It's been awhile, I hope everyone is doing well.

So I was approached by a guy with an '07 AMerican Standard Fender J bass who is interested trading for my '96 MusicMan Stingray. His is in immaculate condition. Mine has very minimal wear for an instument of that age.

I know I love the J bass sound and have been interested in going to a J for a long time.

Is there anything about that trade that jumps out at anyone and says "Don't do it?".

It seems there is a slight price difference between the 2 insturments. I'm willing to absorb that cost simply becuase this deal will be way convenient.

I guess what I'm looking to find out is if anyone knows of anything negative about the '07 Jazz bass that would make you shy away from this deal.

Thanks,

Louis

IMHO the one thing about trades is: will YOU regret it later on ? Nothing else matters. Again, IMESHO*

Why did he approach you, was it based on an ad of yours wanting to sell the Stingray ?

* in my ever so humble opinion

He mentioned the trade after I inquired about the bass which he has for sale. I mentioned that I would need to sell the MM first to get the money together.

The MM isn't my main instrument but I do gig with it on rock gigs which is becoming more and more less frequently.

It was after I mentioned the fact that I would put mine up for sale that he suggested the trade.

Well, if you were going to sell the MM anyway, I see no harm in it.

+1. I don't know the relative value of either fish, but like he says, if you were gonna sell it and buy one anyway, why not?

If your bass is worth more than his why not charge him the difference? How slight a price difference is there?

Here's what I would consider in your shoes-

The MM is getting used less frequently, you are thinking about selling it anyway.

An American Jazz holds it's value relatively well, you should be able to flip it if you need to (or use it for fodder on another deal like this one) and you've wanted to get one. You were looking at it in the first place.

Unless you're emotionally attached to the stingray, which it doesn't sound like, go for it.

Trading even up and absorbing the difference is purely a judgment call.

The pros- it's convenient, the jazz is immaculate, you get something you want, he gets a good deal on a MM.

The cons- you are taking a 'slight' hit on the MM.

So- is the hit on the MM worth the time, patience and effort to sell it for 'slightly' more, which isn't a guarantee in this day and age, then search to find another American jazz that's in this condition? that's your call.

A new Stringray is about $300 more than a MIA Standared Jazz.
So, the used Stinray should be more valuable. You should ask for $150 - $200 difference, if they are equal in condition. To me, condition is very important and adds value.
Rocky

+1

If you do make the swap, he should be adding cash, not you.

I guess the true value of each instument is something of which I should be more familiar. I didn't really list the price difference as a concern but I am concerned the deal could ulitimately end up being more of a difference in price than I originally thought.

It seems like there are ideas regarding the value of the instruments starting to roll in. That information is helpful.

If the price difference is around $100, then I'm willing to do it in the name of convenience. I would have reservations if it turns out the difference if value is much more than $100. Yes, it could be a win/win if we're both happy but at the same time I don't want to leave a bunch of money on the table.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the input.

This.

Plus I'd pay attention to what Rocky has to offer when it comes to buying and selling Fenders.

If your MM bass has some chips/scratches, and his Jazz is flawless, then and even trade may be in order.
Rocky

So I just spoke with him a little more and we decided to do the trade and allow for a one week review period. Either of us can rescind the trade if it turns out we're unhappy for any reason.

He seems like a straight shooter and sounded like he wanted to go that route so he doesn't get burned.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks again. Your comments made me more at ease about doing this.

Money-Schmunny...If you like the Jazz better than the MM, then do it.

If not take a pass and wait for the right Jazz to come along.
I waited for about a year and found an '07 American deluxe J Bass
with a broken mid-range pot and a bent tuner shaft on the G. I offered $650 and he took it, I spent about $50 in parts and have a great bass.

Yes, he would likely know best.

Okay, I ended up not being able to make it out to see the guy with the J Bass because he lives about an hour away and things didn't work out for various reasons...mainly my 2 year old boy.

