Is this a '71 P-Bass?

Looks alot like my 1970 P-Bass. I would believe it is a '71

 

I don't think they were still using the threaded bridge saddles like that in 71 where they?

 

Maybe, though the bridge is wrong. What serial number does the neck plate show?
Have you checked the Pot dates? The arm wear on the body finish looks a bit too smooth for poly, to me.
Tuners look too new, IMHO.

I'm not saying no, just need more info.

 

The decal looks spot on . . . for a bass that's actually older, say from 1969. The threaded saddles also indicates older. I don't have a photo of the 1971 but I'd be willing to say yes so far. Verify the Serials . . .

 

Looks like it was put together using vintage original parts. Those tuners are WAY too new and they were not companion to that bridge since the beginning. You need to take the bass apart and compare to what you see on this website:

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html

 

That looks to be a replacement p/g as well. . No holes for the tug bar.

Probably a newer replacement.

Could be repro tuners too.

Yes, they look way too new as compaired to the rest of the bass.

 

Was the bass in a case in a closet for 38 years?

 

What kind of money are they asking for it?

It's clearly not an all original 71, so keep that in mind. Sounds like it's an early 70's neckplate at least.


Could be a great player though.

 

Compare these tuners:

To these genuine '71s:



Do the body stampings that hold the tuner shaft look the same? Are the shaft lengths the same?

Since this instrument is not in your possession, can you ask the seller for photos of the neck butt and pot dates?

 

according to the fender bass book:

the tuners are later 70's at the earliest since the metal of the clover is squared off rather than meeting the post at an angle. the threaded bridge was discontinued in 1969, and a 69-73 bridge should have an extended screw on the G string, so this bridge may be older.

the serial number does indicate 71

 

Good Catch!

So far we have:

Pickguard
Bridge
Tuners

hmmmnnn......

 

I feel pretty certain that prices in Japan are not going to be exactly like those in the US. However, here is a very nice '74 (admittedly a less desireable year ) going for about $2600 in the US:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1974-VINTAGE-FE...oryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There is also a "fair" '66 (desireable year, no case, and BAII bridge) on for sale on US ebay listed from S. Korea, for ~$4,500 plus $300 shipping.

I think the '71 instrument posted has to be considered a parts bass to a certain degree. I also think the owner is either unaware of the facts concerning this instrument, or is withholding information. If it were in the US and I were bidding on it, I think my top bid would be around $2000 US.

I think of it this way: If a clean 1971 P-bass with original case = ~$3500, then I'd discount that by these (approx.) values:
tuners changed = -500
bridge changed = -150
pickguard changed = -150
finish issues = -200
non-original case = -500

Resultant price with changed parts, etc. = ~$2000 US.

All IMHO!!!

 

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html#serial

this should help.

 

You are welcome, kenjikun, but remember, this "estimate" is based on the US market PLUS my personal opinion on the "parts" issue. If you look at US ebay, you can see the S. Korean bass is considerably higher.

I would presume this is due to scarcity, but I may be wrong. Also, you can research completed auctions, which might give you a more detailed picture of how sales are going in the current economic conditions. Good luck!!

 

I don't know but they blew away the newer ones, you can adjust the strings where you want them. Looks pretty authentic to me. I had a Candy Apple Red 68 P bass years ago.It looks in pretty damn good shape to me, pick guard is not original though it's supposed to have two wholes where the thumb rests where, I see a generic plate there instead, can you play it, that is 99% of it's worth right there, does it sound and play good? I've played pre-CBS basses that didn't live up ti the to hype at all but have fallen in love with a 65 sunburst with an A neck, broke my heart when, I went to get money and she had run off with the first guy that flashed more in her eyes than I previously,
How do you know how these old basses play and how do they sound before you try one out? If I going to spend 2 or 3 grand or even more on an old Fender you can bet I'll play it before I bid. If you are looking for an old fender the money is secondary be prepared to spend a lot especially from a dealer although there are still surprises out there..

 

Irrelivent, we're talking about originality here, which is going to dictate the price.

That bridge w/ those saddles is NOT correct for a 1971 Precision, nor are the tuners, nor the pickguard, possibly the finish etc. etc.

This is all important stuff when trying to come up with a price for this particular bass.

You don't want to pay an "all original" price , for what is basicly a "parts bass".