Custom Jazz Bass Sonic Blue with matching headstock, Duncan pickups and high end parts £890

[eubassix]

[size=3]Acquired this ‘[b]Custom Jazz Bass Sonic Blue with matching headstock, Duncan pickups and high end parts, [/b]made for (sic) a renowned luthier* of my country (Spain) with top-notch components’ recently in a trade:-[/size]
[size=3][url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258146-custom-jazz-bass-sonic-blue-with-matching-headstock-duncan-pickups-and-high-end-parts-traded/page__p__2724808__hl__blue%20jazz__fromsearch__1#entry2724808"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2724808[/url][/size]
[size=3]But, for some reasons(s?) it hasn’t quite met my needs or expectations. So am listing at the same price, as is the current norm on BC, although I’d be happy to see the back of it so open to offers/trades of what you think it might be worth (PM's please). Specs are included in the OP (link above) and, although I have none of the requested details re. the body & neck (so unable to verify) I can confirm that the bass is relatively light (8.6lbs) and that these are examples of the high-end parts :-[/size]
[size=3][url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301372230995?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1436.l2649[/url][/size]
[size=3][url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301372272077?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1436.l2649[/url][/size]
[size=3]Also that it does have SDJV pickups and a new Fender case:-[/size]
[size=3][url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141203624842?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.u...K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url][/size]
[size=3][url="http://www.dv247.com/cases/fender-pro-series-bass-hard-case-black--217090"]http://www.dv247.com...e-black--217090[/url][/size]
[size=3]Plus some additional photos (below) which might shed some light on the finish, additional (?) hole for the neck p/up cover, cavity/wiring (etc.)[/size]
[size=3]It was initially unplayable when received (after almost 2 weeks) but after some truss-rod work etc, is now playing nicely. Action is low /even (although the radius of the neck of unknown origin does feel a bit odd on a Jazz; might suit some players who prefer a ‘flat’ profile) and sounds fine. Everything is working OK and I was assured that “this Jazz is absolutely amazing, [being] put together by Loueiro, a Galician luthier that worked for Jerzy...... [and that] it is far superior in every sense to my old, white 69J (pictured) and cost £450 more than the asking price (so that’s some £1340)…..”[/size]
[size=3]Luthier (I think, although never confirmed):-[/size]
[size=3][url="http://www.mijoart.com/talleresdearte/web/blog/2013/03/25/cesar-loureiro-luthier/"]http://www.mijoart.c...ureiro-luthier/[/url][/size]
[size=3]… whom I did try to contact, but no response as yet[/size]
[size=3]Price (any) includes Courier and box of other parts.[/size]

[eubassix]

[b][i][size=6]B[/size][size=7] u[/size] [size=5]M[/size][size=8] p[/size][/i][/b]

[eubassix]

jesus... looking at these very nice/recent examples, I appear to have been well-and-truly'........d :-
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/259053-fs-jazz-parts-build-fender-hipshot-nordstrand-now-l420/
http://basschat.co.uk/topic/260484-custom-fender-gold-jazz-block-bound-p-neck/
...... should've gone to SpecSavers (?!)

[wayne severn]

wow by the looks of it i have to agree! beautiful looknig bass though, whats put you off it so much? and whats the lee way on the price?

[desmondpot]

Oh, ouch.

[MM Stingray 62]

That's shocking can the MODERATORS not do anything for you.
I would give them a try good luck hope you get it all sorted.

[eubassix]

[quote name='wayne severn' timestamp='1429688036' post='2753856']
wow by the looks of it i have to agree! beautiful looknig bass though, whats put you off it so much? and whats the lee way on the price?
[/quote]
Hi Wayne - thanks for the interest/query. I will PM re. price.
In the original post (OP) it does look like a beautiful looking (and sounding, from description & specs.) instrument.
However... if you look at my photos (plus those here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258438-as-bad-as-it-sounds/page__fromsearch__1) it might become (more) obvious why I'm not happy.
The finish is appalling (when photographed properly - this was not done in OP, neither was it mentioned !) - yet the instrument is claimed to be the work of one of Spain's top luthiers. Looks like it was done by the guy next door in his shed. I simply don't believe that this is the work of such, who apparently (claimed) worked with Jerzy Drozd. Well if he did (and constructed/finished this bass), then it's easy to see why he is no longer working for JD !!
The parts are described in the title and throughout as 'high end' or 'top notch'. I didn't recognise or scrutinise them (based on trust and J's previous record) but once I received the extremely disapponting instrument (in terms of the trade/value) I did some research; as you can see from links (above) the bridge + tuners are valued at £8.98 (ebay/China).
I did ask for a simple reversal of the trade. J claimed that he had already traded my Stingray Classic (within 48 hours, having offered various trades from early March) for this (for his band) : http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/pa-live/detail.asp?stock=11113012030032 (so, about half the value of the EBMM SRay Classic !?!) - which I also can't believe. J not prepared to accept the bass back and pay me the o/s £890. Only offer was to send some 'better' tuners and bridge (not difficult, as they were only £8.98 it seems).
Bass arrived very late and was initially unplayable. Had to spend time sorting. Now plays well and, from a distance, and to the uninitiated, looks quite pretty.

