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Basses you'd never buy new

#61
Buying new is pretty nice at at times, but when it concerns basses and guitars... used is the route to go in most cases. But I've gotten rather specific about what I want and sometimes new is the option left.

Classic example, I want a Fender FSR Jazz (boy am I gassing hard) but I can't locate a used one, and I do not trust Ebay at all. So what option is left? Brand new. Being under $500 isn't bad either!
 
#62
I bought an Ash body USA Jazz new in 99 because there were none around to buy used. Maple neck/board natural finish , big fat grainy Ash. If I wanted a bass like that it had to be new.
I would not buy a custom one of a kind style botique bass new. No way. There is just no way you can recoup your money on one of those. I think if you were to buy one new you better want to keep it forever or just give it to someone when you're done with it. I have one of these type basses and I traded a Highway One P bass for it! The guy just didn't understand the bass. Niether did I untill I figured out it had a dual action truss rod. After that it was "on". The bass is just killer and it's an inch thick. Exotic woods etc. I got it for a fraction of what it cost new.
I must say I too have been upset with Fender basses for a while. I can't see myself buying one of those new BUT the only one I might buy would be a Roadworn Jazz if I found a good one. There are some exceptional ones around- not just because of the way it looks though. I have a R-Worn- P bass that I got used that is a really good bass.
 
#65
Normally I have no desire to buy new. Where I get in a bind is when I play an instrument that I fall in love with- I'm paranoid that I won't find another one, even the same brand/line/etc., that feels as "right" to me. This just happened to me. I picked up a brand new powder blue (?) w/ tort, maple neck/board and white pickup cover Sting Ray Classic at GC the other day and ZOMG. I'm in love. Luckily I don't have the money... Never thought I'd ever want a MM of any kind, either.
 
#67
I always buy new. If my axe is going to have mojo, it's going to be my mojo. if you buy used it's like adopting a child, lawfully it's yours but at the end of the day you know it's not really.

People who don't like buying new basses are those who can't afford them. Owwwww harsh! Lol

To be level headed about this, I guess you should buy what your happy with, and just be happy!
 
#69
I would only buy Carvin used and my BB75 is the best feeling 5 string I've ever played. It was in perfect condition when I bought it and it still went for between 1/2 and 1/3 it's original value. G&L's used to be like that too, but the bass world has finally figured out how good they really are so great deals on them are almost a thing of the past.
 
#70
IronLung1986 said:
haha it's so trendy right now to say "i'll never buy new" as if it's some sort of quasi-moral life decision. but if i like something and i think i can get a good deal on it, you can bet i'm open to the idea of buying it new. there are good deals to be found in the new market and ruling out that option seems like a mistake to me.
Click to expand...

+1 Nothing wrong with new. You get a warranty which is also something to consider.
 
#75
I don't know that I'd buy any instrument new. The price difference on used stuff is just so substantial, to me it doesn't make sense. More often than not the instruments are in good to great condition. I don't mind a nick or scratch here and there. I don't collect basses and guitars, I play them! Here's some deals I've gotten that destroy the new price...

Les Paul Special -- $500
Les Paul Studio w/ Classic Pickups - $600
Fender American Jazz Deluxe - $600 (25 for shipping)
EBMM HH Stingray - $750
GK 800RB - $325
Soldano HR100 - $1100

All gear was in no less then very good shape and you can't beat the prices!
 
#78
I normally buy new, because I like warranties and getting exactly what I want, like, for example the Midnight Blue Metallic/tort/rosewood/painted headstock G&L JB that should arrive any day. :D

But I'd buy used if: (1) it's just too darned expensive for me new, like a Dingwall Super J (basically anything over about $1,750); (2) it's not made anymore; (3) it's something of an experiment and I'm not sure I'll keep it long term; or (4) I think it might be very difficult to resell if I don't like it.

For example, I'd probably go used if I bought a StingRay 5. They're expensive new, and I normally don't like active basses so it would be an experiment. But they're plentiful used (often in great condition), and relatively easy to flip.
 

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