The Electra Forums

I came across an Electra X635 at a pawn shop recently. It was claimed to be a 1982, but I think they were guessing. They originally had it priced at $375, but when I went in to look at it, they said they'd take $325. If it had been in perfect condition, I may have been more receptive. But it had quite a few chips and dents in the paint, the knobs were dinged up pretty good, and it needed to be disassembled and cleaned. On the plus side, the neck was in really good condition, it played quite nicely, and came with a case (which I did not see).

I'm certainly no appraiser of instruments by any stretch of the imagination, but I was curious to see what others considered a decent price for this.

That bass is an x630. The x635 did not come with a pickguard. A good price on these should be about $200.00-250.00 or cheaper. I think they want a little too much for the condition it is in.

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"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

That's what I figured. I thought even if the case was original, I wouldn't want to go any more than $275, and even that would be generous.

In my opinion, the bass is overpriced by a substantial margin given the current market. I would not go anywhere near $275. Check out ebay and you will see that several nicer Electra bass guitars have sold (LOL... and NOT sold) for less.

This one is in need of some TLC it seems. The pick guard was broken and repaired and it is not the active model. If it were in pristine shape with original case maybe $225-$300 but this one is far from that. You could search and find an active model in decent shape for what he is asking for this one. Being a pawn shop and it is in need of TLC I would offer $175 and see what happens if you like the bass.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Ah, so that metal piece around the output jack isn't an original feature? Is that the repair you are referring to? I'm not that familiar with Electras. I thought that was something that they did. It does add some character.

That is not original. The original was all one piece Black plastic. That is a very common breaking point on these pick guards on the Bass as well as the Guitars and most you see if they have a break that is where it will be located.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

So at the very least, if I was going to make this a project guitar, I'm looking at getting a new pick guard. Were these gloss or matte? Also, is it possible to get the brass replacement knobs? These were pretty dinged up. The neck, headstock, and the rest of the hardware was in good shape. It just needed a good cleaning. I just want to know what I'll be in for in parts before I go making them another offer.

I do not know of any direct replacement brass knobs for these. They sometimes pop up on E-ay, but alas most have the same corrosion on them.

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"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

I recommend that you double check that this pick guard is correct, but...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-El ... 233c6fb2be


Or you could set your sites on another bass, like this one... which appears to be in better condition and is accepting offers...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-electra ... 4ad4b05aa5

Or reach out to this seller, because it's unlikely to fetch the asking price...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Electra ... 20bc4f44e5

Or (unless you are in a hurry) wait just a little while to find a deal like this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Electra-Bass-Ja ... 2ed33228d4

or this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Electra ... 233bd1d62c

or this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Electra ... 418287361c

or this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-Electra-Ph ... 5b000386e4

You get the idea... nice instruments come up pretty frequently...

You're gonna find the right bass at the right price!!!

I would estimate that if you could find a set of the brass control knobs in better shape and a used or new pick guard you would be out at least a $100 with shipping. If this Bass plays well and you like its feel then make an offer. the Brass knobs can be removed and cleaned without to much effort. The pick Guard is another story. If you find a used one great or you can get a trace from an actual guard and have a new one cut as I have seen that done recently but then you must remove and install the pickups pots etc to the new or used pick guard. That was indeed two great deals on the Black and sunburst active models. They are out there you can find them between e bay and craigs list or just watch the forums here under auction watch. I will be glad to help with any concerns or questions so pm me if you like. I will also pm you with my e mail.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

The work of cleaning it up and making it nice doesn't bother me. I've done lots of work on my current basses, and even built and finished one from parts. I think the knobs (and all the hardware) are salvageable. They just need a good cleaning and polishing. The body could be polished up a bit, I'd just have to live with the chips and dents. The pick guard is the biggest ticket item. I've seen places that will make one for about $50. So I think I could get it in pretty nice condition for the price of that and maybe some new pots.

I wasn't really in the market for this particular bass for any reason other than I happened to see it locally. I do really like the style of it though. It totally fits my personality. Plus, it did play quite well even though it is in a bit rough shape. I just didn't want to excessively overpay for it. I have a feeling they are going to be offended by an offer of what it's really worth, but I'll probably throw it out there for them anyway.

If it is in a pawn shop they most likely did not buy it or loan more than $100 on it to start with. My guess would be much less. These are very comfortable and great playing Basses and are built solid. I really like the necks on these models smooth and fast. Good luck and hope you score this one.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

If I do, I'll make sure to post some before and after pics. Thanks for all the help.

For your negotiations, you can use this as a current example of market value:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Electra-Phoenix ... 3ce2bc329f

Less expensive, better condition and comes with a hard case.

Also, I hope you didn't miss the pick guard I posted for you previously.

Good luck... can't wait to see how it turns out!!!