How important is having the original hardshell case to you?

[IamGroot]

A buddy of mine recently passed up a vintage P Bass that was, in his words, one of the best basses he’s ever played because it didn’t include the original hardshell case and that was the big dealbreaker for him.

His choice at the end of the day, but I think he’ll regret it. I feel like if it played and felt how I wanted I could get a new hardshell case from Fender. Thoughts? Do you feel the same way Is it a resale value thing for you? An authenticity thing?

You can't play the case.

I had a Chet Atkins Country Gentleman back in the 70s which didnt fit any locally available cases. I carried it around in a cardboard box.

 

[_Obra_]

To resurrect this topic after 3 years.

I just bought an original vintage case for my 1968 P bass. I'm not a collector, I'm a player, but since I bought '68 P bass, one and a half years ago I felt like something is missing and incomplete.

I totally understand all of the people who ''couldn't care less'' for original cases. I also have a good gigbag and a new Fender light hard case for every day, but having an original one was pretty important to me.
Even though it's beaten pretty much and fragile for it's 53 years old, I like it so much. It will probably not leave my house often, but for now my OCD is under control .

 

[Tom Bomb]

^ Good score ​

 

[swarfrat]

If I were going to lay out the money for a 52yo collectible instrument, the absolute last thing on earth I would want to put it in is a 52 year old piece of crap chipboard

 

[Tom Bomb]

I play the bass-case equivalent of musical chairs. In a bind, the go-to's a Bomb-proof hiscox case. But the picture shifts accordingly, and every picture tells a story, whenever the music stops
​

 

[GreyBeard]

Not all that important.

 

[selowitch]

It’s not all that important except insofar as it may help the bass retain its resale value in some instances. Often a quality aftermarket case will offer better protection and features compared to the OHSC.

 

[elgranluis]

Your friend is a reseller.

 

[ac100X]

I would buy the bass with the non-original case, then start my search for the matching case. I find searches like this fun, it may take years but eventually you can find almost anything. I know I have.

 

[Rabidhamster]

As long as the price is in line I can buy a replacement case eventually. Of course it also depends on whether I liked the OEM case to begin with.

Perhaps it was one of those "That vintage P bass was the best I've ever played but I wouldn't buy it because it doesn't have the original case"......of course the fact I'm thousands of dollars short on the price never entered the picture, if only that $300-$400 case was included I'd be all over it.

 

[chris_b]

I don't "collect" so this wouldn't be my approach when buying a bass.

IMO the OP's buddy shot himself in the foot. The bass and the case don't have to come as a pair. Get one and get the other when you find the right one.

 

[_Obra_]

I would buy the bass with the non-original case, then start my search for the matching case. I find searches like this fun, it may take years but eventually you can find almost anything. I know I have.

That's exactly what I have done