How much would replacement bridge lower value of "vintage" instrument?

Rat Blitz

Rat Blitz

Jan 6, 2009
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#1
I know that this is rather subjective question and I know that some folks will say it only matters how well the instrument plays or that 1978 is not really vintage but here is my hypothetical question.
Say there was a pre 1980 instrument that is in fantastic shape with original case.
It's not a Fender but it plays great. It's a fairly rare instrument that was made for Japanese market only and is very hard to find in North America in any condition.
The bridge has been replaced with BadAss bridge that is better than the original but it is not original.
I'm a little hesitant to close the deal because I really like all original instruments.
Let's say I was prepared to pay $700 for this instrument if 100%complete.
How much less is it worth? I know I may have a hard time selling it down the road but if I don't buy it I may never see another one and it is quite unusual.
 
#2
If it's a badass two, not much, depending on it the finish has faded around it, just put on a period correct bridge. If it's a bad ass one, and it's routed in, then it's effected the value a lot.
Now...you have to decide- is an eighties Japanese bass truly collectable, how long are you going to keep it, and how much an $700 bass could possibly appreciate?
The vintage market went right out the window in 2008, and hasn't bounced back. Most serious collectors say thet the massive price drop actually corrected over inflated values. They will probably stay low for a couple of decades.
 
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#3
With those rare ones, it all depends on the buyer. A replacement bridge could be a deal breaker or price cutter. Or if the buyer want's it for a player, the replacement (along with the original) may not be a issue. In the USA vintage for most is considered over 20 years old. With so many vintage basses out there, finding a buyer takes a long long time. Most buyers expect to get almost 1/2 of what the market is asking for. Thus, it takes a long long time to sell vintage.
 
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#5
Zooberwerx said:
Is the seller willing to negotiate? If not and you pass on the deal, you're gonna be kicking yourself for months on end. Is the bass really worth $700 in your blue book?

Riis
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Bass is not in the Blue Book because it's quite rare if you aren't in Japan. I don't want to say what exactly at the moment because I don't want to lose the deal if I decide to go for it.
 
#6
To me personally - being clueless on what the bass in question actually is - the questions would be whether the Bada$$ is a "drop-in" direct replacement for the original one since I've seen basses who had no business sporting that bridge with one installed.

In other words, could the mod be reversed and its former existence remain fairly invisible?

With all of that being said, if I wanted the bass bad enough - especially given its presumed rarity and the under-$1K-price-range, I'd likely pull the trigger - Bada$$ or not - unless the mod was an absolute eyesore and/or functionality-affecting.

My $0.02 only...
 
#7
A Fender bass from the 50's-60's? - replacing anything will de-value it. A Fender bass from the 70's? Because of Getty Lee, a BA bridge will probably increase it's value. Any other bass (except for a RIC) from any other era, do what you wish.
 
#8
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Paulabass said:
If it's a badass two, not much, depending on it the finish has faded around it, just put on a period correct bridge. If it's a bad ass one, and it's routed in, then it's effected the value a lot.
Now...you have to decide- is an eighties Japanese bass truly collectable, how long are you going to keep it, and how much an $700 bass could possibly appreciate?
The vintage market went right out the window in 2008, and hasn't bounced back. Most serious collectors say thet the massive price drop actually corrected over inflated values. They will probably stay low for a couple of decades.
Click to expand...

I got some better pictures. I don't think there is any routing but the bridge is smaller than original and looks like holes filled.
 
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