Vigier Guitars

I bought a brand new (at least, that's what I thought) Vigier Excess Roger Glover two weekends ago.
I found out that :
1/ The batteries had expired in March 2012. Usually new batteries expire about 4 to 5 years after you buy them. Does this mean that the instrument has been in shop for all those years ?
2/ It came with a Gator case and not the standard Vigier case
3/ There is a cracking sound when I turn the volume knob, and also in the pick up selector knob.
4/ The plug contact, where I insert the cable, doesn't always make the contact - I need to shuffle it a bit.
 
Serial number is 960548, which indicates that the instrument was made in 96. Hardly believable if Vigier on its website announces its cooperation with Roger Glover since October 2005.
So when was this instrument made ?
Although I'm still happy with the instrument in all other aspects, I'm also - in a way - very disappointed - I feel a bit screwed I must say.
Cedric

HI Cedric,
            Where did you buy the bass - did you pay full price? It sounds like you have some issues, I have asked ptrice to answer you as well. I will try...The bass sounds like it may have been in stock for a while, the Roger Glover Custom series came out in 2008, while the Roger Glover Original followed a year later.
1) We use 9v batteries - these can 'die' if the cable is kept plugged in for long periods, draining the battery. You should replace these with high quality 9v batteries for better performance. There is no set 'life' to batteries in active cirecuits. It will depend on the use, could be a few months to a few years.
2) This is the wrong case and all Roger Glover basses will have been shipped in the specially designed Vigier-Hiscox case. I would consult your dealer to get your case back.
3) I will let Patrice help with this - possibly dust in the pot (can be rectified very easily).
4) The Vigier jack can be sensitive to inferior cables. Use RapcoHorizon cables to be sure - good quality (switchcraft) connectors will work fine.
  As for the seial number - this does not seem corect at all...again, I think Patrice will be able to help with this.
  Good luck to get these issues fixed, and welcome to the Vigier family - even with the small issues, you have a lovely bass that will provide you with lots of enjoyment. 

Hi Ben,
 
Thanks for your answer, very much appreciated.
 
I bought the instrument in Oostende (Belgium), Rudy's Music Shop and paid slightly less than what the Vigier Calculator indicated - but still hefty.
I have send a message to the shop requesting an original case, but am waiting for the answer.
The serial number is really a very particular issue I have the impression.
Thanks for the follow-up !
Cedric

Regarding the serial number on Excess basses, it does not give the year date. This bass is from september 2007 and this is why there is no case, at that time our instruments were delivered with a gig bag.
Regarding a problem with the pots contact your dealer to fix it.
For the rest Ben answered perfectly.
I hope you enjoy your bass, it is a GOOOOOooooood bass.

Thanks very much for the clarifications, very much appreciated. 
 
The shop has send a message that they had it in store for an amazing 4 years. 
 
Best,
 
Cedric