Help! Well the economy finally caught me...

[jlepre]

I was let go from my job yesterday along with 5 other co-workers. I am in a state of total shock right now, and trying to figure out what I am going to do. The good news is I qualify for unemployment benefits. The bad news is it leaves us $900 short each month. Plus now I need to figure out how I will pay for medical benefits, with the baby coming in 7 weeks.

The reason for my long ramble is that I am considering selling my LAST bass, but I am struggling with this decision. I am currently not playing in a band, so I am wondering if selling my equiptment for the time being is a temporary fix. Here is the list of stuff:

SR5 HH 20th w/ maple and matching headstock
Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0
Epifani UL112

I am looking for some guidance here from my fellow knuckleheads as to if I should sell my rig, and buy a new setup in the future when things get better financially.

Thanks for listening.

 

[maddog]

do your best to hang on to what you got.

what you can get for it won't last long.

any savings? chance of part-time work? Part-time work in a Journey cover band that pays?

Look into the COBRA stuff. It may be expensive but cheaper than paying for it all by yourself.

 

[five7]

+1

 

[stingray96191]

i don't know what your background is in.. But the company i work for is almost always hiring... And the money isn't bad... I am a supervisor in the Pittsburgh, PA area. And thoough i am out on disability i may still have some pull for your area.. if you are interisted send me a PM.. I would love to be able to help.

Erin

 

[Aussie Mark]

If you really must, only sell stuff you can replace easily enough later when you get another job.

Otherwise, $900 a month isn't an enormous gap to plug. A paying gig in a cover band would be a quick fix - especially now you have all day everyday to dedicate to finding a band and getting up to speed on the setlist. It might be a great opportunity to get some work/life balance and play music.

 

[T Alan]

Is the instrument fully paid off? If so, do NOT sell.

 

[Sweat]

John that sucks but it would help to know what you do I work for a large international company and can do a job search, but your neck of the woods is tough right now but glad to look for you. Ever think about relocating, Tejas is doing well in this tough time.

 

[SteveB]

Definitely talk to your former employer about keeping your benefits via COBRA. You can keep them at least 90 days (and maybe more these days) but you have to pay what your employer was paying for your coverage. With a baby coming, I'd take it.. our kids cost around $8k to $10k each for hospital expenses for labor & delivery.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Sorry to hear about your job loss.

Even if you do manage to sell your bass and amp, you won't be able to get that much money for them and you'll probably end up taking a large loss. Being that is your only bass and amp, I would try on keep them if you can. Replacing a 20th SR5 would be tough too.

Good luck!

 

[spencer]

Do what you to keep it, otherwise you may find yourself 20years later and still no bass or amp. It's easy to happen, especially with a kid on the way.. Let's just say you'll find it much harder to get the money to buy it all again and you won't get vey much for in anyways.. Start job hunting.. If you have any experience in construction look pick up a hotsheet and look for jobs in your state if your willing to travel you'll make on average 300$ more a week non taxable.. Plus 20-27$ an hour with 40-82 hours a week. You can make some good money..

 

[Powman]

I concur...you won't get much for the bass...and the sanity/pleasure that playing your bass provides you is priceless...

The loss of health care benefits is disturbing. As a Canadian, this is something we never have to face when confronted with job loss.

I hope you can fill that $900 gap...its not too huge really. Cancel cable, put some retirement savings on hold, bug your parents and your in-laws...

 

[jlepre]

I want to thank all who have responded with some great advice. I will try to keep all of my equipment as long as possible. I am looking into Cobra for my continued benefits. My background is in Technical Sales as a Senior Account Manager with over 20 years experience. Most recently I worked for a small company in NE PA specializing in safety products. I am willing to travel 50 miles from zip code 10990 each way to work which would include NEPA, Norther NJ and Southwestern NY state.

I may look to sell my amp at some point, but keep my bass, as I could always borrow a rig if need be. The possibility of gigging right now would be touch as I need to focus most of my free time looking for a full-time job.

Thanks guys for all of the great advice, and keep it coming. I will PM those who offered job search help.

Thanks,

 

[spencer]

Good decision..

I sold my bass to pay for an engaugement ring.. Stupid Stupid Stupid.. I had the income.. I mean I was making about 1200 a week but I was having a problem saving.. Dont ask why or how, anyways I regret it, and it was 10x harder to save for a new bass after and it was totally not worth the 900$ I got for it..

 

[strummer]

What can I do except agree, do not sell the 20:th unless as a last way out. The Shuttle and cab can be easily bought again, but I know how much you love the SR, so hang on to it as long as you can.

Crossing fingers things will start looking up for you soon!

 

[jlepre]

What can I do except agree, do not sell the 20:th unless as a last way out. The Shuttle and cab can be easily bought again, but I know how much you love the SR, so hang on to it as long as you can.

You are totally right about my love for this bass. You are also correct about how hard it will be to replace, therefore I will hold onto it unless I become homeless...

 

[AtomicPunk]

John, after having been out of work for almost a FRICKING YEAR now....you'd be amazed what you will do to make ends meet, and the things you took for granted that you don't REALLY need. My collection of 21 basses is now down to 2, and the Bongo is the one they will take as I'm shuffling off this mortal coil. Hang in there, buddy.

 

[RaginRog]

I was let go from my job yesterday along with 5 other co-workers. I am in a state of total shock right now, and trying to figure out what I am going to do. The good news is I qualify for unemployment benefits. The bad news is it leaves us $900 short each month. Plus now I need to figure out how I will pay for medical benefits, with the baby coming in 7 weeks.

The reason for my long ramble is that I am considering selling my LAST bass, but I am struggling with this decision. I am currently not playing in a band, so I am wondering if selling my equiptment for the time being is a temporary fix. Here is the list of stuff:

SR5 HH 20th w/ maple and matching headstock
Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0
Epifani UL112

I am looking for some guidance here from my fellow knuckleheads as to if I should sell my rig, and buy a new setup in the future when things get better financially.

Thanks for listening.

John,

I'm really sorry to hear your bad news. This recession is affecting so many folks. My sister was laid off 2 weeks after returning from maternity leave, and my other friend was laid off about a month before his second kid was born. They go on living, and he's managed to take on some house projects he wouldn't have otherwise gotten to. It's going to be tough, but I'm certain you and your wife will be able to figure it out until you find another job. Selling your bass is a short term fix, but will be something you'll wind-up regretting for a long time.

I wouldn't sell your last bass.

I wish you the best, and congrats on the upcoming birth of your baby!!!

-Rog

 

[RaginRog]

John, after having been out of work for almost a FRICKING YEAR now....you'd be amazed what you will do to make ends meet, and the things you took for granted that you don't REALLY need. My collection of 21 basses is now down to 2, and the Bongo is the one they will take as I'm shuffling off this mortal coil. Hang in there, buddy.

Holy S--- You had 21 basses???!!!

I see you're up near detroit.....ex autoworker by chance?

 

[RaginRog]

Good decision..

I sold my bass to pay for an engaugement ring.. Stupid Stupid Stupid.. I had the income.. I mean I was making about 1200 a week but I was having a problem saving.. Dont ask why or how, anyways I regret it, and it was 10x harder to save for a new bass after and it was totally not worth the 900$ I got for it..

Oh God....I just did that recently....sold a bass to help fund part of a ring!! The things we do for love.

 

[Basspro]

John,
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. This recession has effected so many people,
myself included. As already stated, i would keep the bass if at all possiable,
and only sell it if absolutely nessessary, as it might be hard to replace in the future.
I wish you and your family all the best.
Keep positive.