Double Bass Recently quitting double bass but need help selling my current instrument.

[JakeMcWhorter]

I bought my bass in 7th grade about 7 years ago and it doesn't have any price tags or any markings or number codes. I bought it from an old high school teacher back in San Diego and I've had it for years but I no longer play and I wanted to sell it to help move. How should I make a post about that? I feel like an unlabeled bass sold by someone unprofessional isn't going to get sold very quickly .

 

[GretschWretch]

If I have things right in my memory, you have to be a supporting member to make a for sale thread in TalkBass.

 

[AGCurry]

If I have things right in my memory, you have to be a supporting member to make a for sale thread in TalkBass.

Pretty sure that's the case.

The challenges to sellers are: 1) not many buyers, and 2) it's difficult and expensive to ship double basses, so it has to be a local sale unless the bass is worth a lot.

Craigslist can work if you price the instrument realistically. Take lots of good pictures and be flexible with your price. Otherwise, consignment, with the shop taking a significant bite of the proceeds.

 

[coyote1]

Can you peer inside with a flashlight? I was surprised to see a label in my plywood bass. Turned out to have a name, along with a date and location of manufacture. If you can get that info, it might help you.

Also determine its condition. 50 year old wood Central European wood tends to sound much better than new wood IMO, even for plywood basses. So if the bass is cosmetically and structurally in very good condition, you may get some decent $$ for it.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I see a lot of DBs for sale on Facebook Marketplace in the Atlanta area.

 

[fdeck]

Given the circumstances, you probably don't have a priceless heirloom bass, which is good, because those are probably even harder to appraise and sell.

Do spend the small amount to become a supporting member, then you can take advantage of advice on pricing, and classified's. It's not exorbitant.

Maybe we'll talk you into playing again.

 

[TroyK]

We don't know what your bass is and we don't know what market you are in. Two critical pieces of information. What others have said is true, you need to be a supporting member to sell or even display a bass and mention that it is for sale here, but if you would like to private message me some photos, I'll tell you what I think.

Depending on your market, people are always looking for good starter basses and if you price it fair, you might be surprised at how easy it is to move.

Echo others, there is usually a label inside. Shine a light in the f-hole and look around.

 

[Anne Millington]

You might want to take it to a local luthier who knows basses, and get their opinion. That way you can speak knowledgeably about its origin and condition. You would likely need to pay for this assessment, but it should not be a lot, and would give you better standing in the world of bass sellers. Good luck! I hope you can pass it on to someone who will be thrilled to have it!

 

[Matt Zory]

What Anne says for sure! Or reach out to one of the guys in the SD Symphony bass section to at least get a general idea of what you've got.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I have a feeling OP is not trying to sell it here, but rather how to advertise the sale in general. IMO, it wouldn't hurt to take it to a reputable luthier for them to look it over and give their 2 cents.