SPECTOR® Club - Part 73

[JPSBassist]

Makes me feel like they opened up JPS's box at the warehouse to look the Bass over…

NOT COOL. That's a personal package!! I wish these companies would handle things professionally!

Actually the box was still sealed from the Spector Shop.
Jo Ann uses paper tape that is applied wet... it's easy to tell when it's been opened.

And awilkie84 is totally right. I drove industrial stand-up operated forks through my first two years of college in a large grain distribution warehouse. And sometimes drivers use the forks to "nudge" or "tip" a large wrapped pallet a little in one direction or another.

If you think the box or item your nudging is solid or you give it a little too much throttle, you punch through the pallet.

This was part of a NAMM shipment of basses on a pallet, stacked... I think there were 12 basses on it if I remember, and the top of the pallet had the lightweight stuff like the lights, etc...

This damaged case was exactly where you'd put your forks if you wanted to spin the pallet a little this way or that if you were lazy and didn't want to put the forks back into the pallet, lift it, back up, turn a little, move forward, lower it... etc...

I worked nights (9pm to 5am) and at 4:30 with another hour's worth of work you've got to finish in 30 minutes, that's when stuff like this happens.

I never did it. And of course my lift had the forks on a cage that I had to extend out to lift anything anyway. LOL.

That was almost 25 years ago. Wow. Hadn't thought about those days in a long time.

 

[dukeisdog]

Show this to the seller and ask, "What the hell were you thinking?" That is so wrong on many levels.

I don't know if this is used or new. IMHO If this was new, I would want nothing to do with it. Insist on a full refund and send it back (in a box )

But judging by the case this is used (But Euros don't come w/case and the bass might still be new) so yeah... have UPS pay to refinish by the guy Patrick recommended.

Another thing to consider is if the seller didn't send it in a box, UPS may deny the claim stating that it was not packaged properly. Be ready for that.

Maybe you should just put it in a closet and wait to hear more. Don't play the bass and get attached to it. That will make it hard to decide the proper course of action when you know more.

Of course this is all just my opinion, you need to do what you think is best for you. This is all quite sad.

I'm in the process of talking to the seller now. It appears it was sent without a box with the tape around the case to keep it secure and people out of it. Upon further inspection of the case, I noticed that both ends are kinda not working. Here are some pics:

(Yes that's me as a young'n playing goalie back in the day

I really don't believe that the seller shipped me the case with two layers of tape in this condition. That would be an absolute joke. Somebody must have stepped on the case IMO, there is no way I would ever let a bass ship out in a case like that.

It was a used bass, with a used case, and I am starting to really worry that UPS will deny this claim based on no boxing. Both of my parents keep telling me that UPS sold him the tape and packing peanuts, and accepted the package like this, not to mention it's not broken from being tossed around, it's clear weather damage so they're quite certain everything will work out. Who knows.

This whole situation has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and you bet I would've played my new bass for hours already but like you said, I really don't want to get attached and have to let it go because of this. I can tell it's a keeper otherwise and it really would suck to send it back but I'll do what I have to do.

Next time I'll order new from Todd

 

[JPSBassist]

...you bet I would've played my new bass for hours already but like you said, I really don't want to get attached and have to let it go because of this.

I'd play it and make sure it's OK otherwise. Make sure the neck is OK... the electronics, frets, etc...

I can tell it's a keeper otherwise and it really would suck to send it back but I'll do what I have to do.

If it's just the finish damage... you've still got a keeper. I mean look at some of the basses with dramatic fire damage that have been brought back to life and are still keepers.

Don't let the finish damage keep you from enjoying an otherwise awesome bass. Finishes can be fixed. That's like saying you don't want to keep the awesome '59 Vette you just found because the paint is faded.

Next time I'll order new from Todd

And you can NEVER go wrong here. Todd is a great guy, very honest, and will take very good care of you. Plus, NO ONE knows Spectors like Todd. Besides Stuart, Todd has probably handled more Spectors than any other person alive (outside of perhaps John, James and Jimmy at the Spector shop).

