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Inspecting a used bass prior to purchase?

wemmick

wemmick

May 23, 2010
142
29
Washington, DC
www.facebook.com
#1
I've never bought a used bass before, but I'm considering one on Craigslist. I'll meet the owner soon and hold and play the instrument.

Are there particular things on the bass that I should be inspecting?

What red flags would block the sale?

I'll ask if there have been parts replaced, repairs, accidents. What questions should I ask?
 
#2
Whats the bass whats the price? If it was a MIA fender for $300 I could care less about the condition as long as everything's intact. But $300 for a MIM fender then I'd be checking to make sure the pups work, pots aren't too scratchy (if at all), rust, major dings, major fretwear, cracks, and that it has the parts it's supposed to and not cheap parts put on to fool you (I've had people try that). It's your money so make sure you're happy with what you're looking at.
 
#3
jkkkjkhk said:
Whats the bass whats the price? If it was a MIA fender for $300 I could care less about the condition as long as everything's intact. But $300 for a MIM fender then I'd be checking to make sure the pups work, pots aren't too scratchy (if at all), rust, major dings, major fretwear, cracks, and that it has the parts it's supposed to and not cheap parts put on to fool you (I've had people try that). It's your money so make sure you're happy with what you're looking at.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Also check the neck by looking down it from both headstock and heel for warpage, bowing or twisting.
 
#4
Kinda depends on what you're paying. Plug it in and make sure all the knobs work and do what they should. Make sure the pickup(s) work. Make sure the truss rod isn't effed. Pick it up and sight down the fretboard like you're looking down a road. Make sure the neck is straight and the frets are well seated. Look for cracks in the body wood and the neck, especially up by the headstock.

I'm sure there's other things I'm forgetting.
 
#5
I'd tune it up and play every note on the instrument. Listen for buzzing or dead frets. If there are any look at the frets. If they are all chewed up it is usually best to pass on the bass.

Is the neck near straight, is the action playable?

Is the serial number scratched off (buying a stolen bass is never a good idea)

I always research what I'm buying. Take special note of the electronics and hardware. Make sure you're not getting the ol' bait and switch.
 
#6
Check for dead notes or wolf tones. While arguably every bolt on neck has some dead spots, be on the lookout for notes that just don't speak at all or Wolf tones, those are notes with a ugly overtone series. Those two problems are deal breakers. These problems cannot be repaired and therefore you should move on.

Personally I don't care about scratches, dings another wear so much on a used instrument.

Does it play well? Do all the notes ring loud and clear? Electronics work properly? Is the neck straight? What kind of shape are the frets in? And most importantly, do you dig the instrument?
 
#10
I have learned to look for what can be described as "over-adjustment" Look at the truss rod adjustment point for sign of wear. Look at the saddle adjustment screws for stripped heads. If it has a bolt on neck, look for wear or stripping on the screw heads. Look at the pickup height screws for stripping.

Any one of these things might be ok by itself, but more than one might suggest an issue that the current owner couldn't get to "adjust out".
 

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