I'm in the market for a cheap 5 and/or 6 string. I happened to drop into a local pawn shop today, and spotted a greenish stained quilted-looking 5 string. I couldn't see the name on the headstock, so the dude took it down for me. It's a 'Tradition' brand, 2 humbuckers, played pretty nice. Guy looked at the price tag and told me it was marked at around $150, but that he'd let it go for $100. I did a little research. Not much on here about that brand, and not too much info on the web either. But what little I did find has their 5-string priced $300-$400. Whatcha think? It's basically this, but with humbuckers as opposed to p/j....
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5 string deal?
- Thread starter j1n
- Start date
I know zippo about the brand, but if you played it and liked it and it has sufficient output, $100 is not much of a gamble. Just do it.
- Oct 18, 2012
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- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
Never heard of the brand but if the action is playable, if it sounds good and you like it, buy it. Its only $100.
Here's what Google says:
http://www.traditionguitars.com/Basses-for-Sale.html
But yeah . . . that's pretty good common sense from Malthumb there.
http://www.traditionguitars.com/Basses-for-Sale.html
But yeah . . . that's pretty good common sense from Malthumb there.
plug it in and play it. If all is good and you're comfortable with it, it's a good buy at $100. As it is, you're getting a good deal if you're concerned with the value for money - average used price is about $200-250. From what I've heard, it's pretty decent quality- nothing special but nothing bad either- so if you feel good playing it, then it's well worth it. Check the necessary things though- neck straight, truss rod okay, pickups work, pots don't need replacing etc.
when you say "truss rod okay", what do you mean? Like ensuring that it actually has one?
Or that the neck isn't bowed like crazy?
I picked this one up on Craigslist for $75.00. Not a bad bass for playing at home, but not something that I'd use live. A good, light weight beginner bass with a thin neck.
Yes..thanks for clarifying georgestrings. To the OP, make sure the truss rod is still adjustable if the seller will permit you to look at it. Also make sure the neck isn't bowed or warped in the first place.
I've seen some shady CL sellers with a used bass that's unbelievably priced until you realize the truss rod on it is broken. In no time, the neck will bow like crazy.
The truss rod should allow tension to be applied- if it spins too freely, it's broken.
