TJ1

I certainly am a conflicted moron. But I think the price negotiation between buyer and seller involves balancing fears. If you offer a bass for sale for say £1680, and I counter offer £1400, which you just accept, that feels like you are desperate to get rid of it, which is obviously off putting and would probably make me back out. But if you say ‘no way- but maybe you can have for £1600’ that gives the product a psychological unobtainability’, whilst making me feel that I have earnt £80, which makes the deal desirable. irrational but true

There’s certainly an attraction from the point of view of convenience and expert valuation to selling thru a reputable shop. But having been forced to part with some guitars in the past, there’s an emotional satisfaction(over and above price) to putting my ‘babies’ up for adoption to appreciative private individuals, rather selling them to shops/dealers who see them as mere inanimate units.

It’s a Bongo, otherwise known as ‘the toilet seat bass’, so please don’t get too excited, particularly as it’s only the bog- standard version

Yup -A time limited period of exclusive selling rights sounds like an excellent idea, not least because it gives them more incentive to push the item within the limited period. And gives me an out if they turn out to be the wrong agent for the instrument. Treating a bass shop like an estate agent might not be seen as being cool with the groove though.

Sorry to continue - the shop has to take physical possession of the bass for the entire period starting from when they act as an agent- this might make it difficult for me to market elsewhere like Reverb or here. Although I guess I could point potential buyers to the retailer. The other thing is the bass is in virtual ‘as new’ condition with all the paperwork, so perhaps does’nt actually need the additional stamp of approval/ assurance that a shop could provide.

Thanks again for the replies. I talked to a couple of shops about selling it through them on commission. Although their commission rates seemed reasonable, a possible disadvantage is that they have to take physical po

Thanks - do you have an idea of what % commission these shops usually charge? ( I am aware of one in Camden Town)

Hi I won’t mention the specific model because I am aware that it could be seen as a sly for for sale ad. But suffice to say I’ve got quite a rare and sought after bass which I probably need to sell for reasons of financial degeneracy/stupidity. The problem the model does not come for sale very often and second hand prices seem to be all over the place on Reverb, EBay as well as here. I’ve got an pretty firm idea of the minimum I would accept, but let’s say I were to put up for sale on this forum - is it best to ask for a considerably higher price and invite nearest offers( ie Ono). Or alternatively ask for the minimum I need with the proviso of ‘no offers’. Any advice appreciated It’s difficult to judge myself as a buyer I find the challenge of getting money off an enjoyable part of the process. Otoh I tend to get put off by sellers who are too flexible about the price- it looks like they were originally trying to scalp buyers or they are desperate to get rid of it. As said - any opinions appreciated however off the wall. Many Thanks

Moving, and nice innovative touch to leave the song as a message on her answer machine

I really enjoyed this and found paticularly: the bass parts to be very intriguing and expressive, and the variety was impressive as well. It may be just me, but I didn't really associate the music with war? Although the footage was certainly interesting.

It depends whether you were thinking of selling it at some point, if you were sunburst might have a wider appeal than bright green or blue. I like bright orange myself, but I know I am never going to get permission for it from other people.

After the first rejection, I don't know if it would have been worth explaining to them that you felt you had not prepared the part enough, and begging for a second consideration? It sounds like they had some positive vibes about you, and after all, I understand refusing to accept rejection is an essential part of the music business?

I think there are definitely bargains to be had, assuming you hope that things will get better. Just picked up a two year old Gibson J45 acoustic in literally as new condition on ebay for £1250, which retails new for well over £2000. OK it's not a bass, but in the icon stakes it's at least equal to the Stingray, and as such I am willing to live on Morrisons baked beans and bran flakes to take advantage of the poor dentist who sold it. And yes given the opportunity or more likely need I would sell it in the future, albeit reluctantly.

Many apologies if the original question contains any form of enjoyment at the possible plight of hard working musicians, that was not the intent. But way back in the late 1700's at the time of the French Revolution: (which at the time was probably seen to be similarly traumatic as COVID is now) -Baron Rothschild said 'Always buy when there's blood on the streets', & I believe there some kind of basic but dangerous truth to that statement.

That would be something like an EBMM Stingray or in the acoustic world a USA Martin or Gibson.

That is those basses or other instruments of a professional or posh standard, because of the effects of the lockdown on live musicians and the fact that affluent amateurs may have to be cutting back: Opinions appreciated - & don't have to contain gospel/scientific truth.

I would just use the lower E string on the guitar to provide bassal qualities. It is only strummed in a small minority of chords anyway.

I want to thank BChatters for their generous and informative responses to my Golden Wisdom on the subject of Quo. Unfortunately, at this time, I am unable to think of a suitably entertaining counterpoint. So for the time being I leave you with this classic from Mr Parfitt. I guarantee anyone who performs this down the pub(if they still exist), will have them rocking in the aisles or whatever.

I really enjoyed this, in addition to liking the music I found the echoing/reverbing vocals quite innovative. I guess my only suggestion is that although the city backdrop seems entirely appropriate, the music for me implies some kind of moving journey or investigation which the still or static visual does not quite gel with.

I think this wisdom may apply to some listeners as well. For me what makes Status Quo unique in the Partheon of popular music history, is that, in their in their long and perilous musical voyage, they somehow made an epoch changing discovery: That is the importance of a consistently repetitive underlying rhythm, whatever else is happening in the music. I will be probably be crucified by the upper echelons of the Quo intelligensia for suggesting this, but the enclosed video is my favourite track. I believe it perfectly demonstrates how a totally consistent and repetitive bass line can completely cradle a song and performance. Incidentally I am of the view that the lyrical quality of this song may put Mr Rossi in the same rock pavilion as the likes of Bob Dylan, John Lennon or Neil Young.

I think the consensus seems to be that a ragtag of songs from different time periods or even the same time period: would be less attractive than an identifiable 1980's concept. But I refer you my previous post where I stated that it would be good idea for your band's morale to include one 'stand out- off the wall' song that is totally unlike the 1980's - possibly more in line with age group of any your younger members - and that it trully democratically selected. Without knowing you or your band's background I do believe that I am broadly correct on this point. BTW You should be aware that I have provided 'Gold Standard' advice to many eminent people and institutions - including would believe to a former President of the USA.

Personally my initial reaction if I was informed that I had to spend "£2.5k on a bass that someone else chose, in order to stay in this particular band, would be to leave it. But on second thoughts I'd find the request so outrageous that I would be very intrigued to know the thinking behind it. They obviously either really like you or are intent on stealing this Dingwall that you are being forced to acquire, otherwise they would not have made such a ridiculous suggestion. But I am afraid the truth might be that there might be some aspect of your playing that they are uncomfortable about or is not suited to their style of music, and believe that the Dingwall might magically cure it. Perhaps you could think back if there was anything you could have done differently in your previous sessions with them and maybe request a Sit-Down with all the members before forking out two and half grand to ask them if there is anything the band could be doing better that you could help with or improve. BTW if you do want to go expensive and need a light but solid versatile bass with state of the art electrics you may not necessarily go at all wrong with the Musicman Bongo(IMHO) .

Thank you for your helpful comment. And many thanks for putting my astoundingly portentous thread back on top for the night.🤑