Acoustic Fender P-bass

Burlington · #1 06-08-2010, 09:47 AM

Never seen one of these before... anyone have any info?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/msg/1781180272.html

SurferJoe46 · #2 06-08-2010, 09:55 AM

I've been doing some Fender research, although not specifically for one of them (if they even exist) - but I've never seen one in my Googling and Yahooing.

I suppose if you had two broken guitars and a bottle of Super Glue - then anything is possible.

bmc · #3 06-08-2010, 11:55 AM

It came in fretted and fretless versions, although the fretted had a weird headstock.

I played the fretless yesra ago when they were in the shops. Really nice little bass.

bmc · #4 06-08-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

I've been doing some Fender research, although not specifically for one of them (if they even exist) - but I've never seen one in my Googling and Yahooing.

I suppose if you had two broken guitars and a bottle of Super Glue - then anything is possible.

Google "Fender A/E"

Caca de Kick · #5 06-08-2010, 11:59 AM

Yeah, those were back from the early 90's.
Mike Inez had one on Ozzy's 'Mama I'm Coming Home' video.

JTE · #6 06-08-2010, 12:26 PM

It's not really an acoustic, because the sound chamber is too small to make any useful acoustic sound, but it gives some wood and air to the sound. A fretless one was used for the video (at least) of an Ozzy Osbourne record- something about "Mama, I'm Coming Home). Weren't on the market very long.

John

Burlington · #7 06-08-2010, 12:32 PM

Is that price fair or should I talk him down?

ThunderousFunk · #8 06-08-2010, 12:38 PM

It looks very similar to my friend's Fender HMT

Spinal Tapper · #9 06-08-2010, 12:59 PM

that's a good price! I've seen these on Ebay for 6-800. I'd snag that

joehaven · #10 06-08-2010, 01:07 PM

This is more of a questions for others reading than a statement, but my gut reaction to that bridge is that it would pose some tricky intonations problems for setup with that neck? Is that neck original? I thought the fretted versions of this bass had a goofy headstock. I've played several fretless versions of this bass and always enjoyed it.

blmeier7 · #11 06-08-2010, 05:32 PM

I owned the fretless version many years ago. It had some really nice acoustic sounds to be had (even thought it's more of a semi-hollowbody), and could get a fairly convincing upright tone. Here is a pic from the guy I bought the bass from.

RandyMolson · #12 06-08-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

that's a good price! I've seen these on Ebay for 6-800. I'd snag that

Concur. If it was fretless, I'd be PMing you to buy it and ship it to me.

BillZ · #13 06-08-2010, 06:15 PM

I too have played the fretless version. Quality-wise it seemed on par with other early 90's Japanese basses. (good!)

I believe they are generally well regarded. I've seen them every now and then (a couple a year?) on e-bay. If I recall correctly, they usually go for 600+ in good condition.

There's a piezo p/u under the bridge. There's no on-board preamp -- a preamp will help get a better sound from the piezo. There was a guy who sold a relatively inexpensive electronics upgrade kit specifically for this purpose -- and specifically for this bass. You might be able to google more info.

mr.mow · #14 06-08-2010, 06:25 PM

The necks on these varied from time to time in my experience.. as they were a low volume model I get the feeling they may have just used whatever was floating around at the time. Mine had a 70's PBass logo, I've seen them with 60's logos as well.
The official model for them was Fender PBAC-110, there was also a TLAC, which was a Tele bass, had a mudbucker in the neck from memory, they turn up from time to time on the Japanese 2nd hand market.

I had a fretted version.. it sounded.. well, just like a PBass. Was nice, but slightly pointless.

I also until recently had a Greco fretless version (made in the same factory at the same time.. identical bass, same electrics etc).
The fretless was more interesting.

**smperry** · #15 06-08-2010, 06:29 PM

Price is good. I sold one here for ~$600 IIRC. The Lace Sensor P pickup sounded pretty good. The piezo would benefit from a buffer if you want to solo it. Workmanship was good. If you're looking for a fretless, this is a fun one that's relatively easy to resell if you don't love it.