Pricing a "FrankenBass"

hmm.. how much did you spend building it?

 

Yeah, much like when people sell Squiers and stuff expecting the modifications to bump the price up 3 fold.

I say about $400, depending upon the quality of parts, MIA, etc.

 

show pics

 

yes. pics are needed... and any info on the parts

 

A parts bass, that you have $550 into.
Used, $350-$400. (If parts a quality)

 

Hardest bit of selling a parts bass is finding a buyer. A lot of folks won't buy one of these blind from eBay; it could look great but play badly. As we know a well put together parts bass is usually worth way more than to the owner than to anyone else, but if you've really got a sweetie there then I wouldn't feel bad about maxing out on price - don't start low!

So congrats on finding your buyer, or at least a potential buyer.

Now if he really likes the bass, then I'd be upfront with him. Tell him what you have invested in the bass in parts and labor, i.e. what it would cost him to put together a similar bass and then I'd say that you're willing to give it to him for x.

You just need to decide what x is! Is it parts, parts plus, say $100? This will give you a starting point at least. If he doesn't bite there then I'd drop $50 off the price and try again.

Good luck.

 

Provided it is a well built bass, add up the total cost of your parts and then price the bass at about 2/3 or that price.

Sad, but true.

If you spent $1000 on parts, for instance, a going price would be $650 or so, $700 tops. Sure, you might find a buyer for more than that eventually, but if you want it to have a chance at selling sometime this year, "2/3" is the going formula.

 

Son of a $%^$!!!!!!!


Crap that was my plan!!!

 

I'd toss 450 at the buyer and see what he says. Granted you shouldn't expect the sum of the parts, but if the whole thing is well executed and plays nicely without and issues, there is a value to your time and labor too. Unless its a heap, in which case the buyer will laugh at your offer and you find out what its worth to him in a hurry.

 

Put-together-basses,,parts basses, frankenbasses, whatever you want to call them usually are some of the best players out there.

Usually built by experienced players that know whats important in a bass.

resale sucks, but usually nice basses.

 

Cost divided by 2. Maybe a tad bit more in a better economic climate. I'd also ask slightly more & be willing to negotiate.

 

Still stand by my advice to be upfront with the buyer about what it cost you and see if he'll bite!

If you're posting on eBay, TB, etc. I'd go with the advice in the thread.

 

You could put it up here on TB listed as: Feeler:

Might give some indication what people are willing to throw at it.

 

The rule of thumb is 2/3 of the money you have into it as a starting point. From there:

add dollars for
--particularly desirable parts that may be tough to come by
--if it's an overall seller's market
--if it's in particularly nice shape (perfect paint, flawless hardware, etc.)

subtract dollars for:
--if the bass has a narrow market (left-handed, metallic pink finish, body shaped like a moth, etc)
--if it's an overall buyer's market
--if it has blemishes, flaws, damage, missing parts, excessive wear, etc)

 

i've been looking for a lefty metallic pink moth shaped fretless bass.

But seriously. I think the main problem with your bass is the lack of frets. I just got rid of a mim jazz body, with a mighty might fretless p neck, 62' RI pickups and a badass II bridge, looked for a trade for a week or so. Then I posted a $450 dollar price, which yielded nothing. Ended up selling for $400 w/ a nice TKL bag. I heard a lot of "if that had frets" comments from people who i asked about trading.

 

also I have 3 opinions on the issue:

1) if you're going to spend $1000 or more building your perfect bass, I wouldn't really plan on selling it.

2) after the initial depreciation, I wouldn't seem to think that they lose value as much as a standard bass.

3) if all else fails, part it out.