Buying used is always a risk, especially if you don't KNOW the person you're buying from.

I recommend the "Todd Solution" strongly for anyone in the future.

 

[johnsonabq]

This whole situation has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and you bet I would've played my new bass for hours already but like you said, I really don't want to get attached and have to let it go because of this. I can tell it's a keeper otherwise and it really would suck to send it back but I'll do what I have to do.

Next time I'll order new from Todd

If the seller will take it back and refund, jump on it. Let him deal with the fiasco.

Take the time to save up some more bucks and talk to Todd about that Rebop that you wanted in the first place.

I'll bet he'll take what you get from the refund and you'll have the wait time for the new build to come up with the rest. Then you'll have what you originally wanted and it'll be new.

Again... IMHO.

 

[Tracebassplayer]

I ran into an issue with my US/SSD with FedEx... I ended up getting a quote from Cue at Gerhards Guitarworks, and in the end FedEx paid for the damage and Cue worked some magic and you could never tell the bass was damaged



PM me if you want more details



Jon

DO THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[johnsonabq]

Yes..It's terrible. However, there are a few videos on youtube that tell you how to set it up and what to use to get 0 audio lag. I just haven't gotten around to it. I was too frustrated. Lol.
Anyway, Hope u feel better. I myself have a show tonight as well!
Rock on Spector brothers!
Jay

Thanks Jay.

I have the AV cable for the PS3 and I'll use it for the headphones. Hope the level is high enough. Otherwise I'll have to use something to boost it.

Good luck tonight.

 

[dukeisdog]

I'd play it and make sure it's OK otherwise. Make sure the neck is OK... the electronics, frets, etc...



If it's just the finish damage... you've still got a keeper. I mean look at some of the basses with dramatic fire damage that have been brought back to life and are still keepers.

Don't let the finish damage keep you from enjoying an otherwise awesome bass. Finishes can be fixed. That's like saying you don't want to keep the awesome '59 Vette you just found because the paint is faded.



And you can NEVER go wrong here. Todd is a great guy, very honest, and will take very good care of you. Plus, NO ONE knows Spectors like Todd. Besides Stuart, Todd has probably handled more Spectors than any other person alive (outside of perhaps John, James and Jimmy at the Spector shop).

Buying used is always a risk, especially if you don't KNOW the person you're buying from.

I recommend the "Todd Solution" strongly for anyone in the future.

Everything appears to be fine, electronics are sounding great, I actually really like the pre in this bass. Will open it up to confirm what it is at some point today. Everything appears to be mint except the marks in the finish. You really are right about the fire damage and that's kinda shed a new light on this situation for me. I mean, it could be a lot worse and I could be without a working, playing bass right now.

I really wish I would've placed and order through Todd months ago. I just ordered a new jack for my Blue Euro 5LX through him and it was a quick, easy transaction. I have no doubts he's the go to guy for new Spectors.

I know the seller does not accept returns and I really don't know what's gonna happen with it. Worst case scenario I have to fight UPS to pay for the cracked finish that I believe is from being off and on the truck 4+ times in the week that we had minus 30 degree+ weather and it still wasn't delivered, but I'd be happy to keep it and get it refinished if it's paid for and done professionally. All in all, I'm gonna let itself play out and I'll keep you guys posted.

I really appreciate all of the help and suggestions, it's really made the situation a little easier on me! Thanks guys!

 

[mmbongo]

Everything appears to be fine, electronics are sounding great, I actually really like the pre in this bass. Will open it up to confirm what it is at some point today. Everything appears to be mint except the marks in the finish. You really are right about the fire damage and that's kinda shed a new light on this situation for me. I mean, it could be a lot worse and I could be without a working, playing bass right now.

I really wish I would've placed and order through Todd months ago. I just ordered a new jack for my Blue Euro 5LX through him and it was a quick, easy transaction. I have no doubts he's the go to guy for new Spectors.

