Understanding Our Open Box & B-Stock Program
If you've browsed our Open Box & B-Stock collection, you may have wondered exactly what you're getting at that discounted price. Here's everything you need to know.
What Does "B-Stock" Mean?
At Steve Weiss Music, "Open Box" and "B-Stock" refer to the same thing: a product that can't be sold as brand new, but is otherwise in very good condition. You'll typically see these items marked (B-Stock) in the product title.
A B-Stock item usually falls into one of these situations:
- Opened or missing original packaging — the item itself is unused, but the box has been opened, damaged in transit, or is no longer available
- Minor cosmetic blemish — a small scratch, scuff, or mark that doesn't affect how the instrument or gear performs
- Customer return — purchased, then returned to us in like-new condition
Most of our B-Stock inventory comes from customer returns. Occasionally we'll also offer trade show demo units that are still in excellent shape.
What B-Stock Is Not
B-Stock is not the same as our Used & Demo Gear. If an item has more than minor cosmetic wear, has been used regularly, or doesn't meet our standard for "very good condition," we list it in Used & Demo instead — usually at a steeper discount, with details specific to that item's condition and history.
We don't currently apply formal grading tiers (like A/B/C) to B-Stock items. If it's listed as B-Stock, it means our team has determined it's in very good, fully functional condition — otherwise it would be in the Used & Demo category.
Photos
We strive to provide photos of the actual item whenever possible, so you can see exactly where any cosmetic marks are before you buy. In some cases, we may still be using the standard product photo instead.
If you have a question about the specific condition of a B-Stock item before ordering, contact us or call 1-888-659-3477 — we're happy to describe or photograph the actual unit.
Returns & Warranty
B-Stock items are covered by our standard return policy and full manufacturer warranty, just like a new item. There's no reduced return window and no loss of warranty coverage — you're getting full protection at a lower price.
One of a Kind
Because B-Stock inventory comes from returns and demo units rather than new stock, each item is typically a single, unique unit. Once it sells, it's gone — we can't reorder the exact same piece. If we receive another return of the same product down the line, it may appear again under the same product listing, but availability isn't guaranteed. B-Stock is first come, first served.
Why Buy B-Stock?
You get the same product, the same warranty, and the same return policy as buying new — at a meaningful discount, in exchange for a cosmetic blemish or opened packaging that has no impact on how the item sounds or performs. For students, educators, and working musicians looking to save on gear, it's one of the best values on our site.
Browse our current selection in the Open Box & B-Stock collection.