Chinese Yamaha - Do I pull out?

[Daveee]

Advice please guys.

 

I've paid for a Yamaha Motion bass from a reputable seller in Australia. The advert indicates it was made in 1999. 

After paying for it I asked for the serial number out of curiosity. The seller has sent photos and explained that he misinterpreted and it is actually a 2007, quite possibly an innocent mistake.

It's one of the last made at the Hangzhou factory in China.

I know there's a big debate about whether Chinese made instruments are inferior.

It is ideal for me being medium scale, 37mm nut and very light at just over 3kg, apparently in excellent condition.

 

I'm a relative novice. Can wiser heads give opinions on whether I go ahead?

 

Thanks

Dave

 

 

[Beedster]

Are you based in Aus? If you're in the UK, courier and import costs will be quite high and if there are any further issues with the bass and you have to return it you could find yourself out of pocket. Seems a bit odd that a reputable seller got the year of production wrong which does make me wonder if they've made any other errors? I don't know the model, but in other model/ranges an 8-year difference in manufacturing dates can mean a significant difference in quality and value

[Steve Browning]

I have to agree with my honourable friend. Given the cost of it (incl taxes) I would be inclined to bail on the deal and wait. May be fine but, as Beedster says, a difference of almost a decade can mean a big difference in quality.

 

Similarly, that is an opinion based on gut and zero knowledge of Yamaha basses.

[Daveee]

Yes, I'm UK based. Appreciate shipping isn't cheap. I pressed the button as finding a lightweight, medium scale with slim neck in excellent condition isn't easy.

 

Is 1999 necessarily better than 2007 manufacture?

 

It's a Yamaha Motion B

 

Thanks. 

[Sean]

Yamaha quality is very good and there will have been Yamaha QA requirements in the specification for the manufacturer. 

I've never owned a Made in China Yamaha but this is one of the more highly regarded brands for quality. 

I guess there are good photos of it? They won't tell us everything but we could have a look, there are some eagle-eyed techy folk on here who can determine a lot from a few photos. 

[JJMotown]

Yamaha's are Yamaha's no matter where they are made. It will be a well made bass regardless.

[chris_b]

You can buy fantastic basses in the UK, so put the taxes etc into the pot and buy one here. Get extra value by finding a good used bass.

[bassbiscuits]

On one hand I have three Taiwanese made Yamahas from the early 2000s and they’re all excellent instruments. No issues with stuff being made in China. 
 

On the other hand weighing up the significant cost of shipping and tax etc, and buying unseen from the other side of the world, it might be easier to keep looking for something local with the money you’ll save.  
 

[BlueMoon]

Four or five Yammy Motion basses from the 90’s on sale here: https://guitarshop.es/categoria-producto/bajos/bajos-electricos/page/2/ 

 

I believe these were made in Taiwan

 

These are all around the €500 mark. You’d still have shipping from Spain and import costs to the UK though.

[Daveee]

 I really appreciate your help folks.

 

After some thought I've decided to back out. In fairness the seller processed a full refund within minutes of me requesting it.

 

The combination of buying on the strength of photos and shipping costs swayed it.

 

Shame as it looked ideal for me. Where do I find a medium scale bass, slim neck, around 3kg in the UK?

 

Thanks again.

 

Dave

[Cornwall Steve]

2 hours ago, Daveee said:

 I really appreciate your help folks.

 

After some thought I've decided to back out. In fairness the seller processed a full refund within minutes of me requesting it.

 

The combination of buying on the strength of photos and shipping costs swayed it.

 

Shame as it looked ideal for me. Where do I find a medium scale bass, slim neck, around 3kg in the UK?

 

Thanks again.

 

Dave

I share your frustration Dave. I've found myself in a similar position earlier in the year. But looking back, I have no regrets - indeed I may well have dodged a bullet. Perhaps you may have too!

P.S. I own 5 Yamaha basses. I love 'em though in my experience the pick ups can be disappointing.

[Maude]

Firstly, all Yamaha basses are excellent quality. At any given price point you get more than your moneys worth.

 

As for other options, off the top of my head as I own one, a Warwick Starbass. I have the Rockbass (budget) version, 32" scale, lightweight being hollow (semi?), slim neck front and to back and I think it's a 38mm nut, maybe 40mm.

I think it looks great, the pickups give a great range of tones, a great all rounder. 

 

This is the one I bought,  Starbass

 

Link seems to keep linking to this page, I've given up trying 😁

Edited 1 hour ago by Maude