Lazybirdpete Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I've just taken delivery of a Fender Squire VM modified 70s NT from Thomann. It plays great but one of the volume knobs isn't sitting square. I've tried swapping them over and the problem remains so the spindle is bent or set in at an angle. Obviously this is for Thomann to sort out but just thought I'd enquire to see if this is something that happens a lot and if there's an easy remedy so I can avoid the faff of sending it back. cheers Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Depends how far off kilter it is; I bought an old bass off eBay and one pot had a similar issue but it was only a little off true and I bent the spindle back vertical - the pot itself worked fine which I assume is the case with yours too? Anyway, since yours is new and just in case you make things worse you're probably better telling Thomann - they might suggest a discount if you accept the instrument as is or send it back and wait for a replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Have decided to return it: although a few quid off would be nice, I think that wonky knob would always piss me off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Fingers crossed the next one will be fine - the Squier VMs are very playable basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Is the knob definitely set square in the hole? Might be worth taking it out and making sure it's all smooth around the area - a 5 minute job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share Posted January 9, 2015 [quote name='ead' timestamp='1420792373' post='2653380'] Is the knob definitely set square in the hole? Might be worth taking it out and making sure it's all smooth around the area - a 5 minute job. [/quote] yes I did think about that but then thought I might mash up one of the screws or scratch the plate and if that wasn't the problem I'd then have a hard time convincing Thomann to do an exchange. I did pop into my local guitar and bass shop who said they've seen it quite often, the result of a knock in transit. Anyway it's gone back now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afterimage Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 Good luck with replacement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 Just heard from Thomann that they have shipped the replacement. Please Mr Postman, be gentle with my new baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 20, 2015 Author Share Posted January 20, 2015 Just received the replacement F/S VM 70s jazz bass from Thomann - can't believe it but the front pick up on this one doesn't work at all!! Quality control seems to be an issue with these basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SingleMalt Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Third time lucky maybe? That's pretty poor to be honest, do they ship from Germany? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 20, 2015 Author Share Posted January 20, 2015 No I'm giving up with Thomann, getting a refund. They seem to have all the dodgy Squier stock! Yes they ship from Germany. I might go to a local shop instead but this experience has put me off F/S so I'm having a rethink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SingleMalt Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I was going to suggest requesting that they check the bass next time before shipping, but I totally understand being put off. I'll probably never buy another ESP (or LTD for that matter) because of a similar experience. Still might be worth trying one though, may change your mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 (edited) Ah, that's a shame! Those Squier VM basses are fab, honestly Try getting one second-hand on here, or a local shop Whenever I sell something, I'm always worried about what might happen in the post.... especially as a bass I bought a few years back was badly mishandled, and sustained slight damage Of course, both these basses may have been sent out faulty, from the Squier factory But I find it hard to swallow, that you had 2 duff ones in a row ....maybe Thomann actually buy "seconds"? - to keep costs down? Hmmm EDIT: I meant to add, good luck with buying your next bass Edited January 20, 2015 by Marc S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 [quote name='Lazybirdpete' timestamp='1421760641' post='2664617'] No I'm giving up with Thomann, getting a refund. They seem to have all the dodgy Squier stock! Yes they ship from Germany. I might go to a local shop instead but this experience has put me off F/S so I'm having a rethink. [/quote] Would it be worth opening it up and seeing if its just a lose wire? I know you shouldn't have to, and principles being what they are i can understand your feelings, but if its an easy fix then it saves the hassle of getting refund and going off to the shops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Squier & other 'budget' instruments tend to have crappy cheapo pots that eventually go scratchy & sockets that lose their spring so I always swap them out for CTS & switchcraft* so they're less likely to fail during or just before a gig. A bent shaft on the original pot of a squier wouldn't worry me as it won't be staying on the bass for long. * except my squier VM SS jag bass which has all EMG gubbins now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Neither of my CV's have had any issues with pots or wiring (that i haven't caused). In fact my 7 year old CV Jazz has the smoothest pots ive ever used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I've got two Squiers, one bought sight unseen from a UK retailer which has stores and an online presence and the other from another BCer on here - no problems with either of them. Bought a Vintage V4 P bass online that was horrible with numerous faults and that got sent back immediately for a full refund. YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 20, 2015 Author Share Posted January 20, 2015 Well its gone back already. My local guitar shop is supposed to be getting a couple of VMs in next week and they are only about £10-15 more expensive than Thomann and I can try before I buy so that may be the way to go.Thanks for the comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 20, 2015 Author Share Posted January 20, 2015 PS Marc in both cases the packaging was intact so unlikely the damage occured in transit from Thomann to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazybirdpete Posted January 21, 2015 Author Share Posted January 21, 2015 Finally bought a VM that works, from my local guitar shop Mansons: only £12 more than Thomann and that includes a free 6 month set up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='Lazybirdpete' timestamp='1421847809' post='2665677'] Finally bought a VM that works, from my local guitar shop Mansons: only £12 more than Thomann and that includes a free 6 month set up! [/quote] There's a moral there somewhere... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1421848476' post='2665692'] There's a moral there somewhere... [/quote] Yep, you pay more if brought from a shop ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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