DB What is the resale value of this repaired Carlo Robelli double bass with piezo pickup?

[SunrisePeak]

Hello I was hoping for some guidance on the resale value of a used bass. It's a Carlo Robelli SB-90 in 4/4 size. It plays well though the previous owner did repair a crack in the neck as shown in the photos. It comes with a piezo pickup and gig bag. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Matt Liebenau]

You’re in the bass guitar (electric bass) section. You'll have better luck in the double bass section. However, I’m guessing it’s the same over there and you need to be a supporting member for “what’s this worth” questions. Perhaps a mod will move your thread.

My suggestion would be if you can find your bass or something similar in the “sold” listings on eBay or Reverb. They both have a box you can click in search filters.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Hello and welcome to Talkbass. I’ll let other members weigh in on how you might price this, but if you are actively trying to sell it a supporting membership is required to use the site classifieds.

 

[SunrisePeak]

No just trying to know how to price it thanks!

 

[misterbadger]

About the same as any other low-end Chinese ply bass that has sustained significant (albeit repaired) structural damage.

 

[SunrisePeak]

Sure but what would that be?

 

[damonsmith]

$750-1100, if it plays OK.

 

[SunrisePeak]

Thanks!!

 

[Rebop]

Probably closer to $400 tops.
It was probably around $1200 when it was new and the neck wasn't broken yet.

 

[SunrisePeak]

Probably closer to $400 tops.
It was probably around $1200 when it was new and the neck wasn't broken yet.

Hello thank you for your reply Is that true even with the piezo pickup

 

[Rebop]

The pickup doesn't add any significant value to this bass.

 

[Rebop]

I'd like to add, that repair looks janky and I would not be confident in its longevity. Especially when the break is that far forward.
This kills any value that bass ever had. On a perfect day with a pristine carlo robelli you could possibly get 800.
I bought a similar bass (palatino) with some damage for $400, (brand new!) from one of my old wholesale instrument dealers to use as a stage bass for rowdy shows. I throw it around and let the guitar player stand on it.

Damaged chinese plywood doesn't have a lot of value unfortunately.

 

[damonsmith]

The pickup doesn't add any significant value to this bass.

I agree about the neck repair, but, the pick up does add a bit. I'd adjust my estimate to $400-700. Depending on where you are selling it.

 

[rickwolff]

What's a brown suit worth?

 

[RSBBass]

I agree with the $400 as a top price. The bag and pickup are nice to have and add maybe $50. The neck break doesn't look good. You may get $400 for it but I wouldn't look twice at it unless it was under $200. But I am a tight wad and don't need another bass and definitely don't need another project.

This is the kind of bass that people would routinely tell people to pass on if they were thinking of buying it.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

A neck graft in the Northeast will run you $3,000.

So I’d value that bass at -$2,600 plus whatever you pay for it, and it will always be a lousy instrument.

 

[SunrisePeak]

Yes I am aware many people don't like this brand but it's not worthless.

 

[Martin Beer]

Going by what I've seen similar basses in similar condition go for, I'd agree with the $400 tops comments. It's a low end plywood bass with a non-ebony fingerboard and what looks like a non-professional neck repair. The pickup doesn't look like a well known model that would add value either.
That's not to say it couldn't be useful to someone either to dip a toe in the water or as a low-risk working instrument for rough conditions. In the UK I've seen similar instruments go for about £300.

 

[Sam Sherry]

In addition to the neck kludge, the top is collapsing. See how the f-holes are sinking below the top:

At this point it's well on the way to being a Bass-Shaped Object.

If it came with a BLO (Bow-Like Object) it might fetch a drop more.

Sorry to pass bad news.

 

[fdeck]

I can't really offer any advice, but maybe some commiseration, because I'm sitting on a bass that I have to figure out what to do with. It's an early 60s Kay, and I'd feel compelled to disclose what I know about its history and condition. I've thought about donating it to the school system.