Factory Fresh NIB Bass???

[Jules]

Good news/bad news...

I didn't get the funds to cover the bass and the other matters I was dealing with, so it's a no-go for the moment. Good news is that I am intent on buying and will do a layaway once I find someone that will let me put a factory fresh one on layaway and pay it off before the axe is ready to ship from the factory. Haven't done much digging yet, but I plan to have a plan in about 3 weeks.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Why are you so interested in a "fresh one" as you saying? There is no such a diff between 2012 and older basses. Even is the bass was in the warehouse for 5 years it is still new)

 

[Jules]

Good news/bad news...

I didn't get the funds to cover the bass and the other matters I was dealing with, so it's a no-go for the moment. Good news is that I am intent on buying and will do a layaway once I find someone that will let me put a factory fresh one on layaway and pay it off before the axe is ready to ship from the factory. Haven't done much digging yet, but I plan to have a plan in about 3 weeks.

I get that. My interest is for two reasons.

A) Having it in production would buy me some time to get it paid off.

B) I have a real affinity for buying something I think was made for ME!

C) If Sterling Ball decides to retire next year, the bass could one day be one of the last of the "Ball Era" before the company was bought out by Samick and production moved to the bottom of the Dead Sea.

I meant most of that quite tongue in cheek, but I have always been a little fickle about things. That said, I spend my money and pay my bills so if I want to buy something, I kinda like it like I want it. When I find a dealer who will hook me up (haven't really looked yet) he'll very likely sell me tons of gear. I'm inclined to buy a PDN every year just to sit on and pass on to my Daughter one day. I have a wish list a mile long.

 

[Gravesend Black]

I get that. My interest is for two reasons.



C) If Sterling Ball decides to retire next year, the bass could one day be one of the last of the "Ball Era" before the company was bought out by Samick and production moved to the bottom of the Dead Sea.

That scared me out xD

 

[Jules]

I found someone willing to order me one. I'll get it going mid-month and post pics and a video when it arrives. Apparently, it isn't a big deal to ask for what I wanted.

Not having alot of experience with the bass, I want one that I am sure is set up just right out of the box, and then I can keep it in check. One that has been on the wall at the guitar store, or one that may have been exposed to some climates changes for a while may not have the same integrity without an adjustment, and I just want to know that I am starting off with things optimized.

May sound like alot of hot air, but that's alright as long as someone wants to take my money

 

[Gravesend Black]

If you want the bass right from the box and nobody touched it before you, I do not think that bass will adjusted well. You'll still need somebody experienced to optimize it.

 

[Jules]

OK. I am going to learn to keep my fickleness to myself, I hope. I have taken a bit of flack from you over wanting a NEW bass.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Nothing wrong with wanting a "factory fresh" bass. But, you will have to wait, and you will pay a premium, as opposed to when you pick up a "gently used" bass. You will however get the exact specs that you want within the options given. Generally though I think just about any store would want to open the box and check out the instrument to make sure it's good before giving it to you. that's another level of QC, as no company is perfect. There are also shipping issues to worry about, the neck may have shifted due to climate change, etc etc etc.

Even when I get a used guitar that is already set up nice, it takes me a bit to get it exactly how I want it.

 

[drTStingray]

Jules, ordering a new bass is what a lot of people do - then you get your choice of spec/colour etc. I read that Marcus Miller was no exception - people told him he should get a pre CBS Fender, but he said he wanted a brand new one with a new case - and that was his 77 Fender.

There's something great about receiving a brand new Musicman bass - like a new car, the whole feel and experience has some magical quality.

As for set up and finish when received, I live in England so all three of the new MM basses I've bought have been shipped part way across the world - all three were received with perfect fit and finish, as factory spec - you have nothing to worry about Jules - other than the growing GAS pains whilst you wait for it!!

A pity you couldn't pick up that retroburst one - gorgeous colour.

 

[LawDaddy]

I bought a new Big Al SSS off Amazon a few years ago, and it arrived still in its plastic bag, sealed in box.

I get what you mean, it was really cool knowing your the first person to open it. Very cool, especially since the bass was a gift for my daughter.

But, then I bought an Albert Lee guitar off the GC wall last month, and taking it home and cleaning up the abuse was satisfying in a different way, like getting a rescue puppy.

 

[Gravesend Black]

I
But, then I bought an Albert Lee guitar off the GC wall last month, and taking it home and cleaning up the abuse was satisfying in a different way, like getting a rescue puppy.

Great comparison)

There is something to buy used to. When you buy used - it's already a person with it's own history. The traveler on the way.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Great comparison)

There is something to buy used to. When you buy used - it's already a person with it's own history. The traveler on the way.

Yeah, I like that analogy. Also if you want some things, like maybe a 20th or 25th anniversary, now you will have to go used.

I like used things because they are "pre-dented". This way when I put a dent on it, I won't have to tear my hair out. Also, used basses need love too.

 

[Jules]

I appreciate all the input. In my years of drumming I had spells of buying used, and buying new. Unless I am buying something with some real age and heritage to it, I like buying new. Once I have bought my new axe, I will likely be interested in buying PDN's just to hold on to for posterity, and maybe a few used ones once in a while.

 

[Golem]

.........


C) If Sterling Ball decides to retire next year, the bass could one day
be one of the last of the "Ball Era" before the company was bought
out by Samick and production moved to the bottom of the Dead Sea.

.......

That scared me out xD

Don't loose a whole lotta sleep over it. Sterling Ball is certainly not
the youngest generation involved in the Ernie Ball family business.
EBMM's future seems to be in capable hands [specially if you're into
weird green paint jobs ... ]


`

 

[Jules]

I wasn't too seriously concerned with the future of Ernie Ball, but there is the underlying uncertainty of what business transactions are likely to transpire.

All in all, my comment was intended in far less than serious tone.