I don't quite get it.

[marnold***]

I vaguely remember when American-made instruments were in that price range. 30 years ago or so?

I got my made-in-the-USA Peavy Fury p-bass with a hard-shell case for less than $300 (I want to say $280) brand spankin' new in 1987 or 1988. I still want it back. Its resale value wouldn't be as great as a Fender's, but as far as quality goes, it would be every bit its equal, if not better.

[NWBasser]

I got my made-in-the-USA Peavy Fury p-bass with a hard-shell case for less than $300 (I want to say $280) brand spankin' new in 1987 or 1988. I still want it back. Its resale value wouldn't be as great as a Fender's, but as far as quality goes, it would be every bit its equal, if not better.

They have rotten resale value.

You can get MIA Peaveys from that era for dirt cheap these days, and like you said, they're great instruments!

That's easily the best route to a top-quality bass for very few bucks. If only people knew how good they really are the prices would shoot upwards.

There's a Peavey P/J here for $150 that's a MIA model. I'd be on it like snot if I didn't have all the basses I want already.