Used bass condition disclosure

[stingray69]

I've bought new & used, in probably a 50/50 ratio. I didn't vote.

My only advice to anyone when it comes to used instruments is always check out the truss rod to make sure the nut is not stripped/rounded out and that the truss rod works properly.

I would also sight down the neck and check for any ski-jump scenario and any lateral twisting of the neck.

The greatest damage potential to an instrument is almost never the blatantly obvious things (like scratches or dings).

That said, Congrats & best of luck with the new bass!

 

[TrevorR]

I have always bought basses new.
I know I'm missing out on some great used basses.
But my OCD is triggered when I imagine the used bass and it's previous ownership.
The attached video shows an extremely unfortunate mishap that a fellow posted of himself.

Last night I ordered a new Fender Vintera '70s Jazz Bass.
It's coming next week and hopefully the bass will get here in one piece.

If you want to mess with your OCD a little buy a brand new light to medium relic bass. But if you want to mess with your OCD a LOT buy a used light to medium relic bass. Then your brain can tie itself into knots trying to work out which scrapes and dents are high quality, artisanal, skilled luthier created scrapes and dents and which are just damage!

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I have always bought basses new.
I know I'm missing out on some great used basses.
But my OCD is triggered when I imagine the used bass and it's previous ownership.
The attached video shows an extremely unfortunate mishap that a fellow posted of himself.

Last night I ordered a new Fender Vintera '70s Jazz Bass.
It's coming next week and hopefully the bass will get here in one piece.

About the video, how much has this dude drank? Dont think I could wear a shirt like that,,,,,

 

[TrevorR]

PS of my six basses...

• two were second hand but in pretty good condition,
• one was built for me new,
• one was new (my first ever bass),
• one was bought new but to Frankenjazz and then loaned out so picked up a few scrapes,
• and finally, one was bought new but I got the shop to knock £50 of the price because it had a small dent/scratch on the front.

All of them carry some “authentic ageing” picked up over the years. I like my instruments to be in good condition and treat them with care and respect - but I’m not over-precious about it.

 

[B-Mac]

I have always bought basses new.
I know I'm missing out on some great used basses.
But my OCD is triggered when I imagine the used bass and it's previous ownership.
The attached video shows an extremely unfortunate mishap that a fellow posted of himself.

Last night I ordered a new Fender Vintera '70s Jazz Bass.
It's coming next week and hopefully the bass will get here in one piece.

Supposedly this might help with your OCD, but everyone is different.

You might want to talk to your doctor as these are available in generic.

 

[Pings Bass]

"But prices are down and quality is up on low-mid range instruments these days, while used prices are high. For something like a MiM Fender, you might be better off buying new these days."

Esteban Garcia is correct and that is "exactly why" last night I bought the Fender Vintera® ‘70s Jazz Bass® new from Guitar Center for $934 includes Fender deluxe gig bag, 45 day return, no hassle if defective and GC is down the street from me.

I managed to pick up a MiM "70s" Jazz Bass (predecessor to vintera; same spec) used last year for $500 in like new condition. Same bass is $750+shipping on reverb today, so yeah, I'd also buy new if I were buying today. Worth the $150-$200 extra for the return policy peace of mind.

 

[micahwc]

I'd say I've bought about 90% new, 10% used. I haven't had any issues with used stuff I've bought; everything has always been as described by Reverb or Ebay.

 

[wiscoaster]

I've bought a lot of stuff, including a couple basses, used, and never got really burned. It takes a certain amount of trust and courage, but if one is really unable or unwilling to take the risk, there is a remedy: pay with your credit card.

(and if you can't do that you obviously take a pass)

 

[wiscoaster]

The one bad experience I had was buying new, and that was so minor I just elected to not pursue redress (but rather to not do any more business with the retailer involved).

 

[doran.dragic]

I have always bought basses new.
I know I'm missing out on some great used basses.
But my OCD is triggered when I imagine the used bass and it's previous ownership.
The attached video shows an extremely unfortunate mishap that a fellow posted of himself.

Last night I ordered a new Fender Vintera '70s Jazz Bass.
It's coming next week and hopefully the bass will get here in one piece.

What an amazing video. The dog is having none of it!

 

[Holdsg]

I buy both new and used.
I like unique stuff, not always available in the secondary market, so I do buy new, particularly custom builds.
But I'm also happy to buy other peoples stuff after they tire of them.
Of the 8 I own currently, 1 I bought new because it was a brand new model (Acinonyx), 1 P-bass I spec'd from Fender Mod Shop, 1 was new B-stock (at a substantial discount) Fender 60s Jazz, and 5 were used (Sadowsky J, Spector NS-2J, G&L L-2500, G&L El Toro)

 

[MultiScaleMale]

One thing that new has going for it since we're talking about more expensive items, you can often get zero percent financing and that is appealing to some.

 

[fretno]

You are missing out on all the hard to find amazing instruments if you don't shop used , all of which you can find right here at TB in the classifieds at stupid good prices . pounce fast though if you see something .

 

[Bikeguy57]

The wild part of that video is that he picks up his guitar (or gets it from his wife) and sits right back in the chair he fell out of.... I see a headstock break in that Les Paul's future.

Buy used- You will save lots more money in the long run. Get new if they sponsor you and the basses are free!

The real question is why would you post that on YouTube for all the world to see?

 

[pickaxe]

They're only new till you take them out there case and play them............

 

[basted]

I have owned five. Two new and three used. I am not too fussed about scratches and dents. They are a tool that has to be used but in general I try to look after them.

 

[fhm555]

I’ve bought sold and traded a lot of basses. Only three were NIB. All the rest were used or open box deals.

 

[bobdabilder]

At least the dog was worried about him. A little.

I have always bought basses new.
I know I'm missing out on some great used basses.
But my OCD is triggered when I imagine the used bass and it's previous ownership.
The attached video shows an extremely unfortunate mishap that a fellow posted of himself.

Last night I ordered a new Fender Vintera '70s Jazz Bass.
It's coming next week and hopefully the bass will get here in one piece.

 

[g-dude]

When my son asks me, “Daddy, where do relic’d instruments come from?” I’m going to show him that video.

 

[g-dude]

That dog was cracking me up

So unhelpful that it almost turned into a cat.