Should I...$1500 for an "All original" 78 P

**FunkyMcNasty** · #1 06-19-2011, 01:31 PM

I have found an all original 78 Fender P with the ash trays, thumb rest and original case. It is black maple with black pick guard and the only problems with it is the finish is cracking. I don't have a pic right now. Just looking for some advice. Is worth it $1500? I still have to make sure that all the numbers match and that it is all original but I do believe that it is going to be the real deal.

I am going to go check it out now. I will try and post pics later.

ric stave · #2 06-19-2011, 01:43 PM

Is it worth $1500 to YOU?

**FunkyMcNasty** · #3 06-19-2011, 01:44 PM

Thanks...........

staindbass · #4 06-19-2011, 01:46 PM

i think that is a bit high, i got a 78 a few weeks ago for 1250 on fleabay. perfect pickguard, almost no fret wear, original finish, original case. i just checked ebay, one just went for 1226, nice condition like mine. another 78 sold for 950, no case,no covers and paint wear.

ric stave · #5 06-19-2011, 01:47 PM

I don't mean to sound 'non-helpful', but are you getting it to play or to collect, to invest and resell someday, or make music and enjoy it?

That's what determines the worth.

**FunkyMcNasty** · #6 06-19-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staindbass

i think that is a bit high, i got a 78 a few weeks ago for 1250 on fleabay. perfect pickguard, almost no fret wear, original finish, original case. i just checked ebay, one just went for 1226, nice condition like mine. another 78 sold for 950, no case,no covers and paint wear.

Thank you. That is the kind of info I was looking for.

Orpheus55 · #7 06-19-2011, 02:07 PM

Check out the used Precisions on Elderly Instruments. They are a very reputable company, an important consideration in buying an older Fender or anything else.

**FunkyMcNasty** · #8 06-19-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orpheus55

Check out the used Precisions on Elderly Instruments. They are a very reputable company, an important consideration in buying an older Fender or anything else.

Thanks man they do have a ton of good basses.

**jmattbassplaya** · #9 06-19-2011, 02:11 PM

Just a tip for the future in case you don't already do this, it's always a good idea to check the classifieds here to see what things have gone for. I'll usually average out the prices that I find on an item and will then offer that to a seller.

ShirazBop · #10 06-19-2011, 02:45 PM

Those 78's can be heavy instruments as well which probably contributes to the "bell" tonality that you hear about.

I have a black and maple '77 that I modified back in the day : de-fretted, added a Pyramid Guitars bridge pickup and a Bada$$ bridge (since replaced with a GOTOH).

Would love to pick up an un-adultrated one at some point...
w.r.t. the cost your quoting... Good advise on the above.

Interested to see the cracking you are talking about.

Anthony Barrett · #11 06-19-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkyMcNasty

I have found an all original 78 Fender P with the ash trays, thumb rest and original case. It is black maple with black pick guard and the only problems with it is the finish is cracking. It has small crack lines going vertically up and down it in several spots. I don't have a pic right now. Just looking for some advice. Is worth it $1500? I still have to make sure that all the numbers match and that it is all original but I do believe that it is going to be the real deal.

I am going to go check it out now. I will try and post pics later.

Post some pics man - would love to see it. In terms of Elderly, they have a couple of 76's for $1,600 and an '82 for $1,500. If this thing checks out and you like it, I would think it is a really reasonable deal, IMO.

Anthony Barrett · #12 06-19-2011, 02:52 PM

...also try to check it out on your amp. I mentioned in another post that I used a '77 for a while. Looked great but heavy as hell and bland tone (through a Trace Elliot, Ampeg SVT and a Hartke - so a variation of amps there). Don't get me wrong, I am a 100% P Bass guy - I have 3, but make sure it has all you are looking for. Good luck.

**FunkyMcNasty** · #13 06-19-2011, 06:12 PM

Okay, so I decided not to pull the trigger but here it is. The finish cracking was a major turn off. But other than that, it is all original and everything checked out.

timsmcm · #14 06-19-2011, 06:16 PM

Man I love that and the finish checking is groovy

SLaPiNFuNK · #15 06-19-2011, 06:44 PM

You really gotta play it if you can. Some Ps are just super heavy and necks could be uncomfortable.

I don't think 1500 is too out of the question if it plays well and is not heavy.

ric stave · #16 06-19-2011, 07:05 PM

Love the Black and Maple...

meatwad · #17 06-19-2011, 07:16 PM

Is this an illusion, or are the strings riding the edge of the fingerboard on the g-side awfully close?

ShirazBop · #18 06-19-2011, 09:48 PM

Wow, that checking is pronounced! Had not seen that look before! It's almost like the instrument has seen some extreme temps. How is the neck? Any ski slope action above the 12th?

Does the headstock have the same type of checking?

Where is this for sale?

totaldoughnut · #19 06-19-2011, 10:06 PM

Im a n00b and maybe it is a camera angle illusion. But that G string does look way close to the edge of the 20th fret compared to the 5th.

SLaPiNFuNK · #20 06-19-2011, 11:31 PM

really cant tell whats going on until that bridge cover is removed...

I have seen a lot of strings pushed over onto far right ridges of the saddle. or even something could have hit the saddles so the G string one is hanging off the bridge.

Remove the bridge cover then we shall see...