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Help/opinions/advice on used bass

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by AttackDonut, Jul 1, 2003.

  1. Jul 1, 2003 #1
    AttackDonut

    AttackDonut Guest

    Jun 29, 2003
    Me again with more annoying questions:

    I've been reading old threads on beginning basses and whatnot, specifically the Ibanez Jumpstart kit and I saw several people recommend buying a better do-it-yourself kit and (in the long run) saving money and really buying what you want.

    Today as I was visiting another music store, I passed by a pawn shop which had a lot of musical instruments, including my favorite bass...a BC Rich Warlock in candyflake red. It had a traditional style head to it though, for what it's worth...

    The bass had a gold plate on the back with a serial number (IIRC) starting with 22,xxx. Does this mean anything?

    Should I even consider used for a 1st bass, bearing in mind I have no idea what to look for if it's been abused.

    The gold knobs on the front were faded, as was the insert plug (gold as well) for the cable
    The body looked in good condition, the neck as well.

    They were asking 260$ for it, which seemed a little high considering what they are going for new on eBay...ideas?

    Thanks for the advice, as always

    Cheers!
     
  2. Jul 1, 2003 #2
    SlavaF

    SlavaF

    Jul 31, 2002
    Edmonton AB
    If you don't know what to look for, then buying used just got a lot riskier... I'd advise a new bass to start out with, because then you get experience with different manufacturers, and it's less likely it will fall apart! (Unless it's a Rogue...:D) I don't have much experience with BC Riches though, maybe someone who knows what quality is usually like, and an owner of a bass like that... Do you know what model it is? :bassist:
     
  3. Jul 1, 2003 #3
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    What series is it? Does it say anything like 'Platinum Series' or 'NJ Series' on it? Is it a bolt on neck, or neck through body?

    Do you have bass player friend that you could take with you to take a look at it?
     
  4. Jul 2, 2003 #4
    Masamax

    Masamax Guest

    Jun 11, 2003
    Edmonton AB, Canada
    If you have no friends, there are a few things you should take a look at. First play the bass and make sure everything is in working order and you actually like the sound of the bass. Make sure you test all the controls to see they are working. Second, inspect the bass for asthetic damage such as dings. For checking the bass for it's wear, make sure the neck is straight, the frets are not too damaged (as you play, esspecially roundwound strings, you can wear away the fretboard), the frets are lined and placed well, and everything important is where it should be. We are talking neck placement (spacing from body and such if bolt on) condition of any and all screws (not too worn and such). If a bolt on neck make sure the neck is firm and the connection is not damaged. I also suggest you check out the tuners for ware and such. Most of the things you will find are asthetic. Much of the things I listed aren't specifically tests for used instruments, but tests for instruments in general. If this bass was made badly, it will not be worth buying used OR new, so make sure it's in order.

    Really, ideally take a bassist with you, or at the very least a guitarest who can do a rudimentary test of quality.
     
  5. Jul 2, 2003 #5
    AttackDonut

    AttackDonut Guest

    Jun 29, 2003
    for the helpful ideas. I have no playing friends I can get to go with me easily.

    I *thought* the bass said NJ series, but I'm not positive, so either I'll double check or step away entirely.

    I still have other places to visit for new basses, so my search isn't done yet.

    Thanks once again

    CHeers!
    AttackDonut