Ok, so half-way through building my first PBG kit (GSF-1) and I've started playing bass again jamming with some mates, so figured I would also build myself a bass. Only, I figured I would rather buy a finished body and neck, adding hardware and so on, so essentially I would be making a PartsCaster P-Bass. I did look at what PB had to offer first, but didn't want a neck that I would have to carve to make the headstock. And I also wanted a lacquer finish rather than wax/wood as I already have a bass like that.
So, I found a nice Surf Green body at Guitar Fetish, and ordered it along with two of their pick guards, as I couldn't decide which one would look better. As the pick guards are reasonably cheap, what the hey, get two.
So the package arrived on Friday. First thing I notice is that there is a small dent in the body on the edge just above where the strap button would go (bridge end). Damn. It's small and not very noticeable but my stupid OCD brain will hate that forever. Here's a shot.
Secondly, and this is the show stopper for me, is that neither of the two pick guards fit properly. That is, if I line them up so that it fits correctly around the neck pocket, the routed channel for the pots and output socket isn't covered. Yes indeed FFS.
Here's a couple of shots:
I will upload a few more shots in the next post, as it only allows five per post.
The cost of the body and pick guards was ~$80US. Postage was roughly the same. So with conversion to AUD, about $220. Yep.
So here's my dilemma:
Do I send it back, at my cost, probably for around the same ~80 to 100 AUD to get them to replace it or refund (doubtful whether I would get my shipping costs back)?
Or do I just keep the body and get a custom pick guard made and try to ignore the small ding? It's already cost me too much so is it better to try make do with what I've got, or try get some satisfaction out of GF? I hear they're not great at customer service.
Stay tuned, I will be back with part two in a minute....
Reply With Quote