Fender USA P bass...too good to be true?

DBass2000 · #1 08-06-2011, 11:55 PM

Hey guys. I found this ad on a local classified for an apparent USA made P bass for $275. Last time I looked at a fender this good to be true turned out to be a fake. I noticed that the truss rod adjustment hole isn't in the same place as many others...What do you guys think? should I pounce on this one? here is a link to the ad :

ksl.com - Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming

Thanks!!

GobBass · #2 08-07-2011, 12:00 AM

From the looks of the colour, it appears to be a Highway One. Its American, but entry-level. I'd say go for it.

HarlequinsRugby · #3 08-07-2011, 12:00 AM

The neckplate isnt the usual "F", its a blank neck plate, alot of MIM's have blank neck plates. Maybe its a Parts bass ?

GregC · #4 08-07-2011, 12:00 AM

Everything in the ad makes me think it's a MIM (note the use of "Standard series" in the specs) except for the pic of the decal. Perhaps the seller is hoping no one will ask which it is, since he doesn't specifically say MIA or MIM in the ad.

spaz21387 · #5 08-07-2011, 12:01 AM

looks like it might be a highway 1 the model before they started putting badass IIs on them

HarlequinsRugby · #6 08-07-2011, 12:05 AM

It might be a hwy 1, but I am skeptical.

trayner1 · #7 08-07-2011, 12:07 AM

Usually, I'd say for $275, the seller's either trying to give you a fake or is a moron. But this seems legit, especially if he bought it for $550. It could be a Highway One, or a parts. It's your call.

HarlequinsRugby · #8 08-07-2011, 12:18 AM

I think it could be a parts.

WilliamSandoval · #9 08-07-2011, 12:22 AM

Contact them and ask for a picture of the part of the neck in the pocket, you know where I'm talking about?

That could rule out the possibility of it being a fender neck on a non-fender body. I doubt it, but you never know...

jkjgiants26 · #10 08-07-2011, 12:56 AM

I'm with GregC. MIM aka the "standard series" are normally sold for around $500+. The made in USA part is weird because the trust rod adjustment hole in the MIAs are not normally there. either way $275 for a Fender is an amazing deal but id ask the guy a couple questions about what series it is, is it all stock, and whats the serial number so you can date it.

lfbassguy · #11 08-07-2011, 01:56 AM

the early mia highway one basses did have the truss rod on the head stock. the only difference is they had the small hole like the strats or tele's. this one is like the mim truss rod hole. that being said. they did do that kinda truss rod hole on the mia years ago so it could be a mia. i think its an early highway one.

parsons · #12 08-07-2011, 06:30 AM

The newer HW1's dont have that skunk stripe neck either.

tekdiver500ft · #13 08-07-2011, 06:40 AM

Sounds legit to me, and for the money, you can't go wrong, really.

Phendyr_Loon · #14 08-07-2011, 06:47 AM

Notice the serial number is located on the back of the headstock just below the row of tuners.
The only MIM basses I've seen the SN there are on the deluxe series, (the decal font is correct for a MIM deluxe too).
I'm not sure if this is the SN location for the Hghwy 1 too. The bass doesn't appear to be active, so I suppose deluxe series is out.
I vote older Hghwy 1, the bass doesn't appear to be wearing the "hooded" F stamped deluxe MIA tuners.

bluesrx · #15 08-07-2011, 06:55 AM

Early Highway One...

Turock · #16 08-07-2011, 07:43 AM

It's a Highway 1. I'd buy it.

murphy · #17 08-07-2011, 07:48 AM

Great deal

gbazinet · #18 08-07-2011, 08:03 AM

The seller also calls it a jazz bass in the ad.

autodidact · #19 08-07-2011, 08:12 AM

great deal. Ugly color. Yikes.

Jeff K · #20 08-07-2011, 08:31 AM

Looks like an early Highway 1 to me too. Honey Blonde. As far as the color being ugly, It's not bad if you put a tort guard on it. Here's one I used to have (although mine was a 2006 Highway One with the newer design).

And here's a Classic '50s in Honey Blonde. Not ugly at all in my opinion.