Looking at used basses is just so depressing lately...

[Lenny JG]

I've only been finding deals, thankfully.

 

[Acoop]

Without market corrections a Squire would cost $10,000.

 

[B-Mac]

That 8.5% inflation thing is a lie, in my experience it's 20-30% - 400% depending on what it is

Even higher outside of USA. Just terrible. Inflation is really low on the Moon and Mars.

 

[B-Mac]

I've only been finding deals, thankfully.

Same here. Gotta look, make a deal, move on to the next if price still too high. Deals are there. Just don't be in a hurry.

 

[RichterScale]

This is exactly why I decided to learn how to make my own basses.
I believe it's an essential skill that everyone should learn, along with how to fish, snare, build a shelter and start a fire.
What happens when the apocalypse hits and we're all scattered around in small camps or solo? What happens when you can't order from SW or GC?
Y'all need to learn to be self sufficient and survive. Start building your own.

 

[Hawk256]

My father once told me that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Strikes true in any market with any item. Maybe you think it's not worth it but if someone else does, that's all that matters. Once the prices go up, you can forget about them coming down (in most cases). Inflation sucks and no need to get political about it to explain why were are where we are but it is something we are all stuck with.

 

[6-3-2]

What this means to me is that it's best to wait and let the bubble burst. Prices will drop when people realize the price hikes are turning people off.

 

[B-Mac]

Without market corrections a Squire would cost $10,000.

Such a deal!

 

[bolophonic]

Every small-fry flipper sees the corporations gouging us from every direction and they follow suit.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

More practice less shopping

/

 

[Smooth_bass88]

so... stop looking at them and appreciate what you've already got. Spend more time practicing!

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Before I speak, no offense to my TB people. Its just so sad whats happening with USED pricing nowadays. I dont want this to get political please but I am just so discouraged with what the used pricing has turned into. So many examples to cite but:
A year ago--
800-900 for a US Fender P or J, now 1200-1800.
200-300 for a Squier CV p or J, now 500-600.
1800-2500 for an Alembic Spoiler, now...no comment.
2200-2800 for an XL/L2, now 3800-5k
1200-1400 for a Spector Euro 4, now 2k+
500-700 for a USA MMSub, now 1100-1200
I get these are asking prices and there are some good deals to be had, and I can go on and on but man this is getting ridiculous..

I see this from a glass half full perspective Now all my terribly non-financially smart gear purchases are turning into wise and clever investments.

 

[Hundred proof]

In April 2019 I picked this ole girl up for $300.00 out the door tax and all. Today look at atleast double that … Foundation series were in the $125.00 to $150.00 range.

 

[B-Mac]

so... stop looking at them and appreciate what you've already got. Spend more time practicing!

Words of wisdom.

Be happy to be happy with what you have to be happy with. Per Bob F.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Words of wisdom.

Be happy to be happy with what you have to be happy with. Per Bob F.

Yep, buy a few books listen to some records and transcribe
Woodshed

Nuff said

 

[Thumpin6string]

Well at least your income has gone up along with the inflated prices, right?

 

[logdrum]

Just buy new. Because it can actually be cheaper than what people are asking for used gear.

As a TB'er many of us do not actually need another bass or amp, be honest now. Even the semi gigging pros. If your life and family really depends on you having a bass this week or in the near future and you are in the US, message me and I probably have a bass you can have.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

When I've decided to buy online and I'm looking for a used piece . . .

I never get in a hurry.

I study the price range they're selling for, so I can gage how good/bad a deal I'm looking at.

I ONLY buy online from a real brick and mortar store, never an individual. Businesses are more rational, have policies, than some guy with some axes in his spare bedroom .

Stores tend to be more realistic and in line with the market. I tend to see more irrational prices from individuals who think their item is worth way more than it is, and they'll never back down to reality.

This can take a while, but that's partially the idea, keeps me from GAS-ing out and helps me find the deals, and they're still out there.

Patience and delayed gratification will get you the best deals. Acting in haste can get really expensive.

 

[CallMeAl]

Makes it easier to resist the GAS and I'm glad I'm as well-stocked as I am!

Ibanez AF95FM jazz box for under $600. Fantastic guitar. The notes just seem to jump out of it. Anyone in the market for a killer archtop, this is it.

I just got the Artcore AS73 In December. Fantastic guitar, it's become my favorite instrument!

 

[groooooove]

i agree with the OP.

the going rate for everything 5 years ago is totally different than today.

I was poking around half-seriously looking for a stingray yesterday. I saw my old thread when I sold my '06 sunburst ray for $900. a nice EMBB for that price is a thing of the past, it seems.

it'll all even out, supply and demand, blah blah, but yes... used prices are disproportional up on basses and guitars.