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'75 Fender P...any thoughts?

I

INTHEPOCKET69

Dec 21, 2009
67
0
Ft Myers Florida
#1
Fellow Tb'ers,

I have an opportunity to score a '75 P...looks pretty minty. I have certainly heard that some years production were better than others and would like any advice anyone can give on this instrument. I'll be stringing it with flats and pairing with a GB SL900 and a LDS 15/6.5. Thanks to all!:hyper:
 
#5
Agreed with Harry. Just to go into it a bit more, you can't really pin down a few good years and a few bad years - what happened is that when CBS bought Fender in January 1965 (commencing what's now known as the CBS era), they gradually began making production changes that saved them some money. It's not like it started in January '65 and every bass or guitar from then on out is suspect. In fact, many of the 'mid-60s instruments were made from older pre-CBS stock and measure up pretty well to the pre-CBS instruments.

But the general consensus is that by the late 60s and through the 70s into the early 80s, the build quality was inconsistent. One of the most-oft cited issues is that of the fit of the neck pocket. There may be a wide gap in between the upper or lower horn and the side of the neck in the pocket. Aside from aesthetics, you get a great deal of tone and sustain from a properly-fitted neck in a well-cut neck pocket on a bolt-on style bass.

I happen to have a '76 fretless P-bass that I love, and it's got nice tight tolerances in the build department and it sounds great. You just don't know if the one made right before or right after it is of similar quality.
 
#6
FretlessMainly said:
Agreed with Harry. Just to go into it a bit more, you can't really pin down a few good years and a few bad years - what happened is that when CBS bought Fender in January 1965 (commencing what's now known as the CBS era), they gradually began making production changes that saved them some money. It's not like it started in January '65 and every bass or guitar from then on out is suspect. In fact, many of the 'mid-60s instruments were made from older pre-CBS stock and measure up pretty well to the pre-CBS instruments.

But the general consensus is that by the late 60s and through the 70s into the early 80s, the build quality was inconsistent. One of the most-oft cited issues is that of the fit of the neck pocket. There may be a wide gap in between the upper bout and the side of the neck in the pocket. Aside from aesthetics, you get a great deal of tone and sustain from a properly-fitted neck in a well-cut neck pocket on a bolt-on style bass.

I happen to have a '76 fretless P-bass that I love, and it's got nice tight tolerances in the build department and it sounds great. You just don't know if the one made right before or right after it is of similar quality.
Click to expand...


CAREFUL - - Some folks get very touchy about this subject...
 
#7
Do you have pics? Can you verify its authentic parts? How much is the seller asking?

Prices, playability, and replaced parts can all be HUGE factors in determining whether or not you're getting a sweet deal...but most importantly the price.

I snagged a 75 P that was routed with a Jazz PU for $600 over the summer. its pretty beat up, but its a kick butt player and my touring machine. but most importantly, I got it for a STEAL.

I've seen them fetching up to almost $3k, but it also depends on custom colors, or neck measurements. I lucked out and snagged a black one with an "A" neck.
 
#8
BigOldHarry said:
CAREFUL - - Some folks get very touchy about this subject...
Click to expand...

Just tellin' it like it is. If that makes someone uncomfortable, then that will have to be their problem, not mine. Hell, the people who worked at Fender during this period would probably tell you as much.

I've got a '73 Competition Mustang guitar and the '76 FL P-bass and both have excellent tolerances. I love 'em. But you know, some ain't as well made.
 
#9
FretlessMainly said:
Just tellin' it like it is. If that makes someone uncomfortable, then that will have to be their problem, not mine. Hell, the people who worked at Fender during this period would probably tell you as much.

I've got a '73 Competition Mustang guitar and the '76 FL P-bass and both have excellent tolerances. I love 'em. But you know, some ain't as well made.
Click to expand...

LOL... Well, enjoy the rath of the CBS "My '77 J bass doesn't weight a ton - REALLY! It doesn't!" Cult. Been there, done that.
 

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