74’ fender PJ lefty restore

[camBassist]

Hi all,

I bought this thinking it would be my first try at a restoration. I realized it was definitely beyond me and that as much as I love this single owner, heavily modified and apparently fairly unique bass, it would be a mistake to convert it to a righty.

It checks out as a 74 lefty based on everyone I could ask. The lollipop tuners would’ve been something thrown together for a left handed fender at the time. It seems fender did not put too much effort into normalizing the left handed production line as there was so little market at the time. The paint is original as far as I can tell and the wood is authentic. The serial checked out with the music shop restorer.

I got pro help and it turned out pretty great so far.

 

[BassHole1]

You went from the beat up old body to Olympic white? I like the old body. I have always wanted to try doing this to a lefty body but my thumb would be too far from the neck and worry about the knobs being in the way.

 

[camBassist]

You went from the beat up old body to Olympic white? I like the old body. I have always wanted to try doing this to a lefty body but my thumb would be too far from the neck and worry about the knobs being in the way.

 

[camBassist]

So the Olympic white WAS the original color. That was just elbow grease taking what I think was an attempt to stain the body with something like tobacco burst. I also think the neck has baked in smoke on its own.

 

[MCS4]

I learned to play on an upside down P-style bass and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

 

[gravesbass]

The neck decal was started in late 75/76. Fender moved the logo to the tip in 75/76 and fender also used stock parts in warehouse on lefty orders. It’s really hard to date lefties but if all stock you can get close. This is def not a 74 tho. What markings are on the heel of the neck? What are the pots date and is there a matching serial number decal under the pickguard that matched the serial number on the headstock? This could also be an A neck. Hard to tell from the low res pics.

 

[camBassist]

The neck decal was started in late 75/76. Fender moved the logo to the tip in 75/76 and fender also used stock parts in warehouse on lefty orders. It’s really hard to date lefties but if all stock you can get close. This is def not a 74 tho. What markings are on the heel of the neck? What are the pots date and is there a matching serial number decal under the pickguard that matched the serial number on the headstock? This could also be an A neck. Hard to tell from the low res pics.

Actually I mis-typed, hold on. Will get those specs. I believe the serial suggests 75

 

[camBassist]

Actually I mis-typed, hold on. Will get those specs. I believe the serial suggests 75

S745022

 

[camBassist]

Photo of back, trying to find one I already took of the serial

 

[camBassist]

I’m sorry I’m not a better photographer

 

[camBassist]

The single owner purchased in 1979 or a as many as a few years prior as
I understand it, new. Was not clear on what year it was as he was deceased.

 

[REMBO]

Please upload more pictures of this incredible bass please

 

[camBassist]

Please upload more pictures of this incredible bass please

 

[camBassist]

I figured the white sheet would help
The paint show better. I can make out Made In the USA but just barely. I’ve never seen flaming that elegant on a neck before. Even not being left handed it’s the best part of the guitar when your hand touches it.

He put some active EMGs in it, I can only guess 80s or 90s thereabouts.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

The body wood almost looks like Walnut. That is a grubby bugger though.

 

[mikeswals]

That serial is for 1977, and it matches that era of headstock logo that came out in mid '76.

Lots of mods and changed parts.