Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Sponsored Forums > G&L Bass Forum
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

G&L Bass Forum Addicts of Leo Fender's latest basses welcome here, as well as those interested in what drives the addiction to the basses from Fender Avenue.


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 09-14-2007, 02:42 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
$1000 Fair price on a L2500 fretless?

Sign in to disble this ad
I have the opportunity to purchase a L2500 fretless for $1,000. It's in great shape except for a dent in the headstock. I don't know the year, but the headstock is a 4/1 configuration.

If $1,000 is too high, what would be a fair price?

Thanks, John
  #2  
Old 09-14-2007, 05:36 PM
Jimtoonz's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Nashville, TN
Supporting Member
Tell us some more about the instrument- color, body wood, does it have any upgrade options(such as flamed maple top, body binding, special neck finish, etc.). At first glance, I would say that $1,000 is a little high. It has been my experience that G&L resale value is poor. That's sad given the quality and performance of the instruments. I think one of the issues is low name recognition. Most people in my own area(Nashville, TN) do not know the G&L name.

Another thing that interests me is that I have seen older L-2500s(4 and 1 headstock) sell for more than more recent versions. I'm not sure why that is unless it is part of some "vintage" mythology that is out there.

Currently, there is a beautiful L-2500 on the bay with butterscotch finish and a GOT "bird's eye" maple neck. That is definitely not standard. In fact, the G&L website says that bird's eye fingerboards are available in fretted only(?). At any rate, the bass has about 4 hous remaining on the auction and the bid is only up to $600 or so.

To make my long story even longer, I would guess(sight unseen and without more info) that I would probably go no higher than about $850 on the instrument you mention unless I was really coveting it. I will tell you that I was able to buy an L-2500 fretless (2003 vintage by my guess) with a non-operative preamp for considerably less than the price you mention. This bass was restored to full functionality by replacing the LM-4250, so it turned out to be a good deal. It's the one at the bottom in this photo:



If you really like the one you are considering, the $1000 might be a fair price with the thought of keeping it for the long run. My point is that you might have a hard time recovering your money if you decide to sell it.

I hope I have confused things enough to be helpful.
__________________
G&L Club #122
5-String Club #8
Fretless Club #11
  #3  
Old 09-14-2007, 06:25 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Thanks for all of the information. It really helped and echoed what I'm thinking. I may offer them $800 and see what happens. The bass looks just like yours except for the 4/1 headstock.

There does seem to be a disconnect with what sellers want to get and what the buyers want to pay.

Thanks again, John
  #4  
Old 09-15-2007, 07:59 AM
Jimtoonz's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Nashville, TN
Supporting Member
John,

That($800) sounds like a decent deal. Post a pic if you buy it. Good luck!
__________________
G&L Club #122
5-String Club #8
Fretless Club #11

Last edited by Jimtoonz : 09-15-2007 at 03:00 PM.
  #5  
Old 09-15-2007, 11:46 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Raleigh, NC
IMO, $1000 is a bit on the high side, considering that used fretless basses often sell for a bit less than their fretted brethren...

I wouldn't go much over $800 unless you really want this bass...
 


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:53 PM.




Copyright 2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Play guitar? Visit our new sister site TalkGuitar.com [beta]
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.