How important is it...

[jmattbassplaya]

...for you to know how many people have owned something you're interested in before you buy it?

I mentioned to my guitarist that I had my SVT-CL listed, and when he looked over my ad he was shocked, and almost appalled, that I didn't include that I was the second owner of the head. To him, that made me a dishonest seller and that my price on the head was too high

I've never seen this be a big deal in the TB classifieds, or even on CL, in the past. I've always been asked the physical condition and if there has been any issues with something of mine, but never have I been asked if I was the initial owner. According to him, that sort of thing is pretty important in guitar circles.

[bassistjoe93]

I couldn't care less as long as it was in good shape, functions well, original, etc. If I was buying a bass, I WOULD like to know its coming from a smoke free environment (all of the past owners included) but that's just personal preference.

[baba]

It is of absolutely no importance to me with basses/guitars. The only thing relevant is the condition of the instrument and other quantifiable features.

I have been asked this question about guitar tube amps before. I think the concern is how old/used the tubes are, which is impossible to reliably determine if you aren't the first owner.

[bassteban]

50/50 for me- also depends on what item we're discussing; for instance, if a tube head has been through several owners, I'd want to know about it. That said, I'd likely ask. OTOH, if say a strap has been through half-a-dozen D-Day reenactments, BFD.
I try to remember to disclose my stuff FS's past as well as potential issues- although I've bought a piece or two, received it & THEN thought to wonder about the full history.. in that/those cases, *my bad*

[cyclomatic]

You could have one owner, who treats his stuff like crap, or you could have 5 who all treat things like they want it to last. I usually ask, depending on the item. I don't expect everything placed on CL or TB to have a chain of custody. IME, if the present seller doesn't make mention, it usually means he's at least the second owner.

I too prefer 100% smoke free but that's usally harder to determine with multiple owners.

And no JMatt, it makes no reflection on your honesty unless your trying to insinuate otherwise.

[gigslut]

I can see where stating that something is "one owner" would be a selling point. But if no such representation is made, there is no deceit. I am more concerned with condition. If a buyer is concerned about an item's history, he can ask.

[sleepy_monkey]

All my basses were played by a little old lady that only played them on Sundays. True story.

[Jazz Ad]

I don't mind the least.
I can't think of a single reason why it would matter.

[MacBass57]

Originally Posted by bassistjoe93

I couldn't care less as long as it was in good shape, functions well, original, etc. If I was buying a bass, I WOULD like to know its coming from a smoke free environment (all of the past owners included) but that's just personal preference.

My sentiments exactly!

[gigslut]

I don't smoke nor does anyone smoke in my house.
I could say my gear is from a smoke free home ... but I would be omitting the fact that is was used in smoky bars.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by gigslut

I don't smoke nor does anyone smoke in my house.
I could say my gear is from a smoke free home ... but I would be omitting the fact that is was used in smoky bars.

I totally understand people not wanting a smoky smelling instrument or amp, but it's hard to keep that from happening if you gig out often lol.

[pacojas]

it's very nice to know if a bass has several previous owners. it usually paints a red flag for me. another flag happens when a boutique bass is up for sale soon after the original owner takes posession.

just sayin'