[dannybuoy]

What can I say except... GLWTS?

[karlfer]

I need to be careful what I say here, but it is a real shame the circumstances David has found himself in.
I doubt I would have shown such restraint and dignity.
GLWTS
bump.

[cameltoe]

[quote name='eubassix' timestamp='1429777986' post='2754747']

Hi Wayne - thanks for the interest/query. I will PM re. price.
In the original post (OP) it does look like a beautiful looking (and sounding, from description & specs.) instrument.
However... if you look at my photos (plus those here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/258438-as-bad-as-it-sounds/page__fromsearch__1) it might become (more) obvious why I'm not happy.
The finish is appalling (when photographed properly - this was not done in OP, neither was it mentioned !) - yet the instrument is claimed to be the work of one of Spain's top luthiers. Looks like it was done by the guy next door in his shed. I simply don't believe that this is the work of such, who apparently (claimed) worked with Jerzy Drozd. Well if he did (and constructed/finished this bass), then it's easy to see why he is no longer working for JD !!
The parts are described in the title and throughout as 'high end' or 'top notch'. I didn't recognise or scrutinise them (based on trust and J's previous record) but once I received the extremely disapponting instrument (in terms of the trade/value) I did some research; as you can see from links (above) the bridge + tuners are valued at £8.98 (ebay/China).
[/quote]

This sounds like misrepresentation. Surely the mods can act on this?

[tom1946]

Man that's awful, I hope you get a resolution.

[Travis]

Wow, that control cavity...jeez.

[eubassix]

[quote name='desmondpot' timestamp='1429689785' post='2753871']
Oh, ouch.
[/quote]
.. you feel my pain, Desmond....
[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1429778205' post='2754755']
What can I say except... GLWTS?
[/quote]
[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1429851649' post='2755513']
Man that's awful, I hope you get a resolution.
[/quote]
Thanks Danny / Tom
[quote name='Travis' timestamp='1429852632' post='2755514']
Wow, that control cavity...jeez.
[/quote]
Yes ... you'll notice that this top luthier work is NOT shown in the OP photos (or mentioned at all in the description). Also, the neck-p/up cover is always fitted, so as to conceal the bodged fitting (extra screw hole, which extends right through into the body).
Re. Mods (who have been involved) - will answer this later as unsure what I might be OK to say (have asked but no response) and don't want to get anybody (including myself) into trouble or to have posts removed.

[ped]

Unfortunately there's nothing we can do about someone buying a bass and finding out it's not up to expectation. As ever make sure you get some good pics and meet face to face if possible.

The mods have acted as a go between and some ground has been made but it's not something we offer other than as a favor to the parties concerned. Generally we are successful in reaching a satisfactory conclusion but both parties have to be willing to negotiate, naturally.

GLWTS

ped

[eubassix]

[quote name='marleaux62' timestamp='1429692437' post='2753905']
That's shocking can the MODERATORS not do anything for you.
I would give them a try good luck hope you get it all sorted.
[/quote]
[quote name='cameltoe' timestamp='1429818077' post='2755348']
This sounds like misrepresentation. Surely the mods can act on this?
[/quote]
[quote name='ped' timestamp='1429879122' post='2755903']
Unfortunately there's nothing we can do about someone buying a bass and finding out it's not up to expectation. As ever make sure you get some good pics and meet face to face if possible.
The mods have acted as a go between and some ground has been made but it's not something we offer other than as a favor to the parties concerned. Generally we are successful in reaching a satisfactory conclusion but both parties have to be willing to negotiate, naturally.
GLWTS
ped
[/quote]
Appreciate the contribution / rationale Ped, but as I see it the photos in the OP were deliberately misleading, the description (with omissions) deliberately selective, and it's hard to meet face-to-face with somebody from Spain. The Mods have acted as go-between, but fail to see what ground has been made. The seller is unwilling to reverse the trade or to accept his bass back (... I wonder why) or to make any offer other than replacing the top-notch (£8.98) tuners/bridge. I'm not sure how this.... " looks to be as good a compromise as wer're going to be able to agree here chaps"....(Mod); more 'fait accompli'.
The intial Mod(s) response (prior to even seeing my photos etc):-
[size=4]"The consensus of the moderator team is this -
Upon inspection it appears that Javier sold the bass without misrepresentation; the pictures in the original advert clearly show the quality of the refinish, the headstock decal and the hardware used.
While some of the hardware was described as "Fender" it is clear that they are Fender-style parts......."
I have been criticised for using the term 'condoning'[/size] but if I'm being wished GLWTS and the deal is viewed as being fair, then it appears that any unscrupulous BC member can use similar photos and selective description (further endorsed by the seller, who has simply refused to respond to me since 12th and conveniently deleted the PM conversation) with impunity.
I do appreciate why you don't like this sort of conflict on the Forum but I'm only trying to be open and honest, so hope my post will not be removed (as others have been).

