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inheritance sadness
- Thread starter txhawaii
- Start date
Get the custom shop G&L, configured however you want it, come out with a better instrument, AND save some money in the process (shrugs shoulders)
I've had a few days to think about things as well as play a few instruments, and while I'm surely a few weeks or months from making decisions to buy anything, I've had some thoughts about vintage, Japanese, and American made instruments along with boutique machines.
on vintage, I've gathered loads but have come to the conclusion that an old guitar is valuable to the seller and the one who is convinced to buy it. whether the instrument has a provenance or just mojo, its value is based upon what I want to pay for it. I've stumbled across some birth year basses and while prices are sky high, I did see one for under $3k. The guitar has been routed for an installation of a neck pickup (covered by the pickguard) and new bridge, new pickups, pots, etc. so the only thing that's really vintage is the body, neck and the price. So what are you actually getting? At that point do you just pick up a Players series and customize it to your standards because the birth year guitar is already gutted? Original condition basses in this age are nearly double. A 1977 Luke Skywalker figure is still Luke whether he's in a package or not but do you really want to spend that kind of cash if the packaging is missing...even if it is "cheaper?"
On Am vs Jpn, everyone can argue about who made what better based on whatever experience you have but it is interesting to see these PB and JB reissues in the $700-$1500 range and prices climbing with older 80s models and newer 2010+ models. Americans seem to be steady in that $1500 range for a clean J or P. The new AOs and Ultras are really nice but as everyone points out, you'll lose value once you drive off the lot. Used AM seems the way to go.
Boutiques are interesting because people swear by their Sandowskys or Mike Lulls but all these seem to be well out of my wheelhouse because I'm not a professional, play in a band, or record. I personally work in a field where credit cards have allowed many amatuers to show up with pro equipment and talk the walk but can't walk the talk if you know what I mean; hence, I have to be careful not to fall into that category of being one of those guys just because I got an inheritance and can spend a little more than I should.
which then puts me into the CS realm...I just wasn't that impressed. Sure they're nice and all customy and so forth but that is a lot of cash for a relic'd bass. bringing me back to the non original vintage birth year ...
are these things really worth the price?
on vintage, I've gathered loads but have come to the conclusion that an old guitar is valuable to the seller and the one who is convinced to buy it. whether the instrument has a provenance or just mojo, its value is based upon what I want to pay for it. I've stumbled across some birth year basses and while prices are sky high, I did see one for under $3k. The guitar has been routed for an installation of a neck pickup (covered by the pickguard) and new bridge, new pickups, pots, etc. so the only thing that's really vintage is the body, neck and the price. So what are you actually getting? At that point do you just pick up a Players series and customize it to your standards because the birth year guitar is already gutted? Original condition basses in this age are nearly double. A 1977 Luke Skywalker figure is still Luke whether he's in a package or not but do you really want to spend that kind of cash if the packaging is missing...even if it is "cheaper?"
On Am vs Jpn, everyone can argue about who made what better based on whatever experience you have but it is interesting to see these PB and JB reissues in the $700-$1500 range and prices climbing with older 80s models and newer 2010+ models. Americans seem to be steady in that $1500 range for a clean J or P. The new AOs and Ultras are really nice but as everyone points out, you'll lose value once you drive off the lot. Used AM seems the way to go.
Boutiques are interesting because people swear by their Sandowskys or Mike Lulls but all these seem to be well out of my wheelhouse because I'm not a professional, play in a band, or record. I personally work in a field where credit cards have allowed many amatuers to show up with pro equipment and talk the walk but can't walk the talk if you know what I mean; hence, I have to be careful not to fall into that category of being one of those guys just because I got an inheritance and can spend a little more than I should.
which then puts me into the CS realm...I just wasn't that impressed. Sure they're nice and all customy and so forth but that is a lot of cash for a relic'd bass. bringing me back to the non original vintage birth year ...
are these things really worth the price?
Looks like you're making good progress. I think you should think of the quality/playability of the bass and value as two separate tracks to be considered in that order.
Narrow the field down to instruments you actually like the feel and sound of and then consider whether the price is worth it. A few things in that regard.
-You already know that a new CS instrument (any new instrument actually) loses value immediately. You also don't seem to like them so it's neither worth it to you personally nor worth it from a resale perspective.
-As for modified vintage instruments. The answer is that they still have considerable value just less than original or near original. If you find a modified vintage bass at a good price that you like the feel and sound of I would not hesitate to purchase it. As long as you don't overpay, you've still got a vintage instrument you like that will hold it's value.
