The economy and used bass prices

armybass · #1 01-23-2009, 05:37 AM

You know I keep hearing how bad the economy is but I don't think it is as bad as others say......yet. How do I come to this conclusion...used bass prices. I still see people offering Rics for $1700-$2000 and Modulus basses for $2500 and up. While these are fair prices (except for the Ricks, I will never get that) they are not deep recession/depression prices. Although I was only a kid in the early 80's, I remember when there was a really bad recession and lots of people lost their jobs in SE Louisiana where I grew up. Well there were lots of killer old Fenders being offered up for $200-$400 which was still a good amount of money back then. But those were sales of desperation and I don't see that today. And I am glad to say that although I am currently looking to buy a few basses after a self imposed year long hiatus and am scouring for the crazy deals. I am just not finding it. Guess you guys are still making out ok in this bad economy....glad to hear it.

megadan · #2 01-23-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

$200-$400 which was still a good amount of money back then.

And $2000 is a good amount of money now. It's called inflation.

armybass · #3 01-23-2009, 07:12 AM

Not the point. The fact is that they were selling at $200 or less in some cases and that was nearly half of what they were worth. It was done out of desperation and needing to feed a family. I am happy to not be seeing that and hope I don't.

Phalex · #4 01-23-2009, 08:46 AM

If I need the money and I can get $1800.00 for my Ric, why shouldn't I sell it for $1800.00? Desperation is one thing, but it's the market that dictates the selling price.

BTW, do you know what the cost of living is in southern California where the Ric factory is located?? That might answer one of your questions.

Febs · #5 01-23-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

You know I keep hearing how bad the economy is but I don't think it is as bad as others say......yet. How do I come to this conclusion...used bass prices. I still see people offering Rics for $1700-$2000 and Modulus basses for $2500 and up.

The asking price for those basses for is irrelevant. What matters is the actual sale price.