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69 Precision - Should I?

tthor

tthor

May 11, 2005
102
1
Lynchburg, VA
#1
Fellow bassists, I have an opportunity to purchase an all original 69 Precision from an old friend of mine. He has owned it since 1989 and is the second owner. I have not laid hands on the bass in about 10 years but am going to check it out this weekend. I'm sure it's going to be in very good condition because he's a guitarist and only used the bass for recording purposes. When he offered it to me, he mentioned that he would Ebay it if I did not want it, starting the bid at $2500 no reserve. Should I offer him that amount? I've seen them go for less and more. Just curious to hear what some of you experts of vintage Fender might think. I appreciate any advice or input.

4-19-08 OK, I'm a believer! I spent many hours, way into this morning with the 69 P Bass. It's so cool to play a bass that was made when I was 6 years old! It plays and sounds wonderful. Packed full of vintage vibe. It really is special and I appreciate everyone's encouragement. I'll post some pics after I pick it up this weekend. Question: Did the 69 P's truss rod accept a 3/16" allen wrench? This bass appears to have had some work done at some point around the adjustment screw. Any opinion on how this will affect its value, if any? I took the neck off and turned the rod with no problem and actually took a little relief out. It responded nicely to the small quarter turn. I believe this one is a keeper regardless of slight alteration. Again, I appreciate your input.
TTHOR
 
#9
tthor said:
Fellow bassists, I have an opportunity to purchase an all original 69 Precision from an old friend of mine. He has owned it since 1989 and is the second owner. I have not laid hands on the bass in about 10 years but am going to check it out this weekend. I'm sure it's going to be in very good condition because he's a guitarist and only used the bass for recording purposes. When he offered it to me, he mentioned that he would Ebay it if I did not want it, starting the bid at $2500 no reserve. Should I offer him that amount? I've seen them go for less and more. Just curious to hear what some of you experts of vintage Fender might think. I appreciate any advice or input.
Click to expand...


if you don't want it at that price, give me a holler, I'll take it for that...:hiding:

no seriously though, I'll find a way to scrape up $2500 for it..:hiding:
 
#10
Definitely go for it. It's been 3 years since real original 69 P basses sold for 2500 or under. Heck original 70-73's are selling for more than that now.

I love this era of P. The B necks are comfy and the alder bodies keep them lightweight.
 
#18
OK, I'm a believer! I spent many hours, way into this morning with the 69 P Bass. It's so cool to play a bass that was made when I was 6 years old! It plays and sounds wonderful. Packed full of vintage vibe. It really is special and I appreciate everyone's encouragement. I'll post some pics after I pick it up this weekend. Question: Did the 69 P's truss rod accept a 3/16" allen wrench? This bass appears to have had some work done at some point around the adjustment screw. Any opinion on how this will affect its value, if any? I took the neck off and turned the rod with no problem and actually took a little relief out. It responded nicely to the small quarter turn. I believe this one is a keeper regardless of slight alteration. Again, I appreciate your input.
TTHOR[/QUOTE]
 
#19
I don't believe 69 truss used any allen wrench, the adjuster had a flathead screwdriver slot. It he old truss bolt has been replaced with a allen adjustable one, it should not greatly effect the value of the instrument. Real collectors would like to have the old one even if it's no longer serviceable but that is not as big a deal as finish, pups, pick guard, ashtrays etc. The fact that the truss rod is working smoothly is very important. Go for it!
 
#20
Dbassmon said:
I don't believe 69 truss used any allen wrench, the adjuster had a flathead screwdriver slot. It he old truss bolt has been replaced with a allen adjustable one, it should not greatly effect the value of the instrument. Real collectors would like to have the old one even if it's no longer serviceable but that is not as big a deal as finish, pups, pick guard, ashtrays etc. The fact that the truss rod is working smoothly is very important. Go for it!
Click to expand...

+1

X slot on the truss is stock, not allen. If it is a good bass, it's a good bass.
 

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