1978 Fender P-Bass

[Johnny_Paps]

It's my understanding that Fender made a huge number of S8 decals that ended up being used all the way through 1982. Therefore, the best way to date S8 basses is by checking the pots and / or pickups.

Good to know. Wonder what’s the deal with S9’s being 79 then.

 

[andare]

Wrong and also rude. People love 70s Ps.

I didn't say your basses are bad.
I said the late 70s are Fender's lowest point. It was so bad, Fender shut down the factory to retrain the personnel and had guitars built in Japan for a few years.
70s Fenders were always considered bad until guitars from earlier decades became too expensive.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

It was so bad, Fender shut down the factory to retrain the personnel and had guitars built in Japan for a few years.

Not quite accurate.
While the 70s qc grew worse, and CBS was indifferent, Fender didn't halt production to "retrain personnel" - CBS just didn't care.
The time-frame you're referring to was the mid-80s.
The reason was the sale of Fender from CBS to a group of private investors, but the Fullerton factory wasn't part of the sale. I believe the reason was the real-estate was to valuable.
At the same time, Fender Japan was happening regardless, for various reasons, but yes, most production for that year occurred in Japan while the new Corona factory was being equipped.

 

[Chickenwheels]

How can someone leave a vintage Fender on their porch for 3 days without it disappearing!

Too heavy? No tort?

 

[Queue]

Too heavy? No tort?

LOL @ no tort!

 

[gwangi]

How can people still find vintage Fenders for $100 in 2023 ?

Yes exactly what you said!!!! I'm just BLOWN AWAY!!!! that this person got this bass for $100.

 

[EagleMoon]

Great score on the bass. I’m sure we all wish we could find something like that. Great color too.

 

[Mike Vee]

Deals like this do not come around too often so when I have the opportunity I take it. I don’t know if my friend offered $100 or if the son of the owner made that figure but that’s their business. He told me what he wanted & I didn’t haggle or say you know I should probably give you more, cause why should I? I know he knows what it’s worth, he has his own collection. The guy who sold it is happy, my friend is more than happy & I’m happy too. If you’ve never been to north Philly then I understand why you would think it’s unheard of to find such a deal. This isn’t the first deal I’ve struck.

Another family friend I have does estate clean outs & about 7 years ago he acquired an early 70’s 7 piece Ludwig Vistalite set. I wasn’t even in the area at the time so my uncle called me and says “yeah he’s got a drum set if you’re interested. Idk they’re blue see through Ludwig’s” I replied with “grab them for whatever he wants I’ll be back in town this weekend to give you the cash”. So I get a call from my dad (RIP) later that day saying “I got a surprise for when you get back” of course I already knew what it was! They wanted $200 for everything. Drums, hardware & a trap case. My dad didn’t even have the cash at the time. My grandmom saw him unhooking the tv and she goes “what are you doing” he says “pawning the tv to get that drum set!!!” My grandmom made a phone call & my cousin dropped off $200 in 10 mins. My dad said dude had the kit sitting on the curb when he went to pick them up! I got back in town that weekend & my dad and I sat there just staring at them in awe. They were/are mint! Still have them & will never get rid of them.

amazing