Edited April 24, 2015 by eubassix

[ped]

Sorry David but you saw the same pics we did and legally there's nothing we can do to help. We've tried, but that's all we can do. Please continue any discussions by PM as it isn't fair on the seller for this thread to be turned into a debate which should be happening in private.

Cheers
ped

[eubassix]

OK Ped, will drop you a PM.
Wouldn't want to be unfair to the seller, who has obviously made great efforts to put things right.
Confused though by ref. to photos, as that was one of the issues/comparisons.
Cheers
david

[karlfer]

This sit's really uncomfortably with me.
David's feedback is exemplary.
So is Javier's up to this point.

If I had received that bass I would have been disappointed.
If it had been in this country I would probably have tried to sort it face to face.

One thing is sure, although we can only see one side of it, in my mind it has cast a cloud of nervousness over future trades/sales.
As a confirmed "ooooh, purdy/shiny, must buy" weak willed magpie gear whore, this makes me think twice about buying.
Not selling, as even in the VERY unlikely scenario I do sell a dog, I will offer to do what I can to put it right.

I don't want to get in trouble and really it's none of my business, but I'm going to PM a Mod.

And.............
Bump.

[Thunderbird]

Things like this are why if I spend a lot of dosh I always use paypal ( not gift) at least it is a safety net really sorry the bass you got is a sh*tt*r hope you can sort it out mate I do feel for you I have been messed about twice on here as a buyer and the mods were superb at sorting it out but I am very selective about who I buy and sell to on BC which is a shame as it is a great place just a shame a few "dodgy" members abuse the place and trust of other honest members I really hope you sort this out maybe better off breaking the bass for parts?

Edited April 26, 2015 by Thunderbird

[eubassix]

[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1429816368' post='2755324']
I need to be careful what I say here, but it is a real shame the circumstances David has found himself in.
I doubt I would have shown such restraint and dignity.
GLWTS
bump.
[/quote]
[quote name='karlfer' timestamp='1430032540' post='2757173']
This sit's really uncomfortably with me.
David's feedback is exemplary.
So is Javier's up to this point.
If I had received that bass I would have been disappointed.
If it had been in this country I would probably have tried to sort it face to face.
One thing is sure, although we can only see one side of it, in my mind it has cast a cloud of nervousness over future trades/sales.
As a confirmed "ooooh, purdy/shiny, must buy" weak willed magpie gear whore, this makes me think twice about buying.
Not selling, as even in the VERY unlikely scenario I do sell a dog, I will offer to do what I can to put it right.
I don't want to get in trouble and really it's none of my business, but I'm going to PM a Mod.
And.............
Bump.
[/quote]
Sorry Karl, I seemed to have missed you when responding to previous posts. Thanks for the positive comments and concerns (beyond this particular deal).

[eubassix]

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1430034165' post='2757183']
Things like this are why if I spend a lot of dosh I always use paypal ( not gift) at least it is a safety net really sorry the bass you got is a sh*tt*r hope you can sort it out mate I do feel for you I have been messed about twice on here as a buyer and the mods were superb at sorting it out but I am very selective about who I buy and sell to on BC which is a shame as it is a great place just a shame a few "dodgy" members abuse the place and trust of other honest members I really hope you sort this out maybe better off breaking the bass for parts?
[/quote]
Some sound advice T'bird, but the seller in this case had excellent FeedBack, including from me (!). Seems he's had a recent change of approach and personality - my FB was pnly Sept(14) and it's good/excellent up to March of this year; but I understand that's he's been up to similar scams of late in his native Spain (details forthcoming). I'd think about breaking it for parts, but the parts aren't any good (apart from pickups & bell-plate/pots) and far from the 'top-notch' as described.