What basses to collect?

[M0ses]

How about lefty Ricks? The prices on those are just going to keep going up and up (they're between 3.5-4K now) unless Rick decides to start making them again, which is pretty unlikely.

 

[lousybassplayer]

Rics do seem to be somewhat of an exception to the rule with basses, particularly leftys, in that they hold up comparably well to guitar counterparts in vintage values (one brand my uncle does collect Bass wise. Bet you can't guess the other one). Rics I think are a good bet in general, as they seem to be selling used for very near to what I paid for mine new, and its not that old.

 

[Fly Guitars]

Don't collect basses, play them!

You can do both. Ok, best not if you're into getting wasted before and after the gig... but it's nice to play different basses for different gigs/different bands.

As for investments - buy cheap, look after it (that doesn't mean don't play it) and don't sell too cheap. The days of making thousands may be over, but it isn't too hard to find a bass that you can sell for more than you paid. I wouldn't plan on getting mega rich, but at the same time, being up at the end of the day isn't hard at all.

And remember stocks and shares can loose you money too.

Stick to quality brands. Well made stuff will always be desireable.

So, buy some basses that are well made, but currently cheap (unfashionable). If I were to buy some investment basses, i'd consider eighties Guilds (B402, pilot), Gibsons (Victory, IV, V, 20/20) and so on. They can go for just $300 now because no one wants them. But they are all good instruments, well-made of quality materials. and sure to only go up in value. yes they are ugly (currently) but in 10 years (or more) they'll be considered vintage and maybe even cool.

 

[BassMelodious]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum. I signed up to get some advice. I recently acquired a Fender P bass, and by the 6 digit serial number, looks like it's 1975. Ash body, natural finish, withwall maple neck and fretboard. It needs a new tone pot, missing both knobs, missing the bridge cover, some screws, and the pick guard is cracked where you plug it in. All metal parts are now grey instead of shiny chrome. It's ugly but it plays well (besides the tone knob needing to be at zero if you don't want a bunch of noise).
I haven't decided yet if I want it in great playing shape and just play it... or sell it. Let's assume I sell it. Will it fetch a better price as is, with minimum new parts to get it playing, or buy all new electronics and hardware and get it professionally refinished and restored?
I'd love to hear your comments!
Thanks

 

[smcd]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum. I signed up to get some advice. I recently acquired a Fender P bass, and by the 6 digit serial number, looks like it's 1975. Ash body, natural finish, withwall maple neck and fretboard. It needs a new tone pot, missing both knobs, missing the bridge cover, some screws, and the pick guard is cracked where you plug it in. All metal parts are now grey instead of shiny chrome. It's ugly but it plays well (besides the tone knob needing to be at zero if you don't want a bunch of noise).
I haven't decided yet if I want it in great playing shape and just play it... or sell it. Let's assume I sell it. Will it fetch a better price as is, with minimum new parts to get it playing, or buy all new electronics and hardware and get it professionally refinished and restored?
I'd love to hear your comments!
Thanks

This thread is almost a decade old. It's ok to start a new thread.

 

[Standalone]

I fell in love with a 1981 Ibanez that I bought in 1998. Other instruments came and went, but a few other Ibanez basses from the same era wound up as keepers. Ibanez Collection Thread

I'm not looking to overdo things. These basses are tools that do what I like musically (and visually) but also do it differently. I don't feel the need to pick something up that I wouldn't regularly gig, use at church, or record. So my advice is to find out what you like. Find out its history. Keep learning, and keep an eye out for things that compliment your collection. It's better, in my view, to curate a small collection than to amass a huge stable.

It's a pleasure to have a few basses around, though absolutely not necessary. One bass and maybe a backup is all you "need."

 

[MrLenny1]

Tobias , either Mike's originals or Gibson era made.