need a lighter bass to play!

If you have another option that gets a light weight bass in my hands I am open to listening!
End Quoted Email.

Hopefully this is resolved soon, thank you to all my fellow bass players, I know not everyone agrees but we all are having a great discussion and that is awesome. Cheers

Bluntly....this is outrageously hard to follow. Just get a return and a refund and move on. Good luck.
 
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Not had good experiences with sweetwater.

Looks like I must be on the right path because top leadership at Sire responded asking to take over the issue and give them a little time for them to work with leaders of Pitbull to get my case resolved, they promise to do the right thing, seems like they have changed their tune we shall see.
I'd assume that's definitely the exception not the rule with Sweetwater.

I'm curious as to how this will turn out. But, I'm done.
 
Sire says they are going to build one last M3 just for me, supposed to be lighter and properly inspected and at my house in 10-14 business days. I wish it was sooner but if it is done right and weighs close to their 7.6LB advertised I will be satisfied, granted I should not have had to go through all this trouble just to get what I ordered but that’s the way she goes boys.

These M3’s seem to sell fast and obviously many others love theirs, they are almost all gone for good. Maybe fate and or good mojo … I have put in many happy hours on my beloved MIJ Geddy Lee which was one of the very last ones before they moved production to Mexico.

I have to say I am glad I went with my gut and did not just request a refund, going to Sire was the right thing to do.

Thank you to everyone in this thread that supported me, to everyone else I apologize for the noise of this long complaining thread.

In the end I believe this forum post is what got me an adequate response! THIS GROUP ROCKS! THANK YOU ALL!

Of course I am just assuming that Sire’s Director Mickey Cho and Pitbull Audio’s Mark Kowalski are going to follow through, I will hopefully be posting a picture of a beauty in a couple of weeks to close this thread for good.
 
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Sire says they are going to build one last M3 just for me, supposed to be lighter and properly inspected and at my house in 10-14 business days. I wish it was sooner but if it is done right and weighs close to their 7.6LB advertised I will be satisfied, granted I should not have had to go through all this trouble just to get what I ordered but that’s the way she goes boys.

These M3’s seem to sell fast and obviously many others love theirs, they are almost all gone for good. Maybe fate and or good mojo … I have put in many happy hours on my beloved MIJ Geddy Lee which was one of the very last ones before they moved production to Mexico.

I have to say I am glad I went with my gut and did not just request a refund, going to Sire was the right thing to do.

Thank you to everyone in this thread that supported me, to everyone else I apologize for the noise of this long complaining thread.

In the end I believe this forum post is what got me an adequate response! THIS GROUP ROCKS! THANK YOU ALL!

Of course I am just assuming that Sire’s Director Mickey Cho and Pitbull Audio’s Mark Kowalski are going to follow through, I will hopefully be posting a picture of a beauty in a couple of weeks to close this thread for good.
Glad it's getting resolved for you. I wondered if they would stop making the M3 now that they have the M2 - I bet that's what the new bridge is about too.