Value of the good ole' BT6

[MattDenney]

Hi all, its been a while..

I am just writing to find out some information on the value of late 80's BT6 basses.

I am in particular looking at BT6's in the UK. I know of one, 1988, quite deep wear around the pickups, bridge finish slightly pitted, finish wearing on machine heads, could do with small maintenance etc.. yeah, well worn in places you expect, pretty much sums it up.

If anyone has a rough ballpark, just for my reference, I'd very much appreciate it!

Many thanks!
Matt

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by MattDenney

Hi all, its been a while..

I am just writing to find out some information on the value of late 80's BT6 basses.

I am in particular looking at BT6's in the UK. I know of one, 1988, quite deep wear around the pickups, bridge finish slightly pitted, finish wearing on machine heads, could do with small maintenance etc.. yeah, well worn in places you expect, pretty much sums it up.

If anyone has a rough ballpark, just for my reference, I'd very much appreciate it!

Many thanks!
Matt

Rule of thumb I like to go by is also to consider the restoration cost to get it as good as new. Then, deduct for what isn't as new as can be. We always claim that we make them now as least as good as before if not better. Further aging of the woods after being built and put together as it relates to sound maturity and Mojo are two things we cannot put into a new instrument.

So, new cost today (from our website) less the restoration costs which we can only quote with the bass in hand plus the Mojo and maturity equals the value.. I think!

Restorations can easily run up to and over $2k. Just be thankful this is not a Double Bass. Then just add a zero!

[MattDenney]

Superb, thankyou for the info Ken...I do think its fantastic how we can ask the main man himself all the questions we need, it provides such a fantastic customer service and a happy feeling... Trust me, when I go into full time employment after college.. you'l get an extra order for an MD7 from me. Im very impressed!

More to the point however, the bass in question could do with a complete overhaul, it is playable, just plenty of wear. So I should be looking at roughly $4500-$2000=$2500 or £1300?

Any more comments?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by MattDenney

Superb, thankyou for the info Ken...I do think its fantastic how we can ask the main man himself all the questions we need, it provides such a fantastic customer service and a happy feeling... Trust me, when I go into full time employment after college.. you'l get an extra order for an MD7 from me. Im very impressed!

More to the point however, the bass in question could do with a complete overhaul, it is playable, just plenty of wear. So I should be looking at roughly $4500-$2000=$2500 or £1300?

Any more comments?

More comments? No, not until I have seen the Bass personally in my hands. Pictures can help some but not a guarantee I can fully assess the restoration costs from them. My post was more of a guide line in how I look at things as far as values go.

Very often, it's better to buy 'new' unless the used Bass is in good condition or for sale cheap so you have room for the repairs and will still fall under the price of a new one when done. Like buying a car in a way. If it's beat up and needs tons of repair work, the owner shouldn't expect too much, vintage or not.