used Basses

[Bass.]

Does anyone just have an affinity for used basses?


For some reason i found that i just like them.. i have only one bass that i bought brand new and it's the one i play the least.

anyone else feel this?

 

[jady]

I dont think i have ever had a new bass, only used. I have found that the used ones are usually setup better than the new ones but you need to watch the frets.

 

[Rick_no7]

Jack White once remarked that at every city he plays in, he combs the pawn shops for guitars. He said that used instruments have proven themselves, they've survived a harsh owner or brought joy to their owners but had to be given up in hard times. The instrument has a story and deserves a second chance. He followed by saying that new instruments just havn't showed themselves yet, no personality.


Its a pretty cool saying, but I still enjoy having new instruments, because you get a blank canvas and you can write your own story with it.

 

[g00eY]

you can usually find really good deals on used basses. my Carvin was bought used.

 

[Bass.]

yea i agree, they have a story.. there not ''beat up'' just used effectively

they seem to be ''softer'' to me as well... if that makes sense

 

[savit260]

I've gone both the new and used route. I find a lot more used instruments that I like vs. new. With only a few exeptions, new basses don't do much for me. The last new bass that I played and liked, I bought.

 

[Ampeg SVT]

i have never bought a new bass except my Jazz bass, yet it cant really be called new because it was a demo at the 2006 NAMM

edit: wow three posts at the same time!

 

[tplyons]

I don't recall the last time I bought a new instrument.

 

[winston]

If you know what to look for and shop carefully you can get a lot more for your money. I've gotten three used Pedullas for a grand total of $2735, which is about what the most expensive one costs new. That's not to say I wouldn't buy a new one, but buying used is often less of a financial risk because you can recoup most (or all) of your money if/when you sell. That said, I've been burned by unscrupulous sellers who didn't fully disclose the state of a used instrument, so as always caveat emptor (buyer beware).

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Used is great for the hard to find stuff for me.

 

[JansenW]

I look for a new one only if I first can't find one used.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It really depends on the instrument. Given the choice of the exact same instrument used or new, I would probably go new. I'd like to put my own dings in it. There are definitly good deals to be had and you can get more for your money in the used market.

 

[Baryonyx]

He said that used instruments have proven themselves

I agree with that!

My two main basses are used, both made in the 80's. I love the mojo of used instruments, I quite like the fact that they feel "played", you know, the neck has that feeling...

Though I've just bought a new bass (should be in store by Monday!), I my entire rig as it is now (apart from cables and pedals) is all used gear.

 

[SuperDuck]

I don't mind buying cabs, amps, preamps, etc. used, but if I'm spending a decent amount of money on a bass I want it to be new. I've bought new and used, and I'll buy used again I'm sure, but there's just something about a new instrument...

 

[boonerstreet]

I can understand how people like the used bass because it has a story. I prefer new basses though. I get to create its story. It just feels amazing six months after you buy a new bass. It's like its all worked in and you realize its from you using it. I prefer a bass that I alone have sculpted into what it is now.

 

[Jazz Ad]

I've never bought a new instrument, other than customs. I don't like shiny stuff. I prefer to adopt something with battle scars.
Also a new instrument takes for ever to break in.
When you buy an used instrument you know the sound isn't going to change much.

 

[nad]

I much prefer used. More mojo.

 

[Sean S]

I like used...most of my gear and my main bass were bought used...

how bout this, though...if no one bought new, there would be no used!

sean

 

[BassDudeSA]

Although I do occasionally buy a new bass (only if very reasonably priced) I definitely prefer used due to the much lower cost. When I buy a new pristine bass, I'm also always worried about getting the tiniest little nick or blemish. Then all of a sudden it is worth what I could buy another one that is used for. Alot of people take good care of the instruments, so often I find basses on Ebay that are virtually "like new" but with a few minor scratches, nicks or blemishes.

So if money is no object then buy new, or if you MUST feel that you need a pristine instrument. But if you want to be what I consider a "smart shopper" then go buy used at about 40-60% of the new price and stretch your dollar. This way you are able to afford more and better equipment.

 

[bassbengoa]

I have bought my whole gear, including basses, new.

Sadly, there's just no used market here in Chile.