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Thread: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

  1. #1
    Forum Member OldStrummer's Avatar
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    Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    I've been misbehaving again, and surfing the web. Always a dangerous practice for me! Out of curiosity, I went to several guitar sites and was checking out their sales bins. There could be some real bargains there, if one knows what they're after!

    I've purchased many-a-computer from the "scratch and dent" or "refurb" section, and have never been disappointed (I'm typing on one now!). I have purchased used guitars off Reverb, but there the sellers are quite open about the issues, and post photos, an engage in email exchanges, so one has a good sense of the product before buying.

    But what about the major sites like GC, Sweetwater, AMS, CME, Zzounds who simply have a catch-all description. Here's AMS's for example:
    Minor Blemished Products are items that have been returned in excellent condition with very minor cosmetic blemishes, allowing you to get great gear at a discounted price. In fact, many times our customers have difficulty finding the minor blemishes at all! These products are 100% inspected and tested to guarantee functionality. They include all components, manuals and the full Manufacturer's warranty unless otherwise stated, along with the AMS 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Special offers, promotions and rebates may not apply. The following manufacturers do not offer a warranty on Minor Blemished products: Casio, Ampeg, Avalon, Chauvet, Electro-Voice, Gibson, Ibanez, Mackie, Peavey, PreSonus, Taylor
    There are Martin guitars with up to 34% off in the minor blem category. That could be a pretty good deal if someone was in the market!

    So, what's your experience?

    (My personal reason for asking is that Ibanez Artcore AG95QA I posted about is $552.49+$50 s&h on Reverb, but $549.95+free 2-day shipping in the blem box at AMS. Is it worth saving $50 and not getting a warranty? Or spend the extra and get Reverb's protection?)

  2. #2
    Forum Member Laker's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    Many years ago I purchased a Gibson ES-347 that was marked a blem from the Gibson plant. The only way you could tell that it was not a top quality instrument was that BLEM was stamped under the serial number (think that was it, it’s been around 30 years ago) on the back of the headstock.

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    Forum Member DanTheBluesMan's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    I've bought gear that was b-stock, mostly effects, rack stuff, monitors. None of it was ever a problem.
    "Live and learn and flip the burns"

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    Forum Member ch willie's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    My Ibanez Tube Screamer amp was listed as a refurb. In this case, it simply meant that someone got it, didn't want it for whatever reason , and returned it. When I got it, it was packaged as if no one had ever opened it. No blemishes, nothing wrong with the electronics. I might feel differently about buying such a guitar on reverb or ebay--unless they have a lot of top ratings.
    If we'd known we were going to be the Beatles, we'd have tried harder.--George Harrison

  5. #5
    TFF Stage Crew
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    I have bought a ton of my studio gear as B-stock or demo items. Sweetwater is great for that. None have arrived with any noticeable blemishes. It's a great way to save money.

    I've bought one or two guitars that way over the years, and, again, never had a problem.

  6. #6
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    My 2017 ES-335 was one of the close out "floor models" from CME a couple of years ago. It's been a really nice guitar. No issues. It's not a "blem", "B-stock" or even an "open box" (other than for CME to put their sales info in the case), and definitely not a "floor model".

    I had an Epiphone Elitist ES-335 that was a MIRC closeout guitar. I didn't buy it first hand, but it was also a fine guitar.

    I've had a couple of Fulltone "blems"- a Supa-Trem and an Octafuzz. I couldn't find the blems.

  7. #7
    Forum Member phantomman's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    The only way I'd buy a blem, factory second, or scratch-and-dent piece of equipment is if I could personally examine the specimen prior to purchase.
    "When injustice becomes law then rebellion becomes duty."

  8. #8
    Forum Member CoyotesGator's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    This one.

    https://www.thefenderforum.com/forum...er-wrong-thing

    No issues.

    I did end up swapping the pickups out - Normal for me.

    I would definitely make sure there was an excellent return policy I were to do it again.
    What happend?
    Who let the magic smoke out?

  9. #9
    Forum Member gibsonjunkie's Avatar
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    Re: Anyone Ever Bought a Blem, B-Stock, Open Box, or Closeout? Your Experience?

    When Fender sold Guild I bought a couple "B Stock" acoustics and they are amazing. They had some "A" Stock guitars on closeout and I bought one of those too. I did buy two of them unseen, but it was with the provision I could return them if I was not happy... I was happy!
    Last edited by gibsonjunkie; 05-28-2020 at 01:54 PM.
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