International Bongo pain

[Atomicunderware]

So I want a Bongo 6 HH, I know the specs, I know it is available at a few on-line retailers. But I can't buy it! Music Man do not allow their instruments to be sold internationally by US dealers. So I have contacted a dealer here (UK). Aside from being annoyed at my request, and quoting a price that is really pretty terrible when compared to that of the exact same bass available on-line, they just weren't helpful. I don't know what to do. I would buy now if I could buy from the US, it's in stock, but I have to wait to have it made, and pay a hell of a lot more...seems like discrimination to me. Who does this policy help? I want to buy, yet am prevented from doing so...I might try contacting someone in the US, get it shipped to them, then they can post it to me. Either that, or get a ticket to New York and sort one out, as it would actually work out about the same price to do that. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated...and if Music Man can allow a bass to be sold through a retailer that has it in stock, and does already ship internationally, then let me know. Woodwind Brasswind have it, and ship internationally, so I could buy it today if it would be allowed. If anyone here can assist me, it would be appreciated...heck, if there is a trusted forum member I can have it shipped to, who could send it on to me, then I would consider it. I would send you a paypal payment above the actual shipping of course! This is very frustrating...

 

[Aussie Mark]

if Music Man can allow a bass to be sold through a retailer that has it in stock, and does already ship internationally, then let me know.

Limited editions and anniversary models can be shipped internationally after a certain period of time, I think it's either 18 months or 2 years, but for standard production models I don't believe this is possible - other than via the methods you've already thought of ie. plane trip or drop ship via the US - but neither of those purchase methods will result in you having a valid warranty for dealer service in the UK.

 

[Big Poppa]

Atomic

Like death and taxes this subject comes up.

If marketing, selling, and servicing our products were that easy I would have one dealer.

Our brand would not be where it is without the work of most of our international distributors. They get to predict the future and inventory, they get to pay for advertising, warranty, customer service. THey get to assume the credit risk for dealers and for that they get a reasonable profit.
WHen you subtract the duty, tarrifs, cost of inventory and staff and overhead its pretty easy to see that they are not gouging you. Imported products cost more unless subsidized by the country of orgin

Guitars are not unlike cars or any other imported product. We cannot service you enough even in this viral world.

 

[Atomicunderware]

Atomic

Like death and taxes this subject comes up.

If marketing, selling, and servicing our products were that easy I would have one dealer.

Our brand would not be where it is without the work of most of our international distributors. They get to predict the future and inventory, they get to pay for advertising, warranty, customer service. THey get to assume the credit risk for dealers and for that they get a reasonable profit.
WHen you subtract the duty, tarrifs, cost of inventory and staff and overhead its pretty easy to see that they are not gouging you. Imported products cost more unless subsidized by the country of orgin

Guitars are not unlike cars or any other imported product. We cannot service you enough even in this viral world.

I know it's a topic that will keep coming up...but the thing is, I am not getting any service from dealers here. It makes the brand look bad...and of course I know that's simply not the case. It seems that in this day and age such restrictions are outmoded - once upon a time I had no idea how much a bass would sell for in the US, and so I blindly paid for it, being none the wiser. But now I go on-line, and I see that for $1820 I can have the instrument I want. Even with all extra charges, shipping, tax etc, it will be quite a bit cheaper than ordering through a dealer here. I guess for me it's simple - the product I want is available, and I can buy it immediately, but am prevented from doing so to protect dealers that are unhelpful, and imho overpriced. Buying on-line seems to negate a lot of the arguments in regards to this. Thanks for your response though.

The question remains - if anyone in the US is willing to take delivery for me, and then ship it here, contact me.

 

[silverburst]

Not me.

It is very rude to come to a manufacturer's sponsored forum and ask someone to circumvent their distributorship rules.

 

[Beth]

Dear Atomicunderware,

Welcome to the forum!

Please contact Strings and Things to find a more helpful dealer, as there are more Music Man stockists in the UK than just the one you called.

Strings and Things
tel: 0127 344 0442
MM STOCKIST HOME <---- Music Man dealer list by region

I hope that this helps! Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any more questions.

With best regards,
Beth Johnson
International Customer Service

 

[DTG]

yeah its a pain on this side of the pond dude !! i called 2 dealers in the last 2 months,credit card in hand ready to buy a new stingray and neither even bothered to call me back !! mind you i am really glad because i want to see what this new bass is going to be like !!

 

[azzy_wazzy]

There are good dealers out there. Unfortunately as with anything there are crap suppliers and there are those that will do anything they can (within reason) to help you out.

I agree 100% with Beth - call S&T and they can recommend a really good dealer to you. I appreciate it's a pain in the bum when you want your instrument and it costs way more to get here, but it ensures you get the best support and help as and when you need it.

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks Azzy, darlin!

 

[bassmonkey]

Hi Atomic,

PM me and I will recommend a really good dealer, that I have used several times when I lived in the UK. You will be well looked after by him.

 

[Atomicunderware]

Thanks for your help guys, pm's and calls will be made/sent.

I didn't mean to cause offence to anyone, I am just frustrated...there is in essence nothing wrong with doing what I suggested, but thanks to the help offered I may not have to.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

There are good dealers out there. Unfortunately as with anything there are crap suppliers and there are those that will do anything they can (within reason) to help you out.

I agree 100% with Beth - call S&T and they can recommend a really good dealer to you. I appreciate it's a pain in the bum when you want your instrument and it costs way more to get here, but it ensures you get the best support and help as and when you need it.

+10000000000000 on S&T efficiency

All you need to do is call Pete and ask, now I know you want a 6 stringer Bongo but in case you are interested when I ordered mine on Monday morning I was tempted with a Bongo 5 Blue Dawn colour Limited Edition 2007 available for a very decent price considering it is a Lim Ed. and all. I went for the lava pearl so the blue dawn should still be avaiable if you move quick.

 

[syciprider]

Just come on over to the US.

We have big roads, Messican food, guns, dental care AND overnight delivery of Music Man basses from the dealers who hang out here

 

[Aussie Mark]

Just come on over to the US.

We have big roads, Messican food, guns, dental care

Not to mention David Beckham, beer served colder than room temperature, and sunshine.

 

[Dead-Eye]

Does anybody else think that "International Bongo Pain" sounds like a prog-rock supergroup?

 

[strummer]

Atomic, you already got good advice, and I'll add DaveB, a regular here on the forum, all round nice guy and proprietor of Machinehead Music, Guitar Shop - Where service counts!
He'll sort your wishes out with no problem, though you'll of course have to wait if you want a special (non stock with S&T) colour/pick up combo.

 

[Jornan]

Does anybody else think that "International Bongo Pain" sounds like a prog-rock supergroup?

Or an awesome song!
Think I have to make a song with my Bongo now

 

[Atomicunderware]

Ok, thanks to advice offered, and after a number of calls, I have found a decent dealer. I intend on ordering this weekend, but if anyone has some shots of a sapphire black bongo they could post, that would be great. I have obviously seen all the photos here and elsewhere on line, I am just trying to get the best idea of how it looks...not too 'blue' I hope? As is often the case different lighting makes a massive difference to how the colour comes across in photos.

 

[Atomicunderware]

Also, if there are any more pictures of cabernet pearl, that would be great - deep maroon/burgundy is what I really want (rolls burgundy is exactly right), but it's sadly not a current option...the cab pearl is the closest, but looks brown in some photos I have seen...not good.
It's bloody hard deciding on these things without actually seeing the colours in person...

 

[mynan]

There's two on this page...

http://www.theperfectbass.com/explo...&W=STORE&P=N&S=1001081&U=1&SS=1&CR=N&modify=0