Author Topic: Q-80 on Ebay  (Read 2991 times)

Basvarken

  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 6861
  • hobby luthier. gibson bass nerd
    • View Profile
    • www.enkoo.nl

Granny Gremlin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2942
    • View Profile
    • Granny Gremlin home page
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2017, 09:36:44 AM »
But that price; really?

I mean these are pretty decent basses.  Great bridge, ergonomic body with ample upper register access.  The look ain't for everyone though (I think Victories look better somehow despite exact same body shape)But not popular or respected enough to merit a price as high as more desirable Gibsons of older vintage.

If I could get 2/3rds of that ask for my Vic I'd sell it tomorrow (and probably miss it the next day).
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2017, 12:02:47 PM »
That's twice what I'd be willing to pay for a mint Q-80, and this one's far from mint.

Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2017, 04:45:23 PM »
I keep noticing eBay listings from Japan at about twice the usual prices. Search "Gibson bass" on eBay and sort by price + shipping high to low and you'll see what I mean. Example: '71 EB-3L for about $3500 shipped. Not just vintage stuff either.

Not just Gibsons, either. I just searched Rickenbacker the same way, there are recent 4003 listings from Japan in the mid-$2000s. Example: $2594 for a 2013 4003 with minor scratches and dents. You can buy a new one for more than $1000 less if you know which dealers discount 30% off list.


Basvarken

  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 6861
  • hobby luthier. gibson bass nerd
    • View Profile
    • www.enkoo.nl
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2017, 12:32:46 PM »
Yeah I have noticed that too Tom.
Also happens with Gibson basses from Japan

Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2017, 02:10:23 PM »
It's that way with almost all US-made instruments. At first I thought it was Japanese collectors who overpaid years ago trying to recoup their investments but now it can't be, since there are plenty of recent and even brand new ones listed.

Basvarken

  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 6861
  • hobby luthier. gibson bass nerd
    • View Profile
    • www.enkoo.nl
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2017, 02:02:12 AM »
When I search for Gibson Bass on Ebay I get 98% Japanese sellers.
Like they've been buying like crazy and now try to sell them off with huge profits.


Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2017, 08:28:56 PM »
I can't figure it out, unless the listings are really for the Japanese market and eBay is now giving them free listings for the North American market.

66Atlas

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 665
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2017, 06:22:20 AM »
I recently sold a few vintage Washburns though a broker.  All 3 went to Japan and I got 50-75% more than I would have selling them locally and that was my take after his broker fee.  Maybe things are just hyped there right now.

Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2017, 07:13:50 PM »
Could be. I've only sold in the continental US.

Granny Gremlin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2942
    • View Profile
    • Granny Gremlin home page
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #11 on: August 11, 2017, 06:48:43 AM »
I don't think it's hype but more so standard/cost of living out there - everything (imported) is more expensive and even some classic local audio (as well as musical) stuff is more just due to the frenzied collector culture and historically high salaries that let the market bear the prices.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

Dave W

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22193
  • Got time to breathe, got time for music
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #12 on: August 11, 2017, 09:00:54 AM »

Granny Gremlin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2942
    • View Profile
    • Granny Gremlin home page
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #13 on: August 11, 2017, 10:03:09 AM »
Yeah; that's more in line with what I'd expect.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

66Atlas

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 665
    • View Profile
Re: Q-80 on Ebay
« Reply #14 on: August 11, 2017, 10:15:52 AM »
It's too Wayne Charvel for me at any price :o That headstock could used like a WWII bayonet.