Legit '61 P bass?

[bushbass]

Yes, this is another legit vintage Fender post. I'm no expert on anything bass or Fender but my favourite bassists all play old Fenders so I'd love to try one sometime.
The biggest tipoff for me is the price seems way too low for a '61. Also, it's in good shape, no major paint chips. It is missing a pick guard screw though. I'm also not sure if the tug bar is right.
What say you, vintage Fender experts?
*Edit* forgot the link, lol!
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Mr.Fingers]

Nope, it looks like a Custom-Shop '59 Precision Bass. Not the "Journeyman Relic" version, but the mint-version from a few years back.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Bodeanly]

Looks like a legit reissue.

 

[bushbass]

Looks like a legit reissue.

Hmm... That's quite possible.

 

[Runnerman]

Get the serial number....you'll know for sure.

 

[bushbass]

Get the serial number....you'll know for sure.

Yeah, I already asked. Waiting to see if the seller replies.

 

[FenderOli]

The 59 pickguard (10 holes) could be replaced - the hole at the body is missing near the knobs.
But with this pictures it could be anything in the PBass World.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

I agree with Fenderoli, but does look like a reissue.

 

[farace]

What is up with the string spacing?

 

[bholder]

What is up with the string spacing?

It definitely needs a new nut, but the spacing at the bridge is messed up too (and differently).

 

[DWBass]

Reissue

 

[Matt O]

+1 reissue of some sort. Probably CS as others have stated.

Serial will clear it up provided it hasn't been swapped. A pic of the back of headstock would help too, provided the CS logo wasn't removed. A look at the neck butt and disassembled body would help, too.

I don't think the nut is bad, though. It looks like the strings are completely de-tuned slack. Look at strings between nut and pegs, totally slack. The second picture is distorted by cell phone camera so the nut looks wonky. First pic looks more "normal". String spacing problem is due to strings resting on threaded bridge in incorrect spots.

I'd be concerned with why the seller has slacked the strings for the pics. Could be due to truss issue.

All that said, a CS in good shape aint all that bad or all that great for $2k, I'd say that's high market value. But, that ain't no '61 so...

 

[George Himmel]

What is up with the string spacing?

It definitely needs a new nut, but the spacing at the bridge is messed up too (and differently).

Strings aren't under tension. Nut still might be off, but I bet the strings just aren't down in the saddles at all. Either way, not a '61 unless about everything has been replaced/refin'd.

 

[bholder]

Strings aren't under tension. Nut still might be off, but I bet the strings just aren't down in the saddles at all. Either way, not a '61 unless about everything has been replaced/refin'd.

yeah, oops, missed that.

 

[valloti]

Might even be the MiM '59. That's worth one fourth of that price second hand. If it's a reissue the serial's gonna be weird, he should unbolt the neck and see the date of manufacture. If it's a real '61 I'D PAY THAT AMOUNT RIGHT AWAY PLUS ANY SHIPPING COST TO BRING IT TO GERMANY!!!!

 

[bass71]

Tuners look original ie the top edges are smoothed over, and they have the large centre slot ..not even sure the custom shop can replicate them.

 

[arbiterusa]

WOW IT LOOKS BRAND NEW WHATTA DEAL.

It's a legit bass of some sort. Just not from 1961.

 

[Tom Howland]

it's a reissue. And not a 61. Looks more like a 59.

 

[Lowbrow]

Tough to tell from these pix as any of a number of mod/refinish possibilities are possible. It has a slab board like a 61, which is the only identifier I can make out. Headstock looks too clean and neat for a 55 year old bass, tho, IMO.

 

[Glazenn]

Nope, it looks like a Custom-Shop '59 Precision Bass. Not the "Journeyman Relic" version, but the mint-version from a few years back. Invalid Link Removed

The tuning posts in the OP are long shaft with the rivet (and probably reverse gear), but I cannot see the small recess in the center (on each side of the slot) that I was expecting... comparing to AVRIs or CS reissues.
Replacement '57 10-hole gold anodised PG. 1 screw hole is very typically missing in the body with the original 13-hole PG. Four other screwholes are hidden under the PG.

I cannot discard a CIJ/MIJ or MIM reissue. Rosewood fingerboard are for '62 or '60s.