Early 70's P bass

[BurningSkies]

I would 'mind' those things. It's a 74 or later, I'd want the original pickups. Value on that one should be on the low side, given the pickguard, electronics, pickups, bridge. You're paying for a body, neck and some tuners at that point.

 

[Panek]

The tuners are original, they can be seen on another picture.

I'm looking for a real vintage player, not a 100% original high-value vintage collectible. Don't even have the cash for one. I need something that's been played alot, with alot of wear and mojo, which I think would indicate that there are no problems with the body or the neck. And I can modify it to my liking and then play it for years.

So my question to Fender experts out there is - when I buy a vintage instrument online, is wear and tear made from years of playing a good indication that there is nothing wrong with the guitar?

 

[BurningSkies]

The tuners are original, they can be seen on another picture.

I'm looking for a real vintage player, not a 100% original high-value vintage collectible. Don't even have the cash for one. I need something that's been played alot, with alot of wear and mojo, which I think would indicate that there are no problems with the body or the neck. And I can modify it to my liking and then play it for years.

So my question to Fender experts out there is - when I buy a vintage instrument online, is wear and tear made from years of playing a good indication that there is nothing wrong with the guitar?

To me that's a 'give and take' proposition. An instrument with a lot of wear and tear could just be one that someone didn't take good care of, which leads to plenty of problems on its own. If you use stuff hard enough, it often falls apart, and/or suffers from the road (changes in temperature, humidity, general abuse). In some cases great instruments are well loved, well looked after and cared for. Someone who knows enough to adjust the neck properly and someone who cares enough to wipe the grime and sweat off the instrument is a good thing.

 

[MJ_Sotti]

69 neck, mahogany body Lawrence P46 & Tonestyler 10

 

[godofthunder59]

The good news is prices are way down, nows the time to buy.

 

[smcd]

So my question to Fender experts out there is - when I buy a vintage instrument online, is wear and tear made from years of playing a good indication that there is nothing wrong with the guitar?

Heavy wear and tear absolutely does NOT indicate a trouble-free, good sounding bass. More often than not it indicates a careless or stupid prior owner. Modifications usually indicate that an owner was unhappy with the instruments sound.

 

[9mmMike]

Great thread, loving the replies. I'm also in the market for a '70's P-Bass and pretty much the only way I can buy one is online, except for maybe 3 weeks during next year when I'll be in Canada.

I've got one that I'm interested in at the moment and as far as I know, one factor to look for is wear in the finish. Is that true? A lot of wear (the "mojo" that I love in old Fenders), should indicate that it sounds good enough that somebody played it every day and gigged it alot for the last 40 years or so.

What do you guys think?

That's not a bad theory as long as the "mojo" is not faked like so many these days. It is also possible that the PO was simply a brute and did not care for his bass.
I have read here on TB that this theory can be applied conversely as well. Old basses in excellent shape may be in that condition because they were simply awful to play.

Personally, I am not convinced there is a hard and fast rule that covers this.

I look for fit/finish and weight when I shop. It is easier to change a set of pups or level frets or even straighten a neck than lighten a bass or fix a large/sloppy neck pocket. In my opinion of course.

 

[Panek]

That's not a bad theory as long as the "mojo" is not faked like so many these days.

True, but I don't think '70's Fenders get faked a whole lot. '60's ones, that's a different story...

It is also possible that the PO was simply a brute and did not care for his bass.

Also true.

I have read here on TB that this theory can be applied conversely as well. Old basses in excellent shape may be in that condition because they were simply awful to play.

Exactly my point, there's a reason one was being used and abused constantly since 1975 and another one was sitting in storage in the corner of a local music store...

Personally, I am not convinced there is a hard and fast rule that covers this.

I look for fit/finish and weight when I shop. It is easier to change a set of pups or level frets or even straighten a neck than lighten a bass or fix a large/sloppy neck pocket. In my opinion of course.

I'm all for a used, abused, modified vintage Fender. It should be in my price range, and I would modify, play and abuse that bass the way I want anyway.

When it comes down to pulling the trigger, the only question that will matter is if the finish is honestly worn. I'll take care of everything else.