Is this a legit 1976 Precision Bass?

[Plain Old Barry]

I thought they were using plastic control knobs in the late 70s? Could be wrong

My '79 came with metal knobs when I bought it new.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Looks like it has a neck plate gasket. I don’t know if that means anything at all. I don’t remember seeing those gaskets until relatively recently, but that could mean nothing at all.

My '79, purchased new, has the gasket.

 

[fretlessman71]

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

Potentially I am overthinking this thread

Look carefully at the neckplate in the picture with the serial number scratched out in pink in the OP.

You will notice a thin black border to the neckplate that you might have passed off as a reflection of the edge.

This is the beaded edge of the "gasket", and the neckplate fits into this much like a case for a smartphone, and both are then screwed to the body.

Here's what they look like new: https://www.amazon.com/Baoblaze-Guitar-Plastic-Cushion-Protective/dp/B07B9YBYMB

 

[Rabidhamster]

Looks ok to me. If that non original guard turned out to be an original vintage anodized pick guard that would be better than having the original, price wise. It most likely isn't an original, though.

The neck has been removed on that thing a time or two already.

 

[foal30]

Look carefully at the neckplate in the picture with the serial number scratched out in pink in the OP.

You will notice a thin black border to the neckplate that you might have passed off as a reflection of the edge.

This is the beaded edge of the "gasket", and the neckplate fits into this much like a case for a smartphone, and both are then screwed to the body.

Here's what they look like new: https://www.amazon.com/Baoblaze-Guitar-Plastic-Cushion-Protective/dp/B07B9YBYMB

Gotcha, thanks for that.

My 76 doesn’t have that and he’s I thought the OP instrument was neckplate directly into the body

 

[Chickenwheels]

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.

Then is a 75 logo. The bass could be early 76 before the headstock logo got smaller and the serial got put on too.

 

[hypercarrots]

Looks legit to me. The pickguard should be a three ply I think.

My 76 is a 4 ply white black white black.

 

[rylie]

I own a '76 Fender J bass. Just below the Fender decal, on the headstock, is the instrument serial number
Then Google this: fender serial number dater
You will have several options to date the bass by serial number

 

[FranF]

Other than the oft-mentioned pickguard, that bass is a legit early '76 in Walnut. Only question remaining is the originality of the pots and pickups.

 

[FranF]

It looks pretty legit. I think it has a Shim in the neck pocket. I'd check it for a Ski-Jump.. I also don't think it's Refin but Maybe. Could be original Walnut Brown or whatever they called it.

Shim? How can you tell?

 

[txhawaii]

@TTPbass1 I hope this post didn't make you very confused. There are too many people fussing over gaskets, plates, labels so I am not sure if you will get your answer other than get confused. Best thing to do is trust yourself when you see the instrument and and try to play it. If you have doubts, see if you can go to a music store. I tried to search for a Fender dealer and I found several stores in Miraflores. See if a shop will tell you if the bass is ok or authentic. Or try to find someone you can trust to go with you who knows instruments. But if the price is right, then take it if you can afford it. If you can't afford it nor take a chance, you are better off not buying it. But life is always challenging. You just need to find your own solution and not let this forum confuse you.

 

[definenredefine]

Legit or not, that bass is gorgeous. Honestly, I think the price is more about what it's worth to you. If you play and love how it plays and sounds (and looks to boot), and you think those factors justify the asking price, then go for it. Whether or not it's a '76 doesn't affect any of that; it just affects resale value.

...just my opinion. I should note that I got burned once buying what I thought was a Highway One Jazz that turned out to be a poorly painted Squier with an MIJ Fender neck. It worked out because I absolutely love it, but there's no way I could sell it for what I paid for it.

 

[FunkHead]

Shim? How can you tell?

The neck looks raised up a little and maybe tilted away from the pick guard just a tiny bit.

 

[Lowbrow]

Looks good to me. Headstock, truss plug, etc. And is that Crimson Red Transparent? The secret agent of all Fender colors?!?! I love that color.
I wouldn't care at all about the pick guard. If it plays good and you are happy with the price it looks nice.

Me back when with my new ‘80 Crimson Red Transparent. I’m thinking the OP’s bass is Walnut (if it’s original finish).

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Waiting for the NBD post on this one.
If the pickups and pots are original, this is would be an amazing bass.

 

[TTPbass1]

@TTPbass1 I hope this post didn't make you very confused. There are too many people fussing over gaskets, plates, labels so I am not sure if you will get your answer other than get confused. Best thing to do is trust yourself when you see the instrument and and try to play it. If you have doubts, see if you can go to a music store. I tried to search for a Fender dealer and I found several stores in Miraflores. See if a shop will tell you if the bass is ok or authentic. Or try to find someone you can trust to go with you who knows instruments. But if the price is right, then take it if you can afford it. If you can't afford it nor take a chance, you are better off not buying it. But life is always challenging. You just need to find your own solution and not let this forum confuse you.

Thank you @txhawaii for your advice. The only authorized Fender dealer in Miraflores is Musicmarket, and their seller know less than the average players about Fender and their instruments. I was there a month ago to buy a Precision bass, and they couldn't answer a single question about woods types or pickup models on the basses they have stock. I went with the intention of buying an American Professional II, but at the end went for the Player that on my ears sounded way more pbass than the AMPROII.

 

[mooseonbass]

I bought a '76 new in '76. It had both metal knobs and the gasket behind the neck plate.

 

[TTPbass1]

Thank you all for your comments and guidance, sadly I just have been contacted by the seller to tell me that he already sold the bass. I thought we had an agreement to close the deal today after inspecting the bass, but seems like he sold it to someone he knew. My search for a 70s P continues...

 

[definenredefine]

Sorry to hear that. Here's to hoping that you eventually find your 70s P and it's at least as pretty as that one.

 

[Lowbrow]

Sorry, TT.