Fender Musicmaster

[klejst]

I was surfing the net this morning and came across a guy selling this Fender Musicmaster bass. He states that he has simply had it stored in storage for the last 25 years. He also said a Fender rep told him it was manufactured between 1971-1977 which when I looked it up was pretty much the time frame these basses were produced.

I have included some photos below, I don't know much about these Musicmaster's so that is why I am turning to the TB community. Firstly I want to know if everything looks legit and/or original? I know these basses are shorter scale however any general thoughts?

[Buskman]

Everything looks kosher, except
for the finish of course (and possibly the pickguard?). Plus I'm pretty sure that bridge cover is aftermarket.

[klejst]

Originally Posted by Buskman

Everything looks kosher, except
for the finish of course (and possibly the pickguard?). Plus I'm pretty sure that bridge cover is aftermarket.

Thanks for the response. I have never seen a natural finish on one either so it is possible the paint was all sanded off? Also I am not a big fan of the covers so I would probably just remove it anyways.

[A-Step-Towards]

Cover is not original, paint has been removed. There were no natural musicmasters. That bass is for sale on ebay. Also its not a '76 its a early 70's. I have a '78 for sale and the logos and tuners are different from these earlier ones.

[Lemoore-on]

My 1st bass was a Musicmaster. I traded it in on a Rickenbacker in 85. I think they gave me $50. for it.

[bassman10096]

I agree with all the comments on authenticity, parts, etc. Unfortunately, there's virtually no vintage market for the "student model" Fenders, no matter how old they are. I rehabbed a similar vintage Musicmaster, but I didn't love it till I swapped the original, anemic single coil pickup out for a Dimarzio Fast Track 2 Strat pickup. Great combination. However, all that said, a Mustang is effectively the same short scale neck and alder body, but with better bridge, tuners and pickup. It's a better value and you don't have to do anything to it.

[GBassNorth]

No real collector value on this one due to refinish and other non original aspects. If it plays nice and you like the looks go for it but get a good low price if you can. The Fender Mustangs are a good vintage choice in the typical Musicmaster price range and I think the play better as well.

[Winfred]

That bridge cover probably helps offset the neck-dive. Just guessing.

Edit: Just realized it has the small tuners. Might not have neck-dive at all with those. Again, speculating. I play Mustangs, so I know the big tuners can cause some dive.