Feeler: USA-made S.D. Curlee Bass (Very roadworn but rare?)

[tripehead]

I've had this from new (sometime around 1980-81) and the last few years it has been hung on the wall, slowly getting forgotten as new basses came along (and sometimes went). It's an American-built S.D. Curlee bass complete with Grover machine heads, Di Marzio pickups, Badass bridge etc. Through neck and capable of some mighty tones. So far so good.

However, I made the cardinal error of lending it to someone for a couple of years back in the 80s and when I got it back it was covered in scars - scratches and dents. I never did see the individual again to express my disappointment. Still, years pass and eventually a time has come where I can claim that it's a 'relic' and 'roadworn' rather than scratched and battered. The neck needs relieving and lacking the tools, I'm going to take it to a luthier to see if there's any travel left in the truss rod. Although the action is high for my tastes, it is still quite playable.

Some say I should keep it - nostalgia and all that - but I'm not sure I feel that great a bond with it and I have some lovely basses to distract me. I can't find much out concerning value as there seem to be very few of these around. Any interest or suggestions as to a suitable price?

[Asomodai]

I've had this from new (sometime around 1980-81) and the last few years it has been hung on the wall, slowly getting forgotten as new basses came along (and sometimes went). It's an American-built S.D. Curlee bass complete with Grover machine heads, Di Marzio pickups, Badass bridge etc. Through neck and capable of some mighty tones. So far so good.

However, I made the cardinal error of lending it to someone for a couple of years back in the 80s and when I got it back it was covered in scars - scratches and dents. I never did see the individual again to express my disappointment. Still, years pass and eventually a time has come where I can claim that it's a 'relic' and 'roadworn' rather than scratched and battered. The neck needs relieving and lacking the tools, I'm going to take it to a luthier to see if there's any travel left in the truss rod. Although the action is high for my tastes, it is still quite playable.

Some say I should keep it - nostalgia and all that - but I'm not sure I feel that great a bond with it and I have some lovely basses to distract me. I can't find much out concerning value as there seem to be very few of these around. Any interest or suggestions as to a suitable price?

I have seen SD Curlees for sale at £200-300 but rarely get sold. They generally sell for between £100-200. It seems crazy considering the spec but they just are not that desirable.

Let me know how much you want to sell for and who knows I might be able to scrape together some pennys.

[tripehead]

Thanks for that - I once owned an old Jaguar (fondly remembered) that was probably worth more as components than as a going concern. I'm still trying to gauge the rarity of the Curlee as a search of this site returned zero mentions! On that basis, it seems worth hanging on to.

[equalsql]

These were great basses. Out of interest how much were you hoping to get for the old girl? ... yes I am interested..

[tripehead]

No idea at all on value - that's my dilemma! Any suggestions?