The eBay Bass Buying Guide

[Hypnotaize]

I'm looking to buy a Rickenbacker 4001 or a PJ bass soon. While I don't have the money quite yet, I'm keeping an eye out at music stores near me and online.

What should I avoid when looking at basses on eBay? I'm very skeptical about buying anything I can't play first (I don't even like ordering something from the music store. Gotta play that exact bass first), but I am on a budget ($1,500). It'll be my second bass, then I'll hopefully be able to sell my current one to Guitar Center like the POS that it is.

I'm hoping to go down to GC soon, but the nearest one is about an hour away, so it'll be difficult.

 

[ModuMan]

Based on what you said you probably should not bother with ebay. If you are only comfortable playing the exact bass (and why not?) then that's what you should do.

Keep an eye on GC's used selection. You'd be surprised at what you'll find on there. They will ship the bass to your nearest store - or directly to you - and you have 30 days to return it if you don't like it.

 

[Hypnotaize]

Keep an eye on GC's used selection. You'd be surprised at what you'll find on there. They will ship the bass to your nearest store - or directly to you - and you have 30 days to return it if you don't like it.

Did not know that. Thanks!

Based on what you said you probably should not bother with ebay. If you are only comfortable playing the exact bass (and why not?)

I don't know. I think it just has to click with me that that's the one I really want.

 

[Pilgrim]

Based on your first post, if you mean what you said, you need to shop locally and local Craigslist. Mail order and especially Ebay is not for you.

 

[elgecko]

Do not sell your bass to GC!

 

[Hypnotaize]

Based on your first post, if you mean what you said, you need to shop locally and local Craigslist. Mail order and especially Ebay is not for you.

The only problem is the lack of variety in my area. Not very much in local CG, and the one music store that's even worth the drive (or rather, the walk) has about four different basses at any given time, and then a ton of different signature Fender Ps.

 

[ModuMan]

I don't know. I think it just has to click with me that that's the one I really want.

Sorry, what I meant was more along the lines of "and why shouldn't you be?", not asking why you weren't comfortable. Believe me, I'd rather hand-pick every instrument.

It's great to find stuff locally when it works out. I mention GC because you have access to their entire inventory across the country at no risk.

As for selling an instrument to GC, I would only bother doing that with a cheap instrument and preferably trading it towards a new instrument. You'll lose way more on higher-priced instruments. But in my experience they will work with you a bit. If they can't give you a great price on your trade-in they can take some off of the instrument you're looking at it. But that might only apply to new instruments, not the used selection.

 

[Hypnotaize]

Sorry, what I meant was more along the lines of "and why shouldn't you be?", not asking why you weren't comfortable. Believe me, I'd rather hand-pick every instrument.

It's great to find stuff locally when it works out. I mention GC because you have access to their entire inventory across the country at no risk.

As for selling an instrument to GC, I would only bother doing that with a cheap instrument and preferably trading it towards a new instrument. You'll lose way more on higher-priced instruments. But in my experience they will work with you a bit. If they can't give you a great price on your trade-in they can take some off of the instrument you're looking at it. But that might only apply to new instruments, not the used selection.

Ah, okay. I'm new to the world of bass buying - my first one was a gift.

It really isn't a good bass that I'm currently on. I think it was about $200 when my parents bought it ('07 Bronco Bass, Squier), and it might have been more, since it came with a Peavey Microbass Amp and the typical beginner stuff.

New question - Now that I know where to look, I still don't know if I should go straight for my dream bass. Ideally, I'd be on a Stingray 5, Rickenbacker 4001, or Fender Affinity PJ. But would it be smarter to make the switch onto a mediocre bass (not necessarily mediocre, but not my ideal one - maybe a Fender P, or a Silvertone) than my current one? I don't know how hard it'd be for me to make the switch from short-scale to full size, but my Bronco constantly falls out of tuning while I'm playing.

 

[ModuMan]

Hmmm... I guess I'd recommend making that trip to GC and playing every bass you can get your hands on. See what works for you and what doesn't. The three basses you mention are pretty different. What is it that you like about each of them?

I don't think changing scale lengths would be much of a problem. And playing an instrument you're not fighting to stay in tune will certainly help!

With your budget you have a world of options open to you. Play a ton of basses and get the one that really speaks to you. You'll be happy every time you pick it up. Don't neglect your amp situation either!

 

[Hypnotaize]

Hmmm... I guess I'd recommend making that trip to GC and playing every bass you can get your hands on. See what works for you and what doesn't. The three basses you mention are pretty different. What is it that you like about each of them?

I don't think changing scale lengths would be much of a problem. And playing an instrument you're not fighting to stay in tune will certainly help!

With your budget you have a world of options open to you. Play a ton of basses and get the one that really speaks to you. You'll be happy every time you pick it up. Don't neglect your amp situation either!

The only issue with driving to GC is that I don't have my license yet (in high school) and my mom hates driving over there. But I can probably get her to.
A new amp is next on my list.

 

[klejst]

Keep an eye on GC's used selection. You'd be surprised at what you'll find on there. They will ship the bass to your nearest store - or directly to you - and you have 30 days to return it if you don't like it.

I agree with ModuMan on the above proposal. At least it can be sent to your local GC and you can physically look it over and play it before you walk out with it in case there is anything wrong with it and they can witness/see it as well. I have bought from GC's used section of their website (mainly because my local GC does not seem to ever have a very large selection of used gear) numerous times and have had great results so far.