andy67

Well we could take retails for examples and reference: Bass sold in shop for £1000 (some Fender bass in this price range) now here's the rub and I'll probably get told off for this again... Mark up on mainstream musical equipment is in the region of 40% in some cases, I have been reliably told, is at most 53%. So, suddenly, a £1000 instrument is in reality worth £570 - £600 but the mark-up makes it worth more but ... is this the case, is the bass worth this mount due to the mark-up? What you have to remember is that shops buy back is generally 33% on new but will give a little more when buying pricier stuff. You cannot haggle them with their buy back price because they hit you with the "It's not worth it to us because we can buy it in for almost the same price!" So why bloody well put such a mark-up on the stuff?? Because it holds no sentimental value to the shop...it's for sale at rrp/mrp and that's it! Sorry for letting the cat out the bag my retail friends...However, in this environment of no cash, you could reduce the mark-up significantly enabling folk to buy so you don't go out of business. When I think of quality, value and realism, I instantly think of Jon Shuker. He has got the ideal balance of value and worth.

My 4 year old B410hlf still going strong and recently I bought another SVT 3pro - Korean made - and it is of good quality. Ampeg do have issues though, not quite sure what they are or how they fit but all those endorsed artists leaving them is a bit scary. However maybe the fellow on talkbass is right about some of them throwing the toys out because they cannot command any freebies anymore...?

They did, it was called the Memphis Sessions. Information at a minimum though: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Memphis_Sessions"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Memphis_Sessions[/url]

A stunning tone he has. Listening to it now you can hear how clean and full it is.

Yes I have to admit to being a fan of Wet Wet Wet. I recall hearing Sweet little mystery for the first time whilst attending Easter Road to watch Hibs play. It was August 87 and the song was played during the half time break. I instantly thought what a great song but check the groove in the bass line...nothing fancy just grooving. Anyhoo, skip to April 9th 2011, through the letterbox drops a parcel from Amazon for my missus, she opens it...and hands me The Very Best of Wet Wet Wet and says "surprise!" Very nice of her indeed I thought. I am currently sitting with my five year old son Adam listening to the album (CD if you wish) and fair enjoying it although my music loving son is a bit perplexed and having difficulties coming to terms with daddy liking pop! So, onto my point! I really think Graeme Clarke should have a mention on here because he is a great bassist, very tight, soulful, grooving and thinks about his lines within the song. Big thumbs up from me Graeme, hope all goes well in your next enterprise. Andy

[quote name='Tait' post='1193827' date='Apr 9 2011, 03:11 PM']See, I disagree with this. I'd say my Taitycaster or my Ibanez are more valuable to me than they are to you. My Taitycaster is a custom, unique to me, and I've had my Ibanez pretty much since I started playing. But you don't care about that, all you see is one custom bass and one slightly worn Ibanez. Now, I'm not saying that I should ask for more because of this, because it isn't worth more. I'm simply questioning the difference between value and price.[/quote] See the thing is, you are talking personal value of which should mean, to you, you would keep it. I recently owned a Fender Mexican 50's Precision, cost £519, it is a mass produced piece and as much as I loved it and valued it dearly it was only worth £400 to the buyer. The cheapest I have seen them sold on here is £350. So, for me, that is now a reference point £350 - £400. Reality or worth to a buyer is totally different to worth/value as an owner. Because someone owns a bass and to them it is worth a lot in terms of sentimental and useable value, it is not worth this to a buyer who will be buying it as an independent piece. People can put whatever value they like on an instrument or piece of bass equipment or any other thing for that matter but ... it will only be worth what it is sold for, naturally! Most people I have sold, traded or even just communicated with know there stuff and have researched the market place in order to get a grip on new and second hand prices, therefore, I would not insult them by putting unrealistic prices on any of my gear no matter the personal value or sentiment. andy

Just traded amp heads with Paul. It was a smooth painless transaction... except for my ears which are now being subjected to a Hartke lh1000 wow!! Thanks buddy an absolute pleasure doing the trade with you. Andy

