[particleman]

My local guitar shop has an '02 Thunderbird in black with a repaired neck. It apparently cracked just behind the nut as is common with these basses. They want $1100. Is that a fair deal? The bass sounds good and otherwise seems solid, aside from some usual wear and tear.

As a sidenote - I'm also thinking of holding out for a late 70's Ripper. The Ripper seems like a more versatile bass. Would you spring for the Tbird or wait for a Ripper that will cost less?

thanks,
pm

[jules]

Hi, and welcome particleman.....

Only you can decide what you like best.... A bird looks great, but can be more unweildy than a ripper. Rippers have their fans and detractors too....

$1100 is a tiny bit steep for that bird (in my opinion) though I have to say I haven't really been following new thunderbird prices. How bad is the crack and repair?

I think if you can be patient (hard when you have the money in your pocket) you will get a better deal on ebay, but perhaps not by that much. When you take into account, shipping, strings and a set-up it might not be so much (I assume your shop has restrung and set it up?)

Its a tough one - let us know what you do......

[Dave W]

That's high, with a little patience you should be able to find an unbroken one at that price.

A neck break at the headstock is more common than Fender style maple necks with no headstock angle, but still, it's not that common with current edition 'birds. The old ones (60s and 70s) were notorious, but changes in headstock size and angle and tuners have made the new ones less break-prone.

[particleman]

Thanks for the info. My only apprehension is that I'd rather buy a bass in person than on the internet. I guess it's the risk you take to save $$$. Ebay, here i come.

[jules]

I've bought a lot of guitars on ebay - and had very few problems.

Buy from people with good feedback and a bit of guitar knowledge

Ask categorically whether there have been any breaks/repairs/replaced parts or damage

And avoid people selling for a friend, or those who say they know nothing about guitars. Sometimes these people are genuine, but sometimes they are people who are trying to avoid mentioning something they really should mention!

[Nocturnal]

My 2001 T-Bird has a headstock repair. I've owned it for about 16 months and have never had a problem with the repair. I only paid $650 with a case from Guitar Center. It was priced very low I think compared to how they've priced other guitars there that are in rough shape.

The ebony Birds tend to go for less than the sunburst finishes on Ebay. With a broken headstock without the paint being touched up, I've seen them go for around $800. I think a supposedly near-mint ebony one sold about a week ago for around $1100.

There was/is a modded Blackbird @ Bassnw for 1100 that is supposed to be in good condition. Not mine, just saw it the other day and it belongs to a Pitter. I personally wouldn't spend $1000+ on a repaired bird unless it was a much older model. It's hard not to be in a hurry to buy something when you have money to buy (at least for me), but if you're patient something comes around. Good luck in your search!

Andy

[donnervogel]

That price is ourtageous for a neckbreak modern or Bicentennial Bird.

[Redbird]

that's more than a new Studio Thunderbird costs.

If you are intersted in the Ripper, I might siggest you check out a G-3. The Ripper pups are kind of tame. The G-3 has a great sound.

[particleman]

Thanks for all the info. Yeah, $1100 for repaired Tbird seems really high to me. I suppose I could try to negotiate, but I don't think they'd drop $300, so it's probably pointless.

I've tried the Grabber, G-3, and Ripper. I like the Ripper the most of the three.

That Nikki Sixx Tbird looks pretty good. Hmm...

[SKATE RAT]

i have both a ripper and a G3, ithink i prefer the ripper 'cause its black and the neck feels so nice....