Cunetto Era Relic Basses

[WoodyJ]

Just to clarify what I said earlier regarding Cunetto relics vs. the Fender Custom Shop relics, I was referring to some (but not all) of the current CS "Heavy Relics" being reliced to a more extreme level that I didn't care for.

Regarding "Cunetto vs. Custom Shop", I also have three newer CS relic Fenders and I believe that the Cunneto still has the more authentic relic job, as did the Cunetto Mary Kaye Strat that I should have kept. That one was a work of art.

The above was just my opinion.

 

[Deputy Dog]

I’m going to assume that because Vince relic’d so few basses that his work isn’t as prevalent among bass players as it is with guitar players who seem to search out, collect or only play his guitars.

Me personally, this is my first custom shop bass and I can hear, feel and tell a BIG difference between this bass and my Road Worn MIM bass. Time will tell if that difference is worth the extra $$cheddar$$ or if I move the bass on. I get board with gear too quickly....squirrel.

 

[WoodyJ]

My experience at the time (late 1990's) when I got both Cunetto basses was that I assumed that they were a product of the Fender's Custom Shop, period. When the Relics became available to the public in 1995, the literature that I received then, as far as I recall, did not mention Vince Cunetto by name or that reliced basses were even available, just Strats and Teles. I also don't recall reading anything about Vince Cunetto until after his ties with Fender had suddenly ended.

It does appear that the Cunetto-reliced basses are very few in numbers. Besides my two and the one on your original thread, I have only seen one other Cunetto-reliced CS bass for sale (on Reverb.com). That was a couple years ago and the asking price was very high.

My sunburst one languished on display at the first Atlanta Guitar Center for over a year. It finally was listed on one of GC's blowout "list" sales for $1,395 (!!). I was lucky to be there that day and took it home with me. A few months later I was in a '60's-style surf band with matching outfits, white Fenders and blonde Dual Showmans. That is when and why I ordered the Olympic White Cunetto from the CS that I later sold when that band folded.

I still have the Dual Showman, though!

 

[Deputy Dog]

The number I hear tossed around is 200 basses. I’ve seen about 15 of them. All of them have been Jazz basses and one P Bass. I know of 2 other basses that are currently for sale but I passed on them. Sure glad I did as I’ve only seen 2 black Cunetto’s out of the 5000 guitars and basses he relic’d (one black Tele and my black J Bass).

 

[ad9000]

In the mid-2000’s I used a Cunetto-era 3 color sunburst finished Jazz Bass on a week long gig. It was owned by the guitar tech and he brought it for me to use. I thought the aging work was great and definitely superior to the later CS Relics (though the period correct look was somewhat spoiled by the pickguard, which was a poor imitation of 60’s tortoise) but as for my overall opinion of the instrument, it didn’t strike me as being significantly better than the later CS J-basses that I’ve played.
As for the OP’s question, I can’t explain the lack of frenzy over Cunetto Relic basses. You would think that the small number of them and the high regard for the Cunetto Strats and Teles would make them Holy Grail-ish collectibles.

 

[WoodyJ]

I recently replaced the original ugly one (see post #5) with a newer Fender guard that looks somewhat more correct. A Spitfire would have looked perfect but not $200 better for me since it never leaves my home studio.

 

[projectapollo]

I have a 1996 Cunetto '64 Jazz and a 2018 CS light relic '64 Precision. The Cunetto relic job is far superior in looking authentic in my opinion. Both play very well. The '96 was crafted by a J Cruz who I believe was later classified as a master builder.

 

[SJLee]

I believe Vince started the relic phenomenon, (or if not, was there at the beginning).

"Relicing" was taking place prior in the vintage guitar market as well as the classical instrument market. It's intended purpose is to have a repair or something like a replacement neck match the look and age of the guitar being repaired. Vince was part of this industry and he was the first person who moved it beyond parts and began making complete relic guitars.

 

[SJLee]

Here's a few shots of my Cunetto 64 jazz bass with a slab rosewood fretboard, originally made for Norm's Rare Guitars. One thing I find with the Cunetto relics is that the parts may not be historically accurate, which is not a big deal to me; ei. slab fretboard with a 64 body. Also the original relic finish is on the lighter side...about where the Closet Classic finish is today, minus the finish cracking of the Closet Classic finish. I have seen some Cunetto's with heavy relicing, which is due to "player" wear or the owner having a go to produce more relic wear to the original finish. I have four Fender Custom Shop basses: a Dusty Hill Tribute bass, a Postmodern, and a 66 jazz along with the 64. I find them all equally as nice in fit, finish, and playability. I think the Cunetto basses and guitars will always be desirable, as they are historically the first relic guitars and basses produced as a product line. Since there were only 200 basses made, I think they will always hold their value - particularly if you have one with a John Cruz stamp. Prior to his dismissal from Fender in 2020, he had a two year wait for one of his Master Built guitars. Just my 2¢. YMMV

 

[wysiwyg248]

Here is my 1997 fretless CS Jazz, which I was told is a Cunetto by another player long time ago. It has a "3 of 17" stamped in the back of the headstock and according to him, this was part of a series built for the NY Sam Ash store. Is probably a Jaco tribute as there are no pickguard holed. The finish is in the lighter side, except for the area above the pickups. I never checked the provenance of the instrument, if someone happens to know something, please let me know.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

This thread is making me think of a Chris Fleming Thinline Tele I lusted over forever til it finally sold out of the Nashville GC. I just couldn’t get the price where I wanted. I’m sure they’re selling for a lot more now.

 

[SJLee]

Here is my 1997 fretless CS Jazz, which I was told is a Cunetto by another player long time ago. It has a "3 of 17" stamped in the back of the headstock and according to him, this was part of a series built for the NY Sam Ash store. Is probably a Jaco tribute as there are no pickguard holed. The finish is in the lighter side, except for the area above the pickups. I never checked the provenance of the instrument, if someone happens to know something, please let me know.View attachment 4547342 View attachment 4547345

View attachment 4547337

The stamped FCS logo in the headstock is a good indicator your bass is Cunetto era. That's cool that NY Sam Ash store did a run of 17. I wish I could see more of these in the wild. Mine was built for Norm's Rare Guitars and has the name stamped into the neck plate.

 

[wysiwyg248]

The stamped FCS logo in the headstock is a good indicator your bass is Cunetto era. That's cool that NY Sam Ash store did a run of 17. I wish I could see more of these in the wild. Mine was built for Norm's Rare Guitars and has the name stamped into the neck plate.

Thank you for the information, I was not aware of this detail. I also have a 1997 fretted Jazz with a slab board, similar to this with RELIC stamps and similar FCS logo, perhaps is another Cunetto as the finish is also in the lighter side.

 

[SJLee]

Thank you for the information, I was not aware of this detail. I also have a 1997 fretted Jazz with a slab board, similar to this with RELIC stamps and similar FCS logo, perhaps is another Cunetto as the finish is also in the lighter side.

View attachment 4548441 View attachment 4548442

Congratulations, it appears you own two. The arm wear mark and pickguard are consistent with other examples.

 

[Bobby Bass]

I guess I have one of the 200. Ordered in 1996 & received in early 1997. Serial #1597. I did swap out the pickups for quieter pickups. Lower volume gigs with many older people that complained about the hum.

 

[davidak]

1997 Cunetto Jazz.

 

[Doc Halo]

I had one. It was lovely. It was also Daphne Blue--exceedingly rare. One of the few instruments I truly regret selling.

SOLD - FS: 1996 Fender Custom Shop Cunetto Relic Jazz (Daphne Blue)