1979 P Bass Value

[bignote]

So, I have a chance to scoop this up. It is all original and the owner does have the original pick guard. IT is in great playing condition but its finish is pretty rough. These aren't the greatest pics but all I can offer now. My question is, what is a fair price for this bass? Many thanks.

 

[Haans]

You need to be a supporting member to ask about value. Nice looking bass, though.

 

[mongo2]

Is that mold in the cutaways?

 

[Luckydog]

Must have been in a humid environment for quite awhile. Need some serious mold remediation, and lose the rusty strap buttons.

 

[buldog5151bass]

1. You would need a better look than these photos. It looks like it was kept in a swamp.

2. Late 70s Fenders - QC is all over the place.

 

[J Wilson]

IF that's really mold, do yourself a favor, and keep walking. To make SURE this thing is clean (and safe) could easily cost more than this tired, seen-better-days bass is worth.

You have to remember that 'old' and 'desirable vintage' are often NOT the same thing.

 

[AGCurry]

Expanding remarks from @buldog5151bass : It's possible to find a great late-1970s Fender, but you're just as likely to find an instrument that would not have passed the quality control that Fender uses today. Even if you can tolerate its looks, Don't buy it without playing it.

 

[gln1955]

Is that mold in the cutaways?

I sure looks like it. Why wouldn't someone clean that up before putting it up for sale?

Or maybe they did.

 

[P. Aaron]

Ask the person selling it what they think. Nickel & dime 'em from there.

 

[Mike Marshall]

So, I have a chance to scoop this up. It is all original and the owner does have the original pick guard. IT is in great playing condition but its finish is pretty rough. These aren't the greatest pics but all I can offer now. My question is, what is a fair price for this bass? Many thanks.
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In my opinion anything past 67 should not be $$, that's not to say that there are no good instruments made after 67 there are. In 79 I bought one of the few New basses I have ever purchased a P Bass Black on Black with a rosewood board it really had great tone and wasn't heavy. It was stolen a few years later. I dont think there is any special collector value in that particular year I paid $400 and I often see this year bass up for sale for around $3000. I would look for a used Custom shop P or a Nash. Although at my age Custom shop stuff has become really over priced. I had a used 59 Custom Shop P that was Blond with Gold Guard and rosewood board I bought 12 years ago off a friend for $1700 it is a great bass. I see those on Reverb often listed at $3000

 

[Drucifer]

Here's Reverb's price guide: Fender Precision Bass 1970 - 1983 | Reverb. Prices exclude shipping and tax.

 

[J Wilson]

On the other hand, I'm giggling to myself at how much money (A LOT!) the Fender Custom Shop would charge to make a new copy of this.

 

[Thumpin6string]

If that is mold, a quick wipe with some bleach will get rid of it. Hopefully it is just on the outside.

 

[roller]

... and charge $6,000 for it.

On the other hand, I'm giggling to myself at how much money (A LOT!) the Fender Custom Shop would charge to make a new copy of this.

 

[bolophonic]

I’m a serious proponent of salvaging unloved items, but I would be bidding extremely low on a mold bass.

 

[Bassdoggydogg]

C'mon guys everybody knows mold = major mojo.

 

[Eric Swaim]

For that one, $2200.00 + he gives you a 30 day supply of Allegra.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

1979 model = $1,979.

 

[ChetChetney]

I’d walk, buying an old bass is great but if it has obviously been mistreated in terms of the conditions it was stored over a long period of time then it’s likely not a player. I bet that neck and fretboard are way out of wack…

 

[Bass Viking]

You need to be a supporting member to ask about value. Nice looking bass, though.

That's only if you're selling. The OP is looking to buy so he's OK to ask.