Maybe They Just Don't Wanna Sell It...

[Brent's Groove]

Where I live, music stores are few and far between...and are all owned by the same people. It's kind of like a local franchise (or monopoly, whatever you wanna call it). Anyways, they've had this used honeyburst/maple L-2000 in rotation from store to store for a few years now, but the price has stayed the same the entire time. Honestly, I can't believe nobody has bought that bass, nor can I belive the price has been a firm $975 for at least three years, at least. I've played it--it's 100% fine.

Question number one: What would be a fair price for me to ask for that bass?

Question number two: Seeing as my local music "fran-opoly" isn't a G&L dealer, how much is the street price for a new, no-frills L-2000 AND an SB-2 (I've been jonesin' for one ever since I learned they existed). The reason I'm asking is because I want a little leverage...the price of the SB-2 is simply 'cause I may end up saving for one.

-Brent

[lildrgn]

Street price on a new SB-2, American made, is anywhere from $1199 to $1399 or so (actual G&L experts may want to chime in).

Used SB-2s on the 'bay are anywhere from $500-$800.

I got my used SB-2 from eBay for $535 + shipping.

I just made an offer on a new black Tribby SB-2 and am waiting on a response.

No idea about the L2K.

[Rob L]

I'd say walk in with 900.00 cash and see if they bite.

As far as street price for a one new, 1100-1300 (no frills). 975.00 is not out of line at all for a L-2000 no frills w/case. That's a great bass at a good price.

[Chef]

I respectfully disagree on the value of a used L2000.
I've seen them go from anywhere from $500 (yes, for USA models) to $800 on the high end.

[spideyjg]

What Chef said. Offer $800 if it really trips your trigger.

Search some Evilbay completed auctions and quote those. Don't expect them to budge though.

There was a nice used, fretless, lined cherryburst 2K in a GC and despite having a dead preamp they wouldn't budge off the sticker which was only $100 less than the an identical bass new.

Jim

[quickervicar]

I had a similar experience at a local motorcycle dealer. Used bike worth $3500 sitting in the showroom for 2 years with a $5000 price tag on it. I wanted it & asked the owner what the bottom line was. "We need to get $5000 out of that bike." Noooo, you needed to get $4700 out of it 2 years ago. It was still there last time I checked.

If they don't take $900 cash then I don't think there's much hope for them. How about declaring to the manager that you'll offer them $25 less each month that you stop back to check in on it? ("hmmm....that stupid thing's costing us $1 a day just hanging there.")

[Rob L]

Originally Posted by Chef

I respectfully disagree on the value of a used L2000.
I've seen them go from anywhere from $500 (yes, for USA models) to $800 on the high end.

I agree with you Chef completely. After reading it again, I do need to pay a bit more attention. I guess I was answering the 2nd question plus thinking the bass he found for 975.00 was new. When really Brent was asking street price for a new one not the one for 975.00.

I'll go crawl under my rock now

Rob

[Chef]

shoot, no worries bro!

[Jimtoonz]

A really nice L-2000 should have no problem commanding a price like that....BUT...

Go in there with a lowball offer and raise it some if there is any willingness to negotiate on the part of the dealer. Perhaps you can "meet in the middle".

OTOH, some retailers do not understand the concept of inventory turn and its role in operation of a profitable business. They subscribe to the old-school thinking that margin must be preserved at all costs. In reality, they will enjoy much more profit over the long haul if they turn the merechandise at a smaller margin but repeat the cycle many more times during the year. If they are content to let that piece sit there year after year, collecting dust, then there is nothing you can do except take your business elsewhere.

[Chef]

Jim, is yours still f/s?
That one was worth that kinda jack...

[ustabawannab]

I recently sold my natural L-2K here for 750 shipped and purchased a 2 year old display model L-2500 from an East coast dealer for 895 shipped. It went through an entire ebay auction with an opening bid for 875 and no takers. I snagged it before he relisted.

I realistic. I expect its finish to be swirl city and have fret edges that could saw through a 2x4, but after owning my purchased-used L-2000, I'm hooked on USA G&Ls. I'll make it pretty again.

To the OP point...
A respected local G&L dealer in nearby New Berlin Wisconsin has a L-1000, a L-2000 and an ASAT that's been hanging for at least two years. They won't budge on their 1200 + prices to turn the inventory. Can't figure it out.

[Jimtoonz]

Originally Posted by Chef

Jim, is yours still f/s?
That one was worth that kinda jack...

Chef,

MikeBass bought that one. In addition to all the options I listed, turns out that it had an ebony board as well(I was unsure of the wood, but his tech identified it.).

It is, without question, the nicest L-2000 I have ever seen. Mike seems to be pretty delighted with it, and I'm happy it got a good home.

[oldrookie]

G&L newbie, so pardon if this is a dumb question.

So $669.00 with G&L gigbag for a Tribute L2000 could be a good deal? Been hanging in the shop for several years. Needs a fret dressing and has some belt rash on the back. 'Burst with maple.

Made in Korea

Thanks

[Thunder Pulse]

Originally Posted by oldrookie

So $669.00 with G&L gigbag for a Tribute L2000 could be a good deal?

Oh hell no! You can get a new one from an authorized seller on eBay for $500 or less. Used, $350-ish.

[spideyjg]

Originally Posted by oldrookie

G&L newbie, so pardon if this is a dumb question.

So $669.00 with G&L gigbag for a Tribute L2000 could be a good deal? Been hanging in the shop for several years. Needs a fret dressing and has some belt rash on the back. 'Burst with maple.

He is smoking crack, meth, and doing heroin at the same time!

[oldrookie]

Okay. Now less-newbie-ish than I was. Thanks.

[francisl2500]

Don't border, there is no newbie question........there is only a non-seller problem. Just maybe that store thing that the end of the world was last week and the only GnL bass left on the earth is that one......... he must just remenber that we're not "the day after"

Francis

[oldrookie]

I had assumed I could never afford a G&L until you all responded to my earlier post in this thread. Thanks to you all, I am now the very proud owner of a L2000 Tribute. Whoo-hoo!