How do I price a custom bass?

[Axtman]

I have a copy of a Fodera Victor Wooten Yin/Yang bass. It is a custom bass built by a professional luthier. It is very well made and uses top-quality components.

I would like to consign it to my local bass shop, but I don't know how to price it. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Ghastly]

Maybe start with the price of a used Fodera and see if you get any interest. Reduce as necessary?

 

[D to the C]

I think you look at what you have in it, then figure out how much you want to get out of it. Then the market will let you know whether your price is fair.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I know nothing other than that it uses "top quality" parts and looks something like a Ying/Yang bass. No details on woods used, actual parts, actual luthier, condition, etc. It's not a known name, etc. a copy, it's used.

I would look at other basses as similar in construction and condition, factor how quickly you want to get it sold, and use that as a starting place.

 

[Axtman]

Thanks guys. I was not looking for you to price my bass, just give me strategies. I will also talk to Chad and Jeff at The Bass Shop for their input. It is a great bass that just does not get played enough.

 

[KenSmithFan]

If the luthier is not well known, then it will likely just be looked at as a parts bass. You’re probably looking at about 40% of what you payed for it new - at best. I’ve bought and sold similar basses and that’s been my experience.

 

[MrLenny1]

I had a custom bass built, top notch. The luthier is not well known
compared to the big boys so i hope to maybe get half of what I paid for it.

 

[gln1955]

If the luthier is not well known, then it will likely just be looked at as a parts bass. You’re probably looking at about 40% of what you payed for it new - at best. I’ve bought and sold similar basses and that’s been my experience.

This. Unless a potential buyer can hold it in their hands, play it and listen to it, it's an unknown item. Don't expect anyone to pay what it may seem worth to you.

 

[cataract]

I sold a custom made from scratch bass that a local luthier put together for me. I supplied all of the hardware / pickups / preamp and brand new hardshell case. Basically rolled the cost of everything, including labor and tacked on a few hundred bucks. With the cost of shipping included, I barely came out on top but glad to see it go to a new home.

 

[Slevage]

Because it’s not a Fodera, you’re going to take a hit if you sell it.
Realistically, I think the market would be about 1/2 of what you paid for it.

Pricing would be very different if it was a known, desired brand.

 

[Gervais Cote]

In my area,pretty much all custom stuff is sold 50% or less than the real stuff.
When you have a custom bass, it’s a better investment if you keep it over a long period of time.

 

[jimmydean]

Those copies are on Ebay for $250-$300 brand new from China .

 

[alembicbones]

Cool looking bass. That said it isn't anywhere near Fodera value. Chad and Jeff will help you determine a reasonable price. Be prepared though for it to sit for some time unless it is priced really aggressively.

If it were me, I didn't need the money and I liked the bass, I would keep it. You will appreciate it more than a potential buyer looking for a deal on a bass made by an unknown luthier.

Bones

 

[elgranluis]

I have a copy of a Fodera Victor Wooten Yin/Yang bass. It is a custom bass built by a professional luthier. It is very well made and uses top-quality components.

I would like to consign it to my local bass shop, but I don't know how to price it. Any ideas would be appreciated.

View attachment 5467462

If guess 50% of what you paid for the bass would be a reasonable asking price

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Fiddy percent.

 

[ardgedee]

Almost all custom basses go for far less used. Even the lower-end Alembics are about $12k-18k new and can be found for $5k-8k used, and considerably less if you shop around -- they lack the identity and desirability of the Series I and II, Brown Bass, Omega Bass, etc. Wal is the only brand I can think of where used basses regularly sell for prices around new, and that's mostly because of the very long backlog of orders.

 

[tb-player]

$100

 

[kmon]

Probably a trial and error thing. Stick a price on it and see whether you get any interest. Then start dropping the price.

There are a number of factors working against you. It’s a parts bass and so it’s unbranded. Also as pointed out above there’s not exactly a shortage of yin Yang bass copies.

I’d list out and emphasize the high quality components, and then try it at maybe 650, offers accepted, and then try to work the best deal I can.

 

[Axtman]

Here are a few more pics.

 

[bobfarabaugh]

I don’t know what to tell you about pricing, but I think it is a looking Bass. Glad no butterfly’s were involved! lol.