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Would light modding lower my bass' value???

derelicte

derelicte

Dec 25, 2007
819
1
NJ/NYC
#1
i've searched the forums and all i found was a thread that didn't help me...

So i'm looking to mod up my bass a little..

first, i have a Zon custom5
second, here r the mods i wanna have done:
  • increase headroom from 9v to 18v
  • drop caps
  • add passive/active switch

:smug:
i read that any sort of drilling would lower value hands down,
but as i see it, these mods would all be upgrades..

.. so again i ask.. would the value of my bass drop? if so, then by how much n why??
:help:
thanks good ppl of tb!

:ninja::ninja:
 
#5
The retro-fits you have in mind seem to be the reversible kind - as long as it's done properly. Just keep the replaced parts in a "safe" place you're not likely to forget and you should be fine when it's time to roll-back your mods to original-state. Then again, Dave is right - the value of the bass whether in orignal-state or modded, depends on how much value the prospective buyer puts on the item. Just make sure that you know where the prospective buyer puts value on the bass, act accordingly (keep it as is or roll it back), and you should be able to maximize realized value on the bass come disposal time.
 
#7
thanks guys.. appreciate all the advice; the headroom n drop caps i'm certain r easily reversible.. but i'm more concerned about the active/passive switch, as that would require drilling into the wood.. i'm still on the fence about that one tho.
:atoz:
either way, i'm fairly certain i'm going to drop it off at zon. since i broke my arm n can't play for a few weeks, this is a perfect time to get these done for me.

anyway, i'm not looking to flip my bass, just wanna mod safely so as not to ruin its value. do u guys think these mods r a good choice?? any drawbacks??

:ninja::ninja:
 
#8
A related question: Does modding reduce the value of all basses equally? For instance, modding an entry-level Ibanez Soundgear probably won't lower its value at all, and might result in slightly increasing its value. How about modding an SX? Are "stock" SX's worth more becasue they're all original? How about older, non-VM Squiers? How about mid-level basses - ESP LTD, Ibanez ATK, Schecter 004, B.C. Rich Warlock, Traben? Would they be worth significantly more if they were unmodded? Aside from the T-40, do Peavey's decrease in value when they're modded?

Obviously the high-profile MIA Fenders, Ricks, Musicmans, etc. drop some value when modded, but how about a modded S.U.B.?

It seems to me that there is no general rule about the value of modded basses vs stock basses, but there are specific rules that apply to MIA Fenders, Ricks, etc.

How about putting a Duncan Antiquity in a MIM Fender P? Does that really reduce the value at all? What if you changew out the bridge and tuners?
 
#11
scottbass said:
A related question: Does modding reduce the value of all basses equally? For instance, modding an entry-level Ibanez Soundgear probably won't lower its value at all, and might result in slightly increasing its value. How about modding an SX? Are "stock" SX's worth more becasue they're all original? How about older, non-VM Squiers? How about mid-level basses - ESP LTD, Ibanez ATK, Schecter 004, B.C. Rich Warlock, Traben? Would they be worth significantly more if they were unmodded? Aside from the T-40, do Peavey's decrease in value when they're modded?

Obviously the high-profile MIA Fenders, Ricks, Musicmans, etc. drop some value when modded, but how about a modded S.U.B.?

It seems to me that there is no general rule about the value of modded basses vs stock basses, but there are specific rules that apply to MIA Fenders, Ricks, etc.

How about putting a Duncan Antiquity in a MIM Fender P? Does that really reduce the value at all? What if you changew out the bridge and tuners?
Click to expand...

IME any modding, including adding strap locks, will decrease the value of a bass or if it increases, not nearly as much as what is put into it.

If you buy an SX for $150 and then change the tuners (~$80), bridge (~80), pickups and electronics (~$300), and get a professional setup (~$50) you will be lucky if you get $250 for it from the right person. Why, because it is still an SX even though it may now play better than MIA Fenders.

With a bass like a Fender, usually any modifications will decrease the value, especially if it is "vintage". A stock vintage Fender will be worth substantially more than one with a BAII and Nordstrand pickup although the modifications may make it a better bass.

Such is the nature of the beast; once the stock label is removed on a higher end bass, it immediately drops in price.
 
#13
I think with non vintage basses it does matter to add light mods and if done in the mind set of the bass manufacturer and could increase the value slightly, but never enough to get your money back.

Case in point-I had a Carvin 6 string bass that I updated the electronics (with Carvin preamp) and added a Kahler. I found I had more interest & bids due to the Kahler, which I ended up getting around $700+ for it.
Granted I lost a ton of cash on it as I bought it new, but on the used market it sold about $100-$200 more than other similar Carvins at the time.


DSC03222.gif


Any mods to a vintage bass will drop the value regardless of what they are.
 
#14
olaff421 said:
You wouldn't even have to drill for the active/passive. Just get a push/pull type knob and replace the volume knob.
Click to expand...
good idea!!! that's awesome :)

topper said:
+1

And so long as you don't have to route out for the extra battery for the 18v mod, all these should be easily reversible.
Click to expand...

ahhk i think i might..:eek: i'm gonna check it out tonite when i get home

thx guys, great advice y'all!! keep em coming!

:ninja::ninja:
 
#15
This is my opinion on modding bass as related to its value.

For Vintage basses:

If the bass is intended to be kept for sentimental value and not to be played at all, don't touch it, even the rusts on the hardwares.

If to be played but still wants to maintain its original state, just replace parts that are significant to the sound IF and IF the parts are no longer functioning the way they should. These includes tuning machines, pickup. bridge and pots. A refret is acceptable. Never touch the original finish. Always keep the original parts in a safe place so the bass can be put back in its original condition.

For lowend basses:

MOD IT! replace all the cheap hardwares with better ones. That would increase the value.

For highend basses:

Well what else to be replaced? These are expensive basses because of Class A hardwares and wood.
 
#17
guess i'm going for fully reversible mods then.. thanks guys!

i love my baby n rather than trying to up its value, i'm just trying to preserve it with good upgrades for improved playability

thanks y'all.. i'm def. gonna look into the push pull active/passive knob!
 
#20
You know, this thread has cleared some things up for me. About 6 months ago I asked a Long & McQuade store how much I could get for my Deluxe P-Special that had Seymour Duncan basslines put in it. They said I could get about $200, maybe 250. I was in shock. The bass brand new was 900 bones (after tax) and the pickups cost me about 250 (a J and a P). Maybe if I hadn't screwed around with it I would have gotten more. Anyways good thing it didn't sell though. That bass has some serious potential.
 

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