What about lending it to your buddy for a couple of years. Make him happy, sort of, and have the bass played on a regular basis, with is a good thing for any instrument IMHO.
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My 77 Jazz Bass.. I am torn...
- Thread starter Sav'nBass
- Start date
Mate,
I also own a 1977 Jazz bass which I also bought new.
Weird hey? Same scene from opposite sides of the earth.
I have been tempted to sell it at times throughout the ownership period
but have resisted and kept it close to me.
What I found is that I know this bass better than anything I have
ever tried or borrowed or subsequently bought.
While playing, it has become an extension of my being like it is an actual part of me.
Together we have played probably the worst and best gigs
around the world. I have woken up after gigs in some of the strangest places lying next to the wierdest ladies.
I've lost sleep worrying that I did not remember to bring it into the house
after a gig although it was safer in the car than the place I was crashing in.
I played some huge gigs with it 15,000 people at a New Years Eve gig that I can barely remember (combination of E and Bourbon).
I have had 3000 people chanting my name so that I would get back on the bass. (I took a toilet break at a gig and another chap covered for me for a couple of songs) From the "can" I could hear my name being called by the crowd.
Musically and personally this bass has been a part of my life for so long I cannot imagine not having it at easy reach to practise on or just play while sitting down at the TV.
My recommendation;
DO NOT GET RID OF IT EVER!!!!
slawie
I also own a 1977 Jazz bass which I also bought new.
Weird hey? Same scene from opposite sides of the earth.
I have been tempted to sell it at times throughout the ownership period
but have resisted and kept it close to me.
What I found is that I know this bass better than anything I have
ever tried or borrowed or subsequently bought.
While playing, it has become an extension of my being like it is an actual part of me.
Together we have played probably the worst and best gigs
around the world. I have woken up after gigs in some of the strangest places lying next to the wierdest ladies.
I've lost sleep worrying that I did not remember to bring it into the house
after a gig although it was safer in the car than the place I was crashing in.
I played some huge gigs with it 15,000 people at a New Years Eve gig that I can barely remember (combination of E and Bourbon).
I have had 3000 people chanting my name so that I would get back on the bass. (I took a toilet break at a gig and another chap covered for me for a couple of songs) From the "can" I could hear my name being called by the crowd.
Musically and personally this bass has been a part of my life for so long I cannot imagine not having it at easy reach to practise on or just play while sitting down at the TV.
My recommendation;
DO NOT GET RID OF IT EVER!!!!
slawie
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
I've been there a lot.
I'm gonna go against the grain and say something unpopular but true.
They're just things. Basses are not children, they are just tools. It's about music, not the tools that make it.
Now, if you can honestly say there is something truly unusual about this instrument that cannot be replaced (other than sentimentality) that is one thing. This is highly unlikely however.
Truth is you're emotionally attached to it. This is totally human and understandable, but see it for what it truly is. in your own words you have an "emotional attachment to this piece of wood & metal".
Do I wish I had my first bass (a '76 Ric 4001)? Sure, that would be nice but it's not like I regret letting it go. It's just a bass. I'd do it again.
I've got a few basses that really are unique and would be very hard to replace. Would I sell them? Sure, for the right price. If I could get enough to have one rebuilt and still end up with a nice chunk of change I would do it in a minute.
If it was a bass your dad built for you, or you promised it to your son, or it was your mom's dying wish to see you playing the bass she bought for you onstage, that would be different. But it's only "value" seems to be it was your first. Some bass had to be your first.
Let's try this: If your friend offered you $10,000 for the bass you would take it, right? OK, so it's not the bass or the principle, it's the money.
I'm sure I'll get flamed/whatever...they're just tools. Be attached to people, not tools.
Sell it and get your dream rig. If all it does is sit in the case, then get it in the hands of someone who will use it. They do absolutely no good sitting in the corner. I'm about to off several "first" items so I can finish my music space. They have all served me well and I'll feel it when they go but whats in front of you is what counts. The past is the past. A guy named Paul said we should "look ahead and press on". If selling it gets you closer to your calling, then do it.
EDIT!!! A 77 Jazz on EvilBay just went for $2500. Is the 5 string worth close to the difference?
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-78-Fender-...0?pt=Guitar&hash=item3cb111c16c#ht_720wt_1139
EDIT!!! A 77 Jazz on EvilBay just went for $2500. Is the 5 string worth close to the difference?
http://cgi.ebay.com/1977-78-Fender-...0?pt=Guitar&hash=item3cb111c16c#ht_720wt_1139
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
BlountEdge
I play (mostly) jazz basses
- Apr 15, 2004
- 480
- 28
- Disclosures
- Former contributing writer for Bassics Magazine
Don't sell it! Believe me, you'll regret.
