I have a P-Bass from 1983 that I purchased used some time ago. I recently found out how it was made in Fullerton and is very desirable. Before that I just knew that it was a great bass. It is black and white with a gorgeous laquered neck that plays like hot butter - this bass feels like it's an extension of your body. The pickups in it are not the originals. That is how I acquired it. I have been told that they are very rare. They are white EMG active pickups, possibly installed when the bass was new. I really don't know though, and I have not been able to find any old white active EMG bass pickups to compare them to. What I can tell you is that they sound great! Between the neck and these pickups this bass is about as close to being the perfect bass as any I've ever played. The neck almost plays itself and the EMG's roar like thunder.
I am primarily a guitar player. I always have a bass though, for recording mostly and occasional live use. I don't actually need such a valuable bass, and since I do need lots of other gear more than I need a collectible bass, I have considered selling it or trading it. I am not really sure what it's worth. It is in nice condition and in the original case, although the case has a couple of sore spots (or personality, if you want to go that route). The bass is not mint but it is very presentable. It has been played, but apparently cared for, over the years before I got it. I have seen prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 for similar Fullerton basses. I'm not sure how to value mine because of the pickups. I do not know what they are worth. I have found the correct original pickups for this bass selling for $200-$300, and I considered getting a set so the bass can be put back to original (everything else is 100% original except strings). But I'd keep the EMG pickups in there because they sound awesome. From what I gather the EMG's are worth more than the originals, but I have been unable to set a value or even see any like it. They are not fancy or anything - just white pickups that say EMG on them - but I have not seen any other vintage white EMG P-Bass pickups.
This is NOT a classified ad. I don't know if I'd even be able to part with it. But if anyone has any ideas about the value of the bass and/or pickups themselves I'd love to hear it.
I can take a few pics tomorrow if you want to see the bass. Thanks for any help you can offer!
I am primarily a guitar player. I always have a bass though, for recording mostly and occasional live use. I don't actually need such a valuable bass, and since I do need lots of other gear more than I need a collectible bass, I have considered selling it or trading it. I am not really sure what it's worth. It is in nice condition and in the original case, although the case has a couple of sore spots (or personality, if you want to go that route). The bass is not mint but it is very presentable. It has been played, but apparently cared for, over the years before I got it. I have seen prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 for similar Fullerton basses. I'm not sure how to value mine because of the pickups. I do not know what they are worth. I have found the correct original pickups for this bass selling for $200-$300, and I considered getting a set so the bass can be put back to original (everything else is 100% original except strings). But I'd keep the EMG pickups in there because they sound awesome. From what I gather the EMG's are worth more than the originals, but I have been unable to set a value or even see any like it. They are not fancy or anything - just white pickups that say EMG on them - but I have not seen any other vintage white EMG P-Bass pickups.
This is NOT a classified ad. I don't know if I'd even be able to part with it. But if anyone has any ideas about the value of the bass and/or pickups themselves I'd love to hear it.
I can take a few pics tomorrow if you want to see the bass. Thanks for any help you can offer!
