BrunoBass Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1463068018' post='3048299'] I've seen loads of new basses with scratches, dings, bumps on. Not a weird question to ask. How can it be 'mint' or 'like new' if everyone coming into the shop has been playing it for 6 months maybe more? [/quote] Agreed. Some of the 'new' stuff in PMT Birmingham is either covered in a years worth of dust or looks like it's been gigged heavily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1463099630' post='3048667'] Agreed. Some of the 'new' stuff in PMT Birmingham is either covered in a years worth of dust or looks like it's been gigged heavily. [/quote] Ah, the good old PA section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofio Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 Kev, I have purchased new Basses that have arrived with dings, and i had one in particular that had a huge ding on the fretboard, that is why i ask now !!! hope that clears up why i ask the question for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 For example - this is a secondhand bass on sale at BD. The description reads, "A secondhand bass in immaculate condition". Please look at this link and tell me this bass is 'immaculate'. http://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Fender_Jazz_1961_Relic_Custom_Shop_RI.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1463138739' post='3048893'] For example - this is a secondhand bass on sale at BD. The description reads, "A secondhand bass in immaculate condition". Please look at this link and tell me this bass is 'immaculate'. http://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Fender_Jazz_1961_Relic_Custom_Shop_RI.html [/quote] I guess where's it's a relic bass, difficult to say what were original marks and what would be the immaculate imperfect finish... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 (edited) EDIT: Spotted where it says relic now but still... Edited May 13, 2016 by LayDownThaFunk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 Well it does clearly say 'Relic'. Question is, is it a factory Relic or just a slightly-mistreated-by-previous-owner(s) 'Relic'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartelby Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1463139149' post='3048901'] But it's not advertised as a relic anywhere on that ad... [/quote] "[color=#000000][font=Helvetica-Bold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Fender Jazz 1961 Relic Custom Shop RI four string bass, Lake Placid Blue [/font][/color][color=#000000][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif](list £2950)"[/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='Rich' timestamp='1463139180' post='3048902'] Well it does clearly say 'Relic'. Question is, is it a factory Relic or just a slightly-mistreated-by-previous-owner(s) 'Relic'? [/quote] Exactly - immaculate is not really the right descriptor here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 So there's different kinds of relicing? It's OK if it was done at the factory but not OK if done by the player? That's a new one on me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1463143107' post='3048969'] So there's different kinds of relicing? It's OK if it was done at the factory but not OK if done by the player? That's a new one on me! [/quote] I think the issue comes when you try to apply a label like 'immaculate' to a reliced bass. That clearly can't include unlimited trashing from previous owner, so is it immaculate as it comes out of production with the builders relicing process applied, and then further owner relicing stops it being immaculate, or can a relic bass never be deemed immaculate...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmo Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 The photos are the important descriptor in this case I feel. If there were no photos of the scratches, then it would be disingenuine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staggering on Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 (edited) I guess I don't get the "relic" thing,maybe I'm too old.Seems odd that an older bass or guitar(vintage-I mean real vintage,not a new "vintage" one)with some buckle rash and a few scratches or dings and a worn finish is cheaper than a similar instrument of the same age that is mint.Now we have a new bass that looks like something a lot of people wouldn't touch if it was old but will pay more for than an unreliced similar new bass.Maybe it's the new pups or other features,I guess it says a lot about the instrument business and what they need to do to get sales. I say that as the owner of a Yamaha SLB200(2 years) and a Yamaha RBX750A(about 20 years) that are in near mint condition and gigged with regularly,so they have held their value.I also own a 1967 Gibson J50 guitar that I bought new in '67 and has been halfway around the world with me(literally)and has been played on hundreds of gigs.It has a few marks and some crazing on the top but is in perfect condition for playing-it is certainly worth less than a similar guitar in mint condition. It is a strange old world isn't it, but business is business I guess and we will continue to spend our money and make the bass and guitar builders happy.To me it says a lot about the power of advertising and how fashions and fads can be created to boost sales,kinda sad actually since we're all part of it.We gladly pay for a reliced bass but we(including me) get a bit testy about a new bass that has a bit of wear from being in a shop...strange old world. Edited May 13, 2016 by Staggering on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 (edited) I don't "get" this relic thing either, but it would not stop me buying the right bass. Immaculate to me would imply perfect frets, neck and electrics with only cosmetic false wear. It is hardly Bass Direct's fault that these basses turn up used for sale. Edited May 13, 2016 by DBerriff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 Definitely not Bass Directs fault they turn up for sale. I'm interested in your (and others) views shared on the term 'immaculate' for a relic bass and what's expected. Immaculate: Perfectly clean Having no flaw or error Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='Staggering on' timestamp='1463147615' post='3049056'] We gladly pay for a reliced bass but we(including me) get a bit testy about a new bass that has a bit of wear from being in a shop...strange old world. [/quote] He he! I know what you mean. Strangely I feel a bass with a few dings feels flawed, but when it's got lots of dings and becomes a heavy relic, I actually then think it becomes rather nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 It is all a bit of cheat, in my opinion. Any scars on my basses are genuine, not that there are many. I had a rule never to get my bass out until our drummer had finished setting up, and to get the bass in its gig-bag before he started packing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='Musashimonkey' timestamp='1463160528' post='3049201'] Definitely not Bass Directs fault they turn up for sale. I'm interested in your (and others) views shared on the term 'immaculate' for a relic bass and what's expected. Immaculate: Perfectly clean Having no flaw or error [/quote] I would say that means the dings / wear on it are the ones done at the factory. Then it is immaculate as it is as new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1463171348' post='3049328'] I would say that means the dings / wear on it are the ones done at the factory. Then it is immaculate as it is as new. [/quote] Yep, me too. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project_c Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 (edited) I feel too nasty saying that, I've deleted my comment.. Edited May 16, 2016 by project_c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 I suppose buying something 'new' that isn't in pristine condition eliminates the worry about sustaining that first scratch or ding. Once it's had a knock or two it's easier to be less precious about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Ive had nothing but good experiences with Mark and the BD crew. They are always my first port of call when looking for bass gear. Ive never met Mark but have spoken to him on the phone and he has never been anything but outstandingly helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 More 'nothing but good things to say' vibes from me here. Mark & Marcus were really helpful when I recently purchased an Xotic bass! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 There's a lot of stuff described as 'ex display'. So why's that? Is it perhaps that there may be a few marks and dings? I've found the bloke so so. Not a fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 My only 'negative' comment is that as the shop has got so popular, Mark has employed staff to allow him to cope with the demand (and deal with the mundane stuff like packaging sold items or restringing instruments). I've known Mark for nearly 10 years, and we have a friendly relationship - when I walk in there with the new guys (some recognize me but not by name) I don't feel I have the same rapport with them and to them, I am just 'another customer'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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