Fender precision 73 Bass with crack in headstock

[sarlscharisma]

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?

 

[Jim Carr]

Has the crack been repaired in some reasonable way. These kinds of cracks are common, but obviously not desirable.

Got pics?

 

[DutchDude]

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?

 

[sarlscharisma]

Here are some pics of said instrument:

 

[moomoocajoo]

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.

 

[bmc]

walk away. Or offer him $1,000.

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

 

[Nitkin]

Bit expencieve i think. And judging by the truss rod bullet it`s not from `73.

 

[Chef]

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.

 

[Stereo Joe]

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....

 

[jgsbass]

Thats a bad place for a crack. Not a $2800 bass anymore

 

[southshoreconor]

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....

i got a 77 with no cracks for 1200 just a few months ago. they're out there.

 

[EagleMoon]

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.

 

[Jim Carr]

Here are some pics of said instrument:
...

I'd show the photos to an experienced repair person. These kinds of cracks obviously can be repaired,
but it will cost a bit.

 

[bassteban]

Your title say 'Precision' but the pic is a Jazz.

 

[dave79]

Bit expencieve i think. And judging by the truss rod bullet it`s not from `73.

"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."
Invalid Link Removed

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

 

[BurningSkies]

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.

 

[pattern_skies]

Wouldn't go near that. Check out Gruhns, they have a few 1970's basses for reasonable prices.

 

[no1likesme]

Run away

 

[lostrings]

This is my 73' headstock...Bullet trusrods came in late 74' on...

 

[WarriorJoe7]

Most I'd pay for that is $1500 and that would be a stretch.