Fender precision 73 Bass with crack in headstock

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by sarlscharisma, Jun 30, 2008.

  1. sarlscharisma

    sarlscharisma

    Nov 6, 2007
    Hi,

    Thinking of buying a '73 fender jazz bass with crack in headstock about 1/2 inch long from neck end of headstock to start of e-string tuning peg. Bass is selling for $2800.

    Should I not go anywhere near it or take a chance?
     
  2. Jim Carr

    Jim Carr Dr. Jim

    Jan 21, 2006
    Denton, TX or Kailua, HI
    fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
    Has the crack been repaired in some reasonable way. These kinds of cracks are common, but obviously not desirable.

    Got pics?
     
  3. DutchDude

    DutchDude

    Sep 12, 2007
    I wouldn't even think about paying 2800 dollar if it has a crack in the headstock, not only because of that but because I don't think a CBS-bass is worth that muchor am I wrong?
     
  4. sarlscharisma

    sarlscharisma

    Nov 6, 2007
  5. If there's one place on a bass I wouldn't want a crack it'd be there. For me it'd be a deal breaker at that price. Significantly less and as long as it was stable I'd consider it.

    Just my opinion. But i think the asking price is way too high.
     
  6. bmc

    bmc

    Nov 15, 2003
    Switzerland
    walk away. Or offer him $1,000.

    Not worth $2800. You will be challenged to sell it. Walk away.
     
  7. Nitkin

    Nitkin

    Aug 10, 2002
    Barcelona,Spain
    Bit expencieve i think. And judging by the truss rod bullet it`s not from `73.
     
  8. Chef

    Chef In Memoriam

    May 23, 2004
    Columbia MO
    Staff Reviewer; Bass Gear Magazine
    Ahhhh...the crack.
    Looks like it's been there a good long time, but, that's a high stress point.
    Is the bass local to you? Can you "see the crack move by applying pressure?''
    Sometimes these can be fixed with water weight super glue #10, and an overnight clamping.


    There's nothing amazingly special about a 73 Jazz, there's more out there.
    It will effect re-sale, as you see it effecting your willingness to buy it.
    I'd probably pass unless I were just deleriously in love with it, and sure to keep it a hella long time.
     
  9. Just to put it in perspective, I have a '76 Precision with a crack in the neck near the headstock. I paid $1000 for it....
     
  10. jgsbass

    jgsbass

    May 28, 2003
    Floral Park, NY
    Thats a bad place for a crack. Not a $2800 bass anymore
     
  11. southshoreconor

    southshoreconor

    Oct 30, 2007
    The Road
    Endorsing Artist: Fender Musical Instruments, SIT strings

    i got a 77 with no cracks for 1200 just a few months ago. they're out there.
     
  12. I'd walk away. There's nothing special about 70's Fenders. I've had several. The new '08 models are much better basses overall. Save yourself some cash and buy one of the new ones.
     
  13. Jim Carr

    Jim Carr Dr. Jim

    Jan 21, 2006
    Denton, TX or Kailua, HI
    fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
    I'd show the photos to an experienced repair person. These kinds of cracks obviously can be repaired,
    but it will cost a bit. :eyebrow:
     
  14. Your title say 'Precision' but the pic is a Jazz. :confused:
     
  15. dave79

    dave79 Rest well Fish

    "Late 1971: truss rod changed to adjust at the peghead behind the nut with a "bullet" system on Stratocasters and Jazz Basses. Telecaster and Precision Bass keep traditional truss rod system."
    http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html#specs

    Next change to the neck was the micro-tilt in late '73.
     
  16. BurningSkies

    BurningSkies CRAZY BALDHEAD

    Feb 20, 2005
    Syracuse NY
    Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
    Interesting since I've never seen a bullet on a 73 Jazz, and I also did a quick search and found no pictures of 73's with the bullet and plenty with the regular plug in that place.
     
  17. pattern_skies

    pattern_skies

    Jan 14, 2008
    Australia
    Wouldn't go near that. Check out Gruhns, they have a few 1970's basses for reasonable prices.
     
  18. no1likesme

    no1likesme

    Dec 26, 2006
    Shepherd, MI
    Run away
     
  19. This is my 73' headstock...Bullet trusrods came in late 74' on...
    1973JazzBass003.jpg
     
  20. WarriorJoe7

    WarriorJoe7 Inactive

    Mar 12, 2004
    Syracuse, NY
    Most I'd pay for that is $1500 and that would be a stretch.