Musicmaster

[Father Gino]

I have my daughter’s black Fender Musicmaster bass in my possession. I think it’s one of the later ones, not from the 70’s. It’s functional but could use some TLC like fret leveling. She claims that maybe she’ll want it again someday but it hasn’t been touched in at least 15 years. She’s flat broke so I’m thinking of trying to sell it for her.

I don’t want to break TB rules but i’d Like to get some idea of what it’s worth. I would have difficulty shipping it as it has no case, but it could be done. I’d love to sell it to a local TBer.

 

[Gorn]

Pictures would help determine a value. It's not gonna be much. These don't have a lot of demand, as far as I know.

 

[Father Gino]

 

[blindmouse]

Very nice Musicmaster bass. Though I've never seen a black nut on these basses. It might be late seventies. '78 up to '82. Check the numbers on the pots, it will tell you more. Don't know how? See the internet on dating pots by the date codes. Prices on these basses are going up lately. Check the net. All the best for your daughter.

 

[ak56]

The S8 serial number indicates it is a '78. Other than the black nut, it looks just like my '78 did before I made some upgrades.

 

[Father Gino]

The nut may well not be original, I have no idea. It didn’t work when it came back to my house years ago. A friend of mine fixed what I think was a bad connection or a bum jack. I can’t remember. Doesn’t play too bad really. Some fret buzz on the E string above the 12th fret.

Prices on eBay start @ $800 and go up.

 

[AGCurry]

The nut may well not be original, I have no idea. It didn’t work when it came back to my house years ago. A friend of mine fixed what I think was a bad connection or a bum jack. I can’t remember. Doesn’t play too bad really. Some fret buzz on the E string above the 12th fret.

Prices on eBay start @ $800 and go up.

If you look at "Sold" items only, you'll find that they start at $425 and go up, with the top price a little over $800.

 

[Father Gino]

I didn’t think to look at the sold items. That’s about what my guesstimate was.
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[rllefebv]

That's a '78 in not terrible shape... I bet it would sell if listed at $650... I have two that I love and don't need a third.

Seriously... I don't need another!

I really really don't... probably not...

-r

 

[nixdad]

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Nice! It looks exactly like my first bass, which was a '77.

 

[iiipopes]

I would keep it, have the frets attended to, complete set-up, replace the pickup with a Seymour Duncan Cool Rails Strat bridge version, and rock on!

 

[grrg63]

I dont know about replacing the pickup on a vintage Fender as long as its working ok, would probably devalue it.

 

[markjazzbassist]

700 starting price, 750 if you’re willing to wait. Setup and fret work and 800-850 is possible. I have a 71 bass and a 78 guitar. Great instruments that are oft maligned and overlooked.

 

[dan1952]

Probably one of the few "vintage" Fender basses that a non-original pickup is not a big deal, because it wasn't even a bass pickup,but a 6 pole Strat or Mustang style, flat magnet pickup with a solid cover, so it didn't look weird.

 

[Audiomicrowave]

Here's a shot of a late 70's Musicmaster that I installed a Seymour Duncan Cool Rails neck pickup...has a little more mid-range than the bridge model. This thing kills!

 

[matthewwithanm]

Don't sell it without telling her! I didn't play for many years and then came back to it. Its sentimental value will wind up more than you'll get.

My 2¢

 

[ak56]

I've had my '78 since it was new. Still play it. I did upgrades about four years ago and didn't worry about the value, because I'm not likely to sell it.

New pickup (aero), tuning machines and bridge (hipshot), pickguard, knobs. The tuning machines and bridge were not drop-in replacements, so some drilling and filling were required.

 

[TinIndian]

Looks identical to my 1st bass. Had a black 78.

 

[Neko]

She claims that maybe she’ll want it again someday

So do not sell it, if it was me in her place, I'll just get mad. If she kept it while having money issue, this is because it is precious to her and that she does not want to sell it in a desperation moove. My grandma sold an old Gordini R8 car that I had stored at her place, never spoke to her again and not even get to her funeral, she was already dead to me.

 

[iiipopes]

I dont know about replacing the pickup on a vintage Fender as long as its working ok, would probably devalue it.

Oh, God, I'm old! When folks start referring to '80's guitars as "vintage"!