Not only did I sell my 1st bass (Hagstrom), I also sold my 2nd (Rickenbacker 4001) and my 3rd, which was a black '77 Fender Jazz Bass. (Ironically, I sold it to the same Sam Ash on 48th St, where you bought your bass).
Although I regret selling them all, I mostly regret selling the Hagstrom and the Fender Jazz, even though I have owned a few Fender Jazz basses since then.
Not only did I sell my 1st bass (Hagstrom), I also sold my 2nd (Rickenbacker 4001) and my 3rd, which was a black '77 Fender Jazz Bass. (Ironically, I sold it to the same Sam Ash on 48th St, where you bought your bass).
Although I regret selling them all, I mostly regret selling the Hagstrom and the Fender Jazz, even though I have owned a few Fender Jazz basses since then.
Another vote for not selling it...especially if you have kids or are going to have kids. I still have the first electric I bought in 1982 which is a 1973 strat. I don't play it, but would never consider selling it and hopefully one of my kids will appreciate it one of these days.
Here's the thing...if your first bass was a run-of-the-mill nothing special, then part with it and don't look back. But in this case it evidently IS something special, and on top of that you have the sentimental factor. I see no reason to let it go.
And if your friend is willing to spend that much, he can certainly find another in that price range and make THAT one his.
Keep it.
And if your friend is willing to spend that much, he can certainly find another in that price range and make THAT one his.
Keep it.
BlountEdge
I play (mostly) jazz basses
- Apr 15, 2004
- 480
- 28
- Disclosures
- Former contributing writer for Bassics Magazine
Hey Sav'nBass,
With all this love that your bass is getting, isn't it about time for a pic or two?
With all this love that your bass is getting, isn't it about time for a pic or two?
I used to play guitar in bands for about 12 years or so, and in that time accumulated quite a stable. Now I play bass pretty much exculusively, save for trying to learn a lick or something I might happen to hear. Under my bed and in my closet are 8 or 9 really nice guitars that I'll probably never touch again. I've thought about selling all of them but one just so I'll have a guitar, but cant decide which one to start with because they all have some sort of emotional attachment to me. I can feel your pain.
BnB
BnB
- Apr 21, 2009
- 110
- 2
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar Amps, Lakland Basses
Basses want to be played! Give it to someone who will really enjoy it. Get your dream rig. I just did the same thing. I had an emotional attachment to my rig, but It wasn't getting me the sound I was after. It took me months to finally sell it, and now I have something that I am really happy with.
in 10, 20 years would you rather have your first bass, a 77 jazz (!)
or an amp you spent some money on and a 5 string P. hold out, if you really want a 5er P save up for it, don't trade away such a sentimental part of your stable.
or an amp you spent some money on and a 5 string P. hold out, if you really want a 5er P save up for it, don't trade away such a sentimental part of your stable.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
if it were me, the decision would be very easy. if your '77 jazz bass is one of the heavy ash ones from that era (10-13lbs), i'd ditch it. if it's 9.5lbs or less, i'd keep it.
It is hard, man. It is kind of unhealthy to be attached to material things, especially somethin glike this, which you don't use and which somebody else will male great use.
It is pretty much a spiritual thing. If you think that you can llive without it, do it. The instrument is precious because of the noises you have made through it, and those will be forever in your memory and in your soul. You can let it go and it can make the world a better place through another person's hands.
It is pretty much a spiritual thing. If you think that you can llive without it, do it. The instrument is precious because of the noises you have made through it, and those will be forever in your memory and in your soul. You can let it go and it can make the world a better place through another person's hands.
My bass is exactly like that one... except the pick guard.. I still have all the original hardware to it..
Link Removed
Thanks for the love folks.. I am still thinking.. I have time.. this guy is local.. goes to my church.. That sticker between the pups was put there by my now 29 year old daughter when she was about 5... I ddnt take it off because shortly after wards I got divorced and it always reminded me of her .....
I am not sure.. so far the only 5 string P that I could find was the one going for $1200 ... so figure that plus a grand.. is close.
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Keep it.
If he's a really good friend and you can trust him, loan it out to him so it gets played. But make sure the situation is really clear to him.
If he's a really good friend and you can trust him, loan it out to him so it gets played. But make sure the situation is really clear to him.
I'd keep it, but if you're going to sell it to a friend, then it's better than selling it to someone who you may never see again...
I'd check to see how much you are really getting that thing for though. Maybe money isn't important, but seems like you're letting that go pretty cheap for $1000 and trade on a Fender P5 - unless it's one of those late 70's boat anchors...then maybe use that dough to snag another 70's Fender you may be able to love more.
I'd check to see how much you are really getting that thing for though. Maybe money isn't important, but seems like you're letting that go pretty cheap for $1000 and trade on a Fender P5 - unless it's one of those late 70's boat anchors...then maybe use that dough to snag another 70's Fender you may be able to love more.
