Does Modding a bass hurt its value?(Pickup & Bridge covers)

[JimmyM]

I mean no disrespect but do MIJ's really become collectiable? Does one even need to worry about that?

We said the same thing about the 70's basses Fender was making and many people chopped them like crazy, including me. Nowadays many are getting over $2000.

 

[Batmensch]

I mean no disrespect but do MIJ's really become collectiable? Does one even need to worry about that?

I couldn't care less about the eventual collectability or resale value when I buy a bass. All I care about is what it can do for me now as far as playing it goes. If that includes covers, then so be it.

 

[mystic38]

simply put..i have automatically avoided any bass that shows ashtray holes... so yes, it will hurt resale.
If you dont care, then its fine..

 

[Joe Nerve]

Nice photo! Fender, Peavey, Budweiser, Marlboro's and 8-track tape - - - how many of those are you still into???

You left out the stones, which is the only one of all those things I'm still into.

Oh yeah, great call on the Bud. Took me a while to find it.

 

[Ric5]

To me a bass is a tool. I have no problem modifying that toll so it works better.

 

[Ric5]

If the hole wasn't drilled, it's not consistent with the bass design, regardless of the pickguard holes. So no, I wouldn't do it, and yes, I would expect to pay less if someone did.

There are so many p-basses out there so who can keep track of which ones actually come with pickup covers and which ones don't.

 

[cnltb]

I would like to add Pickup & Bridge covers to my '93 MIJ Reissue 1962 P-Bass. I never liked drilling even the slightest hole in a bass. In this case, the Bass has the holes in the Scratch plate for where the cover goes. The bass is already 20 years old and will be collectible some day. Will the cover(s) hurt its value?

I doubt that value will be an issue in regards to this bass.
I also would leave it as is.

 

[golower]

yes usually -if it is an expensive or classic piece .But the only worth something has is what someone is willing to pay for it -if it is not wanted any more.

 

[golower]

I would say it wouldnt hurt the value or change it much.

 

[202dy]

To me a bass is a tool. I have no problem modifying that toll so it works better.

True. However, that has no bearing in the marketplace.

There are so many p-basses out there so who can keep track of which ones actually come with pickup covers and which ones don't.

Collectors do with encyclopedic vengeance.

If one is buying, modding, and keeping the market value does not affect the way they think. If one looks at a guitar as an investment, the drive and the decisions are very different.

Originality is everything. It is the same thing in each sector in the collector/antique world. You should see the look a child's face when they are told that the cool custom mod that dear departed Dad installed on his cherished vintage guitar is the reason the offer is lower than the price for "the same thing" in the VG Guide or eBay. They often become hostile and accuse the buyer of attempted theft. Or they make references concerning his parentage and sexual partners.

This is the way it works.

While most guitars past the age of thirty will not pay for someone's college tuition, most will pick up the tab for a couple semester's worth of text books. Just something to think about.

Respectfully submitted.