Some advice please...

[lomky]

So I posted a question about the SUB a bit ago. I ordered one through my local shop last week, it should be here in the next couple of days.

The advice: I was looking throught the local used goods paper and lookie the exact same base as I'm buying, same color everything. But, it comes with a case. So the new one works out to $*** with tax, and the used one is $500 including the hard case. I called the guy and he said it is 2 years old, bought at the same shop I'm buying from. Has been played lightly and never been gigged.

What would you guys do?

Is there anything I should look for when I check out the new onw, other than the usual fret wear/action?

Thanks
Josh

edited to remove price

 

[Hutton]

What would you guys do?

What do you mean Josh?

Are you thinking about buying both basses? Are you thinking about buying the used bass and cancelling the other?

Maybe I'm missing something here. I'm happy to give advice but unsure as to what you are asking.

 

[lomky]

Sorry, I thought I was clear.

If I buy the used bass I'll cancel the order. I only need one bass right now. i shouldn't be a problem to cancel the order, and I haven't paid for it yet.

 

[Dr Stankface]

Go play the used one and if it's in good shape, drop the ordered one. Save you some cash.

 

[Hutton]

OK Josh. I see now.

If it's not a problem to cancel the order then you have a choice. Personally, I would still buy new. However, if the used bass is pristine and comes with a MUSICMAN case then I would certainly consider the used instrument. I would only do so after giving it a very thorough going over to see that it has no issues due to misuse or knocks.

My only concern is that you say that it's not a problem to cancel the order. If the dealer is happy to take the bass into stock, or he can cancel the order from the factory, then that's fine. However, if he is relying on the sale then I would say that you are duty bound to keep your side of the deal.

Whatever bass you end up with remember we need to see pics!

 

[lomky]

The dealer got the bass from another store and they would put it onto their sales floor. I'm going to call them to make sure it's cool before I go look at the used one. The problem is I'm not really a guitar techy guy and I don't really know what to look for, I'm going to plug it in and jiggle it around to see if there are any shorts. I do like the "security" of buying new, but it is $250 plus a case.

 

[Hutton]

The dealer got the bass from another store and they would put it onto their sales floor. I'm going to call them to make sure it's cool before I go look at the used one. The problem is I'm not really a guitar techy guy and I don't really know what to look for, I'm going to plug it in and jiggle it around to see if there are any shorts. I do like the "security" of buying new, but it is $250 plus a case.

All that's cool Josh.

Well my friend, if the used bass looks right, feels right, and plays right then it probably is right. Buy it and save yourself some hard-earned cash! Oh and remember the pics!

 

[lomky]

Thanks

 

[nashman]

Another decision criteria element should be warranty. I assume the used one does not have a warranty ... so that's worth something too.

 

[lomky]

agreed, what is the Ernieball warranty?

 

[drgroovenstein]

Do you need the case, really? The musicman case is flippin heavy heheh.

My "on order" SR5 is the first new bass I have bough since like 2000 or so! I like buying used gear, especially when you can see it in person. You need to look for a few things.

1.) Has it been modified? Check to see the screws have any wear on them, this is a good indication if things have been removed.

2.) Check the frets, are there any grooves? Slight wear should be acceptable, but major grooves could be a concern.

3.) Is the neck straight? Hold it up and sight down the neck like it is a rifle. You'll see if there is any strange humps or warping.

4.) Are the frets protruding? Run your hand down both sides of the neck to see if the frets are sticking out from the fingerboard.

5.) Is it in good shape? Does it have lots of sratchs, dings or dents? I really don't care too much about minor stuff on the body, but dings on the back of the neck drive me nuts.

6.) How does it feel, sound, etc. Plug it in and play away. Does it feel right?

7.) Does it not have strap locks??! Order some! (dunlop)

Granted, 90% of what I buy is sight unseen, unfortunately. I have to take people's word for it. I've only been sort of dupped once, but I ended up with a bass I like for cheap anyway (it had some dings of which I was not made aware).

 

[lonote049]

If the used SUB is active, bring along a fresh 9V battery (Duracell) when you try it out.

 

[phatduckk]

check out the used one like the guys said. if you can save $ and it works for u then why not ...

also... if you could, remove the price for the new bass from your original post. its pretty much forum policy to not list new prices. (not tryign to bust your chops or anything)

 

[lomky]

haha, looks like all that for nothing. I called the used seller today and he sold the bass last night.

Makes my decision easier. I should have my brand new SUB in my hands by Thursday!! Can't wait to see how it fits our sound.

Thanks all

 

[nashman]

What IS the warranty period on an EBMM bass?

 

[lonote049]

1 year limited warranty. You can go to the product registration area on this site and it spells out the terms of the warranty.

 

[nashman]

Thank you lonote049 ... much appreciated. I really should have asked when I ordered my Stingray.