Fender Musicmaster bass

[Denny Coon]

Can anyone tell me anything about this bass? I dont know alot about Fenders... Whats it worth, history etc; Thank you for your time in advance!! It has a plain square neckplate with the serial number...3G6224, or 366224?

[agent77]

The Musicmaster is a short scale bass (30") and was made in the USA from 1971 to 1981 from spare Mustang parts, and used a guitar pick-up. It's was Fender's economy bass at the time. The one pictured is an early 70's version, which many say are more desirable than the later ones. There seems to be an abundance of 1978 models on ebay, where MusicMasters tend to fetch about $500-$600.

I briefly owned an early 70's model and I loved it. It had a slim, fast neck which was a lot of fun to play, and it sounded like a little P-Bass. Unfortunately I had to sell it to pay off some fines, and had a hard time trying to decide to keep my MusicMaster or my CIJ Mustang. I'm still wondering if I made the right choice.

[Din Of Win]

Yep! That's an earlier model (my fave color/pickguard combo, too!).

Their prices tend to fluctuate more than most basses... on ebay; i've seen them as low as $300 and as high as $1600. Generally i seem them actually selling in the $500-$800 range.

[3234718]

What about one with what looks like two jazz pickups? 1970 I think. How are those?

[lpcarter]

that's a fun little bass! i've owned a few, one was a 78 (didn't like it) and one was an earlier model...that color, same tuning knobs. LOVED it. I'd say go for it if you have the cash, great little instrument.

[spufman]

agent77 is exactly right in every detail. The tugbar position and tuners point to early seventies. I have a '71 and it is indeed fun to play. My stock pickup works and sounds great, a lot of people change them out though.

[the art guy]

Yep - early '70s. If it plays well and no issues, I'd put the value at around 500 in that condition. Maybe slightly more.

[scottice]

Looks just like the one I sold last year. Dakota Red. Play it. I liked mine.

[TeeZeeMee90]

Originally Posted by agent77

The Musicmaster is a short scale bass (30") and was made in the USA from 1971 to 1981 from spare Mustang parts, and used a guitar pick-up. It's was Fender's economy bass at the time. The one pictured is an early 70's version, which many say are more desirable than the later ones. There seems to be an abundance of 1978 models on ebay, where MusicMasters tend to fetch about $500-$600.

I briefly owned an early 70's model and I loved it. It had a slim, fast neck which was a lot of fun to play, and it sounded like a little P-Bass. Unfortunately I had to sell it to pay off some fines, and had a hard time trying to decide to keep my MusicMaster or my CIJ Mustang. I'm still wondering if I made the right choice.

Loved it too! haha, and Agent is right...thats one of the earlier models due to the design of the headstock logo and lack of serial number up there. I would hold on to it if you like it

[agent77]

Originally Posted by TeeZeeMee90

Loved it too! haha, and Agent is right...thats one of the earlier models due to the design of the headstock logo and lack of serial number up there. I would hold on to it if you like it

That was a sweet bass, Ty. Wish I coulda kept it.

[TeeZeeMee90]

That aged daphne was killer. My homemade MM just blew it out of the water. Plus I'm hooked on ABGs now

[A-Step-Towards]

Thats a 71-73. That looks in nice shape, I haev sold 2 recently. Both I think were '78's one was completely destroyed I got $350 , the other was in good shape, didnt look as clean as yours and I got $525. I think do to that being earlier its worth abotu $600. Its hard to find buyers to pay more then that for what many deem as a student model, I like them though.

[Denny Coon]

Thanks for the help guys!

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by the art guy

Yep - early '70s. If it plays well and no issues, I'd put the value at around 500 in that condition. Maybe slightly more.

I have a 74' Oly white that has changed to dirty nicotine yellow. It's a great lil bass and fun to play. The shop wanted $500 and I got mine thru trades and a little cash. I think 500 to 600 in top shape is about fair and market.

[ShirazBop]

I had that same Dakota Red/Rosewood Musicmaster...1974... Bought it with a the 1x12 Musicmaster Amp... Great starter bass! Traded it in for my Black and Maple Precision that I still have. Was a blast to learn on that instrument!

[Philonius]

They're fun. I've got a '78 that I keep telling myself I'm going to sell, but I don't really want to part with it. Many people upgrade the pickups; the original guitar pups can be fairly low output and prone to humming. Aero Musicmasterer is one choice, Bill Lawrence Twinrails, and DeMarzio copies of the Bill Lawrence are good possibilities. Those earlier "tulip" tuners are cool looking, but I think I've heard that they aren't as durable as the later, beefier cloverleafs.

[TeeZeeMee90]

I dig the original tuners. Theyre different than you see on every other fender now-a-days. I liked the original PU no lie, and the MM clone I made out of a Bronco has a early 70s duo sonic neck pickup...trying to keep it legit

[jbossolo]

My 71's (white/white pearloid PG, white DiMarzio PU) original tuners are solid. And they look cool as shiite!

[godofthunder59]

I have a '77 oly white one. Great little bass and for being so small has a big sound, At rehearsal I run it through a late 60's Ampeg B25B and it is real punchy. It's a different flavor, maybe not for everyone but they are cool vintage pieces. 500-700 depending on the weather and how bad someone wants it.

[spufman]

Here's my '71. I re-finished with the Reranch cans and put on Lakland flats, but otherwise it is bone stock. Tuners work fine but are slightly painful when stringing - sharp edges.