A Sentimental Dilemma

[Five or Six]

Take his obituary, frame it, hang the bass on the wall with the obituary framed under it. I went through this years ago. I honor him being in my life. This might sound a little over the top but, it has hung in my studio for years like this. I would never sell!

 

[Wesley R]

In 2009 my father passed. My brother was given my father's One Armed Harp Guitar made before 1900my brother still has it. It's not really a truly functional instrument anymore, yet he still has it.

I receivedy father's 1923 Gibson L3. We hit a broke period and my ex suggested I sell it. I did not. A few years and another wife later I did well it. Selling that guitar tore me up. It go to a Gibson collector/fanatic/addict. He restored it and it is simply beautiful.

You know the right answer

 

[Smooth_bass88]

keep it. what kind of bass is it?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Just keep it for now. The $$$ isn't worth the hurt feelings. It can never hurt to have a working bass around.

 

[Ostie]

I can’t answer your question, but here’s my story. Many years ago a friend of my father gifted me my first guitar. I played it for a few years, then during some hard times when I needed money for rent, I sold it. He was understandably upset with me, and I’ve always regretted it, even though I was motivated by desperation. If I had kept it, the physical value of the guitar would be 100-fold. The sentimental value would be priceless.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Keep it, and put it in a place where beginners can access it. Or be a good steward of it and wait for the day when you can pass on the gift of music to some who can't afford their own instrument.

 

[BadMonk]

Its sentimental value is being stifled in the closet. Take it out of there and put you can see it every day. You don't need to play it to become attached, which you apparently aren't since you're considering selling it. After a while maybe you'll be inspired by it, maybe play it, modify it, or whatever. Just put it out in plain sight.

 

[HubbardsFate]

Sometimes, with some modding, entry-level instruments can be morphed into ones you actually want to play with some (often not expensive) modding, no?

I think that's the route I'd go. I don't think anyone would be offended by you modding it a bit to make it into a bass you'd actually play. If you don't want to put some money and effort into doing this, then I'll echo a few others who've suggested hanging onto it for the sentimental value, and/or as (studio?) wall art.

One other thing: was your late friend a father? If so, are any of his kids into music? Even if they aren't, THEIR (future?) kids might be. It could be passed on down the line?

 

[Luther]

I’ll try to keep this brief, but I have a question to kick around.

In 2023, one of my very closest friends and longtime collaborators was building out a home studio for us to do some work, when he passed away unexpectedly at 40. After the funeral, his wife gave me the bass he had purchased for the studio, saying “he was so excited to hear what you would play on it, he would want you to have it.” I was honored of course, and being a sentimental person I consider it an honor to be a steward of this instrument.

The dilemma is this: it’s not an instrument I particularly want to play. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s essentially an entry-level instrument. Is it in bad taste to sell it and purchase something I would actually play? The last thing I would ever do is disrespect him or his family or his memory. Am I overthinking it?

What say you? Hold onto it out of respect, or respect the idea and buy something I would play more often in his memory?

I'll just say this. If he was truly a good friend, you will regret getting rid of the bass.

 

[mikecd1]

There are various opportunities to help others in the music community and you will know when an opportunity arises where it will cost you nothing to help someone else move forward with a musical dream. You'll feel the same as your friend did when he wanted to see you make something from his gift to you. May his memory be a blessing and guide you toward the realization of his selfless dream.

 

[mambo4]

Glad my Dad's choice of guitars never left me such a dilemma. Each is a player and a keeper.

 

[Mister_argentum]

You cannot sell it, if you do not want it give it back to the family or consult with the family if they would be ok donating it to a school. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[KenSmithFan]

Unless you live in a 300 square foot micro house, make room for it. He was your closest friend?

 

[SonnyBassPlayer]

I would never profit off such a gift. If you really can't find any use I could consider donating it to someone who may not afford an instrument or something like that.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I have several instruments that are purely sentimental. Some were gifts.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I am in the same position. My brother in law (sisters husband) ended his own life. He had several guitars, I think he collected more than played. I play bass my son plays acoustic guitar. She brought us a few of his guitars. i got his 1st acoustic, very inexpensive model. my son got the others. Which makes sense because I barely play acoustic. Now It sits in a case under the bed next to my acoustic guitar, (which is much better) . I don’t want to give it to grands to destroy.

 

[jerry]

Keep it, he wanted you to have it. Paying it forward and giving it to somebody who can't afford an instrument would be another thing you could do, let the person you gift it to know about your buddy.

 

[deepestend]

I'd keep it. Honor that memory... at least for now.

 

[deepestend]

Keep it, he wanted you to have it. Paying it forward and giving it to somebody who can't afford an instrument would be another thing you could do, let the person you gift it to know about your buddy.

Yes... def consider giving it to someone who really needs it. That is a great way to honor the memory.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

You do you...I'm not in your shoes.
But if that was my story, there is no way I could sell it.
But I am a sentimental guy.