So I've got an opportunity to buy a late 70's fender p bass for $1100. Right now I'm playing a mim p and am looking to upgrade. I've never played a bass from that era but I do know they are heavy instruments and this one weighs 10 lbs. I know they were built well and probably sound great but I'm just wondering if it's worth all that extra weight? I'm kind of one the fence about this, I mean is a 70's p bass something special that I should grab while I have the opportunity or are they kind of over rated? Also does the price sound fair or would I being paying a tad too much? thanks
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late 70's fender's
- Thread starter chief ten beers
- Start date
If you get a good one they are worth owning, but for that amount of $$$ I'd seriously consider buying a new Am. Std. P. They are some of the best production basses available in their price range.
1100 seems like a good price if its all original and not beat to hell. I owned lots of jazz and precisions from that era and yes they are heavy, but definitely worth it. My favorite of the bunch was a 77 jazz....
Because they vary a lot, and the "collector value", they can either be very very good deals, a horrible waste of money, or anywhere in between. For THIS thread, all generalizations are pretty much pointless. Judge the bass you have the opportunity to buy entirely on ITS own merits to YOU and nothing else. You have the chance to play it personally? If so, that means you can determine for yourself whether it's a good choice for YOU.
Don't listen to anyone pontificating about how bad they are, or how awesome they are (and I inject a lot of "they ain't as good as they should be for that money" when we're talking about that era in general). You're not buying a general example, you're buying a specific instrument. Therefore all the blather about sloppy neck pockets, so-so fret work, clumsy feeling necks, unique and wonderful tone, shoulder-breaking weight, iconic appearance, etc. are meaningless. Just play THIS chunk of wood and metal and decide if it works for YOU.
Now if the questions start to center on whether it's authentic, then post some detailed pictures and there are a lot of folks on TB who can help with the minutia of that frankly confusing era. But if you're sure it's what the buyer claims it to be, and you like that particular bass (and not just like the image of having a late '70s) then it's a good deal for YOU.
John
Don't listen to anyone pontificating about how bad they are, or how awesome they are (and I inject a lot of "they ain't as good as they should be for that money" when we're talking about that era in general). You're not buying a general example, you're buying a specific instrument. Therefore all the blather about sloppy neck pockets, so-so fret work, clumsy feeling necks, unique and wonderful tone, shoulder-breaking weight, iconic appearance, etc. are meaningless. Just play THIS chunk of wood and metal and decide if it works for YOU.
Now if the questions start to center on whether it's authentic, then post some detailed pictures and there are a lot of folks on TB who can help with the minutia of that frankly confusing era. But if you're sure it's what the buyer claims it to be, and you like that particular bass (and not just like the image of having a late '70s) then it's a good deal for YOU.
John
I don't know if you're upgrading if you're looking to purchase a late 70's Fender. That period was, and I think even Fender fans will agree, the low point in Fender's history. They weren't all bad, just mostly bad.
I've you've got one that is the exception, sure, go for it. Otherwise, +1 to those suggesting a new American Standard.
I've you've got one that is the exception, sure, go for it. Otherwise, +1 to those suggesting a new American Standard.
Sounds like a good deal...the heavier the better!! I don't understand why some complain about weight issues, it's like going to war - Be a man and strap on that 12 pound 4 string thing!
If it is original, sings well then "yes" its a good deal even over a American standard. It could increase in value or at least stay there where as soon as you take the AS off the floor it loses value.
I love 70's Fenders and paid a little more for my 78' Walnut P. It's neck is stable ,smooth and it has old school P bass tone at 10lbs even. It should hold its value and and is my main player. I also agree in a big way that build varies in any production basses and for these years Fenders it did allot so try before you buy.
I love 70's Fenders and paid a little more for my 78' Walnut P. It's neck is stable ,smooth and it has old school P bass tone at 10lbs even. It should hold its value and and is my main player. I also agree in a big way that build varies in any production basses and for these years Fenders it did allot so try before you buy.
+1.
I have 3 '70's Fenders (a '72 Jazz, '74 and '78 P's). They are all great, but my 2008 American Standard P is as good in ALL areas (tone, playability, build quality, etc.) if not better. Also, I played dozens of '70's Fenders before I settled on these, so IMO they are absolutely killer as far as '70's Fenders go....
I have also owned some dogs. My 1977 Jazz was 12+lbs and sounded like crap. Terrible bass.
Good price though, but make sure it sounds/plays good.
My problem is that I went to war, and my back is ruined now, so it's not really about being a man, it's about being comfortable enough to even get on stage.
I had a '78 that weighed 10.5 lbs. and IMO, it was worth every ounce. Paid $350 for it in '93, before it was "cool" to have a 70's Fender, LOL.
If you get a good one they are worth owning, but for that amount of $$$ I'd seriously consider buying a new Am. Std. P. They are some of the best production basses available in their price range.
This.
Just because it's vintage doesn't mean it's a good guitar. Its age and the fact that every era produced a few lemons means it's still a gamble.
And the contemporary Fender American Standard series is top-notch, arguably some of the best playing and sounding basses Fender has ever made.
I'm going through a similar struggle with the classic country band I'm currently playing with. I want something that fits the vintage vibe, but I'm not sure I should gamble my $$$ on a relic. A modern Am. Stnd. would be smarter, it will have the same look and the iconic P-Bass tone I seek.
Some of us don't have to prove ourselves as men by breaking our backs
Well... 11 lbs. isn't going to break anyone's back. I hope.
It *wildly* depends. The '70s were Fender's worst years, but some of their gear was good - it was just intensely inconsistent. You really need to play before you spend that kinda dough. If the bass plays / sounds good, then fine. But, if this was an internet thing, I'd say PASS.
