Advice on costing a 1983 G&L SB-2

[Jigster]

Not sure where to start with this really in terms of pricing, but thinking it will go up for sale shorty.

Anyone who looks at the pics on the Flickr link will see that it's seen some wear - It was made in 1983 - I bought it on here from a guy in Belgium two years ago, probs overpriced, but there you go - but the key thing is that it sounds amazing. The pick ups are so individual, IMO, and refreshing from the clone sounds we hear so often. BUT, what do you responsibly charge for something like this - there's fret wear, the E,D and G tuning keys have taken a knock at some point altho that doesn't affect the tuning, it's checked and crazed and chipped all over, there are chippings on the bridge and the control panel, and even though it's been set up professionally there's a buzz right at the top of the board, around 20th and 21st fret (does anyone actually play up there?!!), altho the neck is in pretty good shape and the truss rod seems to hold its own.

BUT, the good points -

Like I said, the sound of the MFD p'ups are throaty as hell and loud and rock up but also sound great for slap
It intonates very well
The maple neck is a waxed oily job and sweet to handle
And most of all, these basses are rare and from a unique time when Leo created "his best basses ever"

Any ideas on realistic price - kind to the buyer and worthwhile for me - would be appreciated.

[size=5][b]PICS BELOW[/b][/size]


[url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49793253@N07/sets/72157627506324901/"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/49793253@N07/...57627506324901/[/url]

[gary mac]

Have you tried [url="http://www.bassesbyleo.com/forum/index.php"]http://www.bassesbyleo.com/forum/index.php[/url]

[gareth]

Andy Baxter has one similar to yours for £750

He is a dealer but his prices i think are pretty fair

Here you go:-

[url="http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168"]http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168[/url]

[LukeFRC]

it looks lovely.
theres not enough beat up instruments about- i like it (note to fender- this does not mean 'roadwork')

[Jigster]

[quote name='gareth' post='1367905' date='Sep 9 2011, 05:40 PM']Andy Baxter has one similar to yours for £750

He is a dealer but his prices i think are pretty fair

Here you go:-

[url="http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168"]http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168[/url][/quote]

thanks I saw that - it's been on there a while though, which got me thinking in the first place if it was too high

[gareth]

[quote name='Jigster' post='1367918' date='Sep 9 2011, 05:56 PM']thanks I saw that - it's been on there a while though, which got me thinking in the first place if it was too high[/quote]


Perhaps

But remember G&L are not as popular as say fenders.

That does not necessarily mean the price is too high, merely that you have to wait for the the limited G&L fans to take an interest.

[Prime_BASS]

[quote name='gareth' post='1367905' date='Sep 9 2011, 05:40 PM']Andy Baxter has one similar to yours for £750

He is a dealer but his prices i think are pretty fair

Here you go:-

[url="http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168"]http://andybaxterbass.com/details.php?id=168[/url][/quote]

In fits of gas I looked at prices for these 82-83 GandLs. I found 1 SB-2 in a much better condition for around £500, would be even less now. Still cheaper than andy baxters including import duties etc.

I don't think his prices are exortionate mind, just obviously dealer pieces. I'd love the mustang he has in stock but no way I am spending £1K on a mustang.

Edit. I'd love it but it depends if you want £300 for it

Edited September 10, 2011 by Prime_BASS

[noelk27]

Well, we've exchanged comments about G&L designs before, and like you I think that designs such as the L1000, L2000 and El Toro are some of the greatest of CLF's creations. The problem for the SB2 was that the El Toro was a better execution of the "Jazz Bass" concept, and the mini humbuckers featured on the El Toro had a fuller and warmer sound than on this version of the SB2, which sounds mid-biased and thin by comparison. This version of the SB2 also continued in production under the name Lynx until '91, so with 10 years of production isn't one of the rare G&L designs. Accept, of course, that yours has the original headstock design, and neck specification; but that can also work against it, as that's the less stable version of the neck. If this were the second version of the SB2, with P/J configuration, in a desirable colour such as tobacco sunburst, you'd be looking at £750 to £800. If yours were in good condition in a more desirable colour, you'd be looking at £600 to £650. For yours, in the condition and colour you describe, I think you're looking at £550 to £600 tops, but realistically £500 to £550.

[thumbo]

What a cool looking bass! I have no advice on pricing, I just wanted to share my thoughts on that 4 string mojo-machine!

[Jigster]

noel thanks for that - it's kind of where I was thinking

[Ou7shined]

I agree with Noel - £500-50 range.
I think your bridge is acceptable for it's age and the crazing is lovely. But if you sourced a period control plate in better nick you will probably be able to add another ton to that price (sold with the original). Black crinkle stuff comes up on the US bay all the time, you might get lucky.