1966 P-Bass Overpriced?

[selowitch]

I spotted this bass on Facebook Marketplace. I have no doubts about its authenticity and superb condition but the price of $12,000 seems a bit exorbitant. I assume that it's not really a pre-CBS Fender (close, but not quite there).

Thoughts?

 

[Bass V]

on the higher end of the $cale but yeah, to me that's fair for such a nice clean set

 

[selowitch]

on the higher end of the $cale but yeah, to me that's fair for such a nice clean set

The seller is clearly leaving room for negotiation.

 

[Bass V]

The seller is clearly leaving room for negotiation.

but not Rick's son @ Pawn Stars room for negotiation lol
I figure players are used to crazy prices for wild pieces now, but then, do you actually play it?
I'd rather invest in a stanky 'burst mojo machine for $1/3 of that just for the Fullerton aroma

 

[Tubehed]

It's pricey, but also a custom color and in amazing (almost suspiciously clean )condition.

 

[TolerancEJ]

This has been mentioned on TalkBass already in the past, but if someone has really deep pockets, there's a very good 1951 Fender Precision for just under $30k at Emerald City Guitars.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Wisebass]

Hi selowitch

I assume that it's not really a pre-CBS Fender (close, but not quite there).

It's a CBS Fender. CBS bought Fender on Jan 3 1965.

It still has the "old" riveted longneck reverse tuners, that you find on pre CBS basses.

(CBS switched to non reverse tuners in '66)

But everything else is 100% CBS.

Thoughts?

The price?

Crazy when you think that they were sold for $310 in 1966. (maybe a bit more for the custom color)

A collector's dream. => A nightmare for the bank account! (or a reason to divorce )


greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[friskinator]

I've seen that one, too. Gorgeous (if authentic), but selling it locally is gonna be near impossible.

 

[fretno]

I've never seen a vintage case so clean.

 

[Bleecker]

What a beauty! Hard to believe how clean it is and the case too, unreal! Looks like it was purchased and put in a closet for 50 years...the pick guard is all wrong though...LOL
This is the the bass I should've told my younger self to get!

Are you gonna buy that babe?

 

[JRA]

 

[two fingers]

I have no idea about the price.

But that sucker is gorgeous.

 

[bassliner50]

Very sweet. Though i will not be purchasing it.

 

[buldog5151bass]

When is the last time you saw a 55 year old Fender with no paint issues, no cracks in the pickguard, clean case, etc.? Looks like the definition of a closet queen. For someone, it might be worth that figure.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

The seller is clearly leaving room for negotiation.

Mh ... the room should better be a large one IMO ...

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

When is the last time you saw a 55 year old Fender with no paint issues, no cracks in the pickguard, clean case, etc.? Looks like the definition of a closet queen. For someone, it might be worth that figure.

You can buy a NOS Custom Shop instrument for less than one third of the price and it will sound nearly identical .. there might be people, however, who may be almost like fetishists about paint and finish in general and who may likely be willing to pay that money for that particular instrument .. in that case, the finish at hand may risk to be one of the most expensive currently out there (always IMO, IMHO, IME etc. etc.)

 

[dalkowski]

(almost suspiciously clean )

This.

 

[Yonni]

Scott of bass lessons fame just gave away a '65 valued at c. $13,000 and a 66 jazz at $9,180. I've seen others around the same recently. Seems a lot, but folk appear to be happy to pay it.

 

[buldog5151bass]

You can buy a NOS Custom Shop instrument for less than one third of the price and it will sound nearly identical .. there might be people, however, who may be almost like fetishists about paint and finish in general and who may likely be willing to pay that money for that particular instrument .. in that case, the finish at hand may risk to be one of the most expensive currently out there (always IMO, IMHO, IME etc. etc.)

I have a '66 Marian This - 40 horsepower, ancient technology. But I love it, and could get enough if I wanted to sell it to guys new car - and it isn't as clean as that P.

 

[Ric Vice]

Since the CBS acquisition was only a year before this bass was built I think it would play and sound nearly the same as a pre CBS, built around the same time. After all, they were using the same machines, wood, supplies and most of the luthiers were still there, prior to Leo's leaving. The necks feel different because of their profile. I had a 1966 Jazz Bass and it played and sounded great. Prices are what they are, I could barely afford the 1968 Precision Bass I bought in 1969. It was $359.00. I still have my 1959 Fender Precision it's a really nice bass, but I could never afford to buy it today. I think I get a Lakland Bob Glaub.