OK, these basses new are more or less in the $600 range. So, lets say I buy a MIM Jazz bass today, for how much can I sell it in 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, stock or with Seymour Duncans in it, etc.? Could I get away with at least $500, or will I be forced to lower the price considerably because no one's buying?
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MIM Jazz and Precision basses re-sale value
- Thread starter Ronbassman
- Start date
Figure about half the purchase price, provided it's in pristine condition.
If no one's buying, or if someone likes it a lot, a used bass is worth what you can get for it.
If no one's buying, or if someone likes it a lot, a used bass is worth what you can get for it.
$350 for a good one seems to be today's market.
I've bought MIM Deluxe Jazzes on Craigslist for as low as $220 and $240 in beautiful condition.
Rather than buy a new one and hope it retains its value (which they seldom do) you're better off
buying a cherry condition used one at a price savings up front. You can always get all or most
of your money back when and if you ever sell it if you take good care of it.
I've bought MIM Deluxe Jazzes on Craigslist for as low as $220 and $240 in beautiful condition.
Rather than buy a new one and hope it retains its value (which they seldom do) you're better off
buying a cherry condition used one at a price savings up front. You can always get all or most
of your money back when and if you ever sell it if you take good care of it.
IMO, totally. There is very little that can go "wrong" with these that would not be obvious. If the neck is straight and you like the way it plays, go for it.
ABSOLUTELY
Not "piece of crap used"
You want to find "slightly used" or
"very well cared for used"
Chunks of paint missing down to the wood means it's been dropped. . . HARD. Pass on those.
Dings and dents are normal depending on your tolerance for them. (Personally they are a deal breaker for me)
Buckle Rash on the back also indicates carelessness on the part of the owner. (another deal breaker for me)
My basses were all 9.5 out of 10 when I got them off Craigslist. You have to be patient but you'll find what you're looking for if you stick to your guns.
Not "piece of crap used"
You want to find "slightly used" or
"very well cared for used"
Chunks of paint missing down to the wood means it's been dropped. . . HARD. Pass on those.
Dings and dents are normal depending on your tolerance for them. (Personally they are a deal breaker for me)
Buckle Rash on the back also indicates carelessness on the part of the owner. (another deal breaker for me)
My basses were all 9.5 out of 10 when I got them off Craigslist. You have to be patient but you'll find what you're looking for if you stick to your guns.
Buying new is fine, unless you're concerned about resale. Seeing as how resale is the OP's main concern, then yes, buy used.
I was wondering this myself seeing as how the prices have definitely increased in the last 3 years. I bought mine in 2008 brand new from Dolphin Music for £349.99 however now the price for them is £565.00 (reduced from £742.80) which to me is just crazy. Also If the price had been like that I would have NEVER bought that bass, its definitely not worth the money. People have found that out here too, everyone is saying how their Vintage Modified Squier basses feel/play/sound a lot better than their MIM instruments, and besides that the price difference is huge.
