Selling an Expensive Bass in a Small Market

[bassface747]

I've decided to sell an almost new instrument that I purchased and then realized was not the right instrument for me. Trouble is, I live in an extremely small market 3 hours from the next largest city, and even farther from any concentration of bassists. i've just started to get the word out - I have yet to advertise it online - but what are the best ways of selling in such a small market? I want to sell it for what I bought it for ($15k), since it is in even better playing condition after having some work done on it. How likely is it in your experience that I can make my investment back?

[TheSuzie]

If you can't manage to sell it yourself, you may have to put it on consignment at a shop in a larger city so that more people can see it. IME selling a DB is almost always a crapshoot unless you are willing to sell cheap.

Best of Luck,
S

[bassplayer57]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

If you can't manage to sell it yourself, you may have to put it on consignment at a shop in a larger city so that more people can see it. IME selling a DB is almost always a crapshoot unless you are willing to sell cheap.

Best of Luck,
S

I would put it on consignment too.

[LeftyDan]

I recently placed three Rick's in a local guitar store -each one was valued over two grand each , two sold quickly but the one I took back had deep scratches on the back where someone had played the guitar without making sure their belt buckle or whatever would not damage the back . Am I being anal ? Perhaps . But you run the risk of people who cannot possibly afford to purchase your fine instrument being permitted to play it..While I would like to think that a smart shop owner would be more discerning about whomever wishes to play/touch your instrument - the risk is there . I would try e-bay -a serious purchaser may be willing to travel to audition and purchase . NEVER SHIP AN ITEM THAT EXPENSIVE UPS OR FEDX GROUND !! ONLY NEXT DAY AIR -if at all ..
You could also advertise specific magazine that pertains to your instrument . Good luck .

[Steve Swan]

Definitely consign it in a shop that has a track record with instruments of that caliber. They'll have the traffic and contacts to move it fairly quickly for you. They will also be careful to allow only qualified people to play your instrument so there will be little chance of any mishap in the store.

One caution, though. If they are planning on any work or setup before it goes out for sale, make sure that they'll do it in a timely way. I've had two unfortunate experiences with very well-known shops that were quite disappointing that way.

[Mr. Jiggy Fly]

I'm sorry to say, but $15K for your bass (the Romanian one, correct? I read about it in another thread I think) is an unrealistic goal. If one can buy the bass new for that much, I highly doubt that they will buy it at that price "used", even with work done on it. Thats my theory on it.

Like others have said, consign it, or try to trade it for one that you do like. Trades are (in my opinion) much easier to get your money's worth.