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Where do you buy your used basses?

#21
Thanks to everyone who answered! Only problem is the bass I'm currently looking at is on neither site :hiding:

Edit: To be more specific I'm looking at possibly buying a Fender Standard Precision (Not the American one). Preferably with a burst paint job. Everyone seems to only be selling the American one used.
 
#23
I did and still do buy parts, but I'll never buy another used bass again.

If I wanted a bass, used that is, I'd make friends with someone who owns a pawn shop.

It's easy and they will appreciate the business if you talk to the owner and make a friend.

I find lots of parts and gear - but like I say, I don't buy used basses any more for reasons of my own which I doubt anyone will understand nor care to.
 
#25
My last two were from CL and Guitar Center Used Gear. On GC, do a national search, ask if the neck is straight and everything works as designed, and have them ship it. Both were Squiers though, fretless and Deluxe Jazz V ...
 
#27
bassbully said:
For me local shops,GC,pawn shops, music swapmeets, fleamarkets, yardsales. I don't but online since I have to play it first and CL? They kill people on there anymore.
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For me TBers are number 1! Never had a bad deal and any variation from descriptions have been minor. Always packed great.

Ebay is the opposite. I mostly get parts there but each order is a nail-biter wondering what you'll get.

My second favorite (and favorite where you can actually play the bass is Music-go-round. Lots of great buys there if you keep your eyes open. I've sold things on consignment there too which is a great way to go. Don't let them just buy it from you or you'll lose your shirt.

Amazingly I've bought a couple used basses from GC at decent prices too. And you get to try them.

Never had any decent luck with CL, pawn shops, Flea markets etc. Lots of 4 string stuff but nothing for me.
 
#28
I once ran an ad on Craigslist for a Fender Strat. I stipulated it couldn't have the word "Squier" anywhere on it, and I would pay $150 cash. I got maybe 10 hate mails, probably from people trying to sell their Strats, but also got a couple emails wanting to sell at $150. So I picked the one in best shape (which was basically brand new) and bought it.

I'm thinking of running a similar ad for a Fender Jazz bass. If you can ignore the hate mail, you can end up with a great deal.
 
#29
All of my basses have been used and in excellent condition. I have found an SSD Spector, a Yamaha BB, and a couple of top notch US made Peaveys each were $200. to $300. with cases included. I check out pawn shops, ebay. Music go Round, and Craigslist and the key is to keep looking till you get lucky.
 
#32
Punk Rock Jason said:
The TB classifieds are a great thing.
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SteveC said:
Well, that depends....:help:
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As a percentage of good vs bad, I'd be willing to bet it's in the VERY high 90% favoring good. Maybe I'm lucky, but not only have I had fabulous transactions here, but I have made some good relationships with people around the world. For me anyway, it's been a win, win. ;)
 
#35
Used is USUALLY the way to go. Sometimes buying new is the better choice.

I've bought and sold a few things on Talkbass. Never had complaints with the seller. UPS and FedEx on the other hand make me leery to buy from an individual and have it shipped ever again.

That said... think about supporting the bass specialty shops like Bass Northwest, Premier Bass Guitars, Bass Emporium, etc etc etc... Why? 1) Come'on man, they're family... most of them are TBer's and ALL of them have bass in their blood. 2) their used inventory is usually consignment, and not actually store stock, so buy a used whiz bang widget from them, the money is usually spent buying gear that is store stock, it keeps the stores in business (even if only a little) and more importantly 3) helps to circulate more gear in our community (bass players that is) 4) even if you're buying from across the country they tend to get better shipping rates and usually pack items more securely than most individuals.
 
#39
You guys have got to check out Brian Barretts "Lowend Bass Shop". Brian's used bass/equipment, easily equals most of the deals on TB. One thing though, you will become addicted to his website as much as TB! I have bought some amazing basses there. Happy hunting, you won't be sorry.
 
#40
eBay, talkbass, and(if I'm REAL lucky) pawnshops.
My current main bass is a VERY INEXPENSIVE eBay find that had a factory Kahler trem, Seymour Duncan basslines(P type), great maple Jazz bass copy neck, and is old enough to come "relic'd". The pickups and trem cost more than I paid for the complete bass. All I did was re-attach the neck, clean and lube the trem rollers, put graphite on the nut slots, remove the string tree(headstock binding point), and play it.

TB has allowed me to SAFELY purchase a Greco Ric clone, an SWR Henry, and a "spare" Line 6 BassPODXTLive for reasonable prices from good people.
 

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