New bass finish expectations

[SteffH]

Hello everyone, I bought my husband a bass for a milestone birthday that's coming up soon. He's left-handed, doesn't like pick guards or the standard fender type colours and wanted 4 strings - so choices were limited! I found a Sire M5 Marcus Miller at Andertons and it was delivered today. I've just checked it over and there is a small divot in the clear coat at the top which, to be fair, my husband probably wouldn't notice. Of more concern is a 15mm hairline gouge on the upper side of the fretboard. It's visible and you can feel it. 

Is this normal for a new guitar? It was not sold as 'B stock' but both 9v batteries are dead. I know nothing about Sire but this bass got good reviews for quality. Is this damage to the fretboard repairable? Should I ask for a repair/ replacement? Thank you.

[MuddBass]

That definitely doesn’t look right for a new instrument, especially one not listed as B stock. Are you sure the batteries are actually dead? It might be worth trying a fresh pair first, just to rule that out / a wider electrical fault?

As for the gouge on the fretboard, that shouldn’t be “normal” on a new bass. If it’s something you can feel easily, I’d say it’s fair to either seek a replacement or at least ask the retailer for a partial refund - especially since it’s a milestone gift. It’s reasonable to expect a new bass it to arrive in new condition. I’d contact Andertons, explain the issues clearly (photos help), and see what they offer. In my experience, they’re usually pretty good about resolving things.

[ezbass]

That's not good for a non B stock instrument and dead batteries is another no-no. Anderton's are really good guys, raise it with them and I'm sure they'll sort it soon as.

[SteffH]

 

23 minutes ago, MuddBass said:

That definitely doesn’t look right for a new instrument, especially one not listed as B stock. Are you sure the batteries are actually dead? It might be worth trying a fresh pair first, just to rule that out / a wider electrical fault?

As for the gouge on the fretboard, that shouldn’t be “normal” on a new bass. If it’s something you can feel easily, I’d say it’s fair to either seek a replacement or at least ask the retailer for a partial refund - especially since it’s a milestone gift. It’s reasonable to expect a new bass it to arrive in new condition. I’d contact Andertons, explain the issues clearly (photos help), and see what they offer. In my experience, they’re usually pretty good about resolving things.

Thanks for the quick reply. I put in some fresh batteries and it worked so the ones in it were dead - perhaps the circuit was left on from the factory. 

Aside from the damage the bass does look good for the money. 

I noticed Andertons don't have any more in stock so I wonder if they will repair it? I'll ask them. 😊

[SteffH]

7 minutes ago, ezbass said:

That's not good for a non B stock instrument and dead batteries is another no-no. Anderton's are really good guys, raise it with them and I'm sure they'll sort it soon as.

Thanks for the reply. I will contact them. It was all packaged up like new so I don't know if it's been on display but it was not advertised as B stock. 

[Frank Blank]

I received a brand new bass from Andertons this week, no cosmetic issues but the battery was dead.

[mybass]

As far as I am aware battery power does not switch on (bringing power to the onboard 'active' tone controls) until a guitar lead is inserted into the bass's jack socket, completing the 'active' circuit within the bass. The bass should still work as a 'passive' instrument when batteries are flat or not connected.

 

[SteffH]

15 minutes ago, Frank Blank said:

I received a brand new bass from Andertons this week, no cosmetic issues but the battery was dead.

I suspect the circuit of this bass was switched on while in storage unless it was a display model.  

[Frank Blank]

1 minute ago, SteffH said:

I suspect the circuit of this bass was switched on while in storage unless it was a display model.  

 

It still had the wrapping around the strings and came from the warehouse rather than the shop so I'm assuming it wasn't ex-display.

[SteffH]

9 minutes ago, mybass said:

As far as I am aware battery power does not switch on (bringing power to the onboard 'active' tone controls) until a guitar lead is inserted into the bass's jack socket, completing the 'active' circuit within the bass. The bass should still work as a 'passive' instrument when batteries are flat or not connected.

 

I did plug it in and it worked in passive mode, but not active, with the batteries it was supplied with. I put new batteries in and the active circuit worked. So it was either left switched on while in storage or it's a display/return item. 

[SteffH]

Just now, Frank Blank said:

 

It still had the wrapping around the strings and came from the warehouse rather than the shop so I'm assuming it wasn't ex-display.

Good point. It was wrapped up in the manufacturers box. 

[Frank Blank]

1 hour ago, SteffH said:

Good point. It was wrapped up in the manufacturers box. 

Yes, I noticed yours had the same string wrapping as mine.

[Inga]

yeah that's definitely odd, would get in touch as you've done, but andertons are top guys so hopefully you get it sorted in time!

[LeftyJ]

First off: What a wonderful gift, these are great basses that punch well above their weight. Sire have quickly earned a reputation for well-built instruments with impressive fit and finish, and their necks with rolled edges are really comfortable. I'd say that's a really good choice!

 

18 hours ago, mybass said:

As far as I am aware battery power does not switch on (bringing power to the onboard 'active' tone controls) until a guitar lead is inserted into the bass's jack socket, completing the 'active' circuit within the bass. The bass should still work as a 'passive' instrument when batteries are flat or not connected.

 

 

This is accurate. If the batteries were drained while in storage it may have faulty wiring, causing a short that engages the preamp even when no lead is plugged in. I would address that with Andertons too. 

[SteffH]

8 hours ago, LeftyJ said:

First off: What a wonderful gift, these are great basses that punch well above their weight. Sire have quickly earned a reputation for well-built instruments with impressive fit and finish, and their necks with rolled edges are really comfortable. I'd say that's a really good choice!

 

 

This is accurate. If the batteries were drained while in storage it may have faulty wiring, causing a short that engages the preamp even when no lead is plugged in. I would address that with Andertons too. 

Thanks - it does look like a lot of bass for the money and I hope he will be pleased with it. I have contacted Andertons asking for a replacement or repair and await a response. I mentioned the batteries were dead but didn't mention the possibility of faulty electronics. When I tested it with new batteries it didn't seem to do that much when messing with the controls so you might be right.

It's now out of stock so I hope they offer to repair it rather than refund it. 

[SteffH]

18 hours ago, Inga said:

yeah that's definitely odd, would get in touch as you've done, but andertons are top guys so hopefully you get it sorted in time!

I have submitted a support ticket so let's see what they say. 😊

[SteffH]

Hmmm, I just received this from Andertons:

 

"Repairs like this aren't very economical to repair and sometimes impossible due to the nature of them! We can arrange for a replacement or I'd be happy to offer £30 in Andertons points if you'd like to keep the bass. This can be spent on our website! 
I'd also be happy to recommend another bass if you'd like?"

 

£30 store credit is not helpful. If they offered a discount to cover repairs by a local tech that would have been better. 

I assume a luthier could repair the fretboard gouge? 

I will ask for a replacement with the same model.

If they cannot replace it with the same model what would people suggest as an alternative (at similar value) given my husband doesn't like pick guards, fender colours, or more than four strings?