Buying a Stingray from Amazon?

[mgb71]

I'm looking to buy a new Stingray but live 3 hours from the closest MusicMan dealer. I ordered my last Stingray from Musician's Friend, but they aren't stocking the new one I want (4H, 3eq, natural, maple, black pg), nor does the dealer 3 hours away. I've also checked Bass Central but they don't have the exact one that I want either, and a custom order will take months. Amazon is listing one in stock at a very good price, but I have some reservations about ordering from them (books and CDs are one thing but a Stingray is another).

Some concerns are:
- The product description doesn't mention whether it is a 2 or 3 eq (although the photo shows a 3 eq) or whether a hard shell case is included (all MM instruments come with hard shell cases right?).

- Where is this being stocked? (i.e. humidity controlled warehouse)

- If it shows up with a warped neck how much hastle would it be to return it through Amazon?

- Customer support can't seem to answer these questions, which isn't a surprise since they aren't an instrument specific retailer.

I'm just wondering what other people's experience and/or opinion is on buying a Stingray from Amazon.

 

[Mogee]

Check the Perfect Bass online store.

 

[bovinehost]

Check DuBaldo, check the Perfect Bass, check our online dealers, who are WAY smarter about these things. (Also edited your price quote, thanks for understanding.)

 

[Colin]

call Pete at Dubaldo Music straight away! that bass would be a 3 band for sure

 

[mgb71]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'm checking out some of those online dealers.

Amazon is at the top of the authorized dealer list on the EB/MM website. I guess they wouldn't be an authorized dealer if they were doing a poor job of selling MM instruments, right?

 

[Aussie Mark]

Amazon? Sounds like a sick joke. "Read Bass", anyone?

 

[oli@bass]

I think Amazon is the only dealer that has a gorgeus Ice Blue StingRay 4 HS in their listing.

 

[R Upsomegrub]

Amazon is also the only place I've seen online (with the exception of Bass Central) that offers a Sterling 5 HS. I'll admit I've been tempted, but for many of the reasons stated already, I'm leery of it.

 

[Sweat]

While i have never purchased from them, i know someone who did(non EBMM) and had no issues, plus Amazon is a large company thats most likely not going to screw you.

plus they are an authorized dealer, and you need to look close as some of the stuff listed is sod outside Amazon.

With alll that said, i still prefer our forum dealers who have been mentioned.

 

[Big Poppa]

WE are about choices and Amazon is a fabulous dealer....seriously

 

[OldSchool Noob]

WE are about choices and Amazon is a fabulous dealer....seriously

I'm not surprised by this in the least. Amazon is a quality outfit and they didn't get to be one of the world's largest online retailers by accident. I'd buy from them with no hesitation.

 

[mgb71]

I just got an email back from Amazon customer support. While they couldn't give me any more description on the instrument listed (i.e. 2 band or 3 band eq), they did tell me that their warehouse is humidity controlled. They actually referred me back to the EBMM website for product info.

I'll wait until tomorrow to see what some of the other dealers have in stock, but I'm feeling better about Amazon now after hearing from Big Poppa.

 

[five7]

No doubt!

 

[phatduckk]

amazon is amazing. their customer support is top notch. + with their "prime" subscription you can get anything delivered "1 day" for an extra $4.00 - 2 day delivery is free.

So a new Stingray w/ next day shipping for an extra $4 & no tax (in CA at least) with a dealer that has awesome customer support... i see no reason not to use them (assuming they can verify the specs are to your liking).

 

[Basspro]

I'm not surprised by this in the least. Amazon is a quality outfit and they didn't get to be one of the world's largest online retailers by accident. I'd buy from them with no hesitation.

+1000
I have ordered from them (not a guitar) and have no problems what so ever. They have a big warehouse 50 miles from where i live, and know a few people that work their. They are pretty reputable.

 

[Mogee]

I would say there is an extremely high probability that it is a 3 band.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

I too have a question for BP in relation to Amazon, they sell the 25th Anniversary guitars and basses and they show it as "In Stock". Is that a fact? Because to my knowledge every other dealer both here in the UK and US say there's a waiting list and these are not likely to be shipped until after Xmas, does Amazon actually have 25th Anniversary models in stock?

Thanks in advance

 

[RitchieDarling]

I recently ordered an Æbleskiver pan from Amazon.com

It arrived in perfect condition!

Then again, it's just a great huge chunk of iron...........


Never mind.....


R

 

[Subscript]

I too have a question for BP in relation to Amazon, they sell the 25th Anniversary guitars and basses and they show it as "In Stock". Is that a fact? Because to my knowledge every other dealer both here in the UK and US say there's a waiting list and these are not likely to be shipped until after Xmas, does Amazon actually have 25th Anniversary models in stock?

Thanks in advance

Amazon is a huge online retailer that keeps very good track of their stock. Often when I'm looking at an item it'll say "only three left" or something similar. If they say they have it in stock, I would trust them.

 

[phatduckk]

here's the thing with amazon. they stock and carry a lot of stuff - but they also serve as an e-commerce front for many other retailers.

for example. check out: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Music-Man-Anniversary-Electric-Fretboard/dp/B002AXPBVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1255318388&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: Music Man 25th Anniversary Electric Guitar, Hardtail w/ Quilt Top Maple Fretboard: Musical Instruments[/ame]

it says "Ships from and sold by Musician's Friend."

Now - they also stock MM's. see: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Music-Man-Humbucker-Fretboard-Pickguard/dp/B001ISKNWI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1255318509&sr=1-3]Amazon.com: Music Man Stingray Four, Single Humbucker, Black,Maple Fretboard, Black Pickguard: Musical Instruments[/ame]

here you'll see it says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com". On items that they stock i'd 100% believe it if it says "in stock" or "2 left". Also - if you browse around you'll notice the titles mention the fretboard type as well as whether or not the instrument has a matching headstock.

they've really got it together as far as logistics, inventory & all that goes. if the item is shipped from another retailed (like Musicians Friend) it's possible there's a lag in the inventory systems syncing.