Help! Fender P-bass, transparent dark blue, white pickups, 70's black and gold logo, no serial

Did you question them about the serial #?? Sometimes they are just Photo-shopped out of pictures/

 

The bridge isn't from a 70s Precision. "Made In USA" is missing too. In some cases the serial number was removed from "grey imports". But why should someone remove the Made In USA?

 

Aftermarket replacement neck?

 

Fake.

Just compare the positioning/relative distances on the picture from the site that you've linked to with the bass in question. There would've been no room for the serial number under the "Fender" insignia to begin with.

If still in doubt, ask for pictures of the neck heel and joint.

But honestly, even if it were a Fender, would you want to be in the possession of a bass that was likely stolen at some point in its life? I know I wouldn't, but to each their own.

 

Yeah the "Made in USA" is literally falling off the edge of the head. The word "Fender" is positioned so low there was never a serial number under there. There are no marks left behind where the serial was "rubbed" off either.

The bridge is wrong but lots of guys replaced bridges back then.

Weren't 70s P bass truss rod adjustments at the head and not the heel? I could be wrong on that one.

At the very least we need a lot more pics.

Pots
Neck pocket
Neck heel
Neck plate
Back of the tuners
Under side of the pickup

 

No. Unlike Jazz Bass, standard Precision Bass of that era hasn't moved to 3-bolt neck design and the corresponding "bullet" truss rod.

 

It's real. The extra pickguard screw by the pickup is there. Replaced bridge. Probably was an S9 number. Will have a stamp at the butt end of the neck. White pickguard and pickup covers arrived by late '79 with no holes drilled for pickup and bridge covers.

 

I wouldn't touch it if the serial number was removed. It's either phony or stolen but in any event I don't like it, if it were me.

 

Real.

That transparent blue was a legit Fender color offered in 79/early 80’s . Not a common color, but legit nevertheless.

Not sure what happened with the logo sticker, however. More pics of the neck pocket, etc would help.

 

Yes you're right, I would not. I agree on these chances.

 

This looks very possible. The Made in USA is literally barely on the headstock. Waterslide decals I've seen have a bogus serial number on it so perhaps the owner removed it so as not to be even more confusing. I don't know, it depends what you're trading it for and whether the bass is still a viable player despite that. Probably best not to value this as anything other than at best a partscaster, at worst, a stolen instrument. I probably wouldn't do it personally if trading a bass of any value to me. Aren't there numbers on the pots too and in the neck pocket perhaps?

 

Run away is my opinion

 

Is it worth it to get it confiscated by the Police in a theft investigation? I know, long shot, but could happen and you would be out the value of the trade. Your decision.