Did I just find a '66 P-bass?

[P_bass]

All I can say is be real nice to your cousin...

 

[Flaked Beans]

Oh my god, it's a '66..
run buddy, go to Mexico with the bass!

 

[Spleenface92]

"bass? What bass?"

 

[Jim C]

If it's forgery, it's a very nice one.
The bridge and hardware look remarkably rust / oxidation free; did it come with a cover?
Also, I have not seen so much and such even checking lines; usualy a more and open pattern IMO.
Are the neck stamps that large and well defined?

PS - Any shrinkage on pick gaurd?

 

[nortonrider]

Not to sound un-informed,,,, but what's so great about it being a 66 instead of a 72?

 

[gjbassist]

I was born in 1966 and my birthday is less than two weeks away. You should send it to me for my birthday!

 

[Dark Horse]

Definitely a 66.

In the future though, I wouldn't worry about the "checking"...it isn't necessarily an indicator that the finish is nitro. You'll find TONS of 70's poly Fenders with lots of checking.

The real clues (before looking at the neck stamp) are the bridge (threaded saddles), the "style" of sunburst, the reverse rotation long stem tuners, the strap button on back of the headstock, the pickguard, F neck with low serial, the fingerboard, etc.. You can also verify with the pots, the bottom of the pickups, etc for originality and date help.

Looks like a beautiful bass - thanks for sharing. I'd love to see more pics.

 

[GreaserMatt]

Sweet bass...

 

[GreaserMatt]

Not to sound un-informed,,,, but what's so great about it being a 66 instead of a 72?

About 2 grand, LOL...

 

[bh2]

Loverly 66er... superb...

 

[vettfingers]

I have a 1966, which I bought used in 1969. Everything I see in these pictures looks correct to me.

 

[eggfan]

Why was it attributed to '72?

 

[Jim Carr]

Those are the "backwards" tuners too I'm assuming, Correct?

+1

Yes, backwards or "reverse tuners," that are essentially the same as those on my '55.

 

[Jim Carr]

Why was it attributed to '72?

I think the previous owner had said so, though I am not certain.

 

[Jim Carr]

If it's forgery, it's a very nice one.
The bridge and hardware look remarkably rust / oxidation free; did it come with a cover?
Also, I have not seen so much and such even checking lines; usualy a more and open pattern IMO.
Are the neck stamps that large and well defined?

PS - Any shrinkage on pick gaurd?

The bridge is not very rusty, but the chrome on the bridgeplate is pitted and corroded. It is possible the plated saddles are newer, though the long intonation screws are somewhat rusty. The bridge cover was clearly on the instrument for quite a while, as there are compression lines where it sat, though only slight discoloration which didn't show in the bridge photo.

I don't think this bass has had much extended playing. There is no buckle rash, and little arm contour wear to speak of. It has sat in a cool dark place for a long long time, with some early heavy use, IMHO. The major dings are old looking to me.

The pickup magnets' tops and adjuster screws showed somewhat more rust, and the control knobs are clearly replacements.

The pickguard shows minor shrinkage around the top side of the pocket, where an edge of the full shield is peeking out. Some of the PG edges are lifted, indicating some pucker in the center.

The instrument is going back to its owner in a few hours, so I just don't have time to open up the electronics, which will have to wait for when Blake decides to brave it.

 

[Jim Carr]

A few more details...full body shots to follow soon.


Neck butt:

Body and pocket with shim (please excuse the dust):

Overview while partially disassembled:

 

[DaveDeVille]

nice pictures , beautiful bass ...

 

[Diogenes]

Not to sound un-informed,,,, but what's so great about it being a 66 instead of a 72?

The same as an 850 Commando vs a Rotary Classic.

 

[3toes]

Were the pinned tuners phased out in '66? I thought it was earlier than that, like '64...

 

[cnltb]

Does it sound alright?