Burns-bass

Yeah I get that. Perhaps I’ve inhaled enough of the musky smell from old cases not to become intoxicated by it. As an instrument, I can’t see it justifies the premium. As an investment, it’s too illiquid in a fragile market that is (let’s be honest) dominated by men of a certain age. I think your 1971 bass, for example, is the perfect spot. Reasonably priced, great story, 100% genuine, and it’s out playing music a few days after you bought it. But if someone here buys it, I’d happily pay £50 for an hour!

I should say, I’m not trying to be wilfully antagonistic and rude about vintage basses. I have owned lots (including pre cbs ones, custom coloured ones, good ones and bad ones). Im sure I sound like an old man angry that a Mars bar now costs 69p instead of the 18p it costs in 1988.

I saw that. Bought from his daughter in Newcastle. Is it that one? It’s fascinating that the story seems as important as the item. That tells you something about the market (and the people buying them).

Andy seems a straight up guy, so you’re definitely right. I guess these are now so far removed from being instruments that will ever get played, it’ll just became a talking point for rich people. Seems sad really…

Candy just seems to be a photo of an old band. It’s great and highly evocative, but hardly justifies the premium. I’m sure it’s a wonderful guitar but the prices are getting absolutely bonkers.

NKR had a similar bass at half that price. Market gone mad.

I bought a bass from BD. It was sent with 24 hour courier and they also reduced the price of a pedal as well. Sadly, the bass (vintage Fender) had a couple of issues and had to be returned. They arranged pickup within 24 hours and refunded immediately. This was the third bass I’ve bought and all my experiences have been positive. Thomann have lots of customer service staff, but BD only have a few. I’d give them the benefit of the doubt.

The problem is that music school has prepared them for an industry and a world that doesn't exist. There's no session scene really (unless you're super lucky and connected), and the best most can hope for is a job backing a singer (which looks like amazing fun, but must be rare). Instead, they'll become music teachers (essential, vital, and hugely valuable) or do something else. I used to work with an NHS director who had completed a music degree in percussion, for example. Or doing that widdly stuff on YouTube that nobody really enjoys. But earning money in bands. Nah.

Being at Uni is a great time to explore new ideas and it’s a great idea to do your research! The bass market is small, and those that would buy parts a fraction of that. Of those people, half will want a cheap product. The other half will want a brand name. Building guitars is a labour of love for most people (even Fender and Gibson sometimes lose money!), so the chances of creating a viable business that can compete with the Far East are very small indeed. If you offer something genuinely unique you may find a market, but it’s unlikely. I’d look for another market to disrupt!

Pay it off the mortgage and get one step closer to debt freedom!

You’d be better off looking for pallet delivery. No man with a van courier will want to touch it and it’s too heavy anyways.

My home can accommodate two basses, not sure my relationship can!

Hell of a drummer on that track!

They’re a good fretless bass and they’re cheap. If you’re looking for something to try, then give them a go. If you take to it, you’ll rapidly experience limitations. If you own or play more expensive and refined guitars it’ll become apparent soon enough. They’re about a million times better than the entry level junk I had in the 90s.

Yeah! They’re lovely looking things and really rare.

I bought one for £1450 a couple of years ago. It’s now the one featured in the Andy Baxter photos. Love black blocks!

“Rare prototype” ”Transitional model” ”only a few made” All = so bad the manufacturer decide tk move in another direction.

He’s probably harvested the Jaco DNA and is growing stem cells he can inject. All respect, it’s a mass produced hunk of wood. That guy could have made a Harley Benton sing like you’d never believe. Owning the bass won’t bring back their dad, but if it helps then I reckon big Rob is doing the right thing.

Not every post on BC is directly addressed to you… (especially the ones that are quite obviously jokes). You also missed: ”I’ve been told it’s all original, but I have no means of checking” ”I don’t want to take the neck off as I can damage it” Earlier this week I saw a vintage Telecaster bass and asked some questions. The guy said “I don’t care how original it is, I’m a player not a collector”, which would be fair, but if that’s the case don’t ask the same price as a vintage shop for your bass. It remains unsold.