Rough estimate of worth - Page 2

Jaebird · #21 11-20-2012, 08:15 PM

Here is the story guys. I saw a Craiglist ad involving this bass for $300. Not knowing nearly enough about basses, I assumed it would be an easy flip. That is the reason it was priced so high, but sold so low. I figured since I hadnt gotten many hits, the modifications (routing, battery compartment, neck, chips, etc.) were too drastic for it to be sold as much as other 77-78 P's on the forum. Therefore, I dropped and dropped and dropped until someone bit.

Everything explained to me from the original owner was stated, to include multiple photos. 100+ (more than the 70+ I stated before). This is the first item I sold having linked my photobucket for photo reference; every other deal had photos embedded into the ad. When I sell, I take the photos down to save storage space and to clean up the forum as best I can. I used bad judgement in taking down the photobucket link, but Im sure someone if not a few people who viewed the ad can attest to the link re-posted as being the original link with the same 100+ photos.

As for the ad and not being able to find it. I realized after changing the title (I took out 99% original about 3 days before it sold) the thread we were trying to access was not found because of the name change. I went through my history and found the correct one, re-opened it and unlocked it as well as re-posted the photo link.

Every modification was stated and photos were available to be seen. I even stated: "If you need to see something more clearly, let me know", or something to that extent. Im sorry, but if Im considering buying an item after looking at an ad, I will ask for better photos before making the purchase.

BrickBat66 · #22 11-20-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaebird

Here is the story guys. I saw a Craiglist ad involving this bass for $300. Not knowing nearly enough about basses, I assumed it would be an easy flip. That is the reason it was priced so high, but sold so low. I figured since I hadnt gotten many hits, the modifications (routing, battery compartment, neck, chips, etc.) were too drastic for it to be sold as much as other 77-78 P's on the forum. Therefore, I dropped and dropped and dropped until someone bit.

Everything explained to me from the original owner was stated, to include multiple photos. 100+ (more than the 70+ I stated before). This is the first item I sold having linked my photobucket for photo reference; every other deal had photos embedded into the ad. When I sell, I take the photos down to save storage space and to clean up the forum as best I can. I used bad judgement in taking down the photobucket link, but Im sure someone if not a few people who viewed the ad can attest to the link re-posted as being the original link with the same 100+ photos.

As for the ad and not being able to find it. I realized after changing the title (I took out 99% original about 3 days before it sold) the thread we were trying to access was not found because of the name change. I went through my history and found the correct one, re-opened it and unlocked it as well as re-posted the photo link.

Every modification was stated and photos were available to be seen. I even stated: "If you need to see something more clearly, let me know", or something to that extent. Im sorry, but if Im considering buying an item after looking at an ad, I will ask for better photos before making the purchase.

So just pass the it on to the next sucker? You also stated the BACK of neck was SANDED SLIGHTLY and that the bass was like a jazz neck. Well, to most bassist, when you say "jazz neck" they know exactly what you mean. To say that it's my fault for not asking if the neck was grossly misshaped when it was described the way you described it and that i should have been able to see it in the pics is shady and absurd.
You knew that you were passing the buck, that's why you closed the these and removed the pics.

BrickBat66 · #23 11-20-2012, 08:26 PM

The bass is unplayable, you knew it and you still chose to sell it. You can't tell the neck is screwed until you know what to look for, now i can completely see that it looks funky, before i wasn't looking for it specifically. Karma gets you, future buyers will see this, i'm sure it won't help your sales.

**mjac28** · #24 11-20-2012, 08:33 PM

My point also is that are plenty of people getting over $1300.00 dollars for 78 P's people are paying around $1200.00 for reissues and yes it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it but people usually ask what they think they can get for an item I wouldn't list a 78 P for $20,000 ?

Jaebird · #25 11-20-2012, 08:34 PM

I would much rather not have a full blown internet argument over Talkbass. However, I will say this.

I have been playing bass for two years, so to say my knowledge of basses is limited would be accurate. In the ad I stated, "It feels less chunky. More like a jazz neck". Ive never played a mandolin, but Ive played a jazz bass and that is what it feels like to me.

My ignorance is no excuse; I admit it. However, to claim I am "passing the buck" without knowing me is unfair and not accurate. Granted, I understand how you feel. I delete photos embedded in threads for the reason stated above.

I re-posted the exact link in the exact strikingly visible red ink as originally posted within the thread. As you mentioned in our PM's, you failed to view the photos. Im hoping someone who viewed the album can comment on the link being the original.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrickBat66

So just pass the it on to the next sucker? You also stated the BACK of neck was SANDED SLIGHTLY and that the bass was a jazz. Well, to most bassist, when you say "jazz neck" they know exactly what you mean. To say that it's my fault for not asking if the neck was grossly misshaped when it was described the way you described it and that i should have been able to see it in the pics is shady and absurd.
You knew that you were passing the buck, that's why you closed the these and removed the pics.

