I’ve purchased most of my gear used and only very rarely have I had any problems.
That wasn’t an option in the poll so I didn’t vote.
That wasn’t an option in the poll so I didn’t vote.
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Poll: Your position regarding used gear
- Thread starter jTrolt
- Start date
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,588
- 221,962
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I agree - I've only bought 3 basses new since 1966 and I have some great basses all purchased for very affordable prices. Never bought a new car either...
I’ve only ever bought three basses and one guitar new in 20+ years of being a performing artist. I had more issues with one of those basses than I’ve ever had with any of the used gear I’ve purchased… and believe me, I’ve bought A LOT of instruments over the years.
Same thing with cars. Bought a brand new one for the first time in my life a couple years ago and it’s been back to the dealership at least 8 times for various issues while the used ones I’ve bought ran flawlessly for the entire time I owned them.
Frankly, at this point, I might never buy anything new ever again
Same thing with cars. Bought a brand new one for the first time in my life a couple years ago and it’s been back to the dealership at least 8 times for various issues while the used ones I’ve bought ran flawlessly for the entire time I owned them.
Frankly, at this point, I might never buy anything new ever again
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I've probably owned about 15 basses since I started playing. Only 2 of them were new. And one of those is long gone.
In almost 27 years of being a musician I bought a few keyboards new, one bass, um, boy, can't think of what else I bought that was new. The bass was an Ibanez Talman that was on sale at GC for $150 - now I find them used for more than that, so wish we would have kept it lol.
Everything else has been used - basses, guitars, amps of both kinds, etc. etc. I rarely got a lemon. Most I've sold for more than I bought them for, and in better condition than when acquired. The value to dollar ratio is so much higher with used; if one knows what one is doing, most risks can be mitigated.
Caveat emptor!
Everything else has been used - basses, guitars, amps of both kinds, etc. etc. I rarely got a lemon. Most I've sold for more than I bought them for, and in better condition than when acquired. The value to dollar ratio is so much higher with used; if one knows what one is doing, most risks can be mitigated.
Caveat emptor!
I chose "never have and never will", though that's not quite true. I generally don't buy anything used, especially electronics. We have laws that protect me from faulty products for two years, which only give me one year for used stuff, and zero protection when buying from private. I value that protection, because I have more than once had to send something back after a longer time using it. Most recently my graphics card that died exactly one day before the warranty expired. Amazon gave me a full refund no questions asked.
Now, when were talking about things like instruments, I wouldn't be opposed to buying used gear, but only if I can visually inspect it before buying. My expertise with wood and the simple electronics of a bass guitar is good enough that I know what I'm buying, or not buying. But I've not yet come across a situation where I actually wanted to buy a used guitar. My last bass I built myself. And the one before that was a special edition Sire at a good price. And the one before that was a Warwick that was old stock being sold at 60% of the original price (pretty good deal, better than what many of the used ones would cost).
I understand and respect the people who buy a lot of used stuff, but I value having something new. I don't need the history of someone else on an instrument, or anything like that. A similar topic is used cars. where I see it the exact opposite. I don't think I would ever buy a new car, unless I suddenly come to a lot of money, and then I would configure myself a new M3 touring, but beyond that, a used car is so much cheaper than a new one (and I generally enjoy 20+ year old cars way more than modern ones), that I couldn't justify buying new.
Now, when were talking about things like instruments, I wouldn't be opposed to buying used gear, but only if I can visually inspect it before buying. My expertise with wood and the simple electronics of a bass guitar is good enough that I know what I'm buying, or not buying. But I've not yet come across a situation where I actually wanted to buy a used guitar. My last bass I built myself. And the one before that was a special edition Sire at a good price. And the one before that was a Warwick that was old stock being sold at 60% of the original price (pretty good deal, better than what many of the used ones would cost).
I understand and respect the people who buy a lot of used stuff, but I value having something new. I don't need the history of someone else on an instrument, or anything like that. A similar topic is used cars. where I see it the exact opposite. I don't think I would ever buy a new car, unless I suddenly come to a lot of money, and then I would configure myself a new M3 touring, but beyond that, a used car is so much cheaper than a new one (and I generally enjoy 20+ year old cars way more than modern ones), that I couldn't justify buying new.
JazznFunk
Supporting Member
I've bought used basses before, but currently own none of them. They were traded away or sold. I prefer new when it comes to instruments, although there are some instances where I'll make that exception. Used amps, effects, etc are another thing. I prefer not to buy beaten up gear, and will research and inspect to death before I plunk down $$ for anything. In most instances where I've bought used, I've had zero problems.... but I also prefer to buy 'very good' to 'near mint' gear if/when possible.
