1977 Precision question

[themacinator]

Local shop has a 1977 P for sale. I gave it a reasonable inspection and all looks right. Have a concern though. The truss rod turns but only about 1/8th of turn either way. After that it's seized up. There is no skunk strip on the neck.

They are asking $1,500. They'd probably take $1,200 cash. I think it's too much particularly with the truss rod issue.

Thoughts?

 

[Old Fart]

I suspect you understand that if the truss rod nut won't effectively turn, then the bass will not work properly. I would consider the bass to be useless.

However, if the truss rod nut turns somewhat, then perhaps it can be freed. If the nut is one of those "X" types, then perhaps you can see the end of the truss rod through the hole in the nut. I would try to find out if the truss rod is turning WITH the nut, as if they are frozen together. Whether or not the rod is turning, I also know there are chemical penetrants which can effectively dissolve rust and free rusted fasteners like nuts and bolts.

 

[Davo-London]

77 should have a skunk strip. It's a fake or a parts bass.

Walk away.

Davo

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

For $1200 cash you can find a working 70's Fender.

Avoid.

 

[77PBass]

Walk away... a lot of late 70's necks have problems and the fret work can be problematic.

That said, there are some good '70's Fenders out there, save your money for one of those.

 

[The Bass Clef]

77 should have a skunk strip. It's a fake or a parts bass.

Walk away.

Davo

Rosewood necks traditionally never had skunk stripes because the truss rod was laid into the neck before the fretboard was laminated on. The maple necks has the stripes because they are 1 piece and the truss rod installed from the back side of the neck.

Although, in the late 70s, Fender started adding skunk stripes for cosmetics only on rosewood necks. A '77 could be either way. I've had owned a few of each type of rosewood neck from that era.

I don't know if that particular bass is worth $1500, but that's about average for a sunburst '77 P. Naturals usually go for about $1-200 less, and colors usually go for about $1-200 more.. as far as what I've seen lately, in the past year our so.

 

[themacinator]

It is the X type. I didn't get much of a chance to give it a real close inspection and see if I could see the nut. It's sunburst, chrome bridge and pick-up covers are missing. I would agree with all of you. At $1500 is a def. no, at $1,200 I would need to really give it a strong inspection. More than I had time to today.

Think I will be saving my cash.