I just saw in the local paper a bass for sale. I called up the lady that's selling it, and she said it's a japanese Fender p-bass. It was taken to a music shop and they said it was worth $810, and she's selling it for $450. My main question is: Did Fender only make P-bass Lytes in Japan, or did they make the regular single pickup design, too? Also, is the neck on a P-bass lyte smaller than those on standard P, in the circumfrence sense, like a Jazz?
yes they did make regular P-basses the P bass lyte is generally smaller and slimmer that doesn't sound like it's worth it though! 450 for a P-bass? i don't think so...you can get a NEW Made in America P-bass for around 500 at musiciansfriend.com
Actually, yes, MF has a Metallic Purple American Standard Precision listed for $499.99. Other colors are $599.99 and up. The newer American Series Precisions start at $879.99. So, if you like Metallic Purple, you can get a bargain. Having said that, I play a MIJ P-Bass made in about 1985. I paid $400 for it last year w/OHSC. I have been told by various Fender-philes that that was about the right price, i.e., not exactly a screaming deal, but not too bad, either. There were a lot of different models made in Japan in the '80's and early '90's. The Lytes have the same neck profile as a Jazz. My MIJ P has a C neck and is nearly indistinquishable from MIA basses until you look close. There were also some with factory EMG's, and some with a P-J setup.
As a reference I got an 89 MIJ jazz bass for$ 380 about a year ago from Sam Ash and it is in almost brand new condition. Also on E-bay MIJ p's and j's have gone between $280 and $500. I agree with tallguybcs If you like it and its in really good shape $400 seems fair.
Can anyone quote me a price on this Japanese P-Bass attached. It's the Sting version (brand new) see below
