Changing pots in vintage P-bass depreciate value?
 

I'm seriously considering buying a 1969 Fender P-bass and it's all original except the pots and input jack. Anyone have an idea on how much that changes the value of the instrument? I'm not asking how much the bass would be worth just how much the value of the instrument would depreciate with it not having original pots.

Any change is going to affect value. However, if you want a playable instrument, sometimes it is necessary to make repairs, and replace parts. As far as mods go, pots are not too bad, as long as the pickups are original.

for what it's worth, it wouldn't make a bit of difference to me

IMO, it depends on the rest of the bass. A '69 Jazz in a really desirable color and/or VG+ condition can bring a premium, originality has a big effect on value.

Keep the original pots in a drawer ;)

+1 Zero issue.

This. I have a beautiful old Rick that I also play. I will never sell it so I probably shouldn't care about these things but I do. I've swapped out the Rick-o-sound input jack (that had worn out) and two of the pots. Both with factory original parts. The old parts stay in a zip lock bag and would stay with the bass if I were ever crazy enough to sell it.

I've heard about prying them open and replacing the innards.

But just replace and keep them in the case unless it's a museum piece.

Most people do not know how to properly maintain pots. Other than the shaft coming out, Ive been able to service 90% of the pots poeple thought were gonners..

I've seen both perfectly salvageable and desperately broken old pots... So each case is different, there may be situations where replacement is necessary in order to make the instrument playable...

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if the seller has the original pots but I'll be sure to ask. I don't believe it's a museum piece it's definitely a player and I don't think I'll ever sell it. I was just curious on how that would effect resale values.