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Keeping 72 Precision value?

#2
I would put the originals in a box and install Duncans assuming you like the sound.
If the next buyer doesn't like the rewinder that you choose, you will loose value.
 
#7
What these guys are saying makes good sense. In my case though, I buy my basses for ME, and to heck with what the next owner might want. I'd take the originals to my local winder (who is a monster) have them rewound as close to stock as possible, and be a happy guy.

That's me though. If you don't roll that way the Antiquity II is a great pickup.
 
#8
your bass is 38 years old, and only you have played it. id go for the rewinding, you must surely dig this bass? i've been playing my main bass for 8 years and it has gathered much mojo... there's noway i could part with her!!!

if you're planning on selling it then go with replacements and keep the originals aside (maybe even worth while for a breath of fresh air, you can always get the pups rewinded later)
 
#9
Road-Dog said:
My 72 Precision pups have finally quit. I am trying to decide whether or not to replave the pups and put the originals in a box or have the originals rewound. If I ever sell this bass which way is the best to go to keep the value of the instrument? I have owned this bass since new and every screw,nut and bolt is original now.
Click to expand...

Hmm, what's the value of a bass with a dead pickup? :hmm:

The original pickups in my '73 Jazz quit. From what I understand, at that time they wound the coils over some masking tape wrapped around the pole pieces. After a few decades, the masking tape disintegrates, turns acidic, and dissolves the coils from the inside out, while they still look fine on the outside.

Anyway, I sent them off and had them rewound by Lindy Fralin. He claims they're rewound to original specs, but I don't remember the originals ever sounding this good.

I own my basses to play them, so I'm not shy about modifying them (you should see what else has happened to that Jazz while I've had it). If you're concerned about originality, Lindy also has replacement pickups; he will over/underwind them to your specification.
 
#10
I would have it rewound and keep chugging along. I agree with Cripula, heck with the next owner, if you bought this bass new and have been playing it all this time, what are the chances you are selling it now?

The main factor is also the hard core collectors don't like buying basses with dead electronics anyway, so if there is any devalue it will happen either way. But since vintage basses sell at inconsistant prices anyway, who cares.
 
#11
I'd have them rewound by someone reputable - you might not like the way the SDII's or Fralin replacement PU's sound in general...not saying they're bad, but they'll sound different

FWIW, I have a set of Fralin PU's in my 62 RI Precision, and I also have a 1962 Precision with ORIGINAL 62 PU's...the real 62 PU's sound WAYYY different than my Fralins...(I know, I know, so many other factors: Wood, Strings, Electronics, etc, but I'm just sayin...)

Like I said, the aftermarket PU's aren't necessarily worse, heck, you may love the way they sound, but they won't be the same as what you had - I'd almost bet on it.

I also agree that a bass with dead PU's won't be worth as much at all...but keep the bass for YOU, not some collector later down the road. I'd go for the rewind.
 
#12
Rewind. I belive keeping any vintage bass as near as 100% original will help maintain the value. Since vintage prices are down folks looking for a flaw to knock the price down further would have the upper hand if you change out the pups...maybe not allot but some.
 
#13
rickdog said:
Anyway, I sent them off and had them rewound by Lindy Fralin. He claims they're rewound to original specs, but I don't remember the originals ever sounding this good.
Click to expand...


I recently received my re-wound 77 Jazz pickups back from Mr Fralin. Wow, wow, wow and did I say wow? Huge difference. Bass sounds much fuller with even response now. I could not get good string to string balance on that bass before having Lindy Fralin rewind those pups for me. Well worth the money!
 
#15
If you're anticipating ever selling the bass (which I'm guessing is a possibility since you posted this in the first place), I agree with putting the originals in a box and popping in some aftermarket pickups, and letting the buyer have the originals rewound if they so choose. If you're never going to sell it, I'd say just get the originals rewound.
 
#16
Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up doing both for now.
Installed a set of Lollars,which sound really good and am sending the orginals to Fralin for rewind.
This is pretty much my main bass and I have to many bookings to be without it for any time. My luthier had some Lollars and put them in so I can keep working. After I get the originals back from Fralin I will decide whether to switch them or hold onto for later.
Microbass,you are right about mojo,this bass is an old and dear friend. It has been to 4 continents with me as well as travelled extensivly here in the U.S. I don't really ever planning on selling it,but will pass it down someday and would like it to stay original.
 

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