BrickBat66 · #26 11-20-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaebird

I would much rather not have a full blown internet argument over Talkbass. However, I will say this.

I have been playing bass for two years, so to say my knowledge of basses is limited would be accurate. In the ad I stated, "It feels less chunky. More like a jazz neck". Ive never played a mandolin, but Ive played a jazz bass and that is what it feels like to me.

My ignorance is no excuse; I admit it. However, to claim I am "passing the buck" without knowing me is unfair and not accurate. Granted, I understand how you feel. I delete photos embedded in threads for the reason stated above.

I re-posted the exact link in the exact strikingly visible red ink as originally posted within the thread. As you mentioned in our PM's, you failed to view the photos. Im hoping someone who viewed the album can comment on the link being the original.

I tried to work this out, but your PM let me know that you had no intention of working it out. Yes, you said you "paid $300 and dropped your price until someone bit" that's petty much the definition of passing the buck.

BrickBat66 · #27 11-20-2012, 08:40 PM

I was told that Talkbass was a safe place to but and sell and i get burned on my 3rd transaction.

Jaebird · #28 11-20-2012, 08:51 PM

Im sorry, but my intention was not to pass the buck. I believed I could sell the bass for $1000 +, but I quickly realized that would not be the case. I honestly believed I took enough photos depicting everything going on with the bass.

I appologize for you feeling like Talkbass is not safe. Ive had over 14 transactions with positive results.

The heart of the issue, the neck: it seems as though you know your basses, much more than I, so knowing a neck has been sanded down.. why would you not look at the pics and furthermore, request more photos of the neck and the modification?

Like I stated before, my ignorance is no excuse. However, I genuinely thought what the original owner told me and my evaluation yielded the same results I posted in the ad.

BrickBat66 · #29 11-20-2012, 08:53 PM

So make it right in front of everyone here and agree to take the bass back for a refund. That's the only way to save your reputation.

**mjac28** · #30 11-20-2012, 08:54 PM

This has nothing to do with Talk Bass neither one of you it seems has enough experience in buying or selling vintage instruments too bad the transaction didn't go well in the future ask questions it helps in a PayPal dispute and remember there is no guarantee that PayPal is going to rule in your favor.

Jaebird · #31 11-20-2012, 08:58 PM

Brick,

You decided to escalate to a Paypal dispute, which is fine with me. If Paypal decides in your favor, I will refund the money as soon as the transfer from bank to Paypal clears.

BrickBat66 · #32 11-20-2012, 09:04 PM

We'll just have to wait and see

A-Step-Towards · #33 11-20-2012, 11:51 PM

Are there no mods on the board anymore?

thebrain · #34 11-21-2012, 12:30 AM

I'd have to agree with mjac28 about a nice 78 P being worth about $1800. I've sold a lot of late 70s Ps recently, and dozens over the years. Actually, one of the ebay examples that he (mjac28) posted on this thread is one of mine (the brown sunburst 79). Its also up here on talkbass for a little bit cheaper than ebay too (i know, shameless plug, but he did link my bass to this thread, lol).

I routinely get $1600-1900 for 76-80 Ps and I've been buying and selling vintage guitars and basses for almost 2 decades. 5 years ago when the economy was good, i was pulling $2k easy for late 70s Ps. $1300 is a great price (and a reasonable one even for a dealer), but they are hard to come by at that price. Once in a while, you'll see them sell for $1300ish on Ebay, but almost always when its a no reserve auction with a crappy description, bad pics, and nothing taken apart so there's usually an element of risk involved at that price I've found anyways.

Sorry to hear about how this deal ended up. I hope both of you can resolve it and be happy. That neck does look like firewood to me though. :-/

bolophonic · #35 11-21-2012, 04:35 AM

I am going to be disappointed if "ever so slightly sanded" doesn't become a new Talkbass euphemism for "damaged beyond any hope of repair."

BrickBat66 · #36 11-21-2012, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaebird

Deleted.

Why was this deleted? Hmmmmm

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #37 11-21-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Step-Towards

Are there no mods on the board anymore?

Mods have real lives too with families and bands to deal with. If you'd like us to start running on your schedule, feel free to send us a check. Otherwise, save it.

Private transactions are to be dealt with privately. If the buyer continues to have issues with the seller, he may contact the Help Desk using the Contact Us link, but let's keep it out of the regular forums.