Incoming NBD: 1972 P bass

[Fitz]

That refinish doesn’t look real or natural at all—it’s crazed like a piece of fired ceramic. I’d just do something simple and go black, white, or sunburst. And get rid of the gold pickguard for sure. Black or white will obviously be cheaper and easier to get right the first time.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you want a natural aged look, that is tough to beat. I'd slap on proper pups, bridge, and knobs (all new hardware worn by tossing in a box of sand/pebbles), and just play it for a while.

 

[H2okie]

Hello,
I have fallen victim to the all consuming illness that is GAS. I saw this 1972 P bass on Reverb. Everything besides the body, neck, and tuners have been replaced. I made an offer and got it for a great price, so that really doesn’t bother me. It was refin’d by MJT. I plan on restoring this bass to as it would have come in 1972. I already have a set of Fender P pickups from 1971, so the restoration should be a breeze. I will be selling the lollar overwound pup and vintage badass 2 bridge.
Pics!
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One thing concerns me. What color should I refinish it in? I am interested in any color that would have been part of the 1970-1972 color catalogue.

I have a buddy with a 75 P w/ BA 2 bridge. I love that thing as is! I would recommend playing it for a while. changing pups to find ur favorite tone. I put Bill Lawrence in mine and love them. I had planned to restore refinish my '69J ... but I'm glad I never did ... I just put on a new tort pick guard! Ur's seems like a nice score begging for Tort and some P46's from Becky Wilde!

 

[Honkey tonk]

Black with a white pickgaurd would be the favorable flavor of that vintage

 

[BEADG63]

I voted Other...as in leave it be. I love the look as is, but it's your bass.

 

[74hc]

I would just change out the pick guard for a black one, and be done with it.

 

[antfarm]

natural with black pickguard.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

I vote LPB (w/tort guard), but only because you are set on refinishing it. Otherwise, I would say to leave it as-is. Congrats!

 

[electracoyote]

Relic'd Mary Kaye White, maple board, and gold anodized PG?!?!?!? I wouldn't change a thing. Set up and strung to taste, it's go time just as-is. (Okay, I might put the knobs back on.)

 

[stretch80]

FWIW, my 70s P's Olympic White is now much more of a cream...

 

[JIO]

as is -

 

[2112]

Sir... I respectfully request that you do not change anything about that bass, for it is the epitome of sweet, sweet mojo. Thank you for considering this.

Respectfully,
Some old bass dude.

 

[BobKos]

I like your bass exactly as it is. I built one similar to it. Other than the relic touches, my bass is very similar to yours.

Wondering why you would change the high quality Lollar out for a stock 70's Fender pickup? Truth told the bass isn't a collectible so you are entitled to a practical upgrade such as the pickup. There is a reason players did and still do swap out Fender stock pickups. The Lollar is probably a better Fender pickup than the one you are going to install. JMHO.

Enjoy your new find and congrats on a deal made on your terms. Always feels like a huge win!

 

[coy garcia]

I'd leave it alone and put small screws in all the extra holes to fill it. I have a fenderstein like that and I never have to worry about a new ding. This should be a better player than original..congrats!!

 

[Thebrownarrow]

Leave it! It looks awesome as it IMO.

 

[JKB1957]

I voted for Olympic White but after looking at the pics. Man, that bass has some history and Mojo! I would leave it as is and replace the pickups if needed. That bass has been through a lot, so just play it and enjoy the ride.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I vote LPB (w/tort guard), but only because you are set on refinishing it. Otherwise, I would say to leave it as-is. Congrats!

Thanks! I was set on refinish, but now this blonde refin is growing on me. I think Im gonna leave it be with the exception of the pickguard, knobs, bridge and pickup.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I like your bass exactly as it is. I built one similar to it. Other than the relic touches, my bass is very similar to yours.

Wondering why you would change the high quality Lollar out for a stock 70's Fender pickup? Truth told the bass isn't a collectible so you are entitled to a practical upgrade such as the pickup. There is a reason players did and still do swap out Fender stock pickups. The Lollar is probably a better Fender pickup than the one you are going to install. JMHO.

Enjoy your new find and congrats on a deal made on your terms. Always feels like a huge win!

Thank you! I mostly agree with you, the finish is staying. I’m replacing the Lollar pup not only because it’s period correct, but I love the tone from the Fender pup. I put it in my MIM P and have recorded with it many times. Such a meaty tone but with clear definition and attack. Here are some links of me playing with it.

Rising Tides (Demo) - Absolute Pursuit
War Pigs- 71 P bass Pickup

 

[Lowbrow]

Check out this gnarly sucker on Reverb now: Fender Precision Bass 1976 Olympic White | SS VINTAGE | Reverb

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Check out this gnarly sucker on Reverb now: Fender Precision Bass 1976 Olympic White | SS VINTAGE | Reverb

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Gnarly indeed! Late 70’s blackguard P’s are lean, mean, hard rockin machines. Reminds me of my 76 P. Bass on the left.