Len_derby

For a private sale I’d expect 50-60% of the new price, both for selling and buying. If the bass can no longer be bought new it gets less straightforward, fashion and general desirability come into play. I think one of the reasons the marketplace on Basschat appears turgid is that sellers are asking inflated prices. The Fender JMJ Mustang is a good case in point. I’ve never dealt with a shop to sell or buy a used bass, but what @Ed_S says sounds realistic.

Spot on. After asking Paul’s advice I bought a HB short-scale P bass. I was happy with it straight out of the box, at £79, and gigged it for a couple of years. I’ve now passed it in to a youth outreach project who get teenagers to form bands.

Thanks for all the replies. It’s been pretty much overwhelming positive. Fortunately, Sheffield is only a thirty minute train ride or a one hour drive away. I could travel by bus for free, but it’d be a magical mystery tour through the Peak District. Cheers guys.

Thanks. 60% is reasonable and realistic. I think one of the reasons the Basschat market place for used basses is turgid is because sellers are asking for too much.

I am considering selling or trading some of my basses with Rich Tone Music of Sheffield. Does anyone on Basschat have personal experience of the shop that they are willing to share?

I wish you well in your recovery Mr Solo. Is you first name Napoleon, by any chance? Visualisation is a proven and accepted technique. However, I think it’s important to know or check that what you’re visualising is accurate. What I mean by this is; if you visualise a note or phrase that turns out to be wrong when you play it, you’ve not only wasted your time but got something in your mind that you’ve got to ‘undo’. Anyway, all the best for your health and the new band.

Cheers Pete, a set is on the way.

From my experience in the midlands, three factors have made a smaller band-size attractive. Frozen or reduced fees paid to performers. Increased car parking restrictions and congestion charges. The rise of the micro-pub and cafe bar, which usually have very little space for a band.

I’ve bought a few basses blind over the years. Almost every time it’s worked out fine. I’ve used the old gamblers adage - don’t bet more than you’re prepared lose. Meaning, I’ve bought blind for cheaper instruments but wouldn’t do it for anything expensive.

Congratulations on a successful op and becoming pain-free. I hope you can find the right situations to continue playing music. I still enjoy playing that mandolin I bought off you a few years ago. All the best.

All the best for whatever you do Dave. Please stick around on Basschat.

My advice would be to not invest too much time in learning a particular arrangement until you know how the rest of the band play it. Of course, you may know that already. Several times I’ve learned the bass line for a song only to have to change it because it doesn’t work with how the band play it. For example, drummer can’t or won’t play it as recorded or guitarist plays ‘different’ chords.

Two of the local pubs where my covers band play cancelled all their music events in January, one of which was ours. That said, my acoustic trio have played one cafe and a micro-pub this month. From my experience, it’s the bigger pub and full band sector that is struggling. As a slight aside, I took a first trip down to The Mini Monocle bar in Loughborough this week. It was their regular open-mic and very lively and busy on a late January Wednesday night. So, there is an appetite for live music and people are prepared to go and hear it.

Nice one, thanks. I’m using one Thomann’s own Beatbass bags. Does the job, but a bit cheap n’ cheerful. The one external pocket is a bit too small, also.