Most Craig's List consumers aren't exactly looking for high end, vintage gear. You may have luck on Ebay but then again it sounds high. There is a lot of vintage and newer gear out there for a lot cheaper.
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Am I asking too much?
- Thread starter whitespikebass
- Start date
Folks who have 2000-2500 to blow typically don't hunt Craigslist
Meanwhile, you still see SVT's all over the place. I think there is a grain of truth to what you say, and some have gone that way, but there are still plenty of folks willing to schlep the big stuff to get that sound, and recent backorders on SVT's prove that Ampeg doesn't have much problem selling what they make. But there are other factors in what makes one Blue Line sell more than another...type of power tubes, age, wear, etc. And it doesn't help that new SVT's sound as good as old ones and are a little lighter, either.
Actually it was screwed up when I bought it. It was a 73 and I bought it new in about 77-78. I didn't know any better. The bridge was actually mounted in the wrong place so the g string was almost off the neck. Plus with the original bridge I had three E strings break. The paint job was my fault. I had laid the bass down on the floor at rehearsal and the drummers cymbal fell off a stand and put a gash about 4 inches long on the front of the bass. Decided to sand it down and refinish it myself.So it's not crap...you crapped it
Craigslist is where people go to get awesome deals first and quality equipment second. My guess is that it'll take you a good month or so to get a sale or at least a few knowledgeable buyers.
I recently sold a guitar head on my local Craigalist (Austin) that was one of the legendary guitar equivalents to your Ampeg (Mesa Dual Rectifier Revision F Blackface). It took about three weeks and a couple of jerk buyers before I got lucky, but 72 hours after being contacted by someone who knew what it was and was willing to pay the price I had my money.
I guess the key is waiting for someone who has the right combination of money, knowledge of the product and willingness to spend it.
Are you selling a cab with your SVT? Sometimes buyers are looking for a total package rather than having to piece it together themselves.
I recently sold a guitar head on my local Craigalist (Austin) that was one of the legendary guitar equivalents to your Ampeg (Mesa Dual Rectifier Revision F Blackface). It took about three weeks and a couple of jerk buyers before I got lucky, but 72 hours after being contacted by someone who knew what it was and was willing to pay the price I had my money.
I guess the key is waiting for someone who has the right combination of money, knowledge of the product and willingness to spend it.
Are you selling a cab with your SVT? Sometimes buyers are looking for a total package rather than having to piece it together themselves.
The demand for the original early SVTs has definitely relaxed some in the years since the SVT-VR was released, and especially recently based on good reviews of reliability of the newer VRs. That's not to say that your price is too high, just that the audience for the amp is much smaller than it once was (now more likely collectors than players).
If you wait long enough and take the advice given to slicken up your listings, you will at least start getting offers and perhaps one you are OK with will come along in time. I have found that on Talkbass (and Craigslist to a degree) the length of time something goes without selling is not necessarily a sign of too-high pricing, often just a niche market. And I'll +1 to everyone saying that Craigslist is a horrible place to try to get a fair price for anything- I've sold TONS of stuff on Craigslist over the years and could probably count the times something sold quickly, cleanly, and without someone trying to haggle with me on one hand. When I do still use it, I always price about 10-20% higher on Craigslist just so I can make people think they were successful when they start haggling with me!
If you wait long enough and take the advice given to slicken up your listings, you will at least start getting offers and perhaps one you are OK with will come along in time. I have found that on Talkbass (and Craigslist to a degree) the length of time something goes without selling is not necessarily a sign of too-high pricing, often just a niche market. And I'll +1 to everyone saying that Craigslist is a horrible place to try to get a fair price for anything- I've sold TONS of stuff on Craigslist over the years and could probably count the times something sold quickly, cleanly, and without someone trying to haggle with me on one hand. When I do still use it, I always price about 10-20% higher on Craigslist just so I can make people think they were successful when they start haggling with me!
It seems to me too, vintage or not, its USED. People simply will not pay top dollar for used gear unless it is in a reputable shop. Even then they still try to haggle a little. The truth is, for the plain Joe like me and you, you just arent gonna get that much money for what youre selling. That is pretty high for a used blue line IMO. I would start around $1700 and see where that takes you. Thats just me though. What do I know.
Our CL here is better, or at least more plentiful than most towns this size. You can buy, and sell, quality stuff at a fair price. Might just take some patience in todays market.
His asking price really isn't out of line in comparison to other blue or blacklines, and even one "barely used" VR in the last couple months. I wouldn't give up and shortchange himself just yet.
Actual selling prices, who knows, but I don't think he's ASKING too much.
The typical all black CL's are always cheaper. They're not nearly as cool, and there's so many out there it doesn't take all that long to find somebody who'll take less for one 'cause they "need the money now".
His asking price really isn't out of line in comparison to other blue or blacklines, and even one "barely used" VR in the last couple months. I wouldn't give up and shortchange himself just yet.
Actual selling prices, who knows, but I don't think he's ASKING too much.
The typical all black CL's are always cheaper. They're not nearly as cool, and there's so many out there it doesn't take all that long to find somebody who'll take less for one 'cause they "need the money now".
I simply cannot in good conscience get this amp, when for the same money, I can get a legit FleaBass.
I have been watching your head on Craigslist. It started out at $2700 or something like that. I'm glad you removed the picture in the car seat. Austin Vintage always appraises high,unless they are buying from you. The value of old SVTs are down right now. There is a clean MTI era head and cab for $1800,some other guy has a 76-79 listed as a 73 with case for $2500,I have a beat but good working 76-79 for $1600 which I know is too high but not dying to sell it. A blue line sold on ebay a couple of weeks ago for $1149. You could put it in Steve's store and ask $2500 but then he keeps 20%.If you can wait for SXSW or tax time it might sell easier.
For the record your amp is way better than the new ones. I wouldn't give $700 for the VR.
For the record your amp is way better than the new ones. I wouldn't give $700 for the VR.
a) It's a joke
b) look here: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/a-flea-bass-for-2000-crazy.1109699/
c) laugh (maybe?)
The overwhelming reason something/anything doesn't sell after a reasonable period is price. If you don't need to move it quickly (or at all 
), then you can maintain your price & hope that someone bites. And maybe someone will. How long that might take, though, is the question. But if you do need/want to move it sooner rather than later, then you'll need to reduce the price in some fashion. Pretty simple.
), then you can maintain your price & hope that someone bites. And maybe someone will. How long that might take, though, is the question. But if you do need/want to move it sooner rather than later, then you'll need to reduce the price in some fashion. Pretty simple.This reminds me that someone locally is attempting to sell a NOS V-4B and folded horn 2x15 for $5K.
I disagree with this- while you are right that pricing things super low is the best way to guarantee a quick sale (to someone who will likely just flip it for a profit), lots of cool stuff is in a niche market because of interest and perceived value and as such takes longer to connect with the right buyer. A Blueline SVT will always have niche value because if it's iconic stature and dwindling stock of well-functioning/ cosmetically-clean examples so while you may find folks willing to sell them cheap for quick money, there will also remain a smaller marketplace for collectors looking for an easy and nice buy (and these are the people that will likely be looking for more professional photography and specs in the listing).The overwhelming reason something/anything doesn't sell after a reasonable period is price. If you don't need to move it quickly (or at all
I would keep it. Even if it takes up space the longer you hold on to it the more it "may" be worth down the road. I sold my svt 5 and took a huge hit and now wish I just moth balled it. I don't sell gear anymore if I can help it. Some say you may say "I wish I still had that amp". Yes they are heavy but that is a perfect classic sounding amp. If your like me and change you music style you may need that amp to get the tone you want. Just my 2 cents.
