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To return or not to return…

I just got a new bass and it’s got two imperfections, you can’t tell unless you look really close. Other than that it plays amazing and has great tone. What would you guys do?

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View attachment 4450947
—I ordered a new Squier VM Jazz bass years ago, and it had some imperfections. I contacted the seller and negotiated a discount. You should do the same.
 
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Looks like all the imperfections are on the back, out of sight. If the bass is a good as you say I'd keep it. If it bugs you enough to put up a thread about it, maybe you should return it! The suggestions about a discount are worth following up. Would that be enough to help you ignore the blemishes?
 
If it impedes your ability to play and fully enjoy the instrument (even just knowing it's there every time you pick it up), return it. If you're the type who regularly dings the body up by putting the bass in its case, keep it and consider this a free "relic starter kit". Everybody's tolerance level is different and what is fine for one may be heinous to another. Hope this helps.
 
I'd contact the seller and ask for their opinion on the matter and the options they'd offer.
Maybe a discount, maybe throw something in to sweeten the deal (strap, cables, strings), or a return.

See what they offer and ask yourself then.

It’s GC. They say they won’t do that. Just returns…


I’m gonna call the manager and see what he can do.
 
I would go with my own subjective take. If it really annoyed me, I would return it. If I was "feelin' the love" I would keep it.

Pretty much this. If that bass just has "it" when you play it.... if it just feels and sounds ridiculously good.... I would keep it and enjoy the "imperfections" as a couple of things that make that bass unlike any other.

In short, this isn't a rational decision. It's an emotional one. If there are too many positive emotions to ignore, keep it. If you can't get around those two blemishes, and you think about them more than anything else when you pick it up, return it and hope the next one plays and feels just as good.
 
The orange peeling on the waist is an imperfection. In the other picture, there is so much reflection that I can’t tell what you are referring to. In any case, the bass should have been sold as a second, or a “blem”. I have no idea what you paid, but if you paid full retail, I would ask for a discount, or return it.
 
I have imperfections. Every manmade thing I have, and that you will ever have will have imperfections - it's just a matter of how closely you look. The question is - is it fit for purpose? Is it a good musical instrument? Given that you have said so, I'd be inclined to call it mine (with an easy way to identify it as mine should that ever come up) and move on.
 
I used to think these weren’t issues big enough to make waves, however, if we keep swallowing crap, they won’t improve QC.

if we demand perfection we just might get it. Imagine Fenders response if GC et al had 50% returns or downgraded to charge to Fender for small imperfections on new instruments. Better QC would be forced by the consumer.

it’s ok to dream.
 
Cant see it
Dent.

C3EBF49A-3474-4C80-A0BB-37745D8641E8.jpeg
 
If I felt it was necessary to get the opinion of others, I'd take that as a sign that I was leaning towards returning it.
Agree, I think if you get to the point where you're asking this question, it should go back, and you'll be happier in the long run. Although a good Plan B might be to complain and try to get a partial discount/refund.
 
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