AdamBomb wrote: I'm wondering if there is some sort of criteria you guys follow before spending thousands of dollars on a vintage instrument that you've never played first?
Not really anything organized. First off: rarity, condition, curb appeal and most importantly--price. Price seems to allow all sorts of "issues" to slide (rightfully so..). If you're looking for a straight player---instruments with repairs or modifications can be a great cheap way to "go vintage." While if you're looking for a player and investment---go for clean and unmolested.
In short, it just really depends on what you are looking for, besides it being old.
Do you just have to trust the seller's reputation and *hope* it's actually gonna sound good when it's in your hands?
Thing is, the coolest part about many vintage instruments is also the riskiest---they don't all feel/sound the same! That means "great sounding, good player" are subjective to the seller. There is a general consensus that low action means it's a great player, but neck sizes appeal to different hand sizes etc. Vintage instruments were made before CNC machines regulated guitars to being nearly identical off the production line (and I'm not just talking Rics).
This means that, yes, you're subject to the seller's representation of the item, but you have to remember that their representation of that item is an opinion, and to them---it's accurate. Unless things can be quanitifed and measured, you have to just roll the dice and hope that it's "the one."
Returning a guitar to a private party (as opposed to a dealer) should never be because you don't like the guitar or it doesn't "feel right." There should be a legitimate reason like unmentioned repairs, replaced parts, etc...
If you shop smart and buy the right stuff at the right (low!) price, you can be sure that if you don't like what you get....you can always turn around and sell it without any losses.
From what I've read it looks like alot of you guys do buy stuff online, I'm wondering how you do it?
Depends. If it's on Ebay----pay through Paypal and have full protection. If it's through the forum here, many people know each other and are comfortable accepting personal checks, money orders or bank transfers. Unless it's from somebody known on the forum, I don't suggest this method. WIth dealers, always buy with a credit card, though most will give you an "approval period" to check the instrument out.
is the vintage tone of an early 70's model really so different from a 2010 model that you would risk it financially for what's going to become a gigging, touring workhorse and not just a collection piece?
Yes. YES.
YES ! I am a guitarist, so I really can't comment for the basses, but there are very very few modern reissues that play, sound, and feel as good or better than a vintage instrument, or hold their value as well. Vintage guitars just have a feeling (like they tell a small history and have personality).
There is a solid reason people pay so much more for vintage guitars, and it's not ignorance.
Hope that all helps. Remember that if you're interested in something, you can
always post a link up here at the RRF and we'll give you the skinny on whether its a worthwhile purchase price, and what the approx. market value is at the time.
Good luck!
But that's a good example. I also just learned that the mandolins in jetglo are also pretty rare. See how smart I've gotten hanging around with you guys! 