Advice on possible Bass trade

[red_rhino]

If it were in original condition like the white one you posted then I would consider it. As it looks now, no way! Your T-Bird is a much nicer bass! Don't do it!!!

Absolutely agree, and glad to hear that you're not going to do it.

I'm usually not partial to T-bird's at all, but there's something an all-white bird that's a bit GAS-inducing. I'd be keeping that one unless I found something that played and sounded the way I like in equivalent condition.

-Alan

 

[Bigbri]

I got a guy who wants to trade basses w/me. It would be my 2013 Epi Tbird for a mid 80's Fender P-Bass.
Here are the pics of the P-bass & Tbird. I am 2hours away from this guy so...

I would pass on that p-bass. Take a bit of time and sell the t-bird, it shouldn't be too hard, find a p-bass you like or even a jazz.

 

[stringthrough]

I'm not a tbird guy, in fact I'm not any Gibson bass guy, but your tbird looks like a nice one. Try shortening the strap. Try pointing the bass more vertically. See if you can get used to it..... That said, I don't hate the way that p bass turned out. One clue, someone obviously though a lot of that bass in its original condition to invest the time and money to make it the way it is now. Might be a sign that it's a good one. Maybe.

 

[pholli00]

Your opinion is what counts. Usually I prefer a Precision, but not that one. I'd keep the T-bird.

 

[groooooove]

id want the fender

 

[dalkowski]

Just no.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you have the $$$, you would be better off buying a decent used P here or otherwise (GC, MF pawn shop used), then selling yours.

 

[jd56hawk]

Huh? How does a $300 Epiphone T-bird turn into a $600 used Epiphone T-bird?

It's $499 new.

 

[DavC]

i would NOT ... your bass looks very cool .. !!

 

[Flabass]

I wouldn't touch it.

 

[SteveHeissner]

+1 for these...

"It looks more like it was painted blue by a 1st grader with a bad brush."

"I wouldn't touch it."

 

[awilkie84]

jeez, really? maybe i should but the t-bird and trade w/you. cij is the finest.

It's too bad you're nowhere near me. lol
I loved my Epi Tbird Classic IV. It's 1 of 2 basses I wish I hadn't traded. The other is a Fender Classic 50's P-bass.
MY CIJ Classic 70's is nice, but I like the necks on the 50's more.

 

[mdogs]

It's $499 new.

How does a $499 epiphone turn into $600 epiphone?

 

[scourgeofgod]

Try adjusting the way the 'Bird hangs. I have found that it has a sweet spot with the neck much more vertical than a Fender. If you do it that way, you will find the ergonomics more like an upright bass than a Fender can get, and once you get used to it, you may find it more comfortable because your wrists don't have to bend. It's just a suggestion and it won't work for everyone. It's worth trying before bailing. If it works, you win!

I agree, I recently started playing all my instruments with that kind of upright angle, does wonders for my shoulder.

 

[BigBadaBoom]

How does a $499 epiphone turn into $600 epiphone?

I think he was referring to the Bass+Upgrades. These Epi PRO Basses go for $500, Hipshot Bridge is like $120, Hipshot tuners $60 etc...

I've been asking $450 for it on evilbay for awhile and no takers, I also have it advertised locally but like I said I live in a small town

 

[mdogs]

I think he was referring to the Bass+Upgrades. These Epi PRO Basses go for $500, Hipshot Bridge is like $120, Hipshot tuners $60 etc...

I've been asking $450 for it on evilbay for awhile and no takers, I also have it advertised locally but like I said I live in a small town

Commonn problem, buyers really put VERY little value on upgrades so all they see is a $500 bass when it was new being sold for $450...reality sucks.

 

[jd56hawk]

How does a $499 epiphone turn into $600 epiphone?

Upgrades...bridge and tuners.
Of course, trying to get $600 for it and getting $600 for it...

I offered someone $400 for the exact same bass without a case a few months ago (he wanted $600 and wouldn't negotiate) because it wasn't worth more to me because it was used. One-week used or one-year used is still used.
I'd rather buy brand new and put a Babicz bridge on and a pearl white pickguard, myself.
But $450 is a good price for this one...if it was local I'd go for it.

 

[BigBadaBoom]

I can always put the stock hardware back on and lower the price? Seems kinda sad cause these "upgrades" are in reality essential for a good playing Bass that stays in tune.

 

[jd56hawk]

No, the price is right. Hey, there's an Alpine White Thunderbird on ebay right now for $450 with stock bridge and tuners and another stock one with a case and a Hercules stand and that guy wants $700!
If he sells it I definitely want to meet the guy who buys it.
Regardless, I think that your bass is a good deal for the money...it is the Holiday season, after all, and a lot of people are probably planning on buying stuff at stores where they can take advantage of layaway...I am, myself, Dean Exotica Acoustic Bass.
Believe me, if I saw your bass hanging up in Guitar Center I'd put $100 on it without blinking an eye.
The one I wanted a few months ago had the same bridge but you could see the holes from the old tuners on the back of the headstock...didn't look quite right. No big deal to some, but it'd bother me a bit.

 

[E.J. T.N.T.]

I think he was referring to the Bass+Upgrades. These Epi PRO Basses go for $500, Hipshot Bridge is like $120, Hipshot tuners $60 etc...

I've been asking $450 for it on evilbay for awhile and no takers, I also have it advertised locally but like I said I live in a small town

Like you said the bass cost around 500$ new and the upgrades around 220$ new. Sure it is used and as you said the buyers will probably won't pay more than 450$. That said he could still put on the original hardware back on and make a second sale for the upgrades and could still get around 600$ in total.