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Trying to feel out basses but no one carries them.

M Sharp

M Sharp

May 24, 2013
126
26
NJ
#1
So, I have been researching basses I am interested in getting. Based on research I wanted to feel a Schecter Hellraiser Extreme 5, an LTD B-1000, the Spector Rebop MM 5, and others. I have been to GC and Sam Ash all over NJ and NYC and have called every dealer listed on manufacturers' sites.

Most walls hold Fender, Ibanez, MM, and some cheaper Schecters. The guy at GC told me to order online or have him order the bass, and return it within 30 days.

This sounds like a lot of work just to feel the neck and hear a bass. Is the way things are done these days? I haven't bought a bass in long time. I feel dishonest ordering a bass just to play it for a day and get my $ back to order another one and do the same.

I read on TB of people buying 2 basses planning to return 1. Is this the norm if you can't play what you are interested in?
 
#3
Sam ash and GC are never gonna have stuff like that unless they happen to have some used. Maybe what's left of the great music stories in the city, but it's doubtful. If the GC dude said that, then go for it. They're gonna sell it eventually if you return it. The one in Carle place had some slightly useful sales people that could potentially help. The one in queens, not so much.
 
#4
Visit the manufacturer's websites and see if they list any small local shops as dealers. If so, contact them to see what they stock. If not, try emailing the manufacturers to see if they can give you any dealer leads by email. There are a couple of Chicago area shops that carry things I never see at the big stores. And any local shop you wander into might have something interesting, new or used.

Ken
 
#6
khutch said:
Visit the manufacturer's websites and see if they list any small local shops as dealers. If so, contact them to see what they stock. If not, try emailing the manufacturers to see if they can give you any dealer leads by email. There are a couple of Chicago area shops that carry things I never see at the big stores. And any local shop you wander into might have something interesting, new or used.

Ken
Click to expand...

Spoke with Schecter twice for help. No dice. They said they can't tell stores what to order, but would look up to see if anyone had ordered. Both times they never called me back.

Called every store listed as a dealer and no one carries them.

Did find a great small shop in Edison that has a lot, but not whatbInspecifically wanted. But I will keep in touch with that shop because they had a great selection.
 
#10
It's not dishonest, it's a trial period. They do that because they know no reasonable human being will buy an instrument over the internet and have no way to try it and return it. Wait, people do that all the time with Ebay. :ninja:

Well, anyway, it's not dishonest. Just be sure and get the story about any restocking fees, etc. I had a guitar player who used to do this all the time with GC and he never mentioned any restocking fees. After a while they DID start giving him a hard time about it, but they honored their policy when pressed.
 
#12
Just got off the phone with GC. I'll pass this on in case others are in my boat...

This is all legit. I can order from .com or have the store place the order for me. I can have it shipped to my house or pick up at the store. Even if delivered to my house I can return the bass to the store as long as I "don't bash someone over the head with it."

They understand they can't carry every model of every name brand they sell. So they are on board with buy, try, and return. I have 30 days for a standard order. If it is a vintage item you have 3 days to return. If it is a custom job all deals are final and you own it with no returns. Also according to the GC guy, there is NO restocking fee. Full refund to your CC.
 
#13
Geez... edit and delete on the bulk of my post below. I misread and thought you ordered from MF. :)

PS. Was going to mention NJ Guitar and Bass, but I'm going to guess that's the Edison store you mentioned. That's the best place place anywhere near NY as far as I'm concerned. Ya get to try out lots of basses you can't see or find anywhere else within a couple of hundred miles from the city.
 
#15
M Sharp said:
Did find a great small shop in Edison that has a lot, but not whatbInspecifically wanted. But I will keep in touch with that shop because they had a great selection.
Click to expand...

Joe Nerve said:
PS. Was going to mention NJ Guitar and Bass, but I'm going to guess that's the Edison store you mentioned. That's the best place place anywhere near NY as far as I'm concerned. Ya get to try out lots of basses you can't see or find anywhere else within a couple of hundred miles from the city.
Click to expand...

+1, it's a great store! If you talk to the owner, and he's a dealer of what you're looking for, he very well might order one so you can try it.

He is the nicest music store owner in the world.
 
#16
bassgod0dmw said:
+1, it's a great store! If you talk to the owner, and he's a dealer of what you're looking for, he very well might order one so you can try it.

He is the nicest music store owner in the world.
Click to expand...

I agree. He goes to NAMM every year too.. ran into him a couple of times there. Really friendly and accomodating dude. The people who work in the store are usually the same, though I haven't been there in a while... so I don't know who's there now. 2 guys I remember were both bass players.
 

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