Charvel Model 2B question

[JonnyScaramanga]

There's a Charvel Model 2B on Gumtree for £160. That seems a good price (although Richtone recently [url="http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/charvel_model_2b_bass_mij_80s_bass_guitar_2nd_hand-yother32094.asp"]sold one for £129[/url]), but I don't know much about these basses. My budget is about £250, and I had been on the lookout for an old Japanese Squier Precision (a Silver Series maybe) or a Classic Vibe.

It's nowhere near me, so I'd have to have it shipped down. Obviously buying sight unseen is always a risk, but I found an old Basschat thread where someone had bought a Model 2B for £180 and people were saying it was a good deal, so I expect I wouldn't lose much money if I don't like it.

How does the quality of these Charvels tend to compare with a decent Squire?

[b]EDIT:[/b] Sorry, meant to post this in Basses but put it in the wrong section. Can't see how to move it.

Edited February 29, 2016 by JonnyScaramanga

[Roger2611]

Hi Jonny,

It should be an excellent bass, the only reason they are so cheap at the moment is because the pointy headstock look is rather out of fashion, I am sure you will find it an easy match for a Silver Series Squire or a Classic Vibe bass (although the classic vibe is from a different era completely) If you can live with the pointy headstock I am sure you will end up with a cracking bass and, if they ever come back into fashion you will have an original Jap bass which surely at that point will go up in value

[bassbiscuits]

I had a Charvel model 1B donkeys years ago and it was a great bass. Really loud and punchy and played great.

I also had a silver series squier P a year later and personally i'd say the charvel was better build and sound, tho the squier was cool and looked a bit more trad obviously!

Both good basses tho.

[TimR]

I have a 2B as my spare. It lacks bottom end but it's a very smooth bass with low action and built solidly.

Bought new around 1987.

Edited February 29, 2016 by TimR

[mep]

TimR sums it up. I have had mine from new and use it as a spare too. The build quality is good. I have replaced the original passive pups with some active EMG's which helps with the overall sound. Don't worry about the pointy headstock. It will be a good buy so go for it.

Edited February 29, 2016 by mep

[BobVbass]

i had a 2B for a few years, great bass - brilliant neck and a bargain price usually

[jezzaboy]

I take it it`s the one on Glasgow Gumtree? The guy has been trying to shift it for weeks. Nearly bought it myself.

There is a black one for sale in a Glasgow pawn shop but he is looking for £399 for it! But I think there is a US version, possibly with a thru neck, so it may be that or he is just a chancer.

Edited February 29, 2016 by jezzaboy