Q-80 on Ebay

[Basvarken]

You don't see these very often.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Q-80-Bass-86-BK-Used-Electric-Bass-FREE-Shipping-/172806063254?hash=item283c0b4496:g:6REAAOSwwmlZhBRA

[Granny Gremlin]

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).

[Dave W]

That's twice what I'd be willing to pay for a mint Q-80, and this one's far from mint.

[Dave W]

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.

[gearHed289]

I've been seeing multiple ads for the same instruments from Japan a lot lately in my Alembic searches. And yeah, prices are consistently much higher than you'd pay in the US.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-ALEMBIC-SSB-Series-I-Electric-Bass-Excellent-Condition-Vintage-Rare-w-OHC-/332330006030?hash=item4d6069760e:g:3~EAAOSwM2RZgtbJ

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-Series-I-SSB-77-Used-w-Hard-case-/182693452915?hash=item2a8960dc73:g:90IAAOSwBt5ZHY9O

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-ALEMBIC-Series-I-SSB-Vintage-Short-Scale-Used-W-OHC-FREE-SHIPPING-/122628598100?hash=item1c8d3be954:g:jtAAAOSwJH1ZMRBs

[Basvarken]

Yeah I have noticed that too Tom.
Also happens with Gibson basses from Japan

[Dave W]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Could be. I've only sold in the continental US.

[Granny Gremlin]

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.

[Dave W]

Another Q-80 at half the price of the one on eBay and 15% off this weekend.

[Granny Gremlin]

Yeah; that's more in line with what I'd expect.

[66Atlas]

It's too Wayne Charvel for me at any price That headstock could used like a WWII bayonet.