"B-stock" question

[DougM]

I've noticed a number of online stores currently offering what they refer to as "B-stock" products from Roland. It's my understanding that "B-stock" means that they have been purchased directly from Roland but may contain minor cosmetic flaws. They do come with full manufacturer warranties. My question is have any of you purchased any "B-stock" items? What types of flaws did you notice. Are they a good deal or is it something to stay away from?

[Drummersdad]

Originally posted by DougM:
I've noticed a number of online stores currently offering what they refer to as "B-stock" products from Roland.

Doug - the definition usually means factory reconditioned/repackaged. In actuality it often means a blow out of excess inventory. My guess is that the sudden burst of Roland activity is simply a "white sale". They have gone to purple and red V-drums and Xpanded TD-10 as "standard" and all the "B" stock are leftovers. Here is what ZZounds.com sent me in a mailer last evening. I bit and bought a $249 PD-120 for my son's snare. I'll let you know how it goes. ZZounds.com appears to be down this moment, but here is what I recall:

$2599 V-pro sets: http://www.zzounds.com/index.music?a=em061901

$1179 TD-10's http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=...10B&a=em061901

$249 PD-120's http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=...20B&a=em061901

$219 PD-100's
don't have link....

[Drummersdad]

Here is the $219.95 PD-100 "B-stock" link at zzounds.com: http://www.zzounds.com/love.music?p=...=1094155551245

[rudi-mint]

Drummersdad:

Thanks for the tip! I just ordered a pd 120. for 249.


Kurt

[Drummersdad]

Kurt- Being nearer to Chicago, you will probably get yours first, so report back to the group on the condition. It has a full warranty and is returnable, so no downside that I can see. My guess is that it will be new in every way. Fingers crossed. Howard
ps - looks like they are already out of stock on a lot of the Roland Vdrum equipment. It went fast!

[This message has been edited by Drummersdad (edited June 20, 2001).]

[rudi-mint]

Originally posted by Drummersdad:
[B]Kurt- Being nearer to Chicago, you will probably get yours first, so report back to the group on the condition. B]

will do!

Kurt

[Drummersdad]

Well, I got the Zzounds "B" stock PD-120 for $249. I was all wet about unloading excess "white" inventory by Roland. The drum was dusty, head stained, cone worn and rubber chewed. I really hope that others got a better product. I wrote to Zzounds for assitance and I'll report back how they handle it. I doubt they looked at it before sending, since I have only had good experiences with them. Roland should have
donated these to schools or something

[cliff]

Drummersdad,
Was the pad "factory sealed"? Was there Roland tape only on the box? It sounds to me like you got a "c" stock item. "B" stock usually indicates a complete factory recondition where perhaps a minor scratch or blemish could be expected but nothing as bad as you described.I would expect they would at least replace the head. I contacted Roland concerning the "b" stock sale and was told in no uncertain terms that they never supplied vendors with anything but "a" stock. At any rate I would contact Roland directly about this matter and see what they suggest.Sorry you got ripped.

[Jimmy C]

I bought a "Refurbished" ddrum kit from Musiciansfriend.com and it was a joke. Severely scraped cymbal pads, stripped assembly on the bass drum plate, broken stand (although that was probably in transit), used heads, no manual, crappy packing job, etc. Well, they took it back without any fuss at all, but the point is that "Refurbished" or "B-Stock" doesn't mean squat. Buyer beware.

[Drummersdad]

I knew I was taking a gamble. Zzounds is going to send me a return UPS slip - so no expense or major harm - yet they made no attempt to apologize or to get me a good product either. I too called Roland customer support and they swear they don't sell B-stock to anyone. Besides, I would have called this "C" stock for the Cheeseburgers someone ate over it while playing it hard for at least 6 months. Looks like the store units you see at my local Guitar Center

[rudi-mint]

I received my b stock pd120 the other day, and I quess I was lucky. The drum is in excellent condition. I am very happy with it. sorry to here others were not so lucky.

Kurt