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The Stratosphere?

Venomouscontrol

Venomouscontrol

Guest
Sep 22, 2012
131
46
#1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191155650296?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

They claimed that this is a Geddy Lee body. I'm confused. Ever since Fender moved the production of the Geddy Lee model bass from Japan to Mexico, from what i know, the only difference there is is the screw in the middle of the pickguard. I asked around, looked around some old threads in TB, no one mentioned that the pickup spacing changed. Could the model listed actually be a Classic Series 60's Jazz Bass reissue? Was really disappointed when I received it.
I gave them negative feedback but they still claimed that it is a Geddy Lee model, and asked me to change it to positive. Should I or should I not? I'm only doing what I feel is right, because I've never come across a Geddy Lee model with 60's pickup spacing.
 
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#3
PortlandBass77 said:
It looks legit to me. Is the body the quality you expected? Also is there a serial number anywhere on the body? If you are happy with everything besides the p/u spacing, I would either change feedback to positive or at the very least leave neutral feedback.
Click to expand...

Those bar codes you see in MIM bodies do not line up with the S/Ns on the necks and they are the only identifying codes that aren't definitely production related. I am kind of curious now to know if the bodies are serialized or if the bar code is production related. You could always give the S/N to Fender and see what comes back but I imagine their CS tells you nothing.

It looks legit to me. Have you measure the space between the bridge and p/u's? Is it actually 60s spacing? I wouldn't leave negative feedback unless you are certain it is not a Geddy. If you can prove it is not a Geddy show them and ask them to refund and pay for return shipping since it is their fault you didn't get what you purchased.
 
#4
I did not have a good experience with Stratosphere. I bought a USA '62 Jazz reissue neck for over $500, installed it and within days it was bowed out and the truss was maxed out. This was maybe 2-3 weeks after receiving it. I emailed them letting them know I could not use this neck as it was basically defective but they would not refund me on account of it being outside the return by date. It was outside of the date but still, with a bass neck (esp skinny J bass necks) it takes some time for the wood to show its mettle. In this instance I was left with a roughly $600 stick. No hardware to salvage, nothing. And I could not in good conscience try to sell it to someone else. Now that Fender is selling replacement necks, at least there is a real company who stands behind their products and would likely have sent me a replacement. Granted, new Fender wood may be green and not properly seasoned and one could conceivably have the same issue with multiple necks. However, I just bought a new Fender J neck with graphite reinforcement and it is fine. Long story short, Stratosphere is just a parting out operation with poor customer service. If you need parts, go to Fender or Warmoth.
 
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#5
PortlandBass77 said:
It looks legit to me. Is the body the quality you expected? Also is there a serial number anywhere on the body? If you are happy with everything besides the p/u spacing, I would either change feedback to positive or at the very least leave neutral feedback.
Click to expand...

Yea bro, totally get you. Would I date a woman with hairy legs? If I'm happy with everything besides the fact that she has hairy legs, I'd still date her. Is that what you trying to say sir?
 
#6
Alexis Duntov said:
I did not have a good experience with Stratosphere. I bought a USA '62 Jazz reissue neck for over $500, installed it and within days it was bowed out and the truss was maxed out. This was maybe 2-3 weeks after receiving it. I emailed them letting them know I could not use this neck as it was basically defective but they would not refund me on account of it being outside the return by date. It was outside of the date but still, with a bass neck (esp skinny J bass necks) it takes some time for the wood to show its mettle. In this instance I was left with a roughly $600 stick. No hardware to salvage, nothing. And I could not in good conscience try to sell it to someone else. Now that Fender is selling replacement necks, at least there is a real company who stands behind their products and would likely have sent me a replacement. Granted, new Fender wood may be green and not properly seasoned and one could conceivably have the same issue with multiple necks. However, I just bought a new Fender J neck with graphite reinforcement and it is fine. Long story short, Stratosphere is just a parting out operation with poor customer service. If you need parts, go to Fender or Warmoth.
Click to expand...

File a dispute with Ebay/Pay pal, they should sort it out. If all else fails threaten to sue Stratosphere and they will likely refund you in a heartbeat.
 
#8
Alexis Duntov said:
I did not have a good experience with Stratosphere. I bought a USA '62 Jazz reissue neck for over $500, installed it and within days it was bowed out and the truss was maxed out. This was maybe 2-3 weeks after receiving it. I emailed them letting them know I could not use this neck as it was basically defective but they would not refund me on account of it being outside the return by date. It was outside of the date but still, with a bass neck (esp skinny J bass necks) it takes some time for the wood to show its mettle. In this instance I was left with a roughly $600 stick. No hardware to salvage, nothing. And I could not in good conscience try to sell it to someone else. Now that Fender is selling replacement necks, at least there is a real company who stands behind their products and would likely have sent me a replacement. Granted, new Fender wood may be green and not properly seasoned and one could conceivably have the same issue with multiple necks. However, I just bought a new Fender J neck with graphite reinforcement and it is fine. Long story short, Stratosphere is just a parting out operation with poor customer service. If you need parts, go to Fender or Warmoth.
Click to expand...

They simply take apart guitars and basses and sell the parts. They didn't make the part. Take it up with Fender, oh, wait, you bought it used without a warranty.

They clearly state their return policy in every auction.

"The STRATosphere guarantees satisfaction or your money back! If you are not satisfied in any way we offer a 14 day "no questions asked" return policy. That includes our entire inventory of new, new (other) and used products. Simply contact us through eBay's "ask seller a question" and we will happily arrange the return for you."

If the truss rod was maxed with in days why did you wait 2-3 weeks to contact them?

I have bought a lot of parts from them and have always been happy with their prices and service.
 
#9
hdracer said:
They simply take apart guitars and basses and sell the parts. They didn't make the part. Take it up with Fender, oh, wait, you bought it used without a warranty.

They clearly state their return policy in every auction.

"The STRATosphere guarantees satisfaction or your money back! If you are not satisfied in any way we offer a 14 day "no questions asked" return policy. That includes our entire inventory of new, new (other) and used products. Simply contact us through eBay's "ask seller a question" and we will happily arrange the return for you."

If the truss rod was maxed with in days why did you wait 2-3 weeks to contact them?

I have bought a lot of parts from them and have always been happy with their prices and service.
Click to expand...


I don't remember the exact timeline and how soon it became apparent that the neck was unusable, but it was within a week of the expiry of the guarantee. And I wouldn't exactly call it a used item. It came off a new instrument. And yes, one transaction is probably not enough to indict an entire operation, but it seemed shady to offer no recourse whatsoever.
 
#11
I've bought two bodies and a neck from Stratosphere. Each transaction was pretty good for me, and the basses I've built from their parts came out great.

I for one would have to wonder what would motivate them to put that badass bridge on a Classic 60's body. And from comparing the image of the body in your link to some of the others on that page, it looks like the rear pickup is in a 70's location.
 
#12
I've been in a hurry a couple times and come thisclose to buying a loaded pickguard and misc other parts from them, the prices are... OK, but almost every time I've waited, I've found a much better deal elsewhere that would have made me regret buying from them. I've only bought stuff from them I couldn't find elsewhere, so I haven't experienced your problems.
I wouldn't likely buy an instrument body from them.

I'd rather buy a whole one and part it out myself.
Examples:

Chicago Craigslist Japanese GL signature $700:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Another in Milwaukee for $500:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


Fender JP-90
Epi Bass Club #169 JC sig
 

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