Quote:
Originally Posted by tehuti  I was in the Lake Forest, CA GC on Saturday and saw a used blue L2500 for $599. At that price I assumed it was a Tribute but it didn't say Tribute on it anywhere that I saw. Isn't that quite a bit low for a USA L2500?  |
If it's the bass I think it is, you may want to avoid it. I've seen it (some weeks ago) and have had hands on it. Opaque blue, right?
1. It's a USA neck on an Indonesian Tribute body. The switching, ferrule countersinks, jack inset, and color are all Tribute.
2. Look carefully and you'll see a small crack in the headstock. IIRC, it's near either the B or G tuner and runs with the grain.
3. The headstock carries what is probably a valid USA serial number, though it appears odd because it has one less character than usual. As is the norm for USA basses, there is no "CE" conformity sticker anywhere on the neck (it would be on the back of the headstock, but only on the Tributes).
Outside of the crack, which you really have to look for, it's in visually excellent condition. However, I did not play it, nor did I test intonation. If any wood had to be removed to get the neck to fit, it was done very well. Intonation might be an issue and should be carefully checked with a tuner (strobe preferred).
I did make them aware of the mixed heritage of the bass, but that's about as far as it went. The price was $599 when I saw it.
Based on pricing, they almost assuredly had to have known that it was a mixed bag when they took it in trade. A used USA L-2500 in that visual condition in GC would be stickered at $1200 or so - maybe more. $599 is about right for a used Tribute in GC, but notably high for a private party sale. The fact that it's of mixed heritage reduces value in my eye.
If I had a few extra bucks, I'd offer 'em $200 and negotiate no higher than $250. Then I'd strip it for parts, keeping everything but the neck (due to the crack).
But that's just me.
Ken...
