Buying a Vintage P Bass-Need some "value" help!!

Toolmybass · #1 03-13-2013, 01:17 PM

Ok since 2006 i have been doing a pretty good job on deciding what i should pay for something based on shape/availability/current demand etc. just by watching auctions and doing lots of searches. I have an extremely mint '71 Jazz and now im looking for a P

Problem is....it seems that 1970 P basses are few and far between and they rarely come up for sale locally or evilbay. So finally i put up an ad locally in the wanted section.

Doing my searches it seems that 1969 and earlier on the Fenders seems to be a jump in price and everything 1973 and newer a significant decrease in price (obviously comparing basses in the same condition with orig case etc)

So i know there is alot of TB'ers who have Vintage P experience and can help me out offering this guy a legit price....here are the deets and pics

-1970 Fender P
-Rosewood board
-OHSC ( or at least a time period case)
-elec all work fine
-some checking in finish
-would say 7 out of 10 condition?
-not sure if orig ash-trays are included yet

What would be a "going rate" to offer on this bass...all help is appreciated. I know Jaymi is in Alaska but chimes in still...hopefully he sees this too. Thanks in advance TB'ers

brandau · #2 03-13-2013, 01:21 PM

If its all original I'd say 2k is good start. A friend here was asking 2300 for his 70 p and sold it for 1800 cash...

Groover · #3 03-13-2013, 01:23 PM

Looks like a pretty nice one. The values are up and down these days, but to me that looks like a good one to have.

Not sure what he is asking for, but I probably wouldn't pay more than $2,700 for it. But I can see that going for probably $3500 say at a Guitar Center.

That's just my 2-cents. It's def a nice one so if you can make it happen and that year speaks to you, I'd grab it.

smcd · #4 03-13-2013, 01:48 PM

I'd rate that bass better than 7/10, given the age. I'd say more like 8/10. The bridge and knobs look really bright and shiny. Are they original?

Toolmybass · #5 03-13-2013, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcd

I'd rate that bass better than 7/10, given the age. I'd say more like 8/10. The bridge and knobs look really bright and shiny. Are they original?

I was wondering the same thing about an hour ago. I emailed the seller asking if the ashtrays were included and if they were orig. I hoping its a yes, then that could explain why the bridge is in such good shape. Its def easy to tell the ones that have had the bridge tray off their whole lives because they are pitted/rusted or just darker in color. Hope to get an email back from him soon....keep you posted

TMB

Groover · #6 03-13-2013, 02:01 PM

It all looks original to me. Has the long G intonation screw, which sort of narrows it down a little. I think those were used typically from '70 up to maybe '74 - hit or miss really, but that's my experience with that little detail. From the body tan lines, it does look like it has had the covers on most of it's life - Though I do agree with smdc, the actual bridge plate does look unusually bright.

Toolmybass · #7 03-13-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcd

I'd rate that bass better than 7/10, given the age. I'd say more like 8/10.

Really?...then what would you rate my '71 Jazz at?...lol
Its 100% orig down to every screw!

smcd · #8 03-13-2013, 02:06 PM

I'd rate that "museum piece"!

GM60466 · #9 03-13-2013, 02:07 PM

Very Clean +

Groover · #10 03-13-2013, 02:10 PM

I'd rate that '71 as 20/10.. lol - Was that NOS or what? That's crazy clean!

Toolmybass · #11 03-13-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

Was that NOS or what?

A small guitar shop in TN bought it off the orig owner who literally kept it in the closet..lol I bought it off the store!

Dang....think i just derailed my own thread!

Webtroll · #12 03-13-2013, 02:19 PM

I like the P and the J both and think they'd make an amazing duo. If you are patient you can score a good deal, if you want something now you take what you can get. Good luck!

Toolmybass · #13 03-13-2013, 02:49 PM

Seller confirmed everything is orig and orig covers are included!!!

chuck norriss · #14 03-13-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toolmybass

Really?...then what would you rate my '71 Jazz at?...lol
Its 100% orig down to every screw!

That's remarkable. More pics? It deserves its own thread.

Common pricetag is $2-3K for a 8/10< 70's Precision. See if he'll bite at $2K. I'd put it at an 8/10 too. Any chance of playing it for a long time before deciding? Rich people problems.