I bought my first 100% new off the lot car in 2018, my first ever in my life, after dealing with mounting repairs (and electrical issues) on the used car I had previously bought 6 years before that. The appeal of used cars is certainly there in terms of not having to take the haircut on depreciation - but you really don't ever know what you're getting unless it's certified pre-owned and you've got all the maintenance records in hand. Maybe I'll buy used again at some point for something very specific- but there's a luxury in knowing that with a new car, you've got a warranty for several years, and you know exactly what the history of *everything* is with the car. The same could be said of basses, etc. The way the used markets have been lately for lots of things (including cars and basses), and depending on your LOCAL market, you might be better off just buying new in general.
I bought my first 100% new off the lot car in 2018, my first ever in my life, after dealing with mounting repairs (and electrical issues) on the used car I had previously bought 6 years before that. The appeal of used cars is certainly there in terms of not having to take the haircut on depreciation - but you really don't ever know what you're getting unless it's certified pre-owned and you've got all the maintenance records in hand. Maybe I'll buy used again at some point for something very specific- but there's a luxury in knowing that with a new car, you've got a warranty for several years, and you know exactly what the history of *everything* is with the car. The same could be said of basses, etc. The way the used markets have been lately for lots of things (including cars and basses), and depending on your LOCAL market, you might be better off just buying new in general.
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My last two experiences (here at TB, as it happens) fell short of expectations. Both basses had problems that had to be fixed, and the sellers didn't mention the problems. In the first instance the problem required two trips to the shop but didnt' end up costing much, and I really didn't fall in love with the bass. The second one ...well that's a story. But it's now a keeper, and for all that it was a lot of trouble, I will end up using it regularly.
But I've had much better luck in the past with sellers here.
I think it depends on the instrument. Some instruments have been discontinued, others are boutique instruments. They're well worth owning, and used is the only market. Probably my next bass purchase will be an all-round passive fiver, and since I can find a good one at a reasonable price new, that's how I'll buy it.
But I've had much better luck in the past with sellers here.
I think it depends on the instrument. Some instruments have been discontinued, others are boutique instruments. They're well worth owning, and used is the only market. Probably my next bass purchase will be an all-round passive fiver, and since I can find a good one at a reasonable price new, that's how I'll buy it.
Well, I've owned (I think this is accurate) 28 different musical instruments through the years. 23 of them were bought used. 5 were bought new.
I can't say the used instruments have given me any unusual issues.
I can't say the used instruments have given me any unusual issues.
I’m in the camp of having bought a lot of gear online but only once or twice having an issue. I think you just have to be extra careful in checking out who you’re buying from. Ask for lots of pictures and a return policy is always a good idea.
He literally can, it’s not that hard. And to limit the store’s liability for damaging a customer’s gear, he could have the customer demonstrate the truss rod’s functionality. Might lose an opportunity or two, but this feels like a remarkably reasonable step to take before accepting a used instrument.
No it wouldn’t. A better comparison to dropping an oil pan would be pulling the pickups and taking them apart to inspect the windings, or something similarly invasive.
I prefer to buy used gear and do as much as I can on anything production made. I will not buy new mass produced because there's dozens if not hundreds of it on the market.
I do drop serious coin on the stuff that's unobtanium or only special order builds that stores don't carry. So I don't mind spending if I really have to.
Yes, I have bought plenty that needed major cleaning, or possibly a simple repair.
There wasn't a poll option for "Buy it all the time"
I do drop serious coin on the stuff that's unobtanium or only special order builds that stores don't carry. So I don't mind spending if I really have to.
Yes, I have bought plenty that needed major cleaning, or possibly a simple repair.
There wasn't a poll option for "Buy it all the time"
I like used for the savings and possibly the stories to be told.
First bass was a Craigslist and bought without knowing what I was doing. my fav to this day and I got a great deal Excellent!
2nd used was a guitar center, they shipped it across country. I got to try in store before buying. Great deal.
3rd was FB marketplace. Again, didn't know what I was doing. Bought, but forgot to check for the broken truss rod. The seller refunded some cost for repairs, but still working through it.
4th was a consignment store posting on FB marketplace. Still didn't know what I was doing... (see the trend?). Thought it was a great deal, but learned about fakes and partscasters, etc. Eventually an average deal.
If I was in the market for something, probably do used again, but learning to be more cautious and what to look for...
First bass was a Craigslist and bought without knowing what I was doing. my fav to this day and I got a great deal Excellent!
2nd used was a guitar center, they shipped it across country. I got to try in store before buying. Great deal.
3rd was FB marketplace. Again, didn't know what I was doing. Bought, but forgot to check for the broken truss rod. The seller refunded some cost for repairs, but still working through it.
4th was a consignment store posting on FB marketplace. Still didn't know what I was doing... (see the trend?). Thought it was a great deal, but learned about fakes and partscasters, etc. Eventually an average deal.
If I was in the market for something, probably do used again, but learning to be more cautious and what to look for...
