Hello TB. Sorry in advance for the long post. I could use some help with deciding how to handle a dissapointing eBay purchase. I just received the bass and it has many issues, including:
1) The finish appears to have originally been gloss, and was sanded to "matte" (the chrome control plate was also sanded).
2) The control cavity is covered with black tape (this was not shown in the photos- only the upper half of the back was.
3) The pickguard seems to have been painted black. I don't mind a black pickguard but the old color is visible in spots.
4) The output jack is intermittently making major crackling noise (this I assume is a fairly easy fix).
The strings are totally gone but that was no surprise. It needs a setup but I haven't tried to mess with it pending a decision on whether to keep it. I think it'll play alright.
The eBay listing said " Fender jazz bass, mim, deluxe series wifi here has active pickups, upgraded electronics and upgraded tuners from a standard model. Very cool flat black finish with rosewood fretboard.everything on this item works as it should, I have included lots of pictures to accurately depict the condition as it is a used item."
The photos in the listing were in low resolution so there was no way to see any of the issues listed above. The seller only had 2 feedbacks (both positive) but I saw the item and decided to take a last-minute chance- the price seemed good assuming it was in decent condition. The seller was good at communicating and he packed the bass very well (no case). He seemed like a nice guy so I was very surprised when I saw the condition of the bass.
I'm not exactly sure how to handle this, as I've had great luck before with three basses I got via eBay. So my questions are:
1) With all of these issues is $290 a fair price for this bass?
2) Would you try to return it or get some money back from the seller?
3) If you had a bass in this condition what would you do with it?
I'm sure some of you have been through similar situations. Thanks in advance for any guidance you might be able to provide.
1) The finish appears to have originally been gloss, and was sanded to "matte" (the chrome control plate was also sanded).
2) The control cavity is covered with black tape (this was not shown in the photos- only the upper half of the back was.
3) The pickguard seems to have been painted black. I don't mind a black pickguard but the old color is visible in spots.
4) The output jack is intermittently making major crackling noise (this I assume is a fairly easy fix).
The strings are totally gone but that was no surprise. It needs a setup but I haven't tried to mess with it pending a decision on whether to keep it. I think it'll play alright.
The eBay listing said " Fender jazz bass, mim, deluxe series wifi here has active pickups, upgraded electronics and upgraded tuners from a standard model. Very cool flat black finish with rosewood fretboard.everything on this item works as it should, I have included lots of pictures to accurately depict the condition as it is a used item."
The photos in the listing were in low resolution so there was no way to see any of the issues listed above. The seller only had 2 feedbacks (both positive) but I saw the item and decided to take a last-minute chance- the price seemed good assuming it was in decent condition. The seller was good at communicating and he packed the bass very well (no case). He seemed like a nice guy so I was very surprised when I saw the condition of the bass.
I'm not exactly sure how to handle this, as I've had great luck before with three basses I got via eBay. So my questions are:
1) With all of these issues is $290 a fair price for this bass?
2) Would you try to return it or get some money back from the seller?
3) If you had a bass in this condition what would you do with it?
I'm sure some of you have been through similar situations. Thanks in advance for any guidance you might be able to provide.
