Yup, I sold my Nash P63 pbass for $1200 to go for the cheaper Squier CV60 for $260. Turns out the Squier is pretty darn good so I don't regret because of the price difference.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Did you ever "downgrade"? By choice or situation?
- Thread starter DanBass
- Start date
i sorta have been down this road in a way..
I started enjoying basses that just sound good and are easy to use in a mix. not perfect, but just "nice." went from super-fancy handmade basses to often using my modded carvin for this reason.
I just got a harley benton bass for less than $200. Only thing i'm adding (for now) is shielding - and it could be fine without it. I'll likely use that bass on a few gigs without hesitation. it's a great bass, i don't care that it's not "as nice as ___" or whatever. it legitimately sounds good.
I've thankfully never been in the situation where I've needed to downgrade due to circumstances. That being said, if you play a 4 string P, there are so many great examples of that type of bass at every price point. It's quite literally the most ubiquitous bass guitar style. I think the best route would be to find one you like and then part with your more expensive bass should you choose to do so.
I've sold every unicorn fancy bass that I've owned. It's not that I don't find high end basses inspiring to play or look at, but if I'm not comfortable taking a bass to a dive bar or jam session, it doesn't stay in the stable. The recouped cash has gone to other things - music related and otherwise. As long as I have a few basses I really enjoy, I'm happy.
Last edited:
I was in a steady working cover band for several years and did sub work, between the two was covering a lot of different styles, formats and genres. As a result, I have collected a small herd to cover the different gigs. I focus now on an original project and playing at Church, so, have a few basses I do t play anymore…I'll probably thin the heard at some point.
I am seriously overwhelmed by the replies, support and insight. Thanks to each and every one of you who took a few seconds to post... Someone asked if netting $600-700 after a replacement is procured would be worth it to me.... And I would have to answer yes. (So at the end of the day, I am probably answering my own question..)
There will be better times, more basses and the cushion and small amount of relief felt is worth it in my opinion.
In short, I will be posting the bass this evening.. Lord knows we are due for some rays of sunshine - this black cloud has been hanging for months and months - some days I wonder what I did.
There will be better times, more basses and the cushion and small amount of relief felt is worth it in my opinion.
In short, I will be posting the bass this evening.. Lord knows we are due for some rays of sunshine - this black cloud has been hanging for months and months - some days I wonder what I did.
Don't feel bad about playing something you personally consider a 'downgrade'. I have seen plenty of people kill it with off-brand or 'down-market' basses, and I have seen people disgrace themselves with $5000 worth of gear behind them. I have sold off more expensive basses for less expensive basses and life has continued. More often than not, I was far happier with what I got for the money. The 'downgrade' is only in your head. No one who matters cares about what you play.
Between having to buy another bass, and the limited profit ($500-$800?), just looking at the numbers, is it worth it?
Maybe it is - I don't know your situation - but I have sold a lot of things in the past that I now regret. I lost a lot of money by buying new, then selling.
Maybe it is - I don't know your situation - but I have sold a lot of things in the past that I now regret. I lost a lot of money by buying new, then selling.
I was just looking at the money, but I would rather hear a good player on a $150 instrument than a bad player on a $2,500 instrument.
For me, time (precision, syncopation, etc.), strings, EQ and "headroom" are more important. The main issue with cheap basses is the fretwork QA, which can force high action on you. A fret-rocker, YouTube and some makeshift tools can help there.
That's a nice gesture but I disagree that it was "the right thing to do". You owned the bass free and clear with no obligations attached as soon as you bought it. You obviously bonded with it. You don't owe the previous owner anything. If his financial situation improves then he is free to buy another Sting Ray.
Hello! The $500-800 (hoping for as close to the latter as I can get after procuring something less expensive) would actually give me some relief so, all in all, yes it would be worth it. Of course, doesn't make it any less difficult of a decision.. I guess what works for me, wouldn't for someone else..
Someone said something above (paraphrasing) that financial stress and worry is the worst.. and it sure is... The last 6-8 months have been beyond lousy. I am good with a few things happening here and there, life does that, but holy cow, it has been one thing after another after another after another. It's hit us financially, and clobbered my pride immensely. They say adversity builds character, but jeez.
I believe the wise poet Thomas Petty said, "Let Me Up, I've Had Enough".
Sold all of my gear several times when money was tight. Replaced it with inexpensive gear when I could. Now back to better. Got to do what you gotta do.
+1. If possible, it may be better to cut back on expenses (a penny saved is a penny earned) rather than selling possessions.
We do that, believe me.. But the barrage of issues destroyed any smallish "nest egg" or emergency fund of sorts that we had. I have cut so many corners, it is round.
1) My wife's Mom passed just prior to Christmas after a lengthy illness. We had to fly back and forth from FL to PA during her illness as well as after she passed. Family issues caused us to had to put out considerable funds for things associated with the multiple trips. Hotels (long story.. you'd think we could stay with family.... no..) rental cars (silly prices) etc etc.. Her Mom was such a fantastic lady - that has really been beyond difficult.
2) wife fell and broke her arm and severely dislocated her shoulder. She cannot work and the medical bills are hanging there.. Been bobbing and weaving those like Marvin Hagler. Her inability to work essentially cut our household income in half. Drastic effect not only financially but mentally as well.
3) Hit a deer and totaled car... no comprehensive, stupid, yes.. couldn't file a claim.. I had no idea. So car kaput.. had to figure out a plan B.. rebuilding something from ground zero, piece by piece with my limited auto acumen. I am mortified I dropped the ball here and with her car no less... Plan B car has been a work in progress, me trying to do what I can when I can and get it up and running. But again, I am upset that it was my fault.
4) other remaining car - needed $1000 worth of brake work.. this was just a few weeks ago. Ouch. But can't mess with those.
There is more, but these all and then some occurred in a stinking 6 month time frame..
I mean sheesh... at least give a guy a chance to rebound. Sigh. Nope. I have always been a go-getter, but man this has really tested my resolve.
, just hard to find at times, it will get better 
...at the risk of starting a "Holy War", perhaps there might be some local assistance in your area: churches, local gov. With the cost of food, it wouldn't take much in the way of food assistance to hit $800, over time.
Apologies in advance if I am "out of line"...
