• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

How good are 78 precisions? I found a lefty one, but cannot try

X

xantometapon

Jan 23, 2011
81
3
#1
Hi everyone!!

I have found for sale a 78 Fender Precision Bass but I cannot test it, so I would like to ask you Fender experts if that was a good or bad year for Fender instruments.

Maybe somebody can send me a link to another thread where this issue is discussed.

The bass seems to be in very good shape and the price is the same as for a brand new 2013 MIA Precision.

Which one would you take?
 
#2
Throughout the 70s, they're very much hit or miss..... plenty of unremarkable, overly heavy Ps and Js.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one from that period without being able to play it.

If it was a really good price, and I had lots of very high resolution photos that would give me a very good idea of the authenticity and the playability, I might take a chance.

Otherwise, I'd get the brand new one. At least then you'll have a warranty and the possibility of swapping it entirely if there's any issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SanDiegoHarry and lz4005
#4
I have a '78 and it's my number 1 bass. But CBS quality was real hit and miss. Mine is extremely heavy and new ones weigh what feels like half the weight. Like everyone seems to be saying, if you can't try it, buy new and get a warranty!!
 
#5
I've got a 78 and it plays great. I bought it without testing it since I figured if I hated it I could easily sell it on since someone will always buy old fenders. It didn't arrive to me in the best condition since it had been left in a case for many many years but after literally taking it apart to clean it all and remove the rust, service it et al I couldn't be happier with the bass. Just remember what you like in an instrument won't be what suits other people, so even 'bad' fenders will be perfect to some musicians. No single instrument will work for every one, it only needs to work for you.
 
#6
I bought my 77/78 before I knew anything about Fender's quality reputation in that era. Still have it and it was my main player until I went short-scale for comfort's sake. Weighs a ton, but I love the way it feels and sounds in my hands.

Try b4u Buy!
 
#7
I have a 1978 Fender P-Bass, has a maple board with black body and has been modified with a Bartolini pickup and badass2 bridge....plays great and I will always keep it! Check out youtube to find different videos of guys testing the different year Fender P-Basses as it might help your decision.
 
#8
If you're buying from a place that has a generous return policy, like Guitar Center, then buy it. Otherwise, I agree with the others above who are saying "try before you buy". The bad years for Fender, IMO, are '74-'77. They seemed to get their act together starting in '78. But it's still on the fringe of a very bad quality era for that company.

As others above have also pointed out, basses made in '78 tend to be very heavy. I have a '78 Jazz. The overall fit and finish of that bass is superb, but it weighs a ton.
 
#10
Love my 78 P. Sure the Ash is a bit heavy but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a great sound. As a matter of fact, she sings like a bird and I can pull out rich bassy tones, sparkly treble and everything between with great sensitivity to my playing dynamics. Still, it's always a good idea to get your hands on any prospective instrument for a try out.
 
Last edited:
#11
Being a fellow lefty, older instruments tend to come up quite infrequently, especially here in Australia.
I happened across my Jazz by complete fluke, but it was mine immediately nonetheless. And I definitely won't be letting it go if I can help it.
I would pull the trigger - you won't have a hard time flipping it if it isn't for you.
 
#13
BruceWane said:
Throughout the 70s, they're very much hit or miss..... plenty of unremarkable, overly heavy Ps and Js.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one from that period without being able to play it.

If it was a really good price, and I had lots of very high resolution photos that would give me a very good idea of the authenticity and the playability, I might take a chance.

Otherwise, I'd get the brand new one. At least then you'll have a warranty and the possibility of swapping it entirely if there's any issues.
Click to expand...
More miss than hit. I know, someone is going to hurt that insulted their baby - but the facts are the facts: The '70s ARE fender's years of shame.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back