Found two basses at a pawn shop, what do you guys think?

Deanyo · #1 04-30-2013, 06:04 PM

Basically just wanting some opinions, I want them but the fiancee isn't too keen on me getting more basses right now unless its a smoking deal or one of a kind lol

The jazz bass is a Peavey Millinium BXP made in Indonesia for $169. I really loved the neck on it and it has a good sound, light scuffing on the back.

The P bass is a MIM Fender for $359 , looked up the serial number.. says its from 1992/93. Again has a good sound but the neck is pretty worn and some buckle rash on the back side.

The cosmetics don't really bother me but I have no clue if these are reasonable prices for them being used and like I said, have to do some convincing to get them.. trying to save for a wedding in a year :/

Thanks guys!

FlemptonBass · #2 04-30-2013, 06:07 PM

Here's what you do if you want a better price:

Ask to see the manager
Tell him you want the Manager's Special on the bass you decide you want. (usually they'll wiggle a little if the item has been there a while)

Just thought I'd tell you about this tactic, since that's how I got a Czech Spector for $300

spaz21387 · #3 04-30-2013, 06:11 PM

go on craigslist. I bet you can snag a mim p for 250-300 in better condition! Also the older mim's are poplar bodies. They are lighter than alder but also a softer wood. So the tone is slightly different.

pocketgroove · #4 04-30-2013, 06:13 PM

Hi,

I honestly don't know what a good price for the Peavey is, but that seems a little bit high for the MIM P bass. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad price, but they can be found pretty easily for less than that. If it spoke to you, though, it couldn't hurt to try to talk them down.

Good luck!

spaz21387 · #5 04-30-2013, 06:16 PM

not too close but it shows the going price for mims... http://corvallis.craigslist.org/msg/3773113867.html

**TinIndian** · #6 04-30-2013, 06:23 PM

Honestly, I'm not abig fan of the early MIM's. I'd go with the Peavey for the money.

Fluid Power · #7 04-30-2013, 06:32 PM

I like the look of both. The Fender looks like it would be good after a clean up. Those prices are in line for Minneapolis. What's most important is a straight neck and action. How do they play?

NYCbassist · #8 04-30-2013, 06:33 PM

I can't help with the Indonesian bass as I avoid them. I've owned about 5 MIM P-basses. I was Very impressed with all of them. However, I wouldn't pay over $275 especially with the neck being "worn". How is the Fret wear? At $275 you'll have a pretty sweet Fender.

lowphatbass · #9 04-30-2013, 06:33 PM

Neither of those sound like great deals IMO.

Deanyo · #10 04-30-2013, 06:35 PM

Awesome, thanks for the input so far guys.

Love the idea of a manager special lol

Thanks Spaz21387 for doing the footwork for me lol.. yeah that looks like its in better condition for substantially less :/ I have noticed this pawn shop is a little high on alot of their stuff, was hoping it was for barterings sake haha. Also good to know about the wood specs, I have a few basses but no Fenders this far so I have no clue what to look for in the older ones, some years better than others..etc

mpdd · #11 04-30-2013, 06:37 PM

try to find a hot pink or safety orange 80s metal bass for 99 dollars

Deanyo · #12 04-30-2013, 06:40 PM

They both play pretty good, pots dont scratch or anything, the peavey looks like it needs the action adjusted, slight rattle on the G string, but seems fixable. the fender has great action and sounds really solid, just wear spots on the neck.. i was confused tho a little ill admit, one spot feels like a pretty decent nick in it but in a spot where I wouldn't notice it much, but still feels "glossy" there so it doesn't stand out much.
little wear on the frets, about what you'd expect I guess on a 2 yr old bass

MIMike · #13 04-30-2013, 06:51 PM

... unless its a smoking deal or one of a kind lol ...

Based on your original criteria I would say don't get either. Neither one is either a smoking deal or a one of a kind.

If you establish a relationship with the owners of a couple of pawn shops, it might work out for you some day. Buying off the rack, even in a pawn shop won't usually get you a great deal...not since ebay came around anyway.

I have a couple of guys that will cut me a real good deal if they're into an instrument right and know that I'm interested.

abstractart06 · #14 04-30-2013, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIMike

... unless its a smoking deal or one of a kind lol ...

Based on your original criteria I would say don't get either. Neither one is either a smoking deal or a one of a kind.

If you establish a relationship with the owners of a couple of pawn shops, it might work out for you some day. Buying off the rack, even in a pawn shop won't usually get you a great deal...not since ebay came around anyway.

I have a couple of guys that will cut me a real good deal if they're into an instrument right and know that I'm interested.

There are still good deals to be had even in pawn shops these days. Pawn shops will always knock off at least 25% if you are ready to buy. Just make sure you play the bass and really like it. Keep in mind that they probably got the bass for a 1/3rd of what it will retail for.

highway · #15 04-30-2013, 07:30 PM

i woudlnt pay more than $250 for that P-MIM, assuming the neck isn't shot . . .

Texsunburst59 · #16 04-30-2013, 08:31 PM

The last pawnshop bass I got was a '90 MIJ P-Bass in killer condition for $125 O.T.D. The MIM '03 FSR Jazz Bass I got in a pawnshop I got for $115 O.T.D w/ case, strap and a set of strings. I've got relationship with most pawnshops I frequent. It takes getting to know the mngrs. or owners to get the good deals.

unclebass · #17 04-30-2013, 08:34 PM

Found a MIM Deluxe active jazz at a pawn shop marked for $289, talked him down to $130. It needed a new pickguard, control plate, strings and a complete setup, which I did for only $50. Looks like new, sells new for $750. You can get the price down if you know how, don't pay list price!!