1958 Fender Precision

[The Bass Clef]

I've already tried using that as a bargaining chip and no such luck. I was told that the value does not change between a '58 and '59 maple neck/anodized pickguard P and that the seller is firm in his price.

Oh well, worth a try anyways.

 

[veebass]

With the extra info, I would do it.
When I said earlier I played a 58 and a 59 at the time I bought my 56, I didn't say that that particular 59 was a much better bass than the 58.
I agree with the comments about the raised A poles. I have a beautiful 1982 Fullerton 57 RI which has a the raised A poles and it is a bit of an issue to balance the pickup.
Mind you the pickup sounds great.

BTW I never regret buying the 56.

 

[jmpiwonka]

not having seen the bass in person i could be totally wrong, but the string spacing at the bridge, over the pickup poles, and at the treble and bass side of the neck look funny. is it like that in person too?

 

[Natropath]

I just traded all of my basses (I had way less than you do) for a beautiful '71 P Bass and I haven't regretted it for a minute. You'll be happier with the '59.

 

[joe dolci]

Depending on which particular finish on the instrument it can range from... $8000-$19,000....... certainly not the type of base to bring to a gig at your local bar..... Unless you have security lolllll

 

[Linnin]

Here's a link to the bass.....

[This invalid link has been removed]

Dave would have to send it to George Ghrun in Nashville for a hands on inspection and appraisal. If he was serious about selling this to a serious collector, he would already have one in hand on file. If he balks, keep your basses and walk away.

 

[bassie12]

I would have no problem trusting Dave. He has been around too long to knowingly sell a fugazi instrument. If Gruhn's stamp of approval makes you feel better, great.

 

[pookiebass]

Hi; if this is helpful, my '58 is a two tone, February. I assume you're picking up/swapping in person, so I would ask him to remove the neck, pickup and pickguard and check the pots as well, as someone earlier said.. I'm sure he's straight up, but he's do the same if he was buying I'd guess.
Make sure the truss rod moves, and frets are still producing a clear tone with no buzz. No orig. case brings the premium down too.
Good luck, looks good from the pictures - there weren't any reissues yet when I bought mine.
Best,
CD

 

[electracoyote]

That is one of the ultimate Precision configurations in my book. Being dirt poor, I have a MIM that looks just like a mint version of that '58, right down to the pickguard and tug bar. That is a spectacular vintage beauty.

I just can't get over the price. Total personal decision, if you've got 10k worth of gear that you can live without or replace down the line, and you love this bass, make yourself happy. You only get one ride on this carousel, make it count.

 

[ChrisCassisi]

Like some have said before if it is worth it to YOU then go for it. It is getting harder and harder to find '58 p basses and they are a good investment. The stuff you are giving up is good but will it appreciate in value like an original '58 p bass will? Plus the other stuff is easier to find if you want to replace it down the road. I myself am more of a fan of the '59 p bass because that is when they started putting rosewood fretboards on them but I could deal with the maple board if it was an original '58 p lol

 

[BearCave]

After verification of the dates on the body and pots, it's actually a '59 P Bass. I think I'm still going to do the deal.

 

[wraub]

Ultimately, it's your deal, and it's really your decision. If it's worth it to you, the exchange of gear is worth it to you, and the result is worth it to you, then what we say shouldn't matter.

We are not you.

 

[Not yet]

Done and Done. Don't think you had a doubt for a minute

Decision made, now enjoy yourself

 

[RiZzBot]

Do it Do it Do it!!

 

[BEADG63]

Man, she's a sweet ride, but were it me, I'd never give up so many for that, but as others said, ultimately it's whatever makes you feel good. If you feel very strongly about it, and I think you do, then go for it.

 

[foolforthecity]

Go for the '58! Having said that I'd do the personal loan/CC thing and sell your gear to cover it. Someone one usually takes a bath trading.

My daddy told me that if I had to bust out the credit, I didn't need it that much after all. Credit often raises the "bath" temperature a bit too high for my simple tastes. YMMV

 

[slobake]

It's a heavy son of a gun at 11.34 Lbs. Are all the old basses that heavy?

 

[jp8848]

According to Vintage Guitar Magazines 25 top collectable basses, the 58-60 Precision ranks #4 overall. 60-62 Jazz Bass was #1.

 

[Panther]

That's a lot of basses to give up...THREE FCS basses alone is a stinger.

That 58 will make you cool here on the internet..but elsewhere you'll be worrying about that if it's your only bass.

 

[bassie12]

It's a heavy son of a gun 11.34 Lbs. Are all the old basses that heavy?

Mine weighs a hair over 8lbs.