I know the seller does not accept returns and I really don't know what's gonna happen with it. Worst case scenario I have to fight UPS to pay for the cracked finish that I believe is from being off and on the truck 4+ times in the week that we had minus 30 degree+ weather and it still wasn't delivered, but I'd be happy to keep it and get it refinished if it's paid for and done professionally. All in all, I'm gonna let itself play out and I'll keep you guys posted.

I really appreciate all of the help and suggestions, it's really made the situation a little easier on me! Thanks guys!

Dang that's such a tough situation.

It's not the sellers fault, as he packaged it fine. (edit..well maybe not)
It's not your fault obviously.
It's not really UPS's fault, as they didn't do anything they don't normally do. It's going to be on and off trucks, and it's going to sit in the cold.

This is one of those cases where paying for upgraded shipping may have helped. How far did it have to travel?

 

[johnsonabq]

Worst case scenario I have to fight UPS to pay for the cracked finish that I believe is from being off and on the truck 4+ times in the week that we had minus 30 degree+ weather and it still wasn't delivered, but I'd be happy to keep it and get it refinished if it's paid for and done professionally. All in all, I'm gonna let itself play out and I'll keep you guys posted.

Seller won't accept returns? :scowl: Have you asked? Often when you read that, it refers to simple, "I changed my mind" returns, and not damaged items.

You should not have to fight UPS. The seller contracted their services and the insurance (if any) was between them, not you.

If UPS denies the claim then the seller is on the hook. This should not all land in your lap.

I'm quite bummed for you.

 

[johnsonabq]

It's not the sellers fault, as he packaged it fine.

It appears it was sent without a box with the tape around the case to keep it secure and people out of it. Upon further inspection of the case, I noticed that both ends are kinda not working.

This was shipped without a box. That is unacceptable and pure negligence on the sellers part.

Was this through Ebay? Was PayPal involved? You may have avenues of recourse here.

If you want to keep the bass that's your choice but the re-fin shouldn't cost you a cent.

 

[MDBass]

This was shipped without a box. That is unacceptable and pure negligence on the sellers part.

Was this through Ebay? Was PayPal involved? You may have avenues of recourse here.

If you want to keep the bass that's your choice but the re-fin shouldn't cost you a cent.

Yeah, unless it's a legitimate flight case there's really no excuse to not have it in a padded box; that very well might not have anything to do with the finish damage, but it's pretty silly to ship a $1000+ instrument in just a hard case sealed shut with a bit of tape :scowl:

 

[Torn Bassist]

Of course imagine FedEx knocking on your door and handing you a box with two very large fork-lift punctures through the middle of it.

You open it up... holding your breath...

I told the driver, "You don't MOVE! We're opening this up together!"

LOL. Luckily, the bass was perfectly OK. The forks had missed the neck by about 2 inches and the fitted case had done it's job protecting the bass.

So all FedEx ended up on the line for was a new case.

But still...

WOW....I would be freaking out and in shock if a bass showed up like that!

Thank you Carey for thinking of us up in the great north. Last night the freezing rain hit us...this morning temp rose to 36 with rain...after coming out of the movies (watched Lone Survivor ) it's snowing. Haha crazy weather. It's still 34F but forecast is all over the place with mixed weather for tonight & tomorrow. Sigh!

Lets hope for the best!

Just wanted to report, everything is back up to normal. Sounds very nice now. One of the volume pots had the top soldering loose, not that easy to notice but as i moved around some cables I saw that solder joint move. So I resoldered that one joint and everything is in best condition now.

Thanks again for your help!

My Rebop now has double EMG 35DC (18V) in it and sounds even better than before. Mean machine with a very unique and in-your-face sound.

Fantastic, I like good reports!

 

[mmbongo]

This was shipped without a box. That is unacceptable and pure negligence on the sellers part.

Was this through Ebay? Was PayPal involved? You may have avenues of recourse here.

If you want to keep the bass that's your choice but the re-fin shouldn't cost you a cent.

