Is this a good buy? 5-String Streamer Std. for $599

Gastrok

Gastrok

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I found a used 5-String Streamer Std. in a local music store. It appears to have a ovangkol neck, a wenge fretboard, 2 soapbar pups (passive). I can't tell what the body is made of because it's got a clear black/brown finish. I think it was made in 2000 based on the serial number. The condition seems OK and it sounds good.

Does $599 sound like a good price for this bass? Or is that a stupid question? :D
 
he he he...that was a damn quick reply! Well, I got a bit of a problem - I just spend $1400 on my new rig (this afternoon). Maybe I should put a deposit on it. Hmmmm.....

When/if I do get it I''ll be inclinded to refinish it. That'll be an adventure!
 
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, but I think you could probably beat it quite easily if you're prepared to put in the legwork.

Some amazing second hand thumbs and contoured streamers end up going for only a little more than that on ebay, and they're plenty more bass to play with :P

Still, a good deal if its what you're after!
 
Well one thing is for sure: If i wouldn't be broke I'd buy it :D
but i cant...so BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT
 
Drexil said:
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, but I think you could probably beat it quite easily if you're prepared to put in the legwork.

Some amazing second hand thumbs and contoured streamers end up going for only a little more than that on ebay, and they're plenty more bass to play with :P

Still, a good deal if its what you're after!
Click to expand...

Drexil - what do you mean by "contoured streamer"?...is that like the body of a Thumb?

This particular streamer has a bolt on neck and the body is not contoured like a Thumb, still seems like it might be a bargan.
 
Hmmmm.....$599 means the guy traded it in and got about $300. Sit with this bass in front of an amp in that store and for at least 45 minutes see if all the electronics are doing what they should, look down the neck and check every fret. Theres a 3 year old Thumb NT5 at Sam Ash near me that is on the rack for $2900 and the preamp fades in and out like a radio with bad reception. If it passes all your tests then buy it. Good luck...
 
Yes, I'm sure it was a trade in. I've done the same thing at the same store out of desperation. They do typically give you half of what they're going to turn around and sell it for.

So, I actually played it last night for almost 30 minutes. The sound was slightly dull (compared to my Corvettes) but I attributed that to very old / dirty feeling strings. I check out the electronics (passive), and twisted the knobs all over the place and it all seemed fine.

It had some of those "cracks" in the neck near the nut, but I know that they're not really cracks, just the joined pieces of wood settling in.

Overall it had a very solid warm sound....I wish I knew what the body was made of though. I couldn't begin to guess.
 
Earlier Streamer like this were made from carolena but in 2000 maple was used.
 
Gastrok said:
Drexil said:
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, but I think you could probably beat it quite easily if you're prepared to put in the legwork.

Some amazing second hand thumbs and contoured streamers end up going for only a little more than that on ebay, and they're plenty more bass to play with :P

Still, a good deal if its what you're after!
Click to expand...

Drexil - what do you mean by "contoured streamer"?...is that like the body of a Thumb?

This particular streamer has a bolt on neck and the body is not contoured like a Thumb, still seems like it might be a bargan.
Click to expand...

The streamer LX and streamer jazzman both have the same contoured body as the neck-thru streamers, this makes these basses incredibly comfortable, and they're one of the best balanced designs I've ever come across.

The streamer std, on the other hand, has a slab-style body more akin to a corvette.

Your deal doesn't sound bad at all, but I really think you could do far better for the cash, especially if you're prepared to put in the work and scour the 'bay for a bargain! ;)
 
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