Is craigslist a good/bad place to buy a bass?

[CultureSliver]

I am looking to get a new bass, preferably a Fodera, and I am wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences w/craigslist? Here's the bass I'm looking at http://eugene.craigslist.org/msg/662911030.html
I want it and the price is right(as well as the location) but I have always bought my instruments from dealers. Any input would be helpful.

[tplyons]

I've bought many a guitar and bass on craigslist.

With craigslist, you're dealing with an individual, not a company. They usually don't trade big time so their reputation doesn't matter.

If you know what you're looking at, meet, check it out, and then pay. If you're familiar with the bass you're buying, you'll seldom have a problem.

I've probably bought and sold a dozen on craigslist without a single problem.

[jmbstudios]

Ive bought a lot of stuff off of craigslist. Its just like an ad in the paper.... Go check it out, play it, if you dont like it, walk away.. No shipping, no hassles, nada!

[lowrez]

its just like buying from any classifieds. I have had good luck and purchased a few via this method. No regrets. Just know what you are looking at and how to check it for issues. And if you are bringing 4k in cash... I'd probably do this someplace public/secure.

[WarriorJoe7]

Craigslist is probably the best place to buy anything as long as you are careful to meet somewhere reasonably safe in public and let someone know where you are going and what you are doing.

Just know what you are looking at (do some research) so that you dont get ripped off and then meet and get it or dont get it. If you dont like it you lose nothing.

[beyondthe48]

just make sure you have leverage - if youre buying something for $4000, bring a friend, or a tazer hahaha

talk thoroughly on the phone to get a feel for their character. most musicians are cool though, ive never had a problem. i always ask questions and try the gear out at there house.