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MIJ Fender P Bass..Worth it?

Hey fellas, I'm looking at an 80s MIJ Fender P Bass around $300.

I already have a nice American P bass that no other P bass could replace so I'm thinking about fixing this one up and reselling it.

I've seen some listings for MIJ Ps for $500+ and even some for $700 but they're missing big chunks of finish.


I'll post some pictures but could anyone give any useful information? Possibly if it's a reissue/standard PB.

Thank you much!!
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I'm always leery of a bass that is missing a string (and a bridge saddle, in this case). It implies that the seller doesn't take care of their stuff. You might make some money on the flip after buying a new bridge, or you might discover that the neck is twisted or other problems lie hidden that will eat up all your potential profitability.

I understand that!! I've been thinking about potential bad stuff and other investments.

How much could these go for? Pretending the neck works and the PUPs work.
 
Hey fellas, I'm looking at an 80s MIJ Fender P Bass around $300.

I already have a nice American P bass that no other P bass could replace so I'm thinking about fixing this one up and reselling it.

I've seen some listings for MIJ Ps for $500+ and even some for $700 but they're missing big chunks of finish.


I'll post some pictures but could anyone give any useful information? Possibly if it's a reissue/standard PB.

Thank you much!!View attachment 4033684 View attachment 4033685 View attachment 4033686View attachment 4033688 View attachment 4033689
I'd offer him 250. It just looks like the saddle. Replace the bridge, and she's good to go. Ask for more info if you can though. Everything else looks good on it.
 
I would see if he can take a picture of the base of the neck on the front side of the bass. It may just be the picture but for the truss rod screw to not be showing means it's Pretty far in there, which is strange. But a good thing about those basses, is most people who don't know what they are doing get scared about taking the neck off to adjust the trussrod.
You can buy individual saddles for very cheap compared to a new bridge.
I would definitely go for it
 
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From the photos everything looks pretty good except the bridge and a set of strings. (Scratchy pots etc. are an unknown until you get it.) Those Japanese Fender necks from back then were great necks, one of those in good condition should be worth most of the asking price.

I know you aim to move it on for a profit, but given you might make $150 on the deal, minus the value of time spent, etc. maybe it's a great option as a backup for your current P? They really are solid well made instruments.
 

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