Yesterday on a whim, I ended up throwing my MM for sale on the local internet classified. As luck would have it I got nearly $300 more for my Stingray than he's asking for his J bass. It was online for about 45 minutes before some kid called who was about 10 minutes from my house with a wad of cash. Turns out he was looking for exactly my bass. The whole ordeal took about 5 minutes to post a couple pictures, take a phone call and give directions to my house. Funny....

I went back online today to see what was out there as now I have cash burning a hole in my being. I found the guy with the J is still selling his bass.

My new question is this? Does anyone know if the 2007 American Jazz bass is less desirable than the "Standard" line Fender offers which was introduced in 2008. I know there were some changes but I can't tell if what I read speak to legitimate enhancements or are purely marketing efforts.

The bass is a USA 2007 Fender Jazz in immaculate condition. The color isn't my first choice but I'm okay with it. It's Honey Blond. He's asking $600.

I promise to let this rest and only update when something happens to conclude this ordeal. Today will be the last day of back and forthing.

The other interesting bass available is the Marcus Miller J bass $500... I don't know much about these. Any thoughts? The ad doesn't mention where this is manufactured, does Mexico sound about right?

Thanks

Aren't the Marcus Miller J's American made? $500 sounds cheap for one of those, even used.

From ads I've seen, I know there is a version made in Japan. But even those are going for much more than $500.

I'm a little concerned about this because the area where this bass is located isn't the best. I get scared knowing people know that I'm showing up with a considerable amount of cash.

I just called the guy, it's made in Japen.

That's a great price for a Marcus Miller bass. Maybe you could meet the guy in a public location.....like a Starbucks or something like that.

+1. You never know what could happen.
Or meet them in a local music store so you can try it out.

I just had a longer talk with the guy. He seems legit. The reason he's selling is because he now plays a 5 or 6 string pretty exclusively. He has a Modulus and another high end boutique bass. For some reason, I can't remember what the brand is of the other bass.

The MM Jazz is just sitting. He was knowledgeable about the bass which tells me it's not something he came across recently in the back seat of someone's car. He was able to speak to the versatility with regards to the ability use the pick up system to get sounds for different styles of playing.

My brother is going to come with me to hold the cash in the car while I check things out.

The Marcus Miller 4 string in made in Japan and sells for about $1,200, The MM 5 string is make in the USA and sells for about $2,300.
I had a MM 4 for awhile. A very high quality bass and has some nice electonics in it. The used 4 strings usually sell for about $600 in mint condition.
Rocky

So I have a new to me Marcus Miller 4. It sounds pretty sweet and seems to be versatile in sound. I look forward to finding my sound on that one. It is a different thing than my G&L ASAT with regards to sound so I'm stoked.

Ended up being $500 without a case. That seemed fair. The only major problem I had was that he let me play his 6-string Modulus. Uh oh, that was a entirely different ball game. We jammed over some commercial jazz tracks he was working on his his studio. The ease of soloing on a six was weird. I thought it would be more awkward than it was considering I've never really jammed on a 5 string (while sober anyways) I am now interested in a 6....stay tuned for that.

By the way, he was a totally nice guy.

Thanks for your help.

Congrats. Hope you like it. Be sure and send photos soon Lt11. Remember, it doesn't exist without pics.

Next we want a song clip of you playing "Panther".

Sounds like you wound up being on the right end of a couple of deals. Good on you! You got that Marcus Miller Jazz for a song. So which color did you get?

The bass has a natural finish just like the Stingray I sold. The new bass has a black pick guard whereas the Stingray has a white pickguard.

My wife is a nurse and had to work all weekend. I had gigs when she was home for what little time she had off. I didn't get a chance to tell her any of this was happening and have decided not to tell her. I know some of you out there have significant others that "get it". Unfortunately mine doesn't. I decided to not mention that I advertised mine, sold mine and bought a new bass to see if she notices anything different. My bet is that she doesn't notice. I'll update if she ever does.


Pics to follow.

Don't stir up trouble if you don't have to. Wise move.

Tsk, tsk. As a good husband, you should tell your wife EVERYthing!