Beginner collector question about vintage Fenders

[Rob S]

I hope this question is permissible. I read the rules and I think it's in bounds.

I started collecting last August and I have been off to the races ever since. I am focused on Precisions and have bought 40+ in the past year.

I have the opportunity to buy two dead mint completely original basses and am wondering about the relative value in the collective opinion of TB collectors. I will only only buy one of them.

A 1970 Telecaster in essentially new condition with original case and hangtag for $3200 or a mint original early '52 Precision with 33X serial number with slot screws (versus philips), non-original case for $12,000.

I'm not asking about pricing, because I believe both are fairly priced, but rather which is the better value? I'm afraid I'd be buying the Telecaster as a lower price alternative to the P bass. What do you guys think? Thank you very much.

 

[atomicdog]

Kind of hard to comment. But if you've bought 40+ basses in the past year, you're not a nubie.

 

[Jim C]

If you bought one to flip, I'd say there are better choices.
If you are going to play it and flip it I can't comment.
How perfect is the 52? That could decide.
Humbucker on the 70? I'd pass if so

 

[Rob S]

Hi Jim C. No, I'm not flipping anything. I sell some basses as I mature as a collector. The Tele has the single coil non-humbucker pickup. The 52 is not as perfect as the Tele. Tele is 10/10 while P is 9/10.