So what do you do with basses you can't sell

[MrB64]

Build a bridge out of them!

I think this is my favorite answer thus far.

 

[Swipter]

Why not swap it for something?

I started with an Epi Viola bass and traded it for a Squier HH Tele which I then swapped for a fantastic Epi ES-335 that I positively love.

Thought about this but I don't need anything yet. I think I'll just play it. If it won't sell in new unused condition it won't sell. It's in a gig bag so I use it a lot. I might just throw some exl170 strings on it and have at it. I have wore out the original strings.

 

[Swipter]

I started a separate account that is only music related. I don't have any actual friends/family on there, nor do I need to hear the rantings of any crazy right-wing uncles.

Never thought about this.

 

[beaglesandbass]

No one seems interested on a few different sites. So what do you do? I just stare at it and mumble you should be goooooooonnnnneeee.

But it continues to sit there.

Typically means your price is not realistic of what the market is, so I lower the price.

 

[Swipter]

Typically means your price is not realistic of what the market is, so I lower the price.

I did to $275 on offer up. Plus a set of exl170 strings.

Edit: And that's it. I'll keep it if it doesn't sell for that. They can buy new for twice that.

 

[MtManiac]

I'm about to donate an American Deluxe fender to a local school music program.

 

[Baker69]

In addition, selling a bass for peanuts can add more fuel to "seller remorse" at a later date.

 

[Slevage]

I have the Squier CV 60s P bass listed. I'm not shipping so that adds an issue.

I purchased 2 different used Squier P5's in the last 10 years. One cost me $150, the other cost me $200.
I only kept one and sold the other for $200.
For me, low pricing on used gear is key.

 

[GreyBeard]

Keep lowering the price until it sells. Works every time

 

[IronLung1986]

Keep em.

 

[superheavyfunk]

I realize that. What price would you suggest?

Shipping a bass at such a low sale price is really a no win. And I know they won't pay shipping for a used CV. Mine is in new condition but that does not matter.

You're right, it's a sticky situation for the reasons stated. I'm not sure what the solution would be… nobody wants to lose a lot when they're flipping gear and shipping can be a pain and maybe not worth it for a piece like this.

If it were me, I'd probably just keep the bass as a mod platform (if I liked the neck), or bundle it with some other stuff (parts, pickups, or a sweet deal with some pedals), price it accordingly and see if it moves then.

 

[commonplayer]

If something isn't selling then it's probably priced too high, full stop. I have definitely been bitten by this before, bringing instruments in that I think I can sell for a certain price, but losing my shirt on a deal in the end.

You either need to decide to keep it, or lower that price until it moves

 

[Danny O Danny]

Two things work for me:
1. Make sure I'm not overpricing.
2. Be patient.

If it's priced correctly it will eventually sell.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

Thought about this but I don't need anything yet. I think I'll just play it. If it won't sell in new unused condition it won't sell. It's in a gig bag so I use it a lot. I might just throw some exl170 strings on it and have at it. I have wore out the original strings.

You have to ask yourself why you are selling it. I sold a P bass, I wish I still had, because I did not have a pedal yet, that would have worked with it.

 

[MarshallAC50Stack]

No one seems interested on a few different sites. So what do you do? I just stare at it and mumble you should be goooooooonnnnneeee.

But it continues to sit there.

I once traded a bass for a bag of pot. It was the night I transitioned into my life as a professional musician.

 

[Big Feet]

I'm not sure if you have a place like this in your locale, but I've donated several different instruments to Rosie's House, where kids can learn to play and have fun on real equipment.

 

[Thumpinshelton]

This is something that I experience as well. I have sold basses really quick and some that I took down after a while then re-listed. I try to avoid using Guitar Center though. They will only give 60% or so of what they sell it for used. So, you take a really BIG hit with using them. I am not in need of the money so I just be patient with it. I always price according to the used market regardless of how new it is. Then I will do a couple price bumps to lower the cost after a few weeks. I have an EBMM SR5 special I have been trying to move for a while and it just collects dust not he sites....haha!

 

[rodv66]

I don't ship. Had two issues with people thinking that buying a bass with nothing wrong but wanting to return it over buyer's remorse is my issue. Then, they threaten you with negative reviews. Like I care.

I only do in person. You can play it, adjust the truss rod, whatever but all sales final. I'm not a retail store. Easier this way

 

[groovepump]

The manager at the GC near me said they are getting pickier about what 2nd hand instruments they take in because inventory isn't moving very much. I think the used market is a bit flooded and people are tightening their belts at the moment. Less disposable income.

I was told the same thing at GC. I was going to get rid of a 115 bottom 'cuz I just never use it. They gave me a price they would pay for it, but then declined to buy it because it was 2 years older than what they will sell now. 4 years or older they're not interested. Absolutely no bites from CL either.

 

[bootstrap]

Convert to fretless and sell it to the neighbor. At least that's what I did

Alternate answer: if you're a speculator whose grand scheme is falling apart, suck it up buttercup.