300US$ for a secondhand beginner set bass. Is it a good deal?

[Eryka Remy]

I'm given an offer : IbanezGIO bass, unknown series, 5 strings, bought in late 2008, used only for a year by a very attentive guy, then ABANDONED till now + fender rumble 60 amp, bought 2008, abandoned + case + stand = 300US$. Is it worth the price? If possible, can you estimate the market price for each item with such condition? Thanks!

[armywalaby]

not at all.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by Eryka Remy

I'm given an offer : IbanezGIO bass, unknown series, 5 strings, bought in late 2008, used only for a year by a very attentive guy, then ABANDONED till now + fender rumble 60 amp, bought 2008, abandoned + case + stand = 300US$. Is it worth the price? If possible, can you estimate the market price for each item with such condition? Thanks!

That's actually a decent price given all you're getting. A new bottom level GIO fiver is $200, plus you're getting a practice amp, case, stand, etc. If you like the bass and you're a beginner then it seems like a decent deal. See if you can get them to go down to $275 or so.

[smcd]

The bass can be had for under $200 all day, and the amp under $150. The GIO line is beginner level stuff, but entirely functional. As a complete starter package, no fuss-no muss, $300 is about right. You may do better if you buy the items individually, but it will take time, and that has value.

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by smcd

The bass can be had for under $200 all day, and the amp under $150. The GIO line is beginner level stuff, but entirely functional. As a complete starter package, no fuss-no muss, $300 is about right. You may do better if you buy the items individually, but it will take time, and that has value.

This ^

[bassteban]

Sounds like a fair deal for new, but I wouldn't pay that for used stuff. Even in good shape there is no warranty. Pass

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Sounds like a fair deal for new, but I wouldn't pay that for used stuff. Even in good shape there is no warranty. Pass

Good point.

[zachoff]

I wouldn't wish a GIO on my worst enemy.

[madurolover]

I wouldn't pay it, not worth it to me

[smcd]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Sounds like a fair deal for new, but I wouldn't pay that for used stuff. Even in good shape there is no warranty. Pass

Do you think you could buy that setup new for $300?? Bass:$200, Amp:$250, Case:$100, Stand:$10 So now you're at $560, add state tax, and you're close to $600. Now add in your driving around time and gas expense. Over $600. And you're going to pay over double the asking price just for a warranty??!! That's crazy. A warranty for what? The amp? It's an '08, it's unused, and it's solid state. Plug it in and play it. If noise comes out of it, you're fine.

[smcd]

I'm curious - say you have $300 to set yourself up with a beginner's 5-string kit. The amp should be 60w or better. Must have a case and a stand. Given that, what would YOU do?

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by smcd

I'm curious - say you have $300 to set yourself up with a beginner's 5-string kit. The amp should be 60w or better. Must have a case and a stand. Given that, what would YOU do?

$175 for the bass on craigslist.
$100 for the amp on craigslist.
$20 for a stand at GC.
$5 for a bomber of good beer.

[zachoff]

Also, not sure why you're specifying 60W+... At that price, you're going to get a practice amp and 30W through a 1x10 isn't going to be much quieter than 60W through a 1x10.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by zachoff

Also, not sure why you're specifying 60W+... At that price, you're going to get a practice amp and 30W through a 1x10 isn't going to be much quieter than 60W through a 1x10.

Apples to apples, 60w combo to 60w combo.



That craigslist scenario doesn't seem realistic to me. Unless Ibanez GIO 5'ers - with case, and Fender 60w amps are perpetually available everywhere at all times. In that condition and at those prices.

[hover]

Is this the one the anger issues kid had? is the amp all stabby?

Is this poster in fact the same person? genuine curiosity, this being your first post and all.

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by smcd

Apples to apples, 60w combo to 60w combo.



That craigslist scenario doesn't seem realistic to me. Unless Ibanez GIO 5'ers - with case, and Fender 60w amps are perpetually available everywhere at all times. In that condition and at those prices.

It's entirely possible if you're not stuck on getting a certain brand. Here's some from my local. Figure Boston has an even greater supply:

Amp: $150
http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/3561024756.html
Amp: $75
http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/3560308148.html
Amp: $165
http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/3504364354.html
Amp: $100

Bass: $125
http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/3557244646.html

You're getting entry-level stuff, man. I wouldn't sweat the brand names & condition. If you stick with bass you'll grow out of it pretty quickly and want something better. If there's nothing like this in Boston, wait a week or so. There will be.

[OneMoreRobot]

Indeed, if you wait for the right stuff on Craigslist you could probably find a better deal. I've found that people who have one posting with a lot of different stuff also tend to have better deals.

[Kmonk]

You stated U.S. dollars so I assume you live in another country. Whether or not this is a good deal is determined by the prices in your country. In the US this would not be a good deal. However, in some parts of the world it might be a great deal.

[inthevelvet]

Not a ripoff, but certainly not deal of the century. If I needed this setup, I'd offer them 250 and probably walk away if they wouldn't take it.

[bassinplace]

Sounds like a fair deal to me. Not good, not bad. If it were me, I'd keep shopping around for a better deal.