What's it worth?

[Mike]

Hi guys, sorry in advance for the long post.

I've played guitar for about 20 years, and have been thinking about getting a bass for the past couple of years. I don't know many bass players. I know there are a lot of bass players here. I'm hoping some of you can give me some insight on the price of a used bass.

The bass is a 2005 MIM Fender Standard Jazz Bass, sunburst. It looks pretty much like this. It's been sitting in the pawn shop for a while-- I first checked it out 3 weeks ago. I checked it out again today. It does have some issues.

It looks like it has been dropped. Down below the jack, there is a chunk taken out of the finish down to the wood, about the size of a dime, and spidering out to about the size of a quarter. By the curve near the bottom of the "F" on the headstock, there is a divot. There is a chip of paint near the neck pocket that probably popped off when it fell. Other than that, it is in pretty good shape, minus a few minor scuffs and scrapes on the back.

The neck is in great shape, nice and straight, and the frets look like they have never been played. The setup is terrible. The action is way too high. The strings need to be replaced. The nut looks to be cut too big for the strings that are on it. I can fix all that.

It's listed at $350. Three weeks ago, their "better price" without even asking was $250. Today, their "better price" without even asking was $225. Obviously, they don't give their bottom price right off the bat.

They had three guys that "really know guitars" beat me up on price. They compared it to the new price, and I pointed out that is for a new instrument with a warranty, this one is used, dropped, and damaged. Told me the damage was no big deal, I countered with the fact that it had been dropped, so I was taking a risk on it. I mention that I've seen them go on Ebay for $250 for the same bass with just regular wear, they countered that I have to add shipping. They even casually mentioned that the original owner had pawned it, picked it up, and then pawned it again, so I pointed out that they already made money on it.

They asked what I wanted to pay, and I low-balled them at $150, citing all the problems and the cost to fix them. They countered with $200 + tax, so $214. They said they wouldn't move any more, so I said it was too high, and took off.

Now, I want this thing but I still think that is a bit too high for a slow-moving, damaged bass. Then again I've never bought a bass, or a used instrument. But their final offer can't be only ten bucks less than their walk-in asking price. I'm thinking I am going to go in there tomorrow with $175 cash, put it down, restate my case, and ask them to sell me the bass, tax included. Maybe they'll take it.

Am I totally off-the-mark here on price, all things considered?

Thanks,

Mike

[The4455]

'Tis a good deal, who cares what it looks like if it it's crap, the MIM fenders have come up in uality over the years. I'd get it.

[modernage]

Yeah, $214 doesn't seem unreasonable to me. But then again, what do I know? I'm a guitarist.

[Noise...]

I'd skip it just because of the damage. I can't stand chipped poly finishes, and like you said, quite honestly, you can snag ones with normal wear and tear for $250 on ebay.

[counterdestroy]

i would pay $200 for it, not much more than that though.

[snipelfritz]

They had three guys that "really know guitars" beat me up on price. They compared it to the new price, and I pointed out that is for a new instrument with a warranty, this one is used, dropped, and damaged. Told me the damage was no big deal, I countered with the fact that it had been dropped, so I was taking a risk on it.

I first read this as "I countered with the fact that they had been dropped." That would have been awesome.

It seems like a decent deal. Did you actually plug it in and play it? If you're lucky, the guy who pawned it used it as a hiding place for drugs while he went to jail, and forgot some in there the second time he pawned it. I hear crack makes excellent shielding. Seriously, if you want a below-average quality, used bass, this is a good deal.

[Mike]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, I did plug it in and play it for about 20 minutes, but what do I know. The last bass I played was a double bass in my high school orchestra, back in the mid-90s... heh. It played nice to me, resonated well, and felt good, considering the action was very high and the intonation was a bit off on the E string. They had the local classic rock station playing at this shop, so I found myself playing along to Sweet Home Alabama and... cliche alert... Stairway to Heaven.

The damage on the finish sucks, but it doesn't bother me too much. The wood underneath doesn't look damaged, so I could see myself stripping it down, and clear-coating it with nitro lacquer. I think I am more using it as a bargaining point. My other option in my price range is to order something like an SX from Rondo, or a Rogue, and I'm not too keen on either of those.

I will be using it for home recording. I'm a bedroom player, and don't plan on being in a band in the future. Most of my guitar playing is blues, classic rock type stuff, and I guess progressive type stuff. I'm looking more to get classic tones, and not anything too far out there.

So it doesn't seem like $175-- the most I can really afford right now-- would be too out there for a price, I suppose I will go get exactly that much cash tomorrow, and try to buy it. If they don't bite, I'll just leave my phone number, and hope they call.

I hate negotiating with pawn shops, and I hate negotiating for used stuff. My last good deal at a pawn shop was a like-new Peavey Delta Blues that was marked at $350, and I bought it for $200, so I guess this is right in the range. I'd much rather negotiate for a new car than a used bass.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

Mike

[colin]

$214 seems like a decent price, but I think you've got to go with your gut feeling on it. If you're wary of buying it, don't. Other deals will come along, and you could always save up for a month or two and find one you feel better about. Sometimes it's worth paying a little bit more, even if all that buys is peace of mind.

[Mike]

Thanks Colin. Indecision may or may not be my problem.

I've been looking for a bass for a couple of years now. In the mean time, I've started this little pedal building habit, and if I don't get a bass soon, it will eat up all the money I've set aside for music stuff for the year. I'm working on paying off my debt, so if I blow through this money, I'll end up having to wait another year.

Buying at pawn shops never feels right. Dirty, sleazy places. I do the rounds once a month or so, and have only ever seen a couple of basses that caught my eye. Our local music stores suck, so it's either pawn shop, or Ebay.

Mike

[mauerkraut]

Hold tight on your offer, I bet they will bite. And it's probably worth it, long as the dings don't get to you, which I wouldn't care in the least.

[Mike]

I just stopped in there, cash in hand. Told them I talked to a few bass players, and everyone pretty much agreed it should be between $150 and $200. I asked to split the difference. Set $175 in fives and tens on the counter, and said it is all I can scrape up. They said that $200 was their firm price, plus tax. I left my number and took off.

I stopped for gas, came home, and they left a message. $187.25 is the new price, which is the $175 I offered, plus tax. This is kind of fun, so I'm going to wait a few hours, call, thank them for the offer, but hold firm on my price.

Doing some research, they likely paid between $75 and $105 for it. They're still making money on me at my price. This shop doesn't sell a lot of guitars. I'm in the south-- they make their money on guns, tools, and jewelry.

Mike

[nieh]

I would have paid $200 for it. I think scratches and paint chips add character.

[Mike]

Yeah, I think I hit their bottom. $175 plus tax... $187.25.

I think I'm going to go get it tomorrow.

Thanks guys,

Mike

[Achtane]

Nice!

[modernage]

NBD for Mike tomorrow!!!