Is this a legit 1976 Precision Bass?

[gln1955]

What is the “Gasket” you mention @BassyBill ?

It prevents leaking mojo.

 

[Flaked Beans]

What about the Tele

Telecaster basses from the early '70s (not the '60s ones with the single coils) have 3 bolt microtilt neck plates as well. Ok, game over.

 

[txhawaii]

how much is the bass?

 

[Bobb Nagel]

I had a ‘76 P-Bass. It came with a black guard. What seems off here is the patent #s on the face of the headstock. Mine had only the serial number in larger lettering that started with S76.

 

[bobyoung53]

So... just the Jazz?

Yup, just the Jazz.

 

[themickster]

Hi all!

Just came across this one in the local classifieds, owner says it's 1976 all original Fender Precision. It doesn't have the pickup covers nor case.

I'm not an expert by any means in vintage Fenders, so if you can help me a little it will be much appreciated.

View attachment 4631977 View attachment 4631978 View attachment 4631979 View attachment 4631980 View attachment 4631981 View attachment 4631982 View attachment 4631983

Look up Kennis Russell on YouTube. He shows how to spot fakes and lets us send photos for checking. One thing he looks for is the string tree overhanging the logo. This one does, slightly.

 

[bobyoung53]

Telecaster basses from the early '70s (not the '60s ones with the single coils) have 3 bolt microtilt neck plates as well. Ok, game over.

I had a Tele, 73-74 with a 4 bolt neck.

 

[BassyBill]

Like between the neck plate and the body?

That’s right. I’m pretty sure these weren’t used on very early Fenders.I could be wrong, though.
@foal30

 

[Dalewyatt]

I had a ‘76 P-Bass. It came with a black guard. What seems off here is the patent #s on the face of the headstock. Mine had only the serial number in larger lettering that started with S76.

Early 1976 still had the serial # on the neck plate. Late 76 they changed to the smaller logo with the serial number. I also have a late 76 with headstock #.

 

[Bobb Nagel]

Early 1976 still had the serial # on the neck plate. Late 76 they changed to the smaller logo with the serial number. I also have a late 76 with headstock #.

Thanks for this. I was just online looking at one of the SN decoder sites. It suggested that using the S (1970’s) and E (1980s) etc was CBS’ attempt to tie the serial numbers to the manufacture year. 1976 was the year that this change began.

 

[Geogio]

I've forgotten much about dating these basses but does the neck pocket have serial numbers or some kind of embossment inside that matches the plate on the back?

 

[emdsd]

76 is a tricky year with serial numbers and Fender. I only know because I own one. There are 3 versions I know of:
1. Six digits XXXXXX
2. 76_XXXXX
3. S6_XXXXX

I have #2 version on headstock face.
Really need to go by pots on this one.
Hope this helps!

 

[mikezimmerman]

Not sure of exact dates, but they were in use in the mid-70s.

That’s right. I’m pretty sure these weren’t used on very early Fenders.I could be wrong, though.
@foal30

 

[TTPbass1]

Ok, have been talking to the seller and here's the story:

The bass is from his uncle who bought it on the US on a trip about 30 years ago. The original case apparently was left on the US and the bass carried on a soft bag to Peru. It had the original metal bridge and pickup covers but they are lost by now. The pickguard was replaced a few years ago for an anodized gold from a 58 precision (Reissue???), original pickguard also lost.

Will take a look and test the bass tomorrow or friday, price is very good and tempting, that's why I'm being extremely cautious...

 

[foal30]

That’s right. I’m pretty sure these weren’t used on very early Fenders.I could be wrong, though.
@foal30

I still cannot see anything resembling a Gasket or anything else odd between the neck plate and body?

Potentially I am overthinking this thread

 

[bassliner50]

It looks very much like my '78 Precision shown in my avatar to the left. My pickguard is black, maple neck and the body is faded white on my bass. This bass never needs adjustment. Stabile neck and build! I am very pleased with its tone and response. It is all original in its original tweed hard case. I see your body is dark. I did not know a brown body was available in the 70's.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

It looks very much like my '78 Precision shown in my avatar to the left. My pickguard is black, maple neck and the body is faded white on my bass. This bass never needs adjustment. Stabile neck and build! I am very pleased with its tone and response. It is all original in its original tweed hard case. I see your body is dark. I did not know a brown body was available in the 70's.

I’m pretty sure that color was called walnut. Here is a 78 in the same color.

 

[bassliner50]

I’m pretty sure that color was called walnut. Here is a 78 in the same color.
View attachment 4632501

Walnut would be my favorite then. Very nice bass!!!

 

[ElliottStrong]

I'm thinking it's a refin. Those pictures could be better. Neck, tuners, neckplate look legit.

What makes you think that it's a refin?

 

[mongo2]

No Tele 3 bolt

Some Telecaster guitars and Telecaster basses had 3 bolt necks.

So I amend my post to...as far as basss of that era are concerned...

Just Jazz basses and Telecaster basses (bullet trussrod versions).