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1966 P-Bass Overpriced?
- Thread starter selowitch
- Start date
I'm wondering what criteria you are using to determine this is overpriced.
I owned a similar '66. Mine was so nice it looked 2 years old including the case. Sold it last fall. Not for 12k! Lol
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
My only issue with it is that basses like that were obviously not played much, and there's most likely a reason for that. There's a reason all the big names have beat-to-hell p basses, and that's because the ones that sound the best are used the most.
Well, I'd sure want to see the markings on the neck and the pocket on the body for 12k. A bit overpriced at 12k even if it is a closet queen IMO. It maybe looks like a 66 refin, but not sure it smells and quacks like a 66. Didn't think the "F" on the neck plate started till later and would like to see the s/n's on the pup too. "The grail must be authenticated as a false grail will drain the cash out of you." Probably why its on Facebook so they can get a hit and then run, run, run. Sorry and don't mean to sound negative, but with the lack of provenance and general lack of aged looks anywhere give it the aromoa a bit like a turd.
F plates started in '65. Pickups should be dated on a '66.
Pre-CBS period ended in very early 1965, 1965 Fenders are considered to be transition basses so anything after 1964 is not pre-CBS. Some people may not agree with this (especially 1965 Fender owners
). I think it's overpriced, it is in nice shape though but that's a bass for a collector not a player.
). I think it's overpriced, it is in nice shape though but that's a bass for a collector not a player.
Pre-CBS period ended in very early 1965, 1965 Fenders are considered to be transition basses so anything after 1964 is not pre-CBS. Some people may not agree with this (especially 1965 Fender owners
CBS took over at the start of '65. Transfer date was Jan 5th but the 1st was Friday - there were no "pre-CBS' workdays in 1965 (why would Leo want to deal with all the bookkeeping, etc for just one or two days...) Also the neck stamps which many people take to be a completion date was done at the beginning of the build process. Lots of people with '65 instruments will make all sorts of claims of leftover parts but that's mostly just salesmanship - in fairness, there's not a lot of substantial difference between a 1964 and 1965 Fender - made by the same people in the same place with the same materials (but no '65 is a pre-CBS no matter how much an owner wants to will it to be so...)
Too much for a CBS Fender from a private seller IMHO. Here's a super clean 66 for under 8K from a legit store:
RetroFret Vintage Guitars
RetroFret Vintage Guitars
The thing you need to keep in mind with vintage Fenders is that pricing includes demand from both Player and Collector markets.
For example, I'm pretty sure that for roughly 1/10 of that price, you could put together a refin / parts instrument that would look nearly identical, and possibly even play a little better. But, it would not be actually from 1966, Which may or may not matter to you.
I do think with vintage instruments that it pays to shop around for a while to figure out what you really want; because obviously the pricing is significant. Also, when investing that kind of money in an instrument, be sure to purchase only on approval of at least a few days to allow time to assess playing qualities.
If the instrument makes you happy, meets your needs, and you keep it for the duration; then it would be a good purchase. Can't comment on flipping for profit; but, in general, the stock market is more reliable.
For 12K, I'd want this bass looked at with a magnifying glass at Gruhn's.
Good point. Perhaps "overpriced" is simply "too expensive for me."
Not the slightest patina on the chrome hardware. I'm out of my depth on this bass, but I'm skeptical. Whatever the case, we can all agree that this one is stunningly beautiful.
My way of thinking about it is "can I sell this later and get my full purchase price (or better) back out it?" Hard to do at $12K. (Of course, that initial investment can still be - and is - too expensive for me!)
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I've had ones and seen others that clean. They are rare but do exist. Typically ones which were bought new, buyer lost interest and they went into a closet, attic or basement.
I applaud your honesty. Most people can't tell, or won't admit the difference.