It was not in a box? Just the case with a shipping label on it? I missed that part then. Yeesh.

 

[johnsonabq]

It was not in a box? Just the case with a shipping label on it? I missed that part then. Yeesh.

I know, right? Unbelievable.

 

[worshiprocker]

I want a rebop lol..... sorry to sway off topic

 

[johnsonabq]

I want a rebop lol..... sorry to sway off topic

Ha ha... If it's about Spector it's not off topic.

Maybe Dukeisdog needs a break from it all. Nothing to be done for him today.

I'm thinking if my little experiment here with the Legend works out, I may go for a fretless Rebop.

 

[iceboxbass]

Okay, here's a horror story for all of you.

I wake up in the morning after being promised via telephone a delivery of my bass last night to check my tracking information and see that it hasn't changed. I called to confirm that the bass was at the UPS depot like my tracking info told me and they had to call the location and get somebody to call me back 'within the hour'. Well two hours go by and I call back to find out that nobody left a note to call me back so I was really disappointed with that. I spoke to another person who said the same thing, and didn't get a call back again, so I decided to head down there and figure out what was going on for myself.


So I get there to a huge line, and only one guy working and running into the back to get to the packages, which was clearly holding up the line big time. Eventually its my turn and I give the guy my tracking number and ask him whats going on with my package, and he has to go in the back to look for it. Comes back maybe 15 minutes later, and says its out for delivery

So eventually I leave after speaking to the guy working there for a few minutes to wait at home for my promised package again. It finally gets here, and after letting it warm up I finally opened up the case to my beautiful green Euro 5LX!

Sorry for the long post but I'm really not too sure what to do here.. I finally got my dream bass, and of course this happens, but there's nothing I can do with it, just kinda have to let it sort itself out. I have before pictures in the sellers shop and the bass is in mint shape, I do trust that he sent it out in good shape and this happened in shipping. I think it happened from being loaded onto the truck for delivery in the -40 degree weather then taken off because they didn't have time to deliver to my place. This happened several times and I'm really disappointed with UPS right now.

It looks great aside from the cracks in the finish and the flaming in the finish looks killer compared to my dark Blue 5LX that I also love so much. I sent a message to the seller and most likely won't hear back until tomorrow during the day, so I guess now I play the waiting game… Again :scowl:

Oh my...what an ordeal of waiting and then to see all these cracks. :scowl: Feel so bad for Duke... Working it out with the seller, like you're doing, is the right route for sure. I wouldn't think with it being in a HSC plus packing & box that the cold weather would've done this. That high gloss finish is like armor plating. Is it just the finish cracking or wood? I hope it all comes out well for you brother and you'll get another one like it. That is gorgeous wood quilting! What a NBD downer.

 

[Wolf Tower 5]

Just wanted to report, everything is back up to normal. Sounds very nice now. One of the volume pots had the top soldering loose, not that easy to notice but as i moved around some cables I saw that solder joint move. So I resoldered that one joint and everything is in best condition now.

Thanks again for your help!

My Rebop now has double EMG 35DC (18V) in it and sounds even better than before. Mean machine with a very unique and in-your-face sound.

How do you like the 35 DCs? I've got some plans for my ReBop. Looking at all options from P,J,CS,DC and TW. I am happy with the trim tone pump at 18v. I really like the P in the neck position, but I'd be interested to hear how any of the others sound.

 

[Worldeeeter]

My BEM neck is holding stable but it is a year old now, the Pau Ferro board is stable as well...probably going to play the BEM at tonight's show.

Hope you feel better for your show tonight, Jeff. I'm at our gig now, waiting to go on. Playing a benefit show for a local family that lost their daughter on Xmas day.
We're the meat in a country music sandwich; I can't wait to start our set and see how many people walk out. American Witch (Rob Zombie) isn't gonna go over well here.

 

[Wolf Tower 5]

I want a rebop lol..... sorry to sway off topic

Eye candy????