1977 Vintage Mustang Value

[michael5959]

Hi,

I am interested in thoughts on a fair price for a Vintage 1977 Mustang Bass in good-excellent condition that I am considering buying.

It is dark-red color with a black pick guard; color is either transparent red or wine. It is in really good condition except for a pretty significant ding on the end, by the strap peg. At some point, the original split-coil pick-up has been swapped out for a traditional P-pickup. Other than that, it appears all original & comes with the original Fender case.

The owner is asking $800, but I think thats to high, since it has been modded. I was thinking $600-$650. Or is it wise to just stay away from these older, modded instruments?

Please let me know you feel a fair price would be, or whether this would be one to avoid.

Thanks,

Mike.

 

[DeanT]

That's about what they go for these days, unmodded. What type of modifications were made? If the owner didn't screw up the bass with his mods, he can probably get that much.

Personally I wouldn't pay more than $600 for it. I consider any mods to a Mustang a downgrade, not an improvement. Mustangs have their own vintage charm, pulling out the pups and changing the electronics (if in fact the electronics were monkeyed with also) ruins them, in my opinion.

 

[rodneyat]

IMHO the pickup mod is a deal killer. A Mustang is really not a "hot item"on the market and with the mod, it is not worth much...My 2 cents anyway.

 

[quadebass17]

IMHO the pickup mod is a deal killer. A Mustang is really not a "hot item"on the market and with the mod, it is not worth much...My 2 cents anyway.

+1.

don't even sample it. I want a mustang too, and i have tried a couple with the mod. don't even take a look at it, if i were you.

 

[michael5959]

FYI - the only mod is the change from split-coil to p-base pickup. The rest is stock.

In changing from split coil to p-pickup, does the body have to be routed out, or is it a drop in?

Thanks, Mike.

 

[FenderP]

Mustang pickups to P would have to be routed. The Mustang pickups are smaller than P pickups.

I paid $1200 for mine, but it's a '72 burst with original checker case.

Put me in the "mods kill the value" category. You can do better for $800.

 

[Kyon`]

For that one I wouldn't go more then $500

 

[michael5959]

He didn't know it was modded, someone gave it to him. I offered $400, he's thinking about it. If I get it, I was considering putting a Darkstar in it, since it can't really be taken back to original. Anyone done that or have any opinions ?