Holy Cr@p! Jazz bass prices

[glocke]

Since Ive decided to keep both the new to me SII and the SI I already owned due to tonal differences between the two, I started looking into selling my all original '72 jazz bass.  Nice sounding bass, but the neck is a little too fat for me, and I never play it.    A quick search on gbase found this.
 
http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearList.aspx?GS=Y&SF0=8&SD0=1&FY=1972&LY=1972&TF=1&TI0=20&FL=2
 
I paid 1050 for this back around 1999 or so.  So assuming that I get what appears to be the market value ($3000.00) that is a 12% rate of return or a 186% increase in value.  
 
Pretty amazing.  Now Im having second thoughts.  I could certainly use the money to help offset the cost of the SII, but it looks like this might be a pretty good investment to hold onto.
 
(Message edited by glocke on February 22, 2009)

[white_cloud]

In all honesty I would NOT sell that bass if I were you - if you really are in a position where you absolutely had to then thats understandable, HOWEVER they are becoming VERY sought after and are an incredible investment - in fact one of the best in the bass market imho!
 
John.

[glocke]

I dont really have to sell it yet...The SII purchase has made a dent in my finances since I borrowed from what is left of my 401k plan at work (figured with the market the way it is now using that as a source of funding wouldnt be too hurtful), but it probably isnt anything I cant deal with by cutting back on other stuff , more ramen noodle dishes, probably get rid of dish network,  and can make some cuts in other areas as well....
 
I was just simply floored by these prices.  Who would have thought that 70's era jazz basses could have demanded such prices.

[lbpesq]

Gregory:
 
According to the Blue Book, a '72 Jazz Bass tops out at $3200 in 98% mint condition.  Historically, it jumped in value from $2700 to $3200 between 2006-2007 and has been holding steady since '07.  In 80% VG+ condition the value was $1700 in '06, then $1750 in '07 and that's also remained steady since then.  This is consistent with most Fender values of the era.  Things peaked in '07.  Some believe, due to the current economic crisis,  that values will come back down a little.  Some don't.  Either way it's a crap shoot.  But remember, you can't play a 401K!  And you won't have to worry about your bass failing overnight and Fender and Gibson having to rely on Congressional bailouts to keep your bass from disappearing in a cloud of smoke and mirrors.
 
Bill, tgo

[glocke]

thanks for the info Bill.....I still can't believe these are worth that much, at least not the CBS era ones....
 
The people I have told think Im nuts for buying such an expensive bass and for borrowing from my 401k plan, but after seeing it take such a dive this past year, I figured paying back a loan to myself at 6.25% interest does not sound like such a bad deal....

[hifiguy]

I can't say that I am surprised.  I have been having cash flow issues related to prolonged unemployment and finally decided to sell my 1970 Hiwatt DR103.  The thing had become too valuable to play.  It went for more than $2300.  I paid $700 for it eleven years ago.  
 
But that is nuts.  There aren't that many all-original Reeves-era Hiwatts (or late '50s Les Paul Standards) but there are krillions of 1970s Ps and Js and Strats.  My first serious bass was a 1972 Jazz.  It was a nice bass, but Fenders are pretty much fungible instruments, IMO.  One Jazz is pretty much like the next Jazz, and I've owned at least six over the years.  And 1970s Fender products are not notable for their extraordinary quality.
 
There is a certain segment of the vintage guitar market that is pretty loony.  Is it old?  Does it work?  OK, we'll line up to have our pockets picked; in fact we'll just give you our money.
 
Like the guy who paid over $900 (?!?!) for my old Maestro Brassmaster.

[beatlejuice]

Makes me wander what my 62 jazz would bring. All orig w/ohsc

[lbpesq]

Bill:
 
According to the Blue Book the value of your '62 depends on the type of knobs: stacked or 3 knobs and is as follows:
 
Stacked Knobs:
98%/mint = $17,500
95%/exc+ = $14,000
90%/exc  = $11,000   
80%/vg+  = $9,500   
70%/vg   = $7,500   
60%/g    = $6,000
 
3 Knobs:
98%/mint= $15,000   
95%/exc+ = $12,000
90%/exc  = $10,000   
80%/vg+  = $8,500   
70%/vg   = $7,000   
60%/g    = $5,500
 
Historically, these prices have been holding steady since 2007.  
 
Bill, tgo

[beatlejuice]

Thanx, Bill
Mine is a 3 knobber. Stack knobs were generally just in 60 and 61. Mines probably g-vg. Maybe vg+ but doubt it. It plays and sound great , though.
Bill (the lost one)