Going rate for a Hobbit?

Dave W · August 06, 2013, 03:18:46 PM

I played a very nice one in a shop today, didn't look at the s/n but had to be early 70s as it has a nylon saddle bridge. Asking price is $2300. That's high, isn't it?

Basvarken · August 06, 2013, 03:26:30 PM

I'd say yeah probably a bit high yes.

I think we discussed prices a while ago and the consensus was somewhere between 1500 and 1800 USD?

Was the one you saw a Les Paul Bass with large control plate (aka Triumph) or with the smaller oval control plate?

Dave W · August 06, 2013, 03:52:35 PM

It had the larger control plate.

I do remember the thread where we talked price, couldn't remember what the conclusion was. Thanks. Considering the good condition and that it's in a retail shop with overhead, maybe closer to $1800 is reasonable.

Grog · August 07, 2013, 10:15:44 AM

I haven't seen a nice one locally for a long time. That "Tilt-O-Matic" bridge must come at a premium cost!

Basvarken · August 07, 2013, 10:19:28 AM

Call me crazy, but I actually prefer the Evertilt over the three point bridge.
Must be the unnotched nylon saddles.

Dave W · August 07, 2013, 11:21:20 AM

Quote from: Grog on August 07, 2013, 10:15:44 AM
I haven't seen a nice one locally for a long time. That "Tilt-O-Matic" bridge must come at a premium cost!

It's at Lavonne's down in Savage.

Looked up the last two actually sold on eBay. One in a little rougher shape than this one went for $1525; the other was listed at $1700 by a dealer and a best offer was accepted. Even the three Triumphs currently on gBase are $2000 or less.

Quote from: Basvarken on August 07, 2013, 10:19:28 AM
Call me crazy, but I actually prefer the Evertilt over the three point bridge.
Must be the unnotched nylon saddles.

You're not crazy. I like the unnotched nylon saddles.

jumbodbassman · August 07, 2013, 01:05:34 PM

I agree on the bridge.....

planetgaffnet · August 07, 2013, 01:57:38 PM

Can I ask an obvious question here...?

Granny Gremlin · August 07, 2013, 02:03:20 PM

because they're short scale (vs, more modern Gibson LP basses which are long/regular scale).

Uwe logic.

Grog · August 07, 2013, 03:20:05 PM

Quote from: Dave W on August 07, 2013, 11:21:20 AM
It's at Lavonne's down in Savage.

Looked up the last two actually sold on eBay. One in a little rougher shape than this one went for $1525; the other was listed at $1700 by a dealer and a best offer was accepted. Even the three Triumphs currently on gBase are $2000 or less.

Lavonne's use to come down a reasonable amount from the asking price, it's been a while since I've been there though. Some years back, they had one of the heaviest original Les Paul Basses I'd ever picked up. The logo decal was scraped off exposing a square MOP inlay.

uwe · August 08, 2013, 10:23:14 AM

Quote from: Granny Gremlin on August 07, 2013, 02:03:20 PM
because they're short scale (vs, more modern Gibson LP basses which are long/regular scale).

Uwe logic.

Small but fearless. With hairy feet.

BTW: I like the nylon saddles too - but they can easily be combined with a three point so all is well then!

Basvarken · August 08, 2013, 11:48:00 AM

You'd have to find someone who can tool these saddles then. Because the Evertilt saddles and three point saddles are not interchangable...
I've tried that

Dave W · August 08, 2013, 02:28:42 PM

Uwe, only vintage nylon 2-point saddles give you that vintage tone!

I'm still thinking this over. They would have to come down a lot before I'd buy.

uwe · August 09, 2013, 03:14:33 AM

I might have mistaken this then with the very earliest three-points which still had nylon saddles, eg the famed SB 350ies/450ies!

planetgaffnet · August 09, 2013, 06:27:35 AM

Excuse my ignorance (again)...what model?

P