Sell my Sterling, or keep my Sterling...

[Joe Nerve]

A young fan of The Nerve! is waving a check for $600 in my face for my Sterling - which is in excellent playing condition - yet has had the hell beaten out of it bigtime. Since I got my first Bongo several months ago, I haven't touched the Sterling. I'm not desperate for money at the moment, but things are fairly tight as I pretty much live gig to gig, paycheck to paycheck... blah, blah, ramble, blah...

I'm buying a new used car. If I take the $600 it would be security should the new car suddenly drops it's exhaust system - OR, it could be upping the $3000 I plan to spend to $3,600. What to do.

When I air my indecision out in forums I often get something that triggers my ultimate decision.

To sell or not to sell. Wut would you do???? Also, anyone have a compact car in great condition with less than 7500 miles they'd like to drive to NY and sell me for $3000 or less??? I'll give you my 89 Honda Civic with 1000,000 miles on it to drive back with. You just have to drive with the heat on if you get stuck in traffic.

 

[Wasabi]

Well, I have bought and sold many basses, and I honestly regret selling only one...my SR5 (trans teal, beautiful birdseye maple neck). I don't know why I sold it, but eventually missed having one, and purchased another one (this time, blue dawn, but alas, no birdseye). My wife doesn't mind me selling any basses, but she won't let me sell this one. She keeps telling me I need to learn my lesson, as the SR5 is my only constant, and I have gone through numerous high end basses.

So bottom line, I don't know what to tell you! If you think there's even a decent chance of regretting being without it, I wouldn't pull the trigger. If it's a "special" Sterling, and you don't think you can get one that fits you as well on eBay, I wouldn't do it.

 

[MingusBASS]

I say sell that sucka. I just recently sold my Jazz bass that I've had for years... I thought I'd miss it. But when you got a couple bongos other basses just seem...obsolete. I know we are talk'n about a sterling here but none the less, that's what I'd do.

Andrew

 

[HeavyDuty]

Joe, I'd keep it. Maybe string it with flats for something tonally completely different...

 

[SterlingFan]

Unless you really need the money, I would say keep it.

 

[nismaniac]

If you already have another back up bass that you like better than the sterling, then I'd say sell it. I think its good to have a back up bass on hand just in case. You never know, especially if you're on the road. Good luck.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

If you're living pay to pay, then I'd sell it and add the funds to your car purchase. If I'm not mistaken, you've got other basses to function as a backup, and when all's said and done, it'd be nice to have a Sterling as backup, but it's not necessary.

 

[rulyøngo]

If you have any sentimental attachment to the bass better keep it, because you will regret it later. If you really don't care much for it sell it, don't worry. They are always Sterlings for sale...

P.S. How is the Bongo working???

 

[DR. Cheese]

Joe, tell the guy you want $750. If he moves towards $700, sell the Sterling. You love Bongos, so let someone else enjoy thew Sterling.

 

[Bassplyr]

Joe, you don't need a car in NYC! It's crowded enough. Just use the taxi and keep the Sterling!

 

[AnthonyD]

Sell your Sterling!?


Seriously - if you've already got a back-up bass and you're SURE you won't regret it later, let you're young Nerve-fan have at it!

And buy another Honda or a Toyota to be sure you get every pennies worth outta your next car!

 

[Moondog]

Sell it. Keep $100 for beer & put $500 towards the car

 

[roballanson]

A monumental idea there moondog!!!

Or forget the car and use the dosh to fund a trip to the open house event.....

 

[Mantaray]

I say sell that sucka. I just recently sold my Jazz bass that I've had for years... I thought I'd miss it. But when you got a couple bongos other basses just seem...obsolete. I know we are talk'n about a sterling here but none the less, that's what I'd do.

Andrew

I agree. I got the sterling with the sound of my dreams. I'm now selling my StingRay which I had for years and don't regret it at all even though it is one hell of an instrument.

I prefer to spend some extra money on my studio.

 

[phatduckk]

i have a tough time parting with gear ... I have a F&*&$ USA P and Jazz ... neither of which I ever use. i end up holding onto stuff mostly cuz selling gear has always been an annoyign process for me ... lots of people claiming their interested but never comin thru with $ etc.

but if i had a serious buyer ... and i was certain that i could do without the bass i would ditch it

 

[Bluesbob]

Personal policy...

Never sell anything. Trading for something else in a mutually beneficial transaction is much better. JMHO.

 

[philthygeezer]

If you played a big part in beating the hell out of that Sterling, then don't sell it. It would be like selling a companion.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Thanks everyone. Adelucia has had the most influence thus far. I hadn't even realized that at the moment I really don't have any other backup bass that I'd be happy using. I've got the Sterling, my Bongo, a fretless Dano that I've never gigged with, and a couple of acoustic basses. I sent my Bongo 5 back because after getting the SC/H I realized I really prefer the H/H. It's going to be a couple of months before I get the new 5 string though.

I believe I shall hold on to the Sterling, lest I become desperate. I also agree that the Bongo and Sterling are very different animals. My Sterling also has a maple neck which I believe adds lots of snap. I get totally different slapping sounds out of both basses, and both have their charms to them. A lot more high end on the Sterling and it seems to respond better to slapping (or I'm more used to it), but slapping on the Bongo could cut through 4 stacks of marshalls and a couple of psychotic drummers all on the same stage.

 

[AnthonyD]

{{{blush}}}

Glad to help!

 

[Joe Nerve]

I am a dog with his tail between his legs.

My head hangs low.

I am sad.

It had to be done.

I lose all peace of mind if I'm scrounging to pay my bills. I couldn't spend the summer that way. I had to let it go. Here's my updated story:

I walked 2 blocks from my house to the used car place I was sure wouldn't have anything for me. I had been driving hours to used car lots with 1000s of cars and couldn't find anything. This little lot only has about 15. I see a really sporty looking thing and think, "Damn, I wish I could afford THAT". Then I notice it's a Hyundai - hmmm... I didn't know they made any really cool looking cars. It was a Tiburon. Never heard of it. I ask how much. $4600. Way outta my range but some insane person inside me asked if he'd give it to me for 4. He thought, then said, "Yeah, I can do that." I took it for a drive. It was like Bongo love. I had to have it. I spent all my money. I love my new car. Came with 54000 miles, I already put 2000 on it. It looks great, drives great, great AC and CD player... I'm happy... but the Sterling had to go.

The kid claims he'll sell it back to me if I fall apart. He's a cool understanding drunken punk who's probably gonna need the money even more than me soon. I got a new Bongo coming in a month so I'm sure I won't be hurtin too long. There ya have - for anyone interested.