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Looks like an early 70's budget Japan offering. Not exactly a lawsuit model, but may be serviceable none the less, worth maybe $300-400 depending on how you're feeling. How does it sound and play?
I've not test it yet, but the guy was saying is a lawsuit bass and going for 200. so I was wondering if it is something to look at or just go get a newer bass with more model electronics n pup!
You need to get it in your hands and try it out. It looks to have Dimarzio pups, which may be to your liking (though I've heard some to be muddy without 1k pots).
The real concern for me is the dark tint of the neck. Some of the earlier ones which weren't quite good enough to cause a stir or lawsuit were made with substandard methods. They often had darker tint to the neck and may be laminate layers of maple instead of a solid piece. Check the back of the neck to see what it shows.
In the end, for only $200 bucks, that's pretty cheap if it plays and sounds nice. Some I've tried were not worth that, and were kind of a beater.
But, there are some nice Squier offerings from the last few years you could find in that price range which would be sound structurally and sound great, too, something you could really gig with. I've had some of those older Japan types that really fell short of that so you have to try and be critical if you want something to put to serious use, even if it looks good in pictures. We all want to play our basses.
Add a couple hundred bucks and get something nice(r).
Riis
Riis
I wouldn't pay $200 If it was $100 maybe
I was offer a Fender MIM for about 320 ( haven't test yet ) and saw this ads , I was thinking if it is a wise choice to choose this over the Fender and save the 100
... there is nothing in your profile, but I see a post you made where you show an early SX that you own, so just looking at the pictures of the 'rare' bass in your OP, you would not likely be improving your quest for a cheap bass spending $200 on that ... especially if you are inexperienced at working/fixing/setting up basses on your own ... there is an issue with neck alignment on that bass, the G string is almost completely off the fretboard in its current state, and the tiny machine head posts, pup/bridge/saddle positions with the 22 fret neck might all be something to be looked at... might be an illusion in the pics, but there are even a few frets (or at least the nut) that look to be at a bit 'off' in alignment... an experienced modder/tinkerer/builder could look at the bass in hand and determine a value based upon usable components (if any), but I don't see any way I would recommend it for someone not capable of recognizing/repairing all that I have mentioned ...
.. with regards to your being offered a Fender MIM for $320, again we no nothing about it ... there are a multitude of Fender basses made in Mexico, we would need to know model, era, condition, etc. to even begin to assess proper value ... but, with that said, you are not 'saving $100' buying this over any Fender in good condition ...
... JMHO, as always ...
BTW, info in your profile is your best friend when making most inquiries here on TB, much easier for us to assess your experience, location, current gear, etc to help make replies more helpful for you...
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I can tell by looking at it that it needs a little minor work. The G string is near the edge of the fretboard and will slip off. Usually means your neck is slipping in the pocket. Makes me wonder what else is wrong with it, like if the neck itself is twisting. Good set of DiMarzio Model J's in it which are almost certainly not stock. Doubt I'd pay what he's asking, though. $125 would be my highest offer, and that's only if the neck was still in good shape. The neck pocket thing can be fixed.
I'd move on. There are plenty more fish in the sea, especially as I'd noticed, as JimmyM has, that G string is right over the edge of the fretboard.
You just would not enjoy playing it, I am sure.
Rare it may be, but it will not appreciate in value.
You just would not enjoy playing it, I am sure.
Rare it may be, but it will not appreciate in value.
I would pass. Look at the placement of the bridge pickup.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
Finally the truth. These were distributed with a variety of headstock stamps (Satellite, Columbus, etc) but essentially the same thing. The right price? Think pocket change...
- Jan 26, 2014
- 1,525
- 1,946
- Disclosures
- I teach lessons and perform live music in and around San Diego CA. Sometimes I even make money doing it!
$100 tops, if I'm slightly drunk and just got tipped really well.
.. I thought the same thing at first glance, but in relation to the tone knob, the bridge pup is actually very close to right on for 70's position ... the bridge is what is too far forward compared to what we are used to seeing ...
Pass.
There's a huge, huge difference between vintage and just old. And there is nothing worse for your playing than trying to fight a sled like this just to get any kind of decent tone or playable action. I'm a very firm believer that you need to have professional instruments from day one: That way you can learn without fighting a yard-sale special.
Keep walking, nothing to see here . . . . and whatever you pay for it, unless you can unload it on a complete tyro, you can kiss those $$$$ goodbye.
If I had a fireplace, it's worth five bucks.
There's a huge, huge difference between vintage and just old. And there is nothing worse for your playing than trying to fight a sled like this just to get any kind of decent tone or playable action. I'm a very firm believer that you need to have professional instruments from day one: That way you can learn without fighting a yard-sale special.
Keep walking, nothing to see here . . . . and whatever you pay for it, unless you can unload it on a complete tyro, you can kiss those $$$$ goodbye.
If I had a fireplace, it's worth five bucks.
Other than the Dimarzio pickups (if they are indeed Dimarzios) this is a piece of junk.