Okay, everyone. Interesting responses, and I need to check my attitude/ hone my long-distance buying methodology, as I have interests and taste in instruments and gear that my local market is simply unable to support. Really wish I could shop in person, as so many recommend, but I simply cannot.
Now, ready for the fun part?
The rest of the story:
Dealer just informed me the bass is back in their possession, and will promptly process a refund. Footnote: the truss rod is not broken, it's simply that, as a dual action truss rod, it was feeling loose only because it was in the "neutral" position, where a little slop between pushing and pulling caused the nut to seem loose. Well sh@@t.
I spun that thing at least 1 1/2 to 2 turns with zero resistance. Anyone else feel this is an excessive amount of play? I feel it's an honest mistake on my part. Actually, I expressed that I wish we had discussed it a little further before jumping to the return process. Why didn't the guy I spoke with who said he personally tested it, tell me that indeed, it had excessive slop, but twist a little further and you're good? Maybe he forgot? Maybe he never did test it until it came back? Should have tested it live, on the phone with him. Hindsight 20/20.
Man, is my face red, and yes, I did apologize.
Still, I'm happy with the outcome, as that is one hell of a lot of slop, and the longevity of it's usefulness is in question, IMHO.
So the saga ends with me being the problem all along.
There. I've admitted it, apologized, and now ready to take a good berating from anyone here.
Seems I've earned it...
Now, ready for the fun part?
The rest of the story:
Dealer just informed me the bass is back in their possession, and will promptly process a refund. Footnote: the truss rod is not broken, it's simply that, as a dual action truss rod, it was feeling loose only because it was in the "neutral" position, where a little slop between pushing and pulling caused the nut to seem loose. Well sh@@t.
I spun that thing at least 1 1/2 to 2 turns with zero resistance. Anyone else feel this is an excessive amount of play? I feel it's an honest mistake on my part. Actually, I expressed that I wish we had discussed it a little further before jumping to the return process. Why didn't the guy I spoke with who said he personally tested it, tell me that indeed, it had excessive slop, but twist a little further and you're good? Maybe he forgot? Maybe he never did test it until it came back? Should have tested it live, on the phone with him. Hindsight 20/20.
Man, is my face red, and yes, I did apologize.
Still, I'm happy with the outcome, as that is one hell of a lot of slop, and the longevity of it's usefulness is in question, IMHO.
So the saga ends with me being the problem all along.
There. I've admitted it, apologized, and now ready to take a good berating from anyone here.
Seems I've earned it...
I've only bought one bass used sight-unseen. It hasn't arrived yet. I've bought plenty of used pedals, only had an issue (Jupiter ROYGBV - their lack of support is why I will never ever buy another Jupiter pedal). I've bought plenty of used basses and feel fortunate that one of the guys who founded Bass Northwest has a new shop five minutes from where I live.
Most were new but a couple of the nicer basses I have were used and both were in great shape. Don't think either of them were played much before they were sold. A Sadowsky Metro UV60 I got from the classifieds and a Stingray5 Special from Reverb. Love them both, but still wish sometimes the Sadowsky could magically morph into a 5 string. Buying either of these new was going to be outside of my budget at the time, I am pretty patient and have been lucky waiting for deals on the right basses.
Gotta share a pic!
Gotta share a pic!
I have a mix. My two current #1 basses (well, #1 and #2. Can't have two #1's) are both used. Before that, I played an EBMM SR5 that I bought new 10 years ago.
I rarely buy new because I've gotten so many amazing deals on used gear over the years.
The key to success is to only buy from trusted sources that are accountable for problems. By doing so, you prevent 90% of problems from happening in the first place.
My preferred source of used gear is the TB classifieds. Because the feedback rating is so crucial to a member's reputation, sellers bend over backwards to keep problems from popping up, and if they do, they do their very best to make the buyer happy.
This isn't the case for used gear stores, regardless of their size.
They'll ship out a bass with a broken truss rod and simply hope that the buyer won't notice or won't care enough to go through the hassle of returning it.
I've also gotten good results through local markets (CL, FB, etc..) because I can thoroughly try out used gear before I buy it and the seller doesn't need to cover his shipping costs.
The key to success is to only buy from trusted sources that are accountable for problems. By doing so, you prevent 90% of problems from happening in the first place.
My preferred source of used gear is the TB classifieds. Because the feedback rating is so crucial to a member's reputation, sellers bend over backwards to keep problems from popping up, and if they do, they do their very best to make the buyer happy.
This isn't the case for used gear stores, regardless of their size.
They'll ship out a bass with a broken truss rod and simply hope that the buyer won't notice or won't care enough to go through the hassle of returning it.
I've also gotten good results through local markets (CL, FB, etc..) because I can thoroughly try out used gear before I buy it and the seller doesn't need to cover his shipping costs.
