Double Bass 2004 Christopher Double Bass Value?

[J Crosswind]

Trying to get appraisal, model 204. - Estimates on General value, in good condition?

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Is this a bass you own, or one you are considering buying?

 

[Ed S]

Maybe couple thou.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

That's kind of contingent on where you're trying to sell it, where in the world are you? You putting an ad in the paper, Facebook marketplace, or taking it to a double bass shop?

When I was selling my German bass, I went to some of the bass shops online (Upton, Bass Violin Shop, FinlayGage, couple of others) to see what similar basses were going for. And since I now live nearest the Bass Violin Shop and they have a large enough inventory to attract buyers from all over, decided to consign it there.
So now, I have a general idea of what price range I want to put my bass in and thoughts about what I want to get for it. So I took the bass in and while they were giving it the once over, I played pretty much everything they had on offer in the price range I was thinking about, plus or minus about $2K. So when they came back with their appraisal of the valuation I was able to say, with a high level of confidence, that I felt they had undervalued it and countered with a higher number, given that the tone, condition, and accessories (pickup, Messina bag, etc.) it would move quickly given the other basses in that price range. To which they agreed and the bass sold within a month of being on display.

 

[Ed S]

But - at best - it is still no more than a decent ply, which could be had for around $2600 new, and $2-2.2k used. I've only played a couple of Christophers - the most recent one I personally considered nigh unplayable fompared to my cheapo Engle.

If I were trying to buy a Christopher, I'd make sure I liked how it felt, and would try to get it as cheap as possible. If not cheap, I'd look at other inexpensive plys.

If I were trying to sell, I'd likely place a higher value on getting it out of my house and getting SOME $ for it, rather than a protracted sale process hoping to eke out a couple hundred more. So I'd price it closer to $1500. I imagine an asking price UNDER $2k might draw more interest than askingOVER $2k.

 

[SAlcott]

That's kind of contingent on where you're trying to sell it, where in the world are you? You putting an ad in the paper, Facebook marketplace, or taking it to a double bass shop?

When I was selling my German bass, I went to some of the bass shops online (Upton, Bass Violin Shop, FinlayGage, couple of others) to see what similar basses were going for. And since I now live nearest the Bass Violin Shop and they have a large enough inventory to attract buyers from all over, decided to consign it there.
So now, I have a general idea of what price range I want to put my bass in and thoughts about what I want to get for it. So I took the bass in and while they were giving it the once over, I played pretty much everything they had on offer in the price range I was thinking about, plus or minus about $2K. So when they came back with their appraisal of the valuation I was able to say, with a high level of confidence, that I felt they had undervalued it and countered with a higher number, given that the tone, condition, and accessories (pickup, Messina bag, etc.) it would move quickly given the other basses in that price range. To which they agreed and the bass sold within a month of being on display.

I've heard nothing but good about the guys at BVS.