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Is this a real 70s P Bass?

#2
Can't really say from the small pictures.
But I can't see anything glaringly wrong.
There are a whole slew of pics necessary to actually determine authenticity. Like the front&back of the headstock, the pot codes, neck pocket and butt, etc. They have to be big and clear, which these ain't.
But from those pics, I'd say it looks good, maybe a '76.
Maybe one of the experts will chime in. :help:
 
#3
Impossible for me to tell with these pics. However, the finish looks very pristine, the position of the thumb rest says later '70s, and the tuners and other hardware seem possibly correct. The pick guard and lack of yellowing on the head stock bother me.

Get pics under pick guard, of neck heel, neck pocket, back, closeup of back of head stock, bridge, pickup and control cavities.
 
#6
That bass looks like an original '74/'75 P, the headstock is not yellowed (:eyebrow:), as J.C. mentioned above but this one has a pretty clean (unyellowed - unaged) headstock too (pics below).
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#9
Actually, IMHO the Elderly P does look yellowed, but that is one of the things that is not only subjective, but also affected by photographic variables.

I agree it looks like a mid 70s, but the pick guard is BWB, or some such variant, isn't it? Also the Elderly bass has the nickel tuners, as compared to the chromed ones on the bass being considered. The chrome seems wrong.
 
#10
The details I see, yeah it's a 74 to early 76, and it sure looks like it's all there. But of course large pics would be best.

The tuners appear to be the correct nickel non-tuxedo tail tuners just like the ones in the Elderly pic, they just appear to be polished up back to a shine.
 
#12
Good news guys! I bought the bass and it really looks legit. And it's in decent shape. No major dings but it does have wear telling me it's been around. I'm gonna take the pick guard off and check some things. I don't think i'm comfortable taking the neck off so i'll probably bring it to a guy tommorow. Oh did i mention it only cost me $550!!!!!

I bought it from an older lady who said it was her husbands. I told her that i think this was worth around $2000 and she told me she liked me so she gave it to me for $550.

I love old ladys!:p

Oh also i looked up the serial number on the neck plate and it looks like that dates it to a 76.
 
#19
ADBass1991 said:
OK i got the courage to take the neck off and there were no problems. These are the best photos i can take please tell me what you guys think.

http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz230/adbass1991/

The pots are in bad shape it seems. When i plug it in it hisses like crazy and only puts out volume when the volume is all the way up. Any ideas on how (if) i can fix this myself?
Click to expand...

Gnice score indeed. That is indeed correct for 76ish.

You should just replace the volume pot (or have someone do it for you if you're not experienced at soldering). Just make sure you keep the original with the bass, in case you ever want to sell it. If you have all of the original parts it will end up retaining more value.
 
#20
Go to radio shack or your local auto parts store and get some contact cleaner. Spray inside the pot and down the shaft and spin it about a dozen times and see if that helps.
Neck dates 73, pickups date 74, body routs and thumbrest say late 74. $550! Go buy a lottery ticket. Enjoy your bass!
 

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