[quote name='Gust0o' post='1191636' date='Apr 7 2011, 12:42 PM']Red, it's because some people still believe the law of dimishing returns [i]must[/i] apply - so it has to be a realistic price; all else is profiteering or stupidity. I'm not sure it's something I massively agree with.[/quote] I think the sort of 'silliness' comes about due to the secondhand price being not too far off new and when courier charges are added... why buy used when a few quid extra will get you new? Although this thread is moving in a different direction from the Op's topic, It is great because so many different points can be raised under the one heading. Yes I agree a little reality is required with some sellers re price but I think some of the younger members don't know quite how to price their equipment considering they may have only owned it for a short time from new and have not been in the way of things or not quite gained enough experience yet. Maybe that is what's required - a used price guide! eBay is definitely not to be referenced because listings on that marketplace are so mad at the moment and it is difficult to get a reasonable bargain or a ball park idea of what equipment is worth. Usually I look to sell at around 50% of market price - dependent on item of course - on mass manufactured gear: amps, cabs etc. And, I will only buy with the same methodology in mind. Most around here employ a similar methodology anyway. andy

[quote name='bassaussie' post='1191353' date='Apr 7 2011, 07:31 AM']I'll take that one step further. When a seller is selling something on this site at a certain price, but has it advertised elsewhere cheaper (sometimes considerably so). This happens more with non-UK based sellers, as they advertise it locally for a certain price, then decide to go to a UK site and for some reason think it's OK to bump up the price. There's actually an example of this happening right now, and I've seen it a number of times in the past. I'm always tempted to comment on the thread, but then, there's this rule in the For Sale not to do that., and to be honest, I don't feel like getting into an argument with all the do-gooders defending the seller saying "oh, he has the right to sell at whatever price he likes".[/quote] Just email the seller and do what I do: Go against all my inner rage and be as nice, pleasant and informative as possible. Once inner calm reached - job done! Trust me you feel better for it but do agree it is annoying. Sometimes I feel these people attempt to take the 'P' out of the members but what some sellers don't seem to get, is that the forum members are actually very intelligent, diligent and informed in all things bass.

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing this as it is great to see these shows in action. Out of curiosity, what is the Yamaha stand like? cheers andy

[quote name='bluesparky' post='1188620' date='Apr 5 2011, 08:15 AM']What would one class as being a "timewaster" as opposed to being unsure and then deciding against it?[/quote] Is someone who really, really, really wants your item and asks you hold it until they get paid at the end of the week/month (delete as appropriate), only for them not bothering to make contact when paid!? And when chased up... feed you a BS excuse like: Oh, my car needed repaired, my equipment was stolen, I play guitar now etc. Get the drift! Manners and courtesy definitely required from some members and a touch of realism as well. For example: I did a favor for a member on here it comprised of him selling an almost new instrument but without the fender goodies of which, I had. Now this member is one of the decent good guys of whom I have tremendous respect for, just before any one makes snap judgments on his integrity! I contacted him, offered the goodies free, he thanked me and asked if I would post it to the member who had just bought the bass, I did and got absolutely no thanks from the buyer! Not even an courtesy mail saying he had received the package. Ah some people eh! However, again, It is all negated by the chatters I have had the pleasure of buying, selling gear with over the years and interacting with them on a social level.

Me personally, I have had a great experience on here both buying and selling and hopefully another one to come. I have had my share of time wasters, however, other than one person who lives in Edinburgh and really needs to have good word with himself ... I have identified them early and said no on many occasions to their requests - tis also because I'm old and grumpy too!! It is the luck of the draw when buying and selling on here or any other marketplace, so chin up and think of nice things ... Ooooh Hartke ... [url="http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1943&brandID=3"]http://www.samsontech.com/products/product...3&brandID=3[/url] andy

A wee update from Hartke UK man Agent Gareth: [i][quote]Can you just mention that at present I have been informed that we SHOULD be able to get the Kilo from our August orders so if this does happen it will hit the stores late Sept early October....just in time for Santa to bring it to everybody in his sack![/quote][/i] andy

Just a wee update good folks: Been speaking with Gareth at Hartke UK who has been absolutely superb and really went out his way to assist me - can't beat that for customer service! So, big thumbs up to Hartke UK. Andy

No argument from me either! Wonderful company with superb customer service and support! andy