One last post on this, then like Rory, I'm out ...
Alan, eBay isn't a supposedly respectable dealer. If the dealer who is supposed to be your information conduit tells you it's an SC, then what are you supposed to do? Call another dealer? Call Santa Rosa? The dealer is Santa Rosa's local presence and shouldn't by slipping things by people.
Bob, you're right, Ebay is not the most reputable dealer. One is at the mercy of someone on the other end selling something that is difficult to verify independently as to authenticity, condition, etc. I knew this when buying the RD, and took a calculated risk I thought was acceptable. It turned out it wasn't, and now I have an instrument that required work to make it playable (which it now is, and it's awesome. It's Gibson's Alembic, if there is such a thing!).
The dealer in question here posts photos of their instruments online. Most of the ones they have on their site as SCs have clear pics of the electronics (knobs, switches, etc.). If I were going for a SC deluxe, and saw Europa switches on it, I'd ask the question. How would I know to ask? By going to the Alembic site, playing other Alembics if possible and comparing, etc.
I agree the dealership in question shouldn't be slipping things by folks, but if my experience with them is any gauge, it's not something they do (or did) deliberately or regularly. Could be a simple oversight on their part. In the end, if the instrument pleases the customer, that's all that really matters. If it doesn't for any number of reasons, then there is a problem. If the dealer hopes to earn repeat business (and hence stay in business) it will work with the customer to resolve the source of the problem or dissatisfaction with the product. If it doesn't, it probably won't be in business much longer as word of their customer service gets out. In the case of Alembics, word spreads pretty fast from what I've noticed here in the Club. I've not heard too many folks say good things about Ed Roman, for example, but have heard many speak platitudes about Bass Central, Superbass.net, and Bass Northwest. I also know that many here have used those businesses for Alembic purchases, and were quite happy with them. So these guys must be doing something right.
We're not talking about commodity items, a used Alembic in a generic shop, or a private deal here. The Alembic dealer should go beyond the norm to ensure that a buyer is satisfied. It should be the equivalent of shopping for Mercedes or BMW instead of a Ford. When you're paying $3K+ for a basswhen the typical instrument sells for under $1K, you deserve personalized service at a higher standard.
Speaking only for myself, I don't care whether it's a Ford Focus or a Ferrari Enzo. If I'm spending money numbering in the thousands, I ask questions, verify, etc., and expect that the dealer respect the fact I'm plunking down what is, for me, a lot of money. Once you hand over that check, save warranties, guarantees in writing, etc., you are stuck with the item. Sure, there are some legal recourses, but for the most part you own it. When I bought my Dodge truck two years ago, before I finalized any paperwork I went over it with a fine toothed comb. And I expect the same attention to detail and personalized service from a Dodge dealer as I would from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. As I see it, I'm putting down a large chunk of change (in my case $20K+). The dealer knows this, and if they want my business should remember that. If they don't, I go somewhere else.
In the case of the SC Essence, yes, they should provide the information up front. They should treat the potential customer well. But no more or less than they do for any of their other instruments, IMHO, if they are to be consistent across the board in terms of sales experience, truth in advertising, service after the sale, etc.
The way I see it, if you buy a Fender, and the experience was good, you will be more likely to go back to that dealer and purchase another product or more expensive product. If the experience was bad, well, you'll most likely go elsewhere, regardless of how much you paid in the first place. In this case, the buyer may indeed go elsewhere for their next bass purchase based on all of this, and that is their choice.
And I agree with Dave that it's never a good thing for either the business or the customer if the business uses an unethical practice to sell goods. What I was trying to say is that unfortunately this occurs too often, not only with musical instruments, but with lots of other goods and commodities. Eventually, word spreads and that purveyor suddenly finds a drop off in business. Which, of course, for consumers is a good thing. Many thanks to Dave for clarifying this! :-)
Finally, For Rory ..
Glad I could create a little excitement for you. Wait a minute, you need no excitement ... you have a Series!
And I'm spent ...
Alan
