The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: steveonbass on February 19, 2013, 07:28:42 AM
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I know a lot of you from past forums but seldom post much in any of them anymore. I have a Gibson specific question and I think this is the best place to ask:
In the wake of a rough year, I really need to unload something to raise $$$ - My Bird is scared - I think I'm gonna have to sell her.
1977 Ebony unbroken T-Bird - very played and for good reason - a great bass!
I think I'm gonna have to sell her
Hard to nail down a concrete value on this bass. Not a closet queen at all but, unbroken in great players shape
I really appreciate any light anyone can shed upon this question
Whattayathinkshesworth?
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y274/prismacolor2/Tbird003.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y274/prismacolor2/Tbird019.jpg)
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Couple grand if you find the right buyer. Why not put er up on the block and see how she fares?
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It used to be 2.000 bucks as the going Bicentennial rate, now 2.500 to 3.000?
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Markets in the can now...These were getting 3,500.00 before the crash..My best guess if you put it up on e-bay..maybe 1,600.00 now...
Probably all a broker will pay as well..
Even my beloved 68 thunderbirdIV was going for over 6K before the crash. I would be lucky to get half that now on the open market if I were to sell it..
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Ten months ago a member of this forum paid $2500 for an unbroken white Bicentennial. I don't think the market is any worse now.
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Ten months ago a member of this forum paid $2500 for an unbroken white Bicentennial. I don't think the market is any worse now.
That was me...but Gibson only made 136 white Bicentennials (7% of the 1855 total) vs 411 black, 467 natural and 841 sunburst. IMO, with the original bridge and covers reinstalled this one would be worth more than a black one in similar condition. I can't remember seeing one for sale broken or not on EBay since I started tracking them 3 or 4 years ago.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/NEVERTILT/P1060171.jpg)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/1977%20Thunderbird/P1050787.jpg)
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With the wear, extra hole and no covers I'd say around 2k, could be more could be less. Nice bass I have a black '77 myself. I hope you don't have to sell.
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You've posted more than once here and there's always the no-cost option of considering a price + shipping cost on the for-sale thread, or if someone declares an interest...
Most of us have had issues with the present financial climate - I've chosen to delay certain repairs on gear until I really need it - no shame in it... only hope you can avoid the issue... my choice was the lesser items of my kit when that time came (a 1970 Marshall 50w got me a pristine Squier Jazz, a fretless neck for her, a MAG300 combo, and left spare greens too), rather than a primary item, but times certainly are tough...
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Last summer, (I think) Bass Northwest sold a black 79 Bird for $1995. I think $2K is probably in the ballpark.
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Thanks for all the thoughtful and helpful responses. I really don't want to sell her. I'm afraid I'd never be able to score one that I like this much. I have until April 15th to figure it out.
The market is shit now but, I used to buy and sell gear for a living. Fortunately, I sold all the wall-hanger pristine collectable stuff at the peak. Just players in the stable now.
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keep getting tax extensions until you don't have to sell it. ;)
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I really don't want to sell her. I'm afraid I'd never be able to score one that I like this much.
A guy on an antique motorcycle forum I used to be on pretty much said the same thing when another member was fretting about selling his Indian. He said, "Bills come and go but once you sell your motorcycle it's gone forever."
Don't sell your T-bird.
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My experience - if you REALLY like something, don't sell it. The tax extension actually seems like a good idea.
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The tax extension actually seems like a good idea.
When you file extension request Form 4868 you must pay any tax due or be subject to penalties and interest.
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Yep, not sure what "tax extension" means since tax is due at filing.
However, an option is to ask the IRS to accept a payment plan. I did this a few years ago and it worked out pretty well. The main thing is to let them know a) what you are doing, b) that you WANT to pay your taxes and c) keep them notified.
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I'm no buddhist, but he has a good point about the whole desire for material possesions leading to suffering thing. The bass is just an object. On the other hand Uncle Sam can never take away your musical talent. Cheers and good luck. Ohm.
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No worries. I have a lot of basses - maybe the real crime is that i don't play this one enough. Crowded stages in Cambridge, Ma are not the best venues for a bird. Afraid of breaking it - i need to get over it - it's clearly been played a lot. Regardless, it's a first-world problem for sure. I am pretty stocked with gear - if i played this one more - i may be considering selling something else.
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Cambridge is great. I'm up in Nashua NH and love driving down for the great bars and restaurants. I was just there Monday checking out a Bluegrass group after dinner at the Painted Burro. I think the bar was Atwood's tavern. The band was smokin', definitely worth checking out. They play every Monday I think.
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Cambridge is great. I'm up in Nashua NH and love driving down for the great bars and restaurants. I was just there Monday checking out a Bluegrass group after dinner at the Painted Burro. I think the bar was Atwood's tavern. The band was smokin', definitely worth checking out. They play every Monday I think.
Yeah! Sean Staples bluegrass night - I know all those cats. Cambridge is small with world class musicians all over the place. Not the worst scene to be in. I actually work in Davis Square - right near the Painted Burro.
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I was in Boston in the 80's! Bunratty's, The Channel, Narcissus, Jacks, Rathskeller (The Rat) downstairs of course. What a fantastic scene it was. Video of my band EXPOSE the stage and party scene shot at The Channel.http://youtu.be/E1fP5tLo_oA
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One thing that makes me wish I was a little older was the party that was the 80's. Look at the crowd in that vid! Slutty broads smoking and boozing it up everywhere! Those were prime years for sure. The town has changed much since then. None of those clubs are still open. Steveonbass let me know if your doing any gigs down there. Would love to see your bird take flight under the lights ;D
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It's official - on CL for $2600 with original case. We'll see how this goes. I'd hate to have to ship it so CL seems like a great starting point. I'll let y'all know how this goes. Thanks again for all the advice.
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Slutty broads smoking and boozing it up everywhere!
Good times, good times! ;D
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Good luck. I've had GREAT luck buying things on CL but terrible luck selling, mostly because potential buyers want to try and screw you down to nothing. I listed a spotless Telecaster on CL a couple of years ago and some guy wanted to trade me an old Dell laptop "with Windows 98 freshly installed". I didn't even respond.
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I was in Boston in the 80's! Bunratty's, The Channel, Narcissus, Jacks, Rathskeller (The Rat) downstairs of course. What a fantastic scene it was. Video of my band EXPOSE the stage and party scene shot at The Channel.http://youtu.be/E1fP5tLo_oA
My favorite part is when he hops into a Pontiac Fiero to chase after the Porsche. Did he catch her at a stoplight or did the Fiero catch fire before it left the driveway?