which of these 2 basses would you get?

[pcake]

say you have looked at 2 of the same make, color and model basses. both have pau ferro fingerboards, the same body wood, same neckwood, same electronics. both have full manufacturer warranties.

bass one is brand spanking new, never been owned or played, it hasn't even been looked at funny. it's a tiny bit heavier and has a pretty unappealing fingerboard, at one part one side being dark and one side light with a grain that isn't great, and the headstock grain is odd, too. it was made in 2019.

bass two was a store demo model with a scratch in the headstock, what looked like a tiny line of pen ink less than an inch long on the back of the neck and light body scratches here and there. it's a few ounces lighter, and the fingerboard wood is darker and evener and - to my eye - looks nicer as does the headstock grain. the seller is offering a whopping 10% off of the new one's price. it was made in 2018.

which would you get or would it not matter to you either way?

 

[wizard65]

Number 2, a few small marks wouldn’t bother me.

 

[charlie monroe]

Number one is out, because I wouldn’t “settle” for something that doesn’t tick all the boxes in a new purchase.

Number two just needs a little more bargaining. A one year old demo bass commands more than a 10% discount, I think.

 

[pcake]

Number one is out, because I wouldn’t “settle” for something that doesn’t tick all the boxes in a new purchase.

Number two just needs a little more bargaining. A one year old demo bass commands more than a 10% discount, I think.

thank you for putting it in those terms. i don't generally buy based on looks, but these are basically the same bass, so what beside looks would differentiate them?

i don't know if this retailer will bargain, but it couldn't hurt to give it a shot. i'm thinking at least another 5%.

 

[charlie monroe]

thank you for putting it in those terms. i don't generally buy based on looks, but these are basically the same bass, so what beside looks would differentiate them?

i don't know if this retailer will bargain, but it couldn't hurt to give it a shot. i'm thinking at least another 5%.

Not sure what price range we are in, but maybe you can get additional merch instead of further discount.

If they don’t budge, ask for a case or maybe a strap and some strings instead. Does it make sense to say be firm yet flexible?

 

[pcake]

Not sure what price range we are in, but maybe you can get additional merch instead of further discount.

If they don’t budge, ask for a case or maybe a strap and some strings instead. Does it make sense to say be firm yet flexible?

$600ish.

it makes sense. the seller is sweetwater. not sure if they're ever flexible - our rep has never offered us any kind of deal.

 

[Conrad Gently]

say you have looked at 2 of the same make, color and model basses. both have pau ferro fingerboards, the same body wood, same neckwood, same electronics. both have full manufacturer warranties.

bass one is brand spanking new, never been owned or played, it hasn't even been looked at funny. it's a tiny bit heavier and has a pretty unappealing fingerboard, at one part one side being dark and one side light with a grain that isn't great, and the headstock grain is odd, too. it was made in 2019.

bass two was a store demo model with a scratch in the headstock, what looked like a tiny line of pen ink less than an inch long on the back of the neck and light body scratches here and there. it's a few ounces lighter, and the fingerboard wood is darker and evener and - to my eye - looks nicer as does the headstock grain. the seller is offering a whopping 10% off of the new one's price. it was made in 2018.

which would you get or would it not matter to you either way?

Get number two.

Any bass you buy is going to sustain some wear and tear. That’s not damage—that’s patina. It just adds to the character of a well-loved bass. Any ding on one of my instruments has a story behind it, and I wouldn’t do without any of them. (Even the tooth marks on the Alvarez. Long story.)

If they sound about the same and have no differences other than the one you’ve mentioned, I’d go with number two every time. It’ll probably be cheaper, too. Plus, the marks on number two mean that it’s been played a lot in the store. People like it.

I’d be interested to hear which one you choose.

 

[mrcbass]

$600ish.

it makes sense. the seller is sweetwater. not sure if they're ever flexible - our rep has never offered us any kind of deal.

But ask. My guy knocked about 10% off my brand new Fender purchase in December. I've done a lot of business with him and he knows I'm a grumpy old tightwad. He was helping me wade through cheaper P bass alternatives but finally sold me on the real deal and gave me a break. He's been well rewarded for his discount .....

Don't expect it, but it doesn't hurt to ask "is there anything you can do for me on this item?"

 

[pcake]

well, my rep offered me 16% off for bass number 2. i'm considering. i don't need another bass but...

Get number two.

Any bass you buy is going to sustain some wear and tear. That’s not damage—that’s patina. It just adds to the character of a well-loved bass. Any ding on one of my instruments has a story behind it, and I wouldn’t do without any of them. (Even the tooth marks on the Alvarez. Long story.)

If they sound about the same and have no differences other than the one you’ve mentioned, I’d go with number two every time. It’ll probably be cheaper, too. Plus, the marks on number two mean that it’s been played a lot in the store. People like it.

I’d be interested to hear which one you choose.

i would choose number 2 because it looks nicer to me. why pay more for a bass than looks less nice?

But ask. My guy knocked about 10% off my brand new Fender purchase in December. I've done a lot of business with him and he knows I'm a grumpy old tightwad. He was helping me wade through cheaper P bass alternatives but finally sold me on the real deal and gave me a break. He's been well rewarded for his discount .....

Don't expect it, but it doesn't hurt to ask "is there anything you can do for me on this item?"

does your guy often drop the price for you? mine has never done so before today.

 

[fdeck]

I'd be leery of a bass with wood grain issues in the neck and fingerboard, due to the potential of warping.

 

[MynameisMe]

Sweetwater has a great reputation. I would order it. I don't think you'll get burned.

 

[Ostie]

The one that sounds better.

 

[trevcda]

does your guy often drop the price for you? mine has never done so before today.

Perhaps your guy reads the forums at Talkbass!

 

[Ian McLaughlin]

I hate to say "number two," but here we are.

 

[tpaul]

Two. No question.

 

[Chrisk-K]

both have pau ferro fingerboards,

I will never ever buy a bass with a pau ferro fingerboard. PF is too ugly.

 

[juancaminos]

2

 

[Lava]

#2. Tell them you will only do it at 20% off. When they counter with 15%, buy it.

 

[Ian McLaughlin]

I will never ever buy a bass with a pau ferro fingerboard. PF is too ugly.

There's some ain't gotta choice.

 

[Nephilymbass]

say you have looked at 2 of the same make, color and model basses. both have pau ferro fingerboards, the same body wood, same neckwood, same electronics. both have full manufacturer warranties.

bass one is brand spanking new, never been owned or played, it hasn't even been looked at funny. it's a tiny bit heavier and has a pretty unappealing fingerboard, at one part one side being dark and one side light with a grain that isn't great, and the headstock grain is odd, too. it was made in 2019.

bass two was a store demo model with a scratch in the headstock, what looked like a tiny line of pen ink less than an inch long on the back of the neck and light body scratches here and there. it's a few ounces lighter, and the fingerboard wood is darker and evener and - to my eye - looks nicer as does the headstock grain. the seller is offering a whopping 10% off of the new one's price. it was made in 2018.

which would you get or would it not matter to you either way?

I’d have to see bass 1 to see if I’d be interested in it but 10% off for bass 2 used isn’t enough off. With that little difference in price I’d just buy a new one in perfect condition. I actually did that when I bought my Dingwall. The used ones were practically the same price as the new ones so I just went ahead and bought a new one. For me used basses aren’t really a bargain until then get to down to about 50% of the new price.