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Would you buy/bid on this????
- Thread starter BigAlBass69
- Start date
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- Tags
- vintage bass
So to update, this bass in condition shown but fully working is typically sold at $3500. Currently there are about 20 bidders, 60 watchers and bid is at $600 with 2 days left. What to do what to do????
With 20 bidders, I'm guessing someone will end up paying way too much for this. Don't be that person.
If it was something I really, really wanted, I'd be willing to gamble $1000. If it's vintage Fender, you could get much of that back parting it out even if the neck is shot.
One reason people bid on auctions is an expectation of possibly getting something you want for a low price. Allowing returns doesn't really play in this scenario. Assuming risk is part of the process. So, bid low and hope you get lucky, or buy from a store at a fixed price with a return policy.
What usually happens to me when I find a bass I want up for auction is I will hem and haw for days and days, then finally get the gumption to throw caution to the wind and place a bid, only to be instantly, automatically outbid 
Then, that's that. Wasn't meant to be.
Then, that's that. Wasn't meant to be.
If this auction is going down on eBay and you're new to bidding on eBay, this'll be a helluva education!
But the TalkBass community has served you well by suggesting the following:
1.) Make sure you have an account and that your payment method, shipping address, etc. are all up to date.
2.) Set an amount in your head that you will not exceed paying.
3.) Bid as late in the auction (assuming price hasn't gone above #2 yet) as you can (depends on the reliability of your internet connection).
4.) Remember #2.
5.) Do not go above #2.
Happy bidding.
Based on what you say, I'd probably bid $1800-$2k.
Edit: but let me add that if I really want it I would literally wait until the last 25 seconds to place my bid, if it hasn't already gotten that high.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,612
- 222,128
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Maybe be it's already been said, but for me certainty of the neck condition is a make-or-break factor. If it can't be determined if the neck is wonky or not - buying it will be a risk. Most other things on a vintage bass can be addressed - a warped neck? 86-ville... you might be able to get your money back parting-out the rest depending on what it is.
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One day left. Bids are at $1150, 35 bidders. Vintage Gibson. Seller has not posted a complete side view of the neck. That is what I am most concerned with, especially stored with no strings for over 15 years. I have not bid yet… and now leaning against any bids, thanks to my friends here.
If it feels wrong then I’d leave it alone. I have a vintage bass, and if I can be completely candid, my Lakland 55-94 weighs less, plays easier, and has a more flexible variety of sounds. Just my take.
Dont know enough about vintage Gibson market but at current prices, there is possibly 2k still in the bass.
I'm wondering why they are selling and have not buffed it up to get 3.5k themselves.
Maybe they know what the repair cost is and that the neck needs to come off etc etc.
I'm wondering why they are selling and have not buffed it up to get 3.5k themselves.
Maybe they know what the repair cost is and that the neck needs to come off etc etc.
i voted "If I can't play it and someone else will not vouch that it works, I will not throw money at it" --- only because i've begun to judge all basses by their parts and not their (w)holes.
The only Gibson Bass I'd ever even consider would be a reverse body, through neck Thunderbird. Other than those, I'm just not into the vintage Gibson epoch. Even with Thunderbirds there are the Mike Lull versions that are certainly more expensive but better constructed with modern electronic options. I've played all the other Gibson bases, including the much sought after EB1 along with the EB O, EB 2, EB 3 (short and long scale) Ripper, Grabber, Les Paul Recording and others I can't even remember at the moment. The only other bass I really had a feel for was the Epiphone Newport. Just my take.
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Try Auctionsniper.com, it bids for you automatically and it works like ebay, will only bid one to 5 increments over the last bid cast, you can bid a reserve as high as you want. That's probably what happened to you, plus you won't drive the auction price up as it doesn't bid until 7 seconds are left or even less depending on where you set it hence you won't get in a bidding war and send the price soaring. That's probably what happened to you. I was complaining about the same thing when someone turned me on to it. It's very cheap too.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,612
- 222,128
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Bidding on anything, you have to go into with a 'cap' - the most you will pay. If that cap is exceeded in the bidding process - move on. The gambling aspect of eBay can suck one into spending beyond that cap - and many times it's a regretful scenario. My motto is that if something is meant to happen - it will. When it doesn't - that means it wasn't meant to happen. (and you should feel lucky)
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
