1993 P Bass on CL Legit?

[snorville]

I am a beginner/intermediate guitarist who has been getting curious about bass. I've been watching my local CL and FB Marketplace for a deal, and today came across this 1993 MIM P Bass for a very reasonable price (<$400). Condition is listed as fair, and it looks like there are some dings on the back of the body and the headstock. However, the "too good to be true" price has given me pause.

I've tried to compare it to other MIM basses from the same era on Reverb, and I've noticed that most of those say "MADE IN MEXICO" on the headstock right beneath PRECISION BASS; this one does not. Additionally, there is a round imprint on the back of the headstock which I haven't seen in photos from other basses from the same era. Does anyone know what's going on?

For comparison, there is another P Bass that's been on the local CL for a while with upgrades (1995 MIM with Badass Bass II bridge and Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounders) for $750.

 

[jd56hawk]

The experts will weigh in, but I'd stay away from Craigslist. Facebook is only a little bit better.
Guitar Center, despite the detractors and all their bs, Sam Ash or any local mom-and-pop store is the way to go for beginners.
Why?
Because you get to play the bass through whatever amp you choose, you can ask questions and get a somewhat informed view, and most importantly, you have either 30 or 45 days to return the bass if you don't bond with it.
Not to mention you can compare the MIM P bass with the Squier VM or CV.
Other that that, you can try dozens of other basses...you might find you fall in love with the feel and tone of an Ibanez, Sterling, Epiphone, etc.

As for the too-good-to-be-true price, nothing to worry about there...it's only a used MIM and that's what they're worth.

 

[snorville]

Fair point regarding buyer beware, especially when I'm not very familiar with the instrument.

Are MIM going for under $400 elsewhere? This one is listed at $325. With current Fender pricing and the Covid demand spike, I don't see many MIMs for under $600 around me (usually more like $700), although there are some for around $500 in the greater LA area. I'm in SD, so I don't really plan on making a trip to LA to chase down a CL ad anytime soon.

To be fair, I'll probably keep my distance on this one.

 

[two fingers]

Nothing throws up a red flag for me. If it's under four bills, I would go play it. Or, if you're not a bass player yet, take one with you.

And welcome to TalkBass!

 

[hypercarrots]

I just saw this one while browsing craigslist. It's in la mesa so you don't have to go to la for it.
This is one of the early standard models with the licensed by schaller stamped tuning machines. I see nothing wrong with it and it's been a while since i've seen standards around $300. No reason to stay away from this one from what i can see. If the electronics work and the neck is not twisted, $300 is a fair price.

legitimate.

 

[wvbass]

It is a P bass. No red flags that I can see.

Others are right that CL and FB can be sketchy, but Reverb and GC will want twice the money (or more) for the same bass.

 

[lildrgn]

I picked up a 99 MIM P last week off of CL for $400. Drove 30 minutes to get there, played it for 5, Venmoed the $ and went home. Upgraded PUPs and aftermarket pickguard, along with a spare PG (though I just now realized I forgot to get the original pickups back. Oh well).

IMO, well worth the $400 and I am loving this intro back into the Fender P world.

 

[roccobladr]

I bought a used 2015 jazz bass from guitar center online for about $450 a few months ago. So it wouldn’t surprise me to see a private seller listing it for a little less. Especially if they aren’t aware of the recent fender price hikes.

 

[jd56hawk]

Fair point regarding buyer beware, especially when I'm not very familiar with the instrument.

Are MIM going for under $400 elsewhere? This one is listed at $325. With current Fender pricing and the Covid demand spike, I don't see many MIMs for under $600 around me (usually more like $700), although there are some for around $500 in the greater LA area. I'm in SD, so I don't really plan on making a trip to LA to chase down a CL ad anytime soon.

To be fair, I'll probably keep my distance on this one.

There's a big difference between listed for sale and sold.

 

[SJan3]

I just sold a dead mint 2019 Player Precision with DiMarzio Model P pups and the originals included for $600. So, there are fools like me out there who will undersell a beautiful bass. Keep looking..

 

[KimDealWithIt]

I have to ask; where did you get that pickguard? It’s fantastic.

I picked up a 99 MIM P last week off of CL for $400. Drove 30 minutes to get there, played it for 5, Venmoed the $ and went home. Upgraded PUPs and aftermarket pickguard, along with a spare PG (though I just now realized I forgot to get the original pickups back. Oh well).

IMO, well worth the $400 and I am loving this intro back into the Fender P world.View attachment 4574300

 

[lildrgn]

I have to ask; where did you get that pickguard? It’s fantastic.

That's what caught my eye on the CL ad, if I'm being honest! The seller picked it up off Etsy, just do a search for Fender Precision pickguard or something, it comes right up. The same person sells one for J basses as well.

 

[DeltaPhoenix]

This was the normal price a few years ago, grab it.

 

[lfmn16]

Asking price of that 2nd bass of $750 is a total fantasy.

Under $400 isn’t too good to be true, it’s just a good price. $100 would be too good to be true. Don’t let asking prices fool you. Check SOLD prices on Reverb and eBay.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

There's nothing that indicates this isn't a real MIM Precision at all. Seems like a good deal.

 

[kmon]

Not too good to be true, looks legit

 

[BobDeRosa]

It looks a lot like my '94, right down to the color, but I can't explain the absence of the "Made in Mexico," which mine definitely has. Maybe a previous owner was sensitive about country of origin and found a way to neatly scrape it off? I bought mine used for $325 3-4 years ago.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

It’s a real MIM, and the price is good ... just priced to sell.

 

[Lammchop93]

I think it's legit. Not sure why anyone would fake a '93 MIM bass.

 

[Bassman822]

Looks legit to me. I have a 93 MIM P Vass myself. Offer them 300 and negotiate from there.