Buy a inexpensive second hand bass guitar

Mistral001

I have been looking for bass guitar for some time now. I want a very cheap one (£40 max) as I think it could be a fad that I will quickly give up. I have heard of someone who bought one on gumtree for £20. He could have been just very lucky as he is quite happy with it.

I have tried Gumtree and the only ones I find are over my budget. I have seen them in the past at car boot sales, but not at a time I was interested in buying one.

Is there a good time to buy one? What time of the year do would-be Roger Waters give up and sell their bass guitars?

MovingForwards

Keep a look out in second hand shops and cash converters as some bargains do pop up.

Over the next few months some should start to be sold as the Xmas gift fad wears off, but you may need to increase your budget.

Do you know what to check for when buying to make sure you don't end up with a lemon?

I have owned mine (a Warwick) for nearly 2 years, it sits waiting for me and I'm waiting patiently to carry on playing it, and my uke.

Mistral001

MovingForwards wrote: »

Keep a look out in second hand shops and cash converters as some bargains do pop up.

Over the next few months some should start to be sold as the Xmas gift fad wears off, but you may need to increase your budget.

Do you know what to check for when buying to make sure you don't end up with a lemon?

I have owned mine (a Warwick) for nearly 2 years, it sits waiting for me and I'm waiting patiently to carry on playing it, and my uke.

Thanks for the reply. I believe there are a lot of "starter kits" which come with an amp and case and tutor book etc. which have rubbish guitars with chipboard bodies. I do not need an amp so I will keep away from those. But apart from that, anything that has all its strings and is cheap.


I have done a bit of research on basses and there is a wide choice at some big prices. I had toyed with getting second hand Fender Precision, which will hold its price, but really it is way over my budget.


I will try your suggestions and just keep on looking.

The Warwick looks impressive but something like that will be in the future IF my craving for a bass turns out to be more than a fad.

MovingForwards

Make sure you have a good look at the neck to make sure it's straight, also check the frets are not damaged / worn down etc etc

Look up a few you tube videos on what to check for as it is costly to sort out unless you know a guy who does repairs.

If you can up your budget to £100 you will get one.

My dream is a Rickenbacker, but not a priority. The Warwick I got for a decent price, after haggling and it was second hand if I ever sell it I would turn a profit.

Nile

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

I’ve moved your thread from the ‘I wanna’ board to the ‘Music’ board, where it is better suited.

Regards

Nile

alanobrien

Also check local press adverts, shop windows and Shpock you may get lucky.

st182

You have mentioned the economy of scale thing earlier in the thread- IE if you buy a second hand fender precision, the chances are you’ll get every penny back on sale- but if the budget won’t go that far, just bear in mind that a cheap instrument is likely to be harder to play and therefore you’re less likely to want to carry on anyway......
Everyone is different- but I personally like squier instruments as they are superb to play and are very very popular on the second hand market, as even experienced players often use them as modification platforms etc.
If you were to budget for a second hand squier affinity for example, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen those change hands for not much over £100- more desirable models less than £200- but I’d be confident that either would be a great instrument to learn on compared to something you could source for £40.
Just my 2p- good luck- and above all, enjoy your journey! It’s a fun hobby ��

Brynsam

Put a (free) 'wanted' post on your local Freecycle group, just in case you strike lucky.

kima27

You'd be surprised what you can find in charity shops. Quality musical instruments are sometimes available and a quick way to browse through their stock is by calling them up.

RobM99

As st182 says - Squier Precision. Had one, it was great! (Sold it because I wanted a 5-string).

interstellaflyer

Mistral001 What time of the year do would-be Roger Waters give up and sell their bass guitars?

Pink Floyd bass lines are very minimalist and easy so I doubt anyone would give up and sell up if all they wanted to do was play some Pink Floyd bass lines.  Also, whilst I know this is an old thread I will say there is a high chance that a £40 second hand bass would need a trip to a guitar tech to make it playable.