-As you correctly deduce, a used American Fender is a very safe bet as far as value and resale-ability. I'd still recommend trying a used American Lakland, but that's my preference and would be more expensive.
-Lastly, lots of hobbyists play high end instruments, so I wouldn't worry too much about being an amateur with a great instrument Fender CS, PRS, etc wouldn't exist without middle-age professionals buying the instrument of their dreams.
Narrow the field down to instruments you actually like the feel and sound of and then consider whether the price is worth it. A few things in that regard.
-You already know that a new CS instrument (any new instrument actually) loses value immediately. You also don't seem to like them so it's neither worth it to you personally nor worth it from a resale perspective.
-As for modified vintage instruments. The answer is that they still have considerable value just less than original or near original. If you find a modified vintage bass at a good price that you like the feel and sound of I would not hesitate to purchase it. As long as you don't overpay, you've still got a vintage instrument you like that will hold it's value.
-As you correctly deduce, a used American Fender is a very safe bet as far as value and resale-ability. I'd still recommend trying a used American Lakland, but that's my preference and would be more expensive.
-Lastly, lots of hobbyists play high end instruments, so I wouldn't worry too much about being an amateur with a great instrument Fender CS, PRS, etc wouldn't exist without middle-age professionals buying the instrument of their dreams.
My father passed away in spring of 2012. He doesn't know it but he surprised me with this. Thanks Dad. 
M. M.
M. M.
you forgot paunchy when you said middle-age professionals. lol
I think the local GC might have a Lackland but it might be a non-American model.
My father passed away in spring of 2012. He doesn't know it but he surprised me with this. Thanks Dad.
View attachment 4364052
View attachment 4364064
M. M.
wow look just like him. Spitting image. I wonder if he would have approved?
I'm sorry for your loss.
As far as instruments are concerned, ignore any thoughts about how they hold their value or what kind of investments they'll make. If you want to make an investment, there are many, many ways to do it better than buying musical instruments. If you want to buy a bass, find one that meets these two requirements, and buy it.
1. It brings you joy.
2. You can afford it.
I think the Fender CS instruments are great. I've got a CS 1960 Jazz Bass that my wife gave me for our 20th anniversary. I wish I had this bass my whole life. It's perfect for me. I've also played a few that didn't knock me out, but that's to be expected. Play a bunch. Buy the one that makes you glad you picked it up. Maybe it'll be a vintage pre-CBS wonder, or a Sadowsky or a Lull or something else. You've got time. When you find it, you'll know it.
As far as instruments are concerned, ignore any thoughts about how they hold their value or what kind of investments they'll make. If you want to make an investment, there are many, many ways to do it better than buying musical instruments. If you want to buy a bass, find one that meets these two requirements, and buy it.
1. It brings you joy.
2. You can afford it.
I think the Fender CS instruments are great. I've got a CS 1960 Jazz Bass that my wife gave me for our 20th anniversary. I wish I had this bass my whole life. It's perfect for me. I've also played a few that didn't knock me out, but that's to be expected. Play a bunch. Buy the one that makes you glad you picked it up. Maybe it'll be a vintage pre-CBS wonder, or a Sadowsky or a Lull or something else. You've got time. When you find it, you'll know it.
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
Sorry about your loss. My on advice is to buy something with zero intentions of selling. I would only pull the trigger on a dream bass.
My grandfather left me some money when he passed. He was a musician who strongly encouraged education. While all the other grandkids quickly spent the money on things, it felt like an albatross on my neck. I thought about it for years. I finally spent the money on a custom bass, one I had been planning/daydreaming for years prior to his passing. I would never get my money back if I sold it, not even close, but I will never sell this bass. I cannot imagine it not being my number one. I felt like he would have been proud to see me show it off so I think it was money well spent. I used the remainder to cover some education costs.
Whatever you decide on, love it forever and rock it proudly.
Much love.
My grandfather left me some money when he passed. He was a musician who strongly encouraged education. While all the other grandkids quickly spent the money on things, it felt like an albatross on my neck. I thought about it for years. I finally spent the money on a custom bass, one I had been planning/daydreaming for years prior to his passing. I would never get my money back if I sold it, not even close, but I will never sell this bass. I cannot imagine it not being my number one. I felt like he would have been proud to see me show it off so I think it was money well spent. I used the remainder to cover some education costs.
Whatever you decide on, love it forever and rock it proudly.
Much love.
why would you be concerned about the resale of a CUSTOM shop instrument, made solely for you and meant to be kept forever? Weird.
I'm putting a lot of thinking into this venture and while I'm more than set with my current instruments, that future inheritance is allowing me to dream big. I've already tempted myself with several instruments..most recently a very nice 70s precision but time is on my side so I'll just keep looking. I have an idea of what I want but whether or not I should do it is the big question. I'll wait for the money to get into my account. At that point, I'll have the ability to make the right choice. but knowing myself, my fists begin to really squeeze tightly due to my miserly ways. Better to see zeros in the account than a toy in my hands. hahaha.
Take your time, be clear on what makes you happy.
As for spending a large sum of money, get exactly what you want and disregard price. As the old adage goes - Buy once, cry once.
PS. Cryptocurrencies can be extremely profitable…. if you know what you're doing. Prices are expected to rise over the next 3-6 months. Find a friend with experience to guide you thru it.
As for spending a large sum of money, get exactly what you want and disregard price. As the old adage goes - Buy once, cry once.
PS. Cryptocurrencies can be extremely profitable…. if you know what you're doing. Prices are expected to rise over the next 3-6 months. Find a friend with experience to guide you thru it.
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yes indeed. this time has allowed me to explore lots of different instruments, ages, and styles. its also made me appreciate what I currently own as well...which is encouraging because I know that, yes, I will cry, but it might only be once.
Sydney...? Are the lockdowns as bad as the conspiracy theorists say? I'm reading they found one Kiwi infected and the locked down NZ. Is Ozzieland that bad?
Sydney...? Are the lockdowns as bad as the conspiracy theorists say? I'm reading they found one Kiwi infected and the locked down NZ. Is Ozzieland that bad?
UPDATES:
after a few weeks of searching and playing I've made some progress and learned a bit more along the way.
I went back to play a few instruments at a big box store across town. I re-played a Fender CS, Fender Ultra, and Fender 60th anniversary. I found the 60s CS to be atrocious with absolutely no set up and a nearly frozen D string tuner. It took me at least 10 tries to get the D in tune. For a display model costing over $4k, I would have expected the store, and Fender by the way, to have their premier high end bass purring like kitten with a tummy full of milk. The CS has made me rethink whether it is worth the money to invest in such a questionable instrument. Yes I understand the store will do this and that before it walks out the door but I'm thinking a Mercedes won't be lifted on a jack with a tire missing on the sales floor.
I've also researched some Japanese MIJ and CIJ instruments. They're in the $1000+ range and from what I understand is they are truly nice instruments. I have an 80s Boxer that is amazing but I also paid very little for it making it the bargain of the century for me.
If purchased, I would consider sending the Japanese body off to MJT for a paint job and possible relic look thus making the bass "mine."
Would I be better off having MJT make a custom bass for me from scratch?
I also have my eye on a 70s P being sold by a member here. It sadly is just a few years off my birth year so I'm not jumping at it just yet but it is a nice instrument.
after a few weeks of searching and playing I've made some progress and learned a bit more along the way.
I went back to play a few instruments at a big box store across town. I re-played a Fender CS, Fender Ultra, and Fender 60th anniversary. I found the 60s CS to be atrocious with absolutely no set up and a nearly frozen D string tuner. It took me at least 10 tries to get the D in tune. For a display model costing over $4k, I would have expected the store, and Fender by the way, to have their premier high end bass purring like kitten with a tummy full of milk. The CS has made me rethink whether it is worth the money to invest in such a questionable instrument. Yes I understand the store will do this and that before it walks out the door but I'm thinking a Mercedes won't be lifted on a jack with a tire missing on the sales floor.
I've also researched some Japanese MIJ and CIJ instruments. They're in the $1000+ range and from what I understand is they are truly nice instruments. I have an 80s Boxer that is amazing but I also paid very little for it making it the bargain of the century for me.
If purchased, I would consider sending the Japanese body off to MJT for a paint job and possible relic look thus making the bass "mine."
Would I be better off having MJT make a custom bass for me from scratch?
I also have my eye on a 70s P being sold by a member here. It sadly is just a few years off my birth year so I'm not jumping at it just yet but it is a nice instrument.
Some progress made? I think we already knew a CS was not for you but are you any closer to actually knowing what you want in an instrument?
Japanese Fenders are indeed great instruments.
I don't know anything about MJT but there are lots of companies making good Fender style instruments. Looking at their website an MJT is an instrument that will likely cost you over 2k and will certainly loose value the second you take possession of it, but if valuation doesn't matter and you have something very specific in mind then that's a way to go. What draws you to MJT all of a sudden?
