Legit 78 Precision??

[mmbongo]

Well I never thought I'd be the subject of a 'is this a real Fender???' thread, but here we are!

A guy at work brought it to me to look at. He said his recently passed away uncle had it since the 70's. Serial checks out to be 77/78. I'm no Fender expert but appears to be mostly original.

The only thing that really stood out is the truss rod cover fill-in at the headstock. But like I said, that may be how they did it back then. Also not sure if the thumb rest was added.

But here are the pics, please Fender guys share your thoughts on it!

 

[The Bass Clef]

Looks legit from the pics, but we’d need to see “under the hood” to tell you for sure (and to tell you if the electronics and finish are original). I’m guessing the “antigua” finish is original as it’s not an easy or common color to refinish in. The “S8” ser. # is correct for 1978-82, but the last several digits are defintiely missing (sanded off?). Should be S8 + 5 digits. That usually means it was stolen at some point in its life unfortunately. The truss rod plug on the heastock is correct BTW. Also, to date it more accurately (as the “S8” ser. # were used well into the early ‘80s), you’d need to look at the pot and pickups codes, as well as take the neck off and read the stamp on the heel.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Looks legit from the pics, but we’d need to see “under the hood” to tell you for sure (and to tell you if the electronics and finish are original). I’m guessing the “antigua” finish is original as it’s not an easy or common color to refinish in. The “S8” ser. # is correct for 1978-82, but the last several digits are defintiely missing (sanded off?). Should be S8 + 5 digits. That usually means it was stolen at some point in its life unfortunately. The truss rod plug on the heastock is correct BTW. Also, to date it more accurately (as the “S8” ser. # were used well into the early ‘80s), you’d need to look at the pot and pickups codes, as well as take the neck off and read the stamp on the heel.

I'm pretty sure the serial number has just been digitally obscured.

 

[mmbongo]

Thanks! Serial number is all there, just edited out for the pic.

 

[The Bass Clef]

Thanks! Serial number is all there, just edited out for the pic.

I'm pretty sure the serial number has just been digitally obscured.

Didn't even think of that, haha. That's good the #is all there tho! Looks like a cool late 70s P. That color commands a premium above a regular color like Sunburst or black too, since they didn't make a ton of them in antiqua. The thumbrest is factory also btw.

 

[JMacBass65]

Yeah, everything those guys said.

That’s always been the coolest ugly finish ever.

 

[Dluxe]

Looks like original Fender Flatwound strings too.

 

[elgranluis]

legit. Although, antigua was not rare because it was pretty, it was rare because nobody wanted it. I bet those old flats will sound great though.

BTW, what is the logic behind blurring the Serial Number? A fender serial number will only tell you roughly the production date and nothing else , and not even differentiate between bass or guitar.

 

[FranF]

All legit, and yes, an original mid 70s set of Fender F-80 flats. Cool.

 

[mikeswals]

I love an old Antigua that still retains the white and gray color. this one looks pretty good!

I don't like it when it turns yellow and looks like hard-boiled egg yoke yellow&green.

 

[mmbongo]

Looks like original Fender Flatwound strings too.

These flats are smooooooth! I play rounds but I've dabbled in flats, I've never played flats as smooth as these.

 

[Bodeanly]

Please leave the pup/ bridge covers on there and please don’t let anyone tell you she ain’t pretty because daaaaaaaammmmmmmmnnnnn.... drool

I wonder how hard it would be to paint a Jag this color.

 

[king_biscuit]

I used to hate antigua, but it has grown on me over the years and I actually like it now...

 

[dakink]

Really nice clean bass. Don't think the pup cover came with slotted screws, though. Everything else (externally) looks spot on.

Wish I had those flats!

 

[mmbongo]

Funny thing, after I took it home and played it a while I was curious on the weight because it didn't seem too awfully heavy. I held it out away from me a few times, held it sideways...and said to myself "9 pounds, 12 ounces". Put it on the scale...9 pounds, 10 ounces! I'm that good! It's one of those times I wish somebody else would have been there to see it

 

[micguy]

I love Antigua...on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The rest of the time, I think it's kinda ugly. All of my gigs, however, are on Saturdays and Sundays, so while I have a fascination with Antigua, I have yet to pull the trigger on anything.

 

[FenderB]

legit. Although, antigua was not rare because it was pretty, it was rare because nobody wanted it. I bet those old flats will sound great though.

BTW, what is the logic behind blurring the Serial Number? A fender serial number will only tell you roughly the production date and nothing else , and not even differentiate between bass or guitar.

Was wondering the same thing.

 

[SirMjac28]

There should be a sticker on the underside of the guard with the serial number.

 

[bassplayer75]

thats awesome (and legit) !!! I bought one of those in the early '90's for $400 ....

 

[onamission]

Looks good to me as well. Plug in headstock is legit, adjustment at the heel is correct and Antigua is a correct color for the period. It has a fine looking neck, not much wear. Very nice piece.