Been heavily debating purchasing a 1964 P bass.

[DiabolusInMusic]

Anybody that thinks this is overpriced isn't very informed on the market value of these things, anybody that thinks it is a bass at that price is a rip off isn't ever going to "get it".

That being said, I think it is super awesome and would love it, but as an investment, there are better ones. Though I do agree with your sentiments of having cash sitting around, saving cash will never make you money or make you rich, this could turn into a $10-20k bass, it could also turn into a $3k bass, really depends on how many more blows the American economy takes.

Although, many investments will or have the potential for great loss, why not have a sweet bass and something tangible instead of a pile of stocks that might just do the same thing.

If you will be broke after spending the $6000, then stop these thoughts immediately, this is an absolutely stupid decision.

[terranova]

I cannot remember but I was just reading an article, maybe Mike Mills (r.e.m.) bass tech and bassist preferring fender reissue over vintage because the vintage instrument was harder to keep in playing shape.

[uOpt]

The new vintage guitar price guide (for 2013) arrived earlier last week.

Every single one of my vintage pieces dropped a little, except my Marshall and my Hamer.

The particular bass you link to is at least in good shape. But it is a common color. From my observation (mostly guitars) the vintage market has shifted to heavily reward rare and flashy colors.

[deltax]

I don't know your financial situation but if you are looking at it purely from an investment standpoint I'd look for something else. I'd recommend Treasury Inflation Protected Securities(TIPS).

[NYCbassist]

Right now is a buyers market IMO. Do a bit of research and really get to know values.

Patience pays off big time when buying or selling anything.

You are very Smart for discussing it here. It shows you're not just being impulsive. I'd buy it if I had the cash but I'd research it thoroughly.

The chance to get these is going to become increasingly rare.

[musicman666]

Buy it!

[affprod]

Fair price. Should hold value. I'd rather have BH2's 62 Jazz as that was my first bass...$125 in 65..lol. My bass collection is for my enjoyment, separate from my investments. I get too darned attached to some of my basses, so I would call that my wife's investment, because they'll still be around when I croak.

[Templar]

Originally Posted by JimB52

A little more story involved with this one than I would like to hear for an investment piece, especially the replaced/rewound pickup and extra screw holes in the PG, but it sure looks good.

From the seller;

"Also, notice in the pictures with the pick-guard off the four additional pickguard screw holes near the neck joint. These were put in place to save the pick-guard from cracking/splitting from the shrinkage. Might I say it has worked."

Did I miss something? Not seeing any extra holes in the guard, just the 13 mounting holes and the two for the pickup cover.

If those extra holes in the body are the "extra holes to help secure the pickguard" as the seller claims, then why do we not see them in the guard? The guard also looks a bit too "red" to me.

If it were me looking for a vintage Fender, I'd want more for my $6K than a '64 3-tone Pbass, the "white bread" of pre-CBS basses. I'd want older, or a custom color, and absolutely 100% original, with no "question marks" surrounding its originality.

As mentioned, it's a buyer's market these days. And vintage guitars are depreciating in value from their previous lofty heights. This is important because most of what you're paying for is collectability.

Anyway it's your money, and you did ask for opines, so...

[Spinal Tapper]

Personally, I think you can do better for that price. That's almost $6k. I've seen 64 Jazzes go in that range...I've also seen 1960-62 P's go in that range...

I think you can do better. And I'm a huge enthusiast and support buying vintage gear- I'm not gonna tell you to go get a Reissue.

[One Drop]

Not a great deal, that's more of a J price. Keep looking, and try places where you can either try it out or have someone who knows their stuff can play it first for you.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by DiabolusInMusic

Anybody that thinks this is overpriced isn't very informed on the market value of these things

It's been sitting on ebay for at least 2 weeks, and all the seller got was 1 offer. I'd say that clearly shows that this bass is overpriced. If you're buying as an investment, don't pay a price that hundreds of others have deemed too high.

[audiomitch]

In retrospect, I wish I put more money in to gear than the market. Talk about a gamble! If the price tanks you still have a nice bass. If a stock tanks (like in 2008) you're SOL.

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by audiomitch

In retrospect, I wish I put more money in to gear than the market. Talk about a gamble! If the price tanks you still have a nice bass. If a stock tanks (like in 2008) you're SOL.

You're only SOL if you sell.

[thebrain]

I've been dealing in vintage bases and guitars for about 18 years. One thing to think about with the vintage guitar market...
Its a buyers market right now and it won't be forever. Like others have mentioned, the prices have taken a dive in recent years. That scares a lot of people. Doesn't scare me at all. Just the opposite in fact. How much lower will they go? They aren't making any more of them. IMO, they can only go up over the years from here. Otherwise, the reissues will be worth more than the originals, which would be ridiculous. If you ever were to buy a vintage instrument, trust me, now's the time!

If you're trying to flip this bass in a year or something, you probably will lose money. If you don't need to access the cash for a long time, its a great investment for 5, 10, 20 years from now. I've made tens of thousands by holding on to instruments for several years. Even now in this recession, prices are way higher than i paid for the instruments i purchased in the early 00's. You can make a killing if you know what you're doing and can authenticate what you're buying.

[guymanndude1]

Reference this search before you buy, if you're interested in vintage P-bass purchase, it might help. G-base is dealers from around the country, and they generally have prices spanning the full range from more than what you've got there to less. More selection the better for you.
http://www.gbase.com/gear/find?gs=y&...=1&ti0=20&fl=2

[audiomitch]

Originally Posted by jasper383

You're only SOL if you sell.

Or hang on to a loser. Either way you can't get your money back.