is it hard to sell a bass in the states due to the crisis?

[ekspain]

Hey friends.

I'm thinking about selling my English bass in the states. Its a little on the big side for me. I'm kinda not that tall, and my bass is, well...English. Its amazing, and has been valued at 90k. Is that too big a price for most American bassists? Would Europe be a better place for selling it?

Thanks

[Dave Irwin]

It's kind of like selling a house. It only takes one buyer but with the economy and weak dollar it's probably going to be tough. I've no idea about conditions in Europe.

Good Luck,
Dave

[Jason Sypher]

I get the feeling it's the same in Europe. You just have to find the right buyer. Post the bass in the classifieds with some photos. We'd love to see it.

[SoonerMatt]

If it's worth 90k then I don't even want to imagine the added cost of overseas postage and insurance. But hey, you might get lucky; a few years ago the Houston Symphony's first chair cellist needed a new cello and spent $4500 on airfare looking before he dropped close to $200,000 on one.

[Ed Fuqua]

And e-mail Paul Warburton (here at talkbass), he's looking for a big bass.

[MIKMAN]

Dear ekspain i live in Greece but i travel quite often in Europe and i know that there is a market for your magnificent bass in our continent. I know some bassists in various high level European Symphony Orchestras who could possibly buy such a bass. Some of them are members in our forum, so if they are interested they'll be in contact with you. IMHO the European market is in better shape than the US market for high level instruments.
Good luck
Mike

[Alex Scott]

I think you might want to sell things in Euros and buy things in Dollars if possible, Doing the opposite is rather painful.

If you put it on consignment, it will cost you 20%.

I would talk to some dealers though, and see who can move an instrument like that.

Don Robertson comes to mind immediately in the states,
http://www.robertsonviolins.com/

These guys seem to have a great inventory in that price range and above in England, I almost made it to their shop last year but didn't have time.
http://www.contrabass.co.uk/home.htm

Networking to different symphonies and different players you know to socialize that you are selling it is probably a great start.

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

And e-mail Paul Warburton (here at talkbass), he's looking for a big bass.

PM sent.
Thanks, Ed.

[ekspain]

yo Alex!

Did you check musical chairs. Gilles is selling his Laborie. I think its a good one, you may want to check it out. I think its slightly less expensive than buying straight from the maker...