To trade or not to trade?

[Mike M.]

Pardon my ignorance, but in all the years I've played I've never done a trade so I don't fully know what to expect even if a store agrees to one.

I really like the new Fender American Deluxe 5 string Jazz basses. While I've been digging one in particular for quite a while I really don't want to part with the cash.

Got a 2005 Les Paul Standard that's in great shape that I just don't play. Never dealt with Ebay or Craigslist (really don't want to either) so I'm just wondering how I would fare trading the LP towards the Fender. (This would not be a GC trade). Offhand I'd do it if I didn't get too much of the short end of the stick, but again...not sure what to expect.

While there's no definative answer, just wondering if anyone here has been in a similar situation and how it's worked out for you.

Thanks for your time.