Handmade/custom basses retaining value

[MrCash]

This isn't a thread about which is better handmade vs large production basses. I have had both.

But I am wondering why handmade basses irrespective of if there better basses or not, do not seem to retain there value when there's a lot been more labour and skill put into them.
To me I would of thought the value while like most things likely to go down should not do so as much as say larger volume cnc made basses.

 

[5544]

I think it comes down to name recognition.

Considering that 95% on non-musicians will recognize Fender at the same time 99% of musicians will not recognize (insert random guy who builds instruments in their garage while not at their day job).

To put it another way, people have spent $150k on a low quality custom motorcycle using cheap knock-off Chinese made parts because they saw a father & son team put it together on TV. Those same people wouldn't touch a high quality custom motorcycle using only parts designed and made in the USA for 1/2 the cost because the builder wasn't in any magazines or tv shows.

 

[2saddleslab]

They are custom[ized] for a reason and thus minimize the potential pool of buyers. I prefer basses built my way and don't sweat resale cause they will be with me for a long time.

 

[pravus]

CNC or hand made, if the bass feels and plays bad its value will low. Value is in the eye of the buyer so if a hand made can compete on quality with factory guitars it will fetch an appropriate price.

 

[Murdoc_420]

Also most custom handmade basses cost more than a nice well known bass. Most people that buy the custom one are looking to support a specific builder and are willing to save/spend on that particular instrument. Maybe even requesting a specific wood or parts they fancy.

Most used buyers are looking for a deal on something familiar they can't typically afford. A $3k bass used on sale for $2.5k still isn't affordable.

 

[40Hz]

It's much like a custom built home. The people who are interested in one; have their own specific requirements in mind; and have the money to do it; usually aren't that interested in paying that kind of money to buy somebody else's dream home. Or bass for that matter.

Go off the reservation, or deviate from the norm too much, and it becomes a case of OKYOYO more often than not.

 

[Dbassmon]

Price is the relationship between supply and demand. While there may be limited supply of custom basses also very limited demand.

If people aren't competing or clamoring to buy an instrument then the price will reflect that. That is what you see with custom bass guitars, low demand equals low price (relative to the initial purchase price).

So if you want a boutique bass as long as its not a Fodera or Sadowsky (and a few others), you can get a great deal if you shop around for a pre-owned bass.