How to get cheap or free gear? - Page 2

bertbassplayer · #21 12-14-2012, 11:44 PM

Become a famous bass player after sloshing through years of playing horrible venues and carrying around thousands of dollars gear that you bought yourself around the whole world. Get lucky with a record contract and sell a million records and become as big as U2 or Justin Beber... then you might be able to get a free bass (or more likely just a discount

)

Darren Low · #22 12-15-2012, 01:58 AM

Steal and don't get caught.

spaz21387 · #23 12-15-2012, 02:33 AM

get a sugar momma?

SoVeryTired · #24 12-15-2012, 03:07 AM

(Sidenote to all the helpful Craigslist or store-specific suggestions: not in this country!)

I've had success with eBay, but that wasn't with high end instruments - just cheap ones that play well. It's rare that you'll get something for nothing. Fender often run competitions that apply to the UK. Other than that, work hard, save hard, buy used and enjoy!

JimmyM · #25 12-15-2012, 03:25 AM

Next time someone throws out some musical equipment, take it out of their trash.

MaddAnthony_59 · #26 12-15-2012, 05:15 AM

You need to become GOOD at Trading Up.

Believe it or not, I started with a Beat Epi T-Bird and I know have a Carl Thompson, and about $1500 cash stemming from deals from just that bass. Trading is the way for you to go my Friend!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kylemcgregor96

I'm looking for a way to get cheap or free gear on good brands. Eg Fender, Ampeg, Ashdown?
cheap?thanks

paradog · #27 12-15-2012, 05:15 AM

marry rich works! Well at least that's what I've heard....

morgansterne · #28 12-15-2012, 05:20 AM

I'm looking for a way to get women to sleep with me without being in shape, well-groomed, or rich. Preferably the hot girls, though.

Good luck, pal.

Kmonk · #29 12-15-2012, 05:44 AM

Most manufacturers control how much retailers can sell their gear for. This is why you rarely see a big difference in price from one retailer to another. I have a couple of deals with manufacturers where I can buy for less than retail. For example Curt Mangan strings where I can buy direct and pay less than half of retail.

I have found good deals on Craigslist especially around this time of the year when people need money for Christmas gifts. I've purchased a Carvin LB75 for $250 and sold it for $750 the following week, a 1977 Precision for $700 which I sold for $1,500.

1958Bassman · #30 12-15-2012, 05:55 AM

To the OP- which Glasgow? If Scotland, I guess you'll have to find the sites like Craig's List, but I don't know what you have over there. Otherwise, manufacturers won't give it away unless they want people to see YOU playing it, because YOU are good enough to make people play what YOU play.

Otherwise, do what the others recommended- save money, become good at trading up and look for deals.

PazzoBasso · #31 12-15-2012, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdracer

Try this,
1) Study hard in school then learn a skill that is in demand.
2) Get a good job and work hard.
3) Save your money and don't blow it on crap, live with in your means.
4) Walk into any music store and buy whatever you want with the money you earned and saved.

LIKE

Gintaras · #32 12-15-2012, 06:09 AM

Keep an eye out for a Peavey Fury. (got mine for $75) If you can't do it then get it professionally setup and put on a set of Chromes. It sits proudly in the midst of much more expensive basses.
Besides that there is not free lunch.

I actually quit playing professionally back in the 70's and went into the computer field and worked my tail off. I can buy just about any bass I want know. Still love the Fury

nukes_da_bass · #33 12-15-2012, 06:57 AM

Got my Mesa Boogie 400+ in Guitar Centers used section. It had a $399.00 hang tag on it, I assumed it was broken.
Came back 10 days later and it was still there.
"does that thing fire up?" I asked.
"duh, dunno, der duh!" the clerk replied.

He fired it up and I bought it.

Find guitar centers used section and have fun!

Sahe_Bassist · #34 12-15-2012, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Next time someone throws out some musical equipment, take it out of their trash.

funny you say that...

my mother in law was going to look at buying a car from a guy, and when she got there she saw a guitar case sitting out by his trash cans near the road waiting to be picked up. when she asked him about it he said to take it. so thinking it was just a case she brought it home, i openned it up, and BOOM - black jackson 4 string PJ sitting in the case. it wasnt a real nice bass, but i cleaned it up real good and did ALOT of work/rewiring and general setting up and it plays pretty damn well.

not bad for a garbage bass (literally) for sure.