Fender V available - is it worth this kind of money?

[Bass Town]

New here - I've always liked oddball instruments, and Fender Vs are one of those I've always wanted. Long time since I priced one, but saw one up on a store's website today - http://www.maindragmusic.com/1967-fender-bass-v.html

Any thoughts? If it is in good condition is that wat these go for now? Appreciate the help

[the art guy]

I don't know the market on these, so maybe someone else can chime in. I see it's been converted to a low B though, like most modern 5-strings. Kinda weird to see on one of these.

[ShoeManiac]

I follow Main Drag on twitter, and saw this listing earlier today. The Bass V is definitely one of the more rare vintage Fender basses. Is it worth that kind of money? I can't say. I've never looked at the market for these.

[Bass Town]

Thanks a ton - I saw it on Twitter too. Must assess if I need my Volvo all that badly

[mjac28]

If someone wants one bad enough it could be worth more but in this market who knows? if it were mine I would hold on to it.

[ShoeManiac]

Regarding the dealer: they do price their gear reasonably, although their vintage Fender / Rickenbacker pricing might be a tad high. I had my eye on a Guild ABG from Main Drag about a year ago, and the price was definitely competitive. And the stuff they do stock tends to be pretty interesting.

[Buskman]

These are über-rare, so the asking price isn't too far off, I'm thinking.

But the B string conversion (?) and addition of the ashtray (not sure if they added a pickup under there too) would be some bargaining tools...

[Cadfael]

Is it worth for a bass PLAYER? No ...
There are good reasons why the V is so rear. The Fender V has nothing to do with a modern 5 string. It is more a "4 string +1". Fenders idea was to make "ways shorter" by playing high notes without moving to the body.
Normal P or J basses are better to use ...

Is it worth for a bass COLLECTOR? Yes / Maybe ...
The basses are rare - and Fender won't loose it's status the next 20 or more years. So, a 60s Fender can be a way to invest your money.
But $5500+ for a "Fender flop"? Better search for a Telecaster bass 1968 in excellent condition (sold by a 100% trusty dealer). In Germany a "normal" (not near mint) Telecaster bass from 1968 already costs 3000 EUR +. And the price will rise. A friend of mine has such a bass - and it's phantatsic!

[Bass Town]

Thanks cadfael for the insight - I think it's the loopy factor that gets me interested. Same with cars - I always want the Citroen SM or 